tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37074670463038994992024-02-20T05:00:06.708-08:00Elaine FrenettThe Travels & Learnings in the Life of an Artist & Spiritual SeekerAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11437820517049154397noreply@blogger.comBlogger264125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707467046303899499.post-9444794474650499672015-04-13T19:14:00.001-07:002015-04-13T19:18:58.870-07:00Journaling Retreat ~ Day 1 AfternoonThe aftermath of a frivolous, abundant lunch (where we get to make our own sandwiches and eat as much as we choose) found us pondering our afternoon assignment: Desire Mapping. With a wild collection of collage materials, giant atlases for us to dissect and paintbrushes as well, we each turned inside to depict the elements of what our perfect life and surroundings would look like.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8coB1-97NQIsgYOf4gaQBC1uwRQsIeK7LgD5oiBWhGYtaKPQ-qbUzneuV5zXR7wMPvWVGaz2nKEr91dku0hlRQh-D7ECSC_FZYumc8oynxMa-Ksngq3Avr7hYlDcZ6Bfk29iAxJwnQH0/s1600/DeniseJrnlDesireMapPg2RvrWtrclr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8coB1-97NQIsgYOf4gaQBC1uwRQsIeK7LgD5oiBWhGYtaKPQ-qbUzneuV5zXR7wMPvWVGaz2nKEr91dku0hlRQh-D7ECSC_FZYumc8oynxMa-Ksngq3Avr7hYlDcZ6Bfk29iAxJwnQH0/s1600/DeniseJrnlDesireMapPg2RvrWtrclr.jpg" height="129" width="320" /></a>First I had to determine what my priorities were. Like: mountains, rivers, wild, wide vistas, elements of the western United States, being an artist, continued learning and nature and women. Oh - and fearlessness!!! So I cut up a bunch of paper and danced it around my spread out journal pages. I never found an adequate image of an evergreened river's edge so I watercolored it in first. I decided since I love warm colors, to have that red-orange as a uniting element and then, when I didn't have those colors where I wanted them, I masked off with artist's tape the area. Then painted it. Here's my crazy, delicious Desire Map. I still feel very at "home" just looking at it. You <i>might</i> want to try it!!! T'will make you smile. Promise!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRer50Xwp-qD-yKynS3THODEOVeQwrmYgVaa7hLNWioihyphenhypheno58J_S3o6HgHdqvjaKAEif9JGrbBI6mS15_av-RIkL_Jx53Aoind-SQ49CdufqZ2PHGfjXJMsirdud0y6036COfxmVO6yeM/s1600/FULLDeniseJrnlDesireMp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRer50Xwp-qD-yKynS3THODEOVeQwrmYgVaa7hLNWioihyphenhypheno58J_S3o6HgHdqvjaKAEif9JGrbBI6mS15_av-RIkL_Jx53Aoind-SQ49CdufqZ2PHGfjXJMsirdud0y6036COfxmVO6yeM/s1600/FULLDeniseJrnlDesireMp.jpg" height="201" width="400" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11437820517049154397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707467046303899499.post-22550506314573746322015-03-21T17:04:00.002-07:002015-03-21T17:04:26.069-07:00Dueling Paintbrushes at Journaling Retreat ~ Day One<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYZRfERYV_0wK7peaWni_xnZf9rrJpLGBZ8UM1T36tL_hU7NbA93BQQGPzwF-2LNe-zj9IrUU1cvB1NYZx3ZS5aARNirs5dxgO0G5ybRhlD8YyCVXEQiwPgdtznYRG5WUClBNqPfLqGNs/s1600/DSCN1779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYZRfERYV_0wK7peaWni_xnZf9rrJpLGBZ8UM1T36tL_hU7NbA93BQQGPzwF-2LNe-zj9IrUU1cvB1NYZx3ZS5aARNirs5dxgO0G5ybRhlD8YyCVXEQiwPgdtznYRG5WUClBNqPfLqGNs/s1600/DSCN1779.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a>Today breaks clear, brilliant blue and sunny warm at our first full day of the Women's Journaling Alpine Retreat. After we've welcomed the day with yoga on the sparkling lake's edge, we breakfast and then, settle out between the two closest cabins with a view peering into the shadowed, cool forest.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguO2xvG8-yEcfyFL1QB6yxrH_xL1sa7ScA07yuCj8Ow2JTaYIazcuOKfp0uCpYTHUCUEKfo5Zm7RvkWh_Wgo6Wx8VqHNIoXDKKLK2SGtk0cppcMZRY7nnqXFtNcFvURipQiS6n3jl01us/s1600/DeniseJrnlJeanDuelingDemo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguO2xvG8-yEcfyFL1QB6yxrH_xL1sa7ScA07yuCj8Ow2JTaYIazcuOKfp0uCpYTHUCUEKfo5Zm7RvkWh_Wgo6Wx8VqHNIoXDKKLK2SGtk0cppcMZRY7nnqXFtNcFvURipQiS6n3jl01us/s1600/DeniseJrnlJeanDuelingDemo.jpg" height="200" width="152" /></a>We've designed this "Dueling Brushes" demonstration to show how differently both Jean and I approach a journal page and how differently we paint. Jean takes her thirty-five minute time frame first. With this result! And then I take mine. As I've mentioned I'm struggling with this new journal size (it's smaller) and the quality of paper (some of the pages are just writing paper). So my attempt to solve the paper challenge is to glue a small piece of watercolor paper into the page where I want to <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwQNlZzx-lKx23yUVSf0lAYdxH5f-AJD3YGHE_40DBblLTB5N__CknczEX0z-_XtlURtdvvdiO4pM17H9Bjdi4GYj8FI2j2w0is4SU2_KS0yq0dyeggTMsjq_CZTsLTVDHB0SVlGDxONA/s1600/DeniseJrnlAlpineDuelingBrushes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwQNlZzx-lKx23yUVSf0lAYdxH5f-AJD3YGHE_40DBblLTB5N__CknczEX0z-_XtlURtdvvdiO4pM17H9Bjdi4GYj8FI2j2w0is4SU2_KS0yq0dyeggTMsjq_CZTsLTVDHB0SVlGDxONA/s1600/DeniseJrnlAlpineDuelingBrushes.jpg" height="320" width="190" /></a></div>
watercolor. I like the results . . . and I'm pleased with the traveling off the watercolor paper in small overlappings onto the writing paper.<br />
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I'm actually pretty pleased with the full spread visual. I like how the colors happen to balance themselves out between the pigments I chose for the landscape and the delicate hues of the pods in this <br />
handmade black paper. Still I feel astonished that those holes I've had to cut for the paper clay insert add harmony to this unpredicted page so much further back from when the holes originated.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfUBBryHg6mV3ujENsw-oa8Bilx6QRQcMpSdcG85PH3MlgLBPf-dSJXzlP-ByB_qNbtMIcakvll7wurvrmwsWrvn0jk3WFPe40d3NrZC6xqPkgy-MERO8nt39baUf0ytG2Z2v-LAaSjSw/s1600/DeniseJrnlFULLDuelingBrushes+Pods.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfUBBryHg6mV3ujENsw-oa8Bilx6QRQcMpSdcG85PH3MlgLBPf-dSJXzlP-ByB_qNbtMIcakvll7wurvrmwsWrvn0jk3WFPe40d3NrZC6xqPkgy-MERO8nt39baUf0ytG2Z2v-LAaSjSw/s1600/DeniseJrnlFULLDuelingBrushes+Pods.jpg" height="164" width="320" /></a>It's that magical serendipity of the journal that continues to surprise and please and enamor me. I'm still in love with this process. Ever new . . .<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11437820517049154397noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707467046303899499.post-53528314527199138342015-03-07T15:58:00.002-08:002015-03-07T15:58:43.996-08:00Ahhhh ~ Women's Journaling Alpine Retreat Arrival<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisOaXsjw1428LXy35yNq7ee7giefHuhPqM-DmG3u4SwuSVZ0Ber7KrW5FMpJ6xBKeXvCP7gWU9rQ1N3LVNdatj_ehqyUkz_EKKX5C-cYr85uSwSVySFWyuGjcgoXuHQm-vuS3Zfrn9CCw/s1600/DeniseJrnlRkingChairMascot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisOaXsjw1428LXy35yNq7ee7giefHuhPqM-DmG3u4SwuSVZ0Ber7KrW5FMpJ6xBKeXvCP7gWU9rQ1N3LVNdatj_ehqyUkz_EKKX5C-cYr85uSwSVySFWyuGjcgoXuHQm-vuS3Zfrn9CCw/s1600/DeniseJrnlRkingChairMascot.jpg" height="320" width="281" /></a>Through lots of planning, excitement and hard work,<a href="http://www.jeanwarren.com/"> Jean Warren</a> and I launch our fifth annual gathering. The arriving is so full of anticipation. We get to start watching the months of imagining, inventing and tender caring that we both handle this endeavor with - - coming into solid form. Pretty thrilling!!!<br />
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Jean 'n I arrive a day early to get things set up and locate sites for specific processes - and of course, to paint and play a bit too! We often re-arrange the entire living room of our largest cabin, the Ponderosa to fit in all our working tables. So, naturally, other furniture has to go. The <a href="http://lakealpineresort.com/">Resort</a> is very understanding of this annual process but sometimes they don't have time to come pick up extra furniture that we want to eliminate for the duration of time we are there. Such was this lovable rocking chair! For a couple of days <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMyoVPLfpEiWflCQACWRjbd0WEvqB-vjssyx0yaO8HLU8LkW3ayqju7QcpiC9gJEzxkdqXaLq1SGOVMugM-ytnADAQs-NfdHK8yPxeD8mRGdZcj4fqGNPuW4ipboffj-Iv7eVo6O3Esh8/s1600/FULLDeniseJrnlMascot+RtrtFlier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMyoVPLfpEiWflCQACWRjbd0WEvqB-vjssyx0yaO8HLU8LkW3ayqju7QcpiC9gJEzxkdqXaLq1SGOVMugM-ytnADAQs-NfdHK8yPxeD8mRGdZcj4fqGNPuW4ipboffj-Iv7eVo6O3Esh8/s1600/FULLDeniseJrnlMascot+RtrtFlier.jpg" height="162" width="320" /></a></div>
we did this dance of moving her outside onto the deck in the daytime and then, scooting back inside to protect her from the moisture at night. She became somewhat of a mascot and both Jean 'n I made sketches of her. Then they took her away (she went to hang out in the passage way in the lodge between the restaurant and bar - we went by to say 'hi' often).<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgS7_9g_UXNMRQOkFpXGVuwnEWJNZLTWDOLtj07z_-CEpahTmi72nTFGNdiH6Sxik4BEiXNHPjS6IcQFeIMpywJpHVm-PMYSRMwYLSXvI7ibNZRQ-F24HGNP34bOeDAe0SNE9zHtP_Su0/s1600/ShortFlierFRONT3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgS7_9g_UXNMRQOkFpXGVuwnEWJNZLTWDOLtj07z_-CEpahTmi72nTFGNdiH6Sxik4BEiXNHPjS6IcQFeIMpywJpHVm-PMYSRMwYLSXvI7ibNZRQ-F24HGNP34bOeDAe0SNE9zHtP_Su0/s1600/ShortFlierFRONT3.jpg" height="207" width="320" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP0UoYYMZZTypPcGUcBnp-TTO7gBTXWv8j04Rd6FHsbdMp16Q6W9uvpXLPtsChEkbi2HdeX9zOV59nYbRKBawK3FaU_8eEq78jNTQUecn-TxynYL3CAUNd0Fa8Yt1Z9xnwp6n57DCK_QM/s1600/ShortFlierINSIDE2+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP0UoYYMZZTypPcGUcBnp-TTO7gBTXWv8j04Rd6FHsbdMp16Q6W9uvpXLPtsChEkbi2HdeX9zOV59nYbRKBawK3FaU_8eEq78jNTQUecn-TxynYL3CAUNd0Fa8Yt1Z9xnwp6n57DCK_QM/s1600/ShortFlierINSIDE2+copy.jpg" height="207" width="320" /></a>But I'm still struggling with this paper in the journal - that chair's page is writing paper and I'm afraid to put much water on the image to keep it from rippling. I'm learning ... and the adjacent page is similar paper. It tentatively mounts our little promo flier for this year onto the paper, but is ripple-y and thin. Yet I get to savor the rich paste paper that happens to sit in the middle of this page and it helps out that weak painting of the chair and our flier. Here's what the entire flier, front and inside, spread open to.<br />
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So we have a lovely mountain day, everything is in place and welcoming for the coming participants tomorrow. Sleep comes easy, for tomorrow it's "Start your engines, Ladies"!! ... and the fun begins.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11437820517049154397noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707467046303899499.post-27422643206956288872015-02-26T12:05:00.000-08:002015-02-26T12:05:04.874-08:00Fulfilling That Vision, Black Serendipity ~ September 14, 2013<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwn1eM-zS4PobI8yUiaaD7CYgmz2myLNqzYhlAm3tjOW7sNTRMOLRRG_46F4FiFkcDtxvuoRsfsF04nSUceWT_DN_2FJIYzxJVcbVKsYacfmu2CJhEsm7IARj2mt6sbsyfEGa2y6fCqV0/s1600/DeniseJrnlSeedBlkPage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwn1eM-zS4PobI8yUiaaD7CYgmz2myLNqzYhlAm3tjOW7sNTRMOLRRG_46F4FiFkcDtxvuoRsfsF04nSUceWT_DN_2FJIYzxJVcbVKsYacfmu2CJhEsm7IARj2mt6sbsyfEGa2y6fCqV0/s1600/DeniseJrnlSeedBlkPage.jpg" height="320" width="261" /></a></div>
Arriving two days preceding the start of our "Women's Journaling Retreat" allows this sweet cushion of time, in which we can do exactly what we want. Which is exactly what I proceed to do.<br />
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You know from the previous blog post that I'm in the midst of this new journal format and now am upon a black page. So when I flip the page to see the back side of the black seed pod paper, I'm no longer perturbed at not wanting to sketch upon it. Instead I'm charmed by the journal serendipity that pops up in ways that can ONLY happen in a journal. These blonde seed pods, flattened and preserved in the black handmade paper echo the shape and color of the hole I'd cut to accommodate my earlier paper clay insert! Love these magical happenings.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_8bQmGBXlNENq7OlDQqOWv0yTpCHq26Niol_RnmcK_VEB5gs43TOrLyQLvVytAWGeKS8TdPwnFoBmAv13B4oN9LY1thnHCoYeeJjlNi0o6gKrYbhCFUBSaMPnnhJSGyGeAwJAVw0ojk4/s1600/DeniseJrnlWaterLiliesMsqoLk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_8bQmGBXlNENq7OlDQqOWv0yTpCHq26Niol_RnmcK_VEB5gs43TOrLyQLvVytAWGeKS8TdPwnFoBmAv13B4oN9LY1thnHCoYeeJjlNi0o6gKrYbhCFUBSaMPnnhJSGyGeAwJAVw0ojk4/s1600/DeniseJrnlWaterLiliesMsqoLk.jpg" height="320" width="241" /></a><br />
On the adjacent page ~ I'm going to do want I was aching to do when we were up at Mosquito Lake ~ I'm going to watercolor the water lilies in the water surface. But this page is mere writing paper ... so I'm trying this possibility of glueing in a small piece of watercolor paper and painting what I'd wanted. I'm pleased with my watercolor painting and find it kind of fun to try and trickle off the watercolor paper onto the journal's regular paper. It does ripple some ... but integrates the square watercolor paper into the whole page. <i>AND</i> - I got to paint what I really envisioned.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtjUr_P-6aLNFE4VYE2C6iHVjRFya5YpSBsCQU_g9vfmNOiZNl_vh1xZihblKVU8yTnRfFawfL5JP-Zhh-gxVjXlg7cVcuFyJk95kBWycSIqugBYn3-yJ0mm63C6MdMqW0ct_YRrFbFhM/s1600/DeniseJrnlFULLBlkSeedPg+WtrLilies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtjUr_P-6aLNFE4VYE2C6iHVjRFya5YpSBsCQU_g9vfmNOiZNl_vh1xZihblKVU8yTnRfFawfL5JP-Zhh-gxVjXlg7cVcuFyJk95kBWycSIqugBYn3-yJ0mm63C6MdMqW0ct_YRrFbFhM/s1600/DeniseJrnlFULLBlkSeedPg+WtrLilies.jpg" height="171" width="320" /></a>As I look a the full spread open, I'm again wiggling in joy at the balance that occurred unplanned. Look how the strong dark values in the lily painting even's out that strong black seed pod page. I just thrill in how journals seem to design themselves ... <b><i>way</i></b> better than I could have even imagined!! Now ... on to the start of the retreat!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11437820517049154397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707467046303899499.post-44890382084905705472015-02-19T15:50:00.001-08:002015-02-19T15:50:44.662-08:00Anniversary Texture, Sierras in Black ~ September 11 and 14, 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXvRMC_B4zeQPM9w_PZaNawjkoIsk3CnYUl03_6EZndhIQiFjz5AZV60SdcPLRuLC-dC3vd6SperwxRpkM5QkbXFOMS6tSoYKeuRkeW4ZNU6P9pVcqGESrFKklW_ovOv9snTyFKoAMUrI/s1600/DeniseJrnlAnniversary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXvRMC_B4zeQPM9w_PZaNawjkoIsk3CnYUl03_6EZndhIQiFjz5AZV60SdcPLRuLC-dC3vd6SperwxRpkM5QkbXFOMS6tSoYKeuRkeW4ZNU6P9pVcqGESrFKklW_ovOv9snTyFKoAMUrI/s1600/DeniseJrnlAnniversary.jpg" height="400" width="396" /></a></div>
Early September is usually pretty active. Not only am I packing and preparing for my Women's Journaling Annual Retreat, but it is also my birthday and our anniversary too. So this page has whispers of how terrain between Roland and I had smoothed out, the lace-y laser cut paper pattern from the anniversary card Ro gave me (sometimes draping words with a filtered or translucent paper will give you a bit more privacy on a journal page - and I inserted it with photo corners so that I can take it out to read when I want to), the business card from where we dined (disappointingly) and the bitter sweet last evening at home before I take off for the Sierras where the retreat is held.<br />
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All that echoes against the opposite page ... the first full day at <a href="http://lakealpineresort.com/">Lake Alpine Resort</a> up in the California Sierras. Both <a href="http://www.jeanwarren.com/">Jean Warren</a> and I arrive a<br />
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day or two ahead to finalize locations for different creative processes. This day we took off, up to a nearby duo of glacier formed lakes called Mosquito Lake.<br />
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Now I'd mentioned that with this journal, I really wanted to mix things up, right? Well, there we are at the pristine lake, I'm all seated having found the perfect scene I wanted to paint. I get out my materials from my pack, open up my journal ready to watercolor - - and - - as you see, it is a <b><i><u>black</u> journal page</i></b>. I really, <i>seriously</i> considered skipping the page and going on until I found a watercolor page, but at last, decided to stick to my commitment. I worked, rather uncomfortably, with the black page. Using a white Schwans Stabilo pencil, <br />
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graphite pencils and some of my wax crayons for the color accents I depicted the lovely, sparkling lake and white cabins before me. The lettering was with white gel pen. I'm mostly pleased with the image - - but even more with the fact that I stuck to my aim of testing out new materials, papers and increasing my open minded attitude. (PS You'll see in the next pages ... I develop a way to cope with my yearning to paint on watercolor paper when the journal page is NOT a watercolor page!)<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhccgHVvlEpkb6LonyppGv1yeNufsjy8jS510JVd-0WH_-wMqAZdINhHrkvA5TElnJrF6Xs1jUqvLy53KYJD23t_NxSIvG9Bx9W3oGeTJMd31sxfp4zoWRyY45gCM2r_3orRhWUAfYffVo/s1600/2JNsMonet@Mosquito.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhccgHVvlEpkb6LonyppGv1yeNufsjy8jS510JVd-0WH_-wMqAZdINhHrkvA5TElnJrF6Xs1jUqvLy53KYJD23t_NxSIvG9Bx9W3oGeTJMd31sxfp4zoWRyY45gCM2r_3orRhWUAfYffVo/s1600/2JNsMonet@Mosquito.JPG" height="200" style="cursor: move;" width="149" /></a><br />
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It remained a perfect day up in the azure sky-ed mountains ... one of my favorite places here on earth!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11437820517049154397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707467046303899499.post-69172572750801211792015-02-18T16:22:00.002-08:002015-02-18T16:22:26.563-08:00Birthday Traditions ~ September 3, 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigO0NWmKLOgg8OlInZzrQbvs1zFFDP1h9r7W2Z9sVy6OGEEqI35Ks0EBeXZicRgOYnNUznHj7DdxnhFAoSRFLKFMgf9-fUCW2IKFu6leEkWWtbMj5n7j7mj74gvVGdGZXjlMPm_Lhjrv4/s1600/FULLDeniseJrnl2013Bday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigO0NWmKLOgg8OlInZzrQbvs1zFFDP1h9r7W2Z9sVy6OGEEqI35Ks0EBeXZicRgOYnNUznHj7DdxnhFAoSRFLKFMgf9-fUCW2IKFu6leEkWWtbMj5n7j7mj74gvVGdGZXjlMPm_Lhjrv4/s1600/FULLDeniseJrnl2013Bday.jpg" height="162" width="320" /></a></div>
When I made this journal, I wanted to challenge myself. I was feeling like I'd become kind of 'cookie-cutter' with my journal page designs in my ole' big Canson 10 x 14 inch journal. I chose to make the shape and size different as well as mix in un-predictable papers. So already, just four pages into this new journal I'm feeling "bothered" that some of the paper is watercolor paper and some is mere writing paper. My watercolor paintings ripple the pages and I have to use less and less water. I notice I'm feeling "squeezed" into this smaller 8 1/4 x 8 1/2 inch page format. I'm wondering why I decided to <i>be innovative</i>!!!? But I need to remember - - that stretching one's self is never comfortable. And it is through these feelings that we get new experiences and creative <br />
stimulation. Ok? Ok!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZvDxVNVY0MgN5kty91lWSjP1QCprG8JXeh5Pt4WpOagSQ-8a99f9UtfQDwpFl4xrUjMbBZIV1ImLRVPWBOzIMKjLENwCcSNOGpR05d43wr_H81js5wMWf97iKZX7UzhOwkIVo9O1irL0/s1600/DeniseJrnlBdCobbler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZvDxVNVY0MgN5kty91lWSjP1QCprG8JXeh5Pt4WpOagSQ-8a99f9UtfQDwpFl4xrUjMbBZIV1ImLRVPWBOzIMKjLENwCcSNOGpR05d43wr_H81js5wMWf97iKZX7UzhOwkIVo9O1irL0/s1600/DeniseJrnlBdCobbler.jpg" height="304" width="320" /></a>Notice what a fun element the back side of the Paper Clay insert has become on these following pages? And even what is pages ahead, like that yellow glowing area showing through the hole on the right page, has an effect upon the page design. I'm often surprised with the serendipity and how wonderfully it works out!<br />
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But with all that aside, on these two pages, I celebrate my birthday. Roland gifted me with my favorite dessert, the Marion-berry Cobbler from the <a href="http://www.standingstonebrewing.com/index.html">Standingstone Brewery</a> in Ashland and it of course, landed on my journal page. It was a time of confusion and crazy unplanned mishaps ... between visitors dropping in to a disappointing dinner out to cancellations for my Women's Journaling Retreat ... one of the cheery-est memories I could pluck from that time is my favorite cut-outs from birthday cards. For two years in a row now, my dear "Aunt Karen" has won out as my most favorite card! See the little kitten in the back pocket of a pair of jeans? That's it! This page<i> always</i> makes me smile!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11437820517049154397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707467046303899499.post-8948584542609993652015-02-14T17:08:00.000-08:002015-02-14T17:08:00.131-08:00A New Journal's First Page ~ The Fires ~ August 30, 2013<br />
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I seem to have created this tradition for starting a new journal ~ inserting a <a href="http://paperclay.com/">PaperClay</a> object. If you haven't used this diverse product, I love that it's just white cellulose, can air dry and can be painted with anything you choose. Found at most craft stores! For each new journal I like to contemplate a theme, or characteristic I'd like to focus upon for the period of filling this new journal. With this journal, I chose "deep instincts" and deliberately left the piece unsealed, so that it felt more organic, earthy. I always have to cut through several journal pages to allow the PaperClay piece to fit. What I like about doing this on my first page is that it starts the page (eliminating that scary blank-white-first-page syndrome) and also projects those open holes through the next few pages, adding a design element I get to work around.<br />
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That summer was bereft with five large forest fires that encircled our valley. Burning 35,000 acres, the smoke poured into our area, forcing me to wear a mask for our nightly walks and cut out most outdoor activities. These images of flames 'n smoke were the theme for the remaining summer and fall.<br />
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But I had to insert a bit of optimism and aliveness onto that page ... and so ... a quick sketch of the spikey, green water chest nut ripening on our near by tree.<br />
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Even tho the summer was a rather bleak one, I do like how the two page spread opens up and starts this journal. And I'm off and running into this brand-spanking new journal . . . <i><b>y-i-i-i-i-i-i-p-p-p-p-i-e</b></i>!!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11437820517049154397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707467046303899499.post-37502458577107483082014-09-29T16:13:00.000-07:002014-09-29T16:13:34.464-07:00Journals ~ With an Ending, Also Comes a New Start<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9VGhugpWvDFNVdIKNvmpNmOvd3AygOKxz1g_VKRCsc9EBg2NmiVE7b-lLjj6_6rGQoLBXua8x-vPfv8j_v_sRGc47OtwI0rPrZNnH-8E0BtX92SWiAjscSAts9L0zd3Nu9OGvbGjal1Y/s1600/DeniseKester!.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9VGhugpWvDFNVdIKNvmpNmOvd3AygOKxz1g_VKRCsc9EBg2NmiVE7b-lLjj6_6rGQoLBXua8x-vPfv8j_v_sRGc47OtwI0rPrZNnH-8E0BtX92SWiAjscSAts9L0zd3Nu9OGvbGjal1Y/s1600/DeniseKester!.jpg" height="222" width="320" /></a>My last entry completed my road trip to my beloved Telluride summer-before-last, and it also finished out the final pages in that journal. Sort of a sad, but exciting time to this journaler. <i>Especially</i> because this next journal is one I actually <b>made</b> myself. Yep, I've been taking on bookmaking - - with<i> none-but-the-best </i>bookmaker, <a href="http://drawingonthedream.com/">Denise Kester</a>!! I'd been all too long drooling at the amazing books Denise makes and finally took the leap of joining one of her all-to-rare classes. To date I've made three books and this next journal was my very first.<br />
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In planning the book, I decided to challenge my ole' <br />
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journaling habits. Before even going to take the class I talked with my wise instructor. I wanted some pages to be watercolor (140 lb.), both hot and cold press alternating with some of Denise's standard writing papers and other, long-in-my-flat-file-drawer papers. With all that together ... I headed to the two day class.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrs0uMUXl6eTeU4lm15bk-4PpMxIL7Ze0HLqt91AAlZ5DIEyb9WN3KWY4Mq-K-u041kyb-t6uSgizciBjoL6BhSW-uvtSWdBy0xvO5Okd0JVRsLwZabWBeSScPJHBT3s3w5Z3gJBbvMYc/s1600/2CoverswFabricBinding+Labels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrs0uMUXl6eTeU4lm15bk-4PpMxIL7Ze0HLqt91AAlZ5DIEyb9WN3KWY4Mq-K-u041kyb-t6uSgizciBjoL6BhSW-uvtSWdBy0xvO5Okd0JVRsLwZabWBeSScPJHBT3s3w5Z3gJBbvMYc/s1600/2CoverswFabricBinding+Labels.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>First day is deliciously messy, gooey and magnificently freeing!! We make Paste Papers for the cover and inner signatures. Slather on paint <br />
and through a plethora of techniques, remove, create pattern, layer! Yep, that's it in a nut shell. Then, overnight these all dry.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ZAxnpNz0URgA5n17qkzkSzraNkjewGXxq57KtBLWMrYe9XKU6DLEaev0SZInckvsmJEJw3cd-PmGojgo8iQvPkU-7-xahi8SJ3DGIYTFPO-5bVh-o6cU-tJLmovcWTWQulYs3D0Povg/s1600/2EsCoverLappingBtm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ZAxnpNz0URgA5n17qkzkSzraNkjewGXxq57KtBLWMrYe9XKU6DLEaev0SZInckvsmJEJw3cd-PmGojgo8iQvPkU-7-xahi8SJ3DGIYTFPO-5bVh-o6cU-tJLmovcWTWQulYs3D0Povg/s1600/2EsCoverLappingBtm.jpg" height="146" width="200" /></a>Second day, is the actual bookmaking. You select the dried Paste Papers you want to use for where and what, trim, shape and get into position for the bookmaking. <i><b>WHAT </b>a process</i> - boggled my lil' <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZhBiqWoDe3gnNJ3dWha9Vx9sJsRM7cWjV75M6Yv0cAA3ljEcXO1uIXAo6OVLki7kj_EjpPfvRv1UYkjRvaeX4_i32VGxib43jZ5-QBCazZ1hdaC4_wFaydNqZ3kEGmw92z_G-C4y6jJo/s1600/2EsStitiching1stFolio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZhBiqWoDe3gnNJ3dWha9Vx9sJsRM7cWjV75M6Yv0cAA3ljEcXO1uIXAo6OVLki7kj_EjpPfvRv1UYkjRvaeX4_i32VGxib43jZ5-QBCazZ1hdaC4_wFaydNqZ3kEGmw92z_G-C4y6jJo/s1600/2EsStitiching1stFolio.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a>mind! But here you can see in brief, my putting together the book, from scratch!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisxqngBAETyvA491JKAsuhSfPgPMRKtIAHpDuB5kaOONU08OHyy7J66NR5Rhw0z2P3ZcYrkJswgLT-Nqk4bleByQAAeMdzlcDUvqTiqM9sT7F_50ToNtIUJSlkPQjOSQPkZy_CWT89XMM/s1600/HeartJournalFULLOut.jpg130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisxqngBAETyvA491JKAsuhSfPgPMRKtIAHpDuB5kaOONU08OHyy7J66NR5Rhw0z2P3ZcYrkJswgLT-Nqk4bleByQAAeMdzlcDUvqTiqM9sT7F_50ToNtIUJSlkPQjOSQPkZy_CWT89XMM/s1600/HeartJournalFULLOut.jpg130.jpg" height="278" width="320" /></a>You start with the backbone of the book, begin covering with beautiful materials (that you made the day before), and lastly stitch in your book signatures with your paper in them, tenderly into place. <i>WELLAH!!</i> Here's my book, who came to be known as my "HeartBook". From it's imaginings, it began to take on personality and even the beads I choose were meaningful. Once<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYPFjJipZJbz2cs59TpCogbqlb4YYSdmpfbzhmfnfchbQOd2ofNtGRQr-G_IaU7efNBvSsS0izMr60FNjdh9qIoVy13rj9bsHzwp8COoG5yiUwD5VTINMhPoAUwA_1Vhz_NArM5lFbvHk/s1600/HeartBkInnerQuote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYPFjJipZJbz2cs59TpCogbqlb4YYSdmpfbzhmfnfchbQOd2ofNtGRQr-G_IaU7efNBvSsS0izMr60FNjdh9qIoVy13rj9bsHzwp8COoG5yiUwD5VTINMhPoAUwA_1Vhz_NArM5lFbvHk/s1600/HeartBkInnerQuote.jpg" height="190" width="320" /></a></div>
I began working in it, friends gave me different quotes, this one in particular spoke to me and became part of this books story.<br />
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So now that you've see "her" birthed ... you'll begin to see what her inner workings begin to reveal ... in the next post! I have to say, this book has stretched me, and witnessed me stretch in ways I could not have imagined ... stay tuned ...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11437820517049154397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707467046303899499.post-79615530820170675982014-08-14T13:18:00.004-07:002014-08-14T13:24:25.149-07:00Telluride Plein Air ~ Homeward through Silverton & Bryce Canyon<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIEMePRwsNDSF8a87wv8mrnZTDVfWiQ7YvMGf_wSPuhymqvDdMurw4rIqeI72jDnQRPyNfQaw6LazB9KW6eOALHApW8q4HsuBXYIjkJmPM1DHC_Nd9xpHweUkelcqcGyT6kzahNZIE814/s1600/TridePleinAirLvgRdMtnPass130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIEMePRwsNDSF8a87wv8mrnZTDVfWiQ7YvMGf_wSPuhymqvDdMurw4rIqeI72jDnQRPyNfQaw6LazB9KW6eOALHApW8q4HsuBXYIjkJmPM1DHC_Nd9xpHweUkelcqcGyT6kzahNZIE814/s1600/TridePleinAirLvgRdMtnPass130.jpg" height="201" width="320" /></a>Starting homeward day, a bitter sweet air floats in the breeze today. We start on our trip home, leaving my beloved T-ride. Yet our travels in the westerly direction hold adventures too. So, off we go.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2y7zcIHzxRPayR8okB0a2eCgOkDDvVrvBpJQXqL-ifHsY2Hbw0ZHLCnXBf0QXXcbjjkaJHbiic4j0AJk1dtmGdfLfMAd6HjVTHsyIwGHQ0k6ir5t0H-hG85FLpJGNMbB08fVeSdNSt4E/s1600/Silverton1912Restaurant130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2y7zcIHzxRPayR8okB0a2eCgOkDDvVrvBpJQXqL-ifHsY2Hbw0ZHLCnXBf0QXXcbjjkaJHbiic4j0AJk1dtmGdfLfMAd6HjVTHsyIwGHQ0k6ir5t0H-hG85FLpJGNMbB08fVeSdNSt4E/s1600/Silverton1912Restaurant130.jpg" height="200" width="180" /></a>Because I'd left my favorite and best gortex coat in the classroom in Ouray ... we were leaving via Ouray. But as you can see from the sketch, going over the Red Mountain Pass is thrilling! Not only the colors of mineralized landscape, waterfalls and <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTyQwGUrVhP5R_UH80cCiAwhy7JGk-Ejc0iZInzmGskxgLJmFr65bcZ4l4UgdhVJZ8r77kHUSgPgGl5yVp1sTq90hjIEByG3z3KHAQCBrQHhcUSy3WVjtkQUfK4_cEnpAlE1X6w7_rAZ8/s1600/BryceSunsetWhtPillar130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTyQwGUrVhP5R_UH80cCiAwhy7JGk-Ejc0iZInzmGskxgLJmFr65bcZ4l4UgdhVJZ8r77kHUSgPgGl5yVp1sTq90hjIEByG3z3KHAQCBrQHhcUSy3WVjtkQUfK4_cEnpAlE1X6w7_rAZ8/s1600/BryceSunsetWhtPillar130.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a>mining remnants, but the views too as we head to Silverton. Touring the streets there provided smiles at the charming ole' town and the bustle of the summer months. After lunching in Durango, we start into desert landscape. Long stretches of emptiness, broken with Indian Reservations, unusual rock formations and a sand-pelting <br />
wind. Our attempt to stop at the Four Corners ($8 per person entry fee) was discouraged by that wind, 100 degree temperatures and a very long line to just stand in the four different states at once. We overnight-ed in the eerie town of Page.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJygdnP5UgHbPprEE6briBksw_jqJgZXILKkKUvJJb0JZ1Fj_Foe5KtHuWuOZuJPvjg5qsFTxpa0MEQGyxHkOaC0ZMnlyh4CqNXXbie21uho9t8jIqiVabXImyD8YMRivmFzV0sIoHWgI/s1600/TridePleinAirLvgBryceCptReef130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJygdnP5UgHbPprEE6briBksw_jqJgZXILKkKUvJJb0JZ1Fj_Foe5KtHuWuOZuJPvjg5qsFTxpa0MEQGyxHkOaC0ZMnlyh4CqNXXbie21uho9t8jIqiVabXImyD8YMRivmFzV0sIoHWgI/s1600/TridePleinAirLvgBryceCptReef130.jpg" height="157" width="320" /></a>Next day we reach Bryce Canyon mid-day. Rock shapes become magical and color drenched! We locate and check into our KOA Campground 20 minutes from Bryce, where we'd reserved a tiny cabin. Charming and very, very small, the cabin also had no AC nor cross ventilation. Cody was suffering and, I have to admit, we were too in the 100 degree, sun-drenched temps. So we launch off to find a nearby (well,<b><i> </i></b>we got lost so it wasn't so near) reservoir for a dunk! As the sun began to set we head back to the Bryce Canyon Park for the sunset. Absolutely magnificent! ABSOLUTELY!!! Even Roland said it brought tears to his eyes - the unimaginable beauty! We are <b><i>impressed</i></b>!!! We dinner-ed at a restaurant where the waiter was the chef and old, found relics were all over the wall - - a taste of local color for sure!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsh1_LWYx_rWBFet4RukV-A1_CsBmEbD3YKqepO3IfYc9H8jQRKU02ablVroMH2852V6VDx24eBwsYgCvuEPml3QL9yogFPyG2-ewSG8dJeyql5iC3fEnXeYB4FXbIHQesV4x8DkDFC2c/s1600/TridePleinAirLvgTorreyView130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsh1_LWYx_rWBFet4RukV-A1_CsBmEbD3YKqepO3IfYc9H8jQRKU02ablVroMH2852V6VDx24eBwsYgCvuEPml3QL9yogFPyG2-ewSG8dJeyql5iC3fEnXeYB4FXbIHQesV4x8DkDFC2c/s1600/TridePleinAirLvgTorreyView130.jpg" height="314" width="320" /></a>Next day we are up early for the magnificent Bryce Canyon sunrise (wow! again) and return to our lil' cabin. As the heat rises, we find we are so uncomfortable we make a decision to leave and seek a cooler climate. I'd researched the Highway 12, headed north and a tad east and we found it fascinating. Such diverse country - - first we travel across colorful, solid rock undulations that roll together like "silly puddy" (remember Silly Puddy?), then after lovely, green-stretching agriculture fields we begin to climb. I'm in heaven - - high country with groves of my <i>Aspen friends</i> and free range cattle!! Gradually we curve down into a wide valley of horses and lush fields - - the quiet town of Torrey. We find an air-conditioned hotel with this bucolic view out our back window and picturesque sandstone ridges around us. We'd "<b><i>arrived</i></b>" - - so much for us ever being desert rats!!<br />
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The double page spread exemplifies one of my very favorite journaling exercises: linking together two images across the center, spiral binding of the journal. And this illustration gives you a sneak preview into our last rubbing shoulders with the monumental red rock formations of Utah, Capitol Reef. Another mesmerizing spot amongst Mother Nature's gifts.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11437820517049154397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707467046303899499.post-58783647422033855082014-08-05T11:51:00.002-07:002014-08-05T11:58:14.626-07:00Telluride Plein Air ~ From Lake to Parade to Class<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicNqHJ3HKVAXrazlFrk6BJJe7eRbHVP6TUzk6tx47CakH7muJ9D6Trcb1ZEw7zqDDxdVssPkNGZpyijU0a0bad3SZyGGxTEkolsGx75jlhvu0qk4LrqTflZNUmhjqdZksSLna9mjSsxoU/s1600/TridePleinAirAltaLks130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicNqHJ3HKVAXrazlFrk6BJJe7eRbHVP6TUzk6tx47CakH7muJ9D6Trcb1ZEw7zqDDxdVssPkNGZpyijU0a0bad3SZyGGxTEkolsGx75jlhvu0qk4LrqTflZNUmhjqdZksSLna9mjSsxoU/s1600/TridePleinAirAltaLks130.jpg" height="320" width="260" /></a></div>
This journal spread covers a lot of territory in our Colorado Summer. First we attempt a second 4-wheel drive up Tomboy - - and WOW - - even Roland eventually opts to turn around after facing giant lopsided granite rocks in the road. I'm rather relieved and we decide to go to Alta Lakes as an alternative. The terrain is wild, scenic and Cody gets to tip-top in the cooling water (yep, there he is with his red bandana!!). The day leisures away as we meander towards the <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=telluride+mountain+village&rlz=1C1CHFX_enUS550US550&es_sm=122&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=dCbhU6XxKoK40QWlpYGACA&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAQ&biw=960&bih=517&dpr=2.5">Telluride MountainVillage</a> with plans for a pizza dinner at the acclaimed "Crazy Elk" pizzeria. We'd forgotten this was the start to Fourth of July Weekend and parking is challenging. But the pizza was worth it and our evening ends gently back in town.<br />
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The big Fourth of July Parade is <b><i>THE</i></b> event in Telluride. <br />
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Hether has placed chairs in good spots along the main street and get all nested in as the crowds gather. First the town is buzzed by airplanes and hang gliders over main street!! The audience is nearly a fascinating as the parade: children in outrageous outfits, outlandish parade floats as well as every club in T-ride represented, including the Bearnaise Mountain Dog Club. T'was hilariously entertaining!! Then the entire town sludges-en-mass down to the Town Park for the Bar-B-Q. After eating til <br />
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ready to bust and chattering with ole' friends, I wanted to stay for the kids activities. The "Balloon Toss" was so fun but the one I really wanted to see was the "Kids Fish Catch" where kids hand catch the live fish and then release them. But t'was way later in the afternoon so I wandered back home. My stomach couldn't believe my bubbly hostess had organized a pot luck for evening and I was certain I'd pop (but didn't, in case you were worried). A day full of fond memories and being so alive in such a magnificent place!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNhP5aAesBnoB2x9SJIDMvNIOvXO2cFxFdK2dQoP9-BZGPP7nxHF_qM0HZJy94f2vTSxo5U9i4oUSxOiWHBR5yeoNyVdhyCyvZ5SRNEooGSNls6PkV8JwPt6v4a_fosnrpeAM57XYIqis/s1600/OurayRidgeFinal130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNhP5aAesBnoB2x9SJIDMvNIOvXO2cFxFdK2dQoP9-BZGPP7nxHF_qM0HZJy94f2vTSxo5U9i4oUSxOiWHBR5yeoNyVdhyCyvZ5SRNEooGSNls6PkV8JwPt6v4a_fosnrpeAM57XYIqis/s1600/OurayRidgeFinal130.jpg" height="320" width="191" /></a>I'd arranged to teach a Plein Air Class in Ouray at the <a href="http://www.weehawkenarts.org/">Weehawken Creative Arts Center</a>. We sail off early morn from T-ride to get to Ouray in time to set up. The discreet building sits along the Uncompahgre River, before you get into town. A lovey, spacious room is where my students and I collect and I take them over some plein air basics and examples. Then we move outside for a quick demo. I find the view looking into town tarnished with smoke (from New Mexico fires), and the river a milky grey from some kind of run-off. But finally, I find a charming little mining shed perched on the side of the ridge gazing northward. <i>Ah-ha</i> - - the subject for my demo (and here's the finished piece upon which I worked after arriving back home in Oregon). Then students set up and begin painting their chosen subjects and I pop around helping, making suggestions. The casual critique is held inside and it's impressive what everyone's accomplished. I feel like I'd like to return to teach another class should the situation present itself. <br />
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I especially love this grouping of images on my journal page. Well, I'm sure it's the sweet memories but also, I was pleased how combining several photos of the Fourth of July Parade came out. I got to savor the parts of the raucous gathering that I especially loved! Oh ... do I <b><i>LOVE</i></b> my journal!!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11437820517049154397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707467046303899499.post-68409838905870211952014-08-01T11:33:00.002-07:002014-08-01T11:33:50.071-07:00Telluride Plein Air ~ Quick Draw & ArtWalkWell, I <b><i>have</i></b> been missing. Apologies ... I'm committing to post at least twice weekly 'til current. So here goes ... back to the Telluride Road Trip and a week's drinking in the Plein Air Event there (Note this was July 2, <b>2013</b>!)!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirlV9y8loivjxqnSkHcJXsNdFNwFWden8Irpv3-eTkO4LtM8zjyivrjcb7pvy2GQPayuYQEXTbaGI0AyEHFIDC00I28_HUOaP5i7mxwRCVTg-dpR5_lkksawT0ChNk2VTxiO2po6dsNSE/s1600/TridePleinAirQuickDrawFav130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirlV9y8loivjxqnSkHcJXsNdFNwFWden8Irpv3-eTkO4LtM8zjyivrjcb7pvy2GQPayuYQEXTbaGI0AyEHFIDC00I28_HUOaP5i7mxwRCVTg-dpR5_lkksawT0ChNk2VTxiO2po6dsNSE/s1600/TridePleinAirQuickDrawFav130.jpg" height="320" width="315" /></a><i>THIS</i> was one of my favorite days of our trip! After a quiet morn, Roland and I plan to head into town to meet Hether and hubby to watch the big "Quick Draw" Event. This is where artists have their surface (be it watercolor paper, sandpapered surface or canvas) stamped with a particular recognizable mark and then, they have a specific allotted time to go out on site using that specific substrate, paint the painting, and come back with the piece all framed, ready for sale. This event was given ninety (yes, <i>90</i>) minutes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYHfkFjTISsFN5D24BZS8l7GzuEbYTv1DWSxsYX_6hhuReFFZ1OTpv53ldSf2FQwnHenS_HZf6C7RUaMr7X5ajaT_w0zfRUGQQ-B2wowmk7ldhfohISVx_-l0pxEsjuflR7IDt0LXkwaU/s1600/TridePleinAirArtwalk130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYHfkFjTISsFN5D24BZS8l7GzuEbYTv1DWSxsYX_6hhuReFFZ1OTpv53ldSf2FQwnHenS_HZf6C7RUaMr7X5ajaT_w0zfRUGQQ-B2wowmk7ldhfohISVx_-l0pxEsjuflR7IDt0LXkwaU/s1600/TridePleinAirArtwalk130.jpg" height="260" width="320" /></a>The "Quick Draw" artists were scattered everywhere through out town. Some in the middle turning lane of the main road, some in front of the courthouse, some in alleys and others off on-site. I observed they all worked simple and small. The woman I depicted here in my journal was <i>my</i> favorite. And what I noticed was that her canvas was cradled right inside the back of the black frame she would be using. All she had to do was flip the painting and set it in place for the presentation! As the end of the 90 minute time period came to an end artists began gathering, placing their finished pieces on easels for the jurying and award ceremony. Some of the pieces were just amazing - - most were of the impressionist style, and some even sold right there on the spot. But <i>whew</i> ~ <br />
what a workout for the artists!!<br />
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<b><i>An aside on participating in plein air events</i></b>: from one of the well versed plein air painters in Telluride. The perspective that the event in Tellluride was <b>NOT</b> planned with artists on the decision making committee was evident. And not a good thing. Seems that as a participating artist in the event you would spend a lot of your "off" time (when you are not out painting on site) finishing up paintings, framing and just plain recovering from the outdoor exposure. But what the Telluride <br />
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event planners were doing was adding more and more evening fundraiser events that artists had to attend - taking away that valuable "down" time artists needed. Good to know for us considering doing a plein air event!!<br />
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Evening time continued with the art theme - with Telluride's monthly Artwalk. One show I particularly wanted to see was at the <a href="http://www.telluridegallery.com/">Telluride Gallery of Fine Art</a>. They were showing pieces from Burnie Fuchs, a famous illustrator ~ and I wasn't disappointed. <b><i><u>FASCINATING mixed media</u></i></b> - - even his pencil sketches had such vitality. So inspiring! We wandered the full street hitting the <a href="http://ohbejoyfulgallery.com/">Oh-be-joyful Gallery</a> (who's owner does huge plein air gorgeous pieces) and another watercolor artist, <a href="http://telluridearts.org/davidbrankley/">David Brankley</a>, who does terrific work, were stand-out for me. So you see, I had to save those images and contacts here.<br />
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The final image on this open page journal spread is of course, dinner. We meandered the street, mainly looking for light food without a mile long line (I'm so spoiled from our rural restaurants here in Southern Oregon - well, maybe not Ashland). And we needed a place where we could keep Cody nearby. The <a href="http://www.telluridebistro.com/ordereze/default.aspx">Telluride Bistro</a> furnished all of that. A yummy salad, quick friendly service and an open wrought-iron fence where Cody could get scratches from us (and maybe some treats too). An end to a full and fulfilling day!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11437820517049154397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707467046303899499.post-6282379574745508472014-02-12T17:25:00.003-08:002014-02-12T17:25:56.733-08:00Telluride Plein Air ~ A Birthday and a Tomboy Road Trip<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hu8nMyv-c8E/UvwTinE5j-I/AAAAAAAAEAs/xavkQowAAq8/s1600/EPleinAirRocksStartSM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hu8nMyv-c8E/UvwTinE5j-I/AAAAAAAAEAs/xavkQowAAq8/s1600/EPleinAirRocksStartSM.jpg" height="166" width="320" /></a>This June 30, 2013 on our Telluride trip was mostly a delight. Up early with the bug to go do some of my very own plein air painting. T'wasn't all from enthusiasm . . . I seemed to be experiencing some lack of flow. Yep, happens to us all apparently. I just was feeling kinda timid, uncertain and fearful about painting - - and YIKES - - I may be teaching a class in just a few days (I will hear in the next few days if my Ouray Plein Air Class fills enough to be a "go".)! So I launch off with my watercolor paper and a mission! The day carries some threat of rain showers so I find a view of the east side hills from the covered<br />
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bleacher seats in the Town Park and get to work. My friends, Hether and Chuck (PS - it's Chuck's birthday today) find me and come chatter a bit, letting me know where they will be in town. I get a good start on my small plein air piece and then, I later get it finished. Ok, I'm feelin' a bit more confident and able to paint again [[[sigh]]]!!<br />
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Our big plans tonight for Chuck's birthday are to<br />
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take them to a special restaurant that Roland has researched, "221 South Oak". We all get dressed and drive over (because Cody, our golden retriever, is more comfortable being in the car than in the basement room) and get a nice table inside. The food was good and we skipped dessert because Hether has made Chuck's favorite homemade Tiramasu and it's waiting at home! T'was rather cute ... once we'd all savored the "delish" dessert, Chuck took straight to the pan. I captured a shot of him and he <b><i>had</i></b> to go into my journal, with the restaurant business card angled in the corner. Doesn't he look like a happy guy?!?!?<br />
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Next day must have had adventure in the air and Roland surely pursued it. There are several 4-wheel drives leading up into the mountains around Telluride and the first one we take at the south end of town, near the defunct mine, is Tomboy Road leading to Bridal Veil Falls. Now, granted, we have a '03 Subaru and it<b><i> is</i></b> a 4-wheel, but it sure creeped me out taking it up those lumpy, rock plagued, angled dirt roads. I'm rather embarrassed to see how un-rugged I am now - oh well. But we make <br />
it a good way up the road and then, take to our feet for some exercise up the remaining turns to see the falls. We'd tried to stop earlier on the road right<br />
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under the mist of the falls but there was a TV team shooting a commercial for Toyota - <i>only in Telluride</i>! From different vistas we could see the falls and then, turn and see all the way back down into town. Just magical stuff - - here in my journal is my aim at capturing both views (on the left, can you see the teeny waterfalls? and on the right, can you make out the tiny Telluride city buildings?). And, on the right of the journal page is this magnificent wild flower I saw as we drove up the twists and turns of the dusty road. Isn't Mother Nature just amazing?<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MvynhV3Um-M/UvwZIDvzdHI/AAAAAAAAEBc/BU_p46sxC4M/s1600/FULLTridePleinAirChuckBD+TombyRd130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MvynhV3Um-M/UvwZIDvzdHI/AAAAAAAAEBc/BU_p46sxC4M/s1600/FULLTridePleinAirChuckBD+TombyRd130.jpg" height="117" width="320" /></a>But Roland<i> isn't</i> done - - now he wants to attempt taking the even MORE rugged Imogene Pass Road up the east side of Telluride. <b><i>Grief!!</i></b> Ok, I'm trying here to loosen up and feel more of my ole' "Mountain Mommy Legs" and I just close my mouth. This primitive road has giant boulders and then, large, uneven drop offs. And . . . finally, even Roland admits timidity and we search for a place to turn around and head back down. A fresh bagel and hot, fresh brewed cup of coffee at "Baked-in-Tellluride's Bakery" was our consolation. I personally didn't mind . . . and we leisured the evening away, just drinking in the radical beauty of Telluride.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707467046303899499.post-15290858963219802752013-12-26T15:55:00.005-08:002013-12-26T15:59:48.826-08:00Telluride Plein Air ~ Lost Dollar Road, Ridgeway and Tride Alleyways<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Next day, September 28th, in Telluride, we rise to slightly smokey skies (from nearby fires) and carve our plans accordingly. Perhaps a relaxed ride down valley will move us away from the smoke and there are some fabulous views to catch too.<br />
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As we weave our way out of town we take a right turn up towards the airport, but more lovingly called Lost Dollar Road to me. Past the airport we're pleased to discover the majestic views have been<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZMdoaXdt_es/Ury_RjF7IjI/AAAAAAAAD_M/ayngTZVrSpw/s1600/TridePleinAirRidgeway130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="118" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZMdoaXdt_es/Ury_RjF7IjI/AAAAAAAAD_M/ayngTZVrSpw/s400/TridePleinAirRidgeway130.jpg" width="400" /></a>rescued from condos, leaving a sprinkling of new homes and the ole' ranch buildings I so treasure. This image is of the rugged San Juan Range in the background where Lost Dollar actually winds through and over the mountains coming out just above Ridgeway. But it's a<b><i> way</i></b> 4-wheel drive road and we choose to return to the valley and drive the highway en route to Ridgeway.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lKHy-hkXbc0/UrzAO3TSzuI/AAAAAAAAD_Y/LRRfv8JTN0I/s1600/TridePleinAirBensTrk130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lKHy-hkXbc0/UrzAO3TSzuI/AAAAAAAAD_Y/LRRfv8JTN0I/s400/TridePleinAirBensTrk130.jpg" width="323" /></a>WOW - has Ridgeway grown from when I once looked at property to buy there! New homes, B&Bs and plenty of new businesses dot the main road and some side streets too. We saunter out of the car and have a tea at a nearby coffee shop and sample the Farmers Market going on in the park. This charming town echos times gone by yet with a new vitality stirring. Here's our view from the park, drinking in the ole' business buildings that surround the town square.<br />
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Our evening back in Tride is relatively quiet. I I have the pleasure of helping my friend Hether put together a from-scratch cake to be part of the special Tiramisu dessert for her hubby in a couple of days. I also learned how little comfort I have following recipes - and why I stay out of the kitchen usually! After another test run at another pizza place (Roland seems to be seeking the perfect pizza in Telluride!), we take a new evening walk heading away from town, southward, towards the mine. The town, or maybe the mine company, have done a remarkable job of renovating the area with the "mine tailings", making a modern hike/bike trail along the river where wild flowers bloom and late summer shadows grow long.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JDDYwy_Mquc/UrzAbaXDOnI/AAAAAAAAD_g/2B-p-sre6YM/s1600/TridePleinAirBlkEnvelope130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JDDYwy_Mquc/UrzAbaXDOnI/AAAAAAAAD_g/2B-p-sre6YM/s320/TridePleinAirBlkEnvelope130.jpg" width="320" /></a>Next day we breakfast and find the only thing on the agenda is meandering the streets, or more accurately, the alleys to catch the tucked-away charm of teeny alley homes, rustic collections and exuberant gardens. Oh my camera captured bunches but, I think this back-alley log cabin is <b><i>MY </i></b><br />
favorite. You may not have know my penchant for ole' cars and collectibles ... well, you can see this place has it all (not to mention the log cabin I almost built on one of the Telluride mesa - but that's another story).<br />
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The evening took us all into town to peruse what the Plein Air Event has calling, the "Wine Festival Paint Out". Plenty of sweet paintings and as I wandered past the artists, I gathered ever single printed favorite image I could. I pocketed many of them in a black envelope on my journal page but, the most joyful serendipity happened when I placed the two business cards ... right in the midst of the tree shading the Ridgeway Park and saw how they<br />
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perfectly camouflaged in the tree branches! <br />
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Did I mention how I <b><i>LOVE</i></b> journal page surprises!? ... especially when they just "POOF!" present themselves!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707467046303899499.post-66845265300915992172013-11-04T17:09:00.000-08:002013-11-04T17:12:28.416-08:00Telluride Plein Air ~ En Route and Arrival<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L9tyXdc2BX8/UnhAJrBwGnI/AAAAAAAAD-U/TRD4fESEUXM/s1600/TridePleinAirNorwoodMesa130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L9tyXdc2BX8/UnhAJrBwGnI/AAAAAAAAD-U/TRD4fESEUXM/s320/TridePleinAirNorwoodMesa130.jpg" width="320" /></a>We leave Moab, Utah early for the last leg of our road trip to Telluride, Colorado. The road repair avails us more time to drink in and photo the changing terrain. As we near Colorado, the landscape becomes more arid and we hit pockets of small communities as we climb onto mesas. Once on top the highest mesas, then we weave down into lush green meadows and creek curl curves.<br />
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One of the most exciting homes I saw (but wasn't quick enough to photo) was a house carved deep into the undercutting of a red rock ridge so that all I saw was the door to suggest lodging. I imagined the cool, curved walls of the cozy nest behind the wooden door. Creativity comes in so many fascinating forms.<br />
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There's effervescence stirring once we get to Norwood . . . I know we are close ... I can see the San Juan Range <i>just</i> beyond this mesa's edge (can you see them in my sketch?). I know several people who choose to live here in this quiet, non-pretentious town, rather than bustling Telluride. And as we stop at the grocery store for a munchie, I experience the warmth and simple-ness of this sweet lifestyle. And that part of me that loves country living aches . . .but I know, there are bigger parts of me that need fed in other ways. Isn't it educational to watch the human personality? realize all these different parts of one's self and try to feed the important ones? Anyway, this sketch was a compilation of images from the Norwood mesa.<br />
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Following two motorcyclists into Tellluride, we drink in the liveliness of main street. We stop at the Steaming <br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OEV06NTfkZU/UnhC43LixMI/AAAAAAAAD-s/0XQlqU1uUkg/s1600/TridePleinAirClinicBlossom130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OEV06NTfkZU/UnhC43LixMI/AAAAAAAAD-s/0XQlqU1uUkg/s320/TridePleinAirClinicBlossom130.jpg" width="320" /></a>Bean for their delicious Chai Tea (remember, last year I swore it was good I only discovered their Chai the day I was leaving?) aiming to slow down, settle in.<br />
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Once we find, greet, get settled into my friend's cheery nest and have a quick bite, we decide to take advantage of the free Wednesday Concert up at Mountain Village (up on the ski mountain). It's our Cody's first ride on a gondola, and he fares well except for feeling a bit cramped for space with some playful children sharing the cab. We also discover he's not a fan of those open woven surface stair steps (great for getting<br />
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snow off your boots - but not too fun for multi-padded puppy feet). So we detour around on the dirt at the base of the gondola.<br />
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A large crowd was already settled onto the grass before the stage and we wiggled in. Ro sampled his first high altitude alcoholic drink (and was silly for the reminder of the evening) and I did a slow and meandering contour drawing of the crowd and clock tower. Often the contour drawing isn't what you'd planned (like this one) but it's offers up a fun way to later take snippets from photos and drop in some personality between the lines of the drawing. I actually love how this ended up looking - and it still has some of the moment's spontaneity!<br />
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Up for our first full day in Telluride, we breakfast and head out on foot errands. Roland has a medical situation he needs to check out, so we include the local clinic in our agenda. While sitting outside in the warm mountain air, I start a sketch of what looks like a blossoming onion. I barely get the shape down and an elder gentleman sits across from me - - and soon we are wrapped in conversation. Seems he lived here in Telluride back when the roads, like Society Turn, were just being carved into the mountains. He told me hair-raising tales of some of that work, and how his family had ranched here. Eventually, he and his wife split their year between Texas for the winter, then back to Telluride for the summer. He seemed a content, gentle mountain man. I love the mix of magic that can color one's life on a road trip. And it's<i> just</i> begun!<br />
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Back to our cozy room. Roland takes a nap and I get my lil' studio space all set up. I'm glad I've brought my very own favorite lamp and devise space for pens, brushes etc. Ok ... I can stay here <b><i>now</i></b>!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707467046303899499.post-85012971584730259822013-10-30T17:45:00.003-07:002013-10-30T17:45:57.094-07:00Telluride Plein Air ~ Our Take Off!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s5QcWZ2cIPE/UnGG8a-7ZjI/AAAAAAAAD84/T7Uhmh-co74/s1600/Mary'sBlossomPage130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="289" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s5QcWZ2cIPE/UnGG8a-7ZjI/AAAAAAAAD84/T7Uhmh-co74/s320/Mary'sBlossomPage130.jpg" width="320" /></a>Probably a year in the planning, this fun road trip percolated up from my last Fall's Colorado Reunion and a friends' suggestion. My dear friend, Hether, with whom I'd lived back when I lived in Telluride, was with whom I spent a good part of my time when back last September, when I attended the Telluride Reunion. T'wasn't a high school nor college reunion, just a reunion of all who lived there in the 70's. A riot, but that's another story already told (see blog post May 24-July 20, 2013). But my friend, who has always been <b><i>such</i></b> a supporter of my art career, chimed in that I should come back and consider applying to the <a href="http://www.telluridepleinair.com/">Telluride Plein Air Event</a> that happens annually July 4th. Well, it didn't take much to get me back to Telluride, but this time, I thought I'd best bring the family along to share the event and travels.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mn2irm64I-Q/UnGcZ2BobOI/AAAAAAAAD9g/3Vify1JT5BY/s1600/TridePleinAirPoeVlly130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="129" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mn2irm64I-Q/UnGcZ2BobOI/AAAAAAAAD9g/3Vify1JT5BY/s320/TridePleinAirPoeVlly130.jpg" width="320" /></a>A week before we are ready to leave our kind neighbor, Mary, (yes, the one who grows the amazing Dollar Dahlias I've painted before!) brings over a Victorian-feeling flower bouquet. I didn't know what the flowers were 'til I asked . . . but these lil' beauties, white bells with tips dipped in a pale lavender . . . lasted forever. I<i> had</i> to save one, pressing it and installing it into a teeny lil' page. Sweet and succinct ... just like the "Canterbury Bell" blossom it was.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xDA9rd6zG3A/UnGcWmS43mI/AAAAAAAAD9Y/xRmKToKIsMQ/s1600/TridePleinAirMoabBrdg130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xDA9rd6zG3A/UnGcWmS43mI/AAAAAAAAD9Y/xRmKToKIsMQ/s320/TridePleinAirMoabBrdg130.jpg" width="292" /></a>We're off, launching our road trip to Telluride, Colorado, leaving Jacksonville, Oregon on June 26th. I was up and ready by 8am (a feat for me) and we drove off into the grey misty morn. Once we passed through Klamath Falls heading eastward, we were in new territory which we'd never traveled before. Through one of my new favorite valleys. Wide rolling agriculture and horses mixed with some sunshine drew me to sketch these cozy barns of the Poe Valley. Then came rolling dessert and an incredible rock incline that took us right to the foot of a rock slide. We had to wait a bit while they cleared the large rocks from highway, but continued past Indian Reservations and finally south on Highway 95 (that's where I did this quick "while-driving" sketch along the bottom of the journal page) towards Wendover. This dreary, flat country grew in drama when we could see billows of black smoke just ahead where - YES - a car on the side of the road was <b><i>on fire</i></b>!! I mean shooting flames and thick smoke and all! Eventually we hurried onto the Interstate 80, escaping the trills to land in quiet Elko, Nevada. We discovered two newsy items while in beautiful, downtown Elko: 1) that there is a large <br />
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Basque community there with an annual July Festival and 2) that the fabric rooftop carry all (yes, with clothes, sleeping bags etc.) had torn open at the seam exposing everything. That second fact sent us in search of any way to stitch, glue, hammer, clip or snap this gaping hole for the rest of the trip. Finally we invested in Gorilla Tape (it IS phenomenal, btw) and it held for the rest of the drive - both ways!!<br />
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Up the following morn for the last stop of our trip to Telluride: Moab! We get to look around and drink in the landscape as it morphs into red rock valleys and rivers and green trees. Once we stop to feed Cody (our Golden Retriever who, <i>of course</i>, comes with us) in a curious lil' town named "Helper". And had we not stopped, we'd never have seen the crazy cliffs above this wide spot in the road. Later, we stop where I can grab a shot of the Colorado River and it<i> so</i> captures the landscape, it went into my journal (besides, I loved the shadow cast across the bridge). And as the sun sets we curl around canyons that open up to a charming village, tucked among the giant red cliffs.<br />
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We arrive at our<b> very</b> comfy <a href="http://www.rivercanyonlodge.com/">River Canyon Lodge</a> in Moad. Air Conditioning and spaciousness greet us - hurrah! We have time for a stroll up main street as the town starts to sparkle with night lights and we dine, then sleep. <i>Ahhhhhhhhhhhh</i> . . . anticipating our Telluride arrival . . .<i> tomorrow</i>!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707467046303899499.post-20532832851442371412013-10-24T11:58:00.000-07:002013-10-24T11:58:23.654-07:00Tandem Birthdays and Gurgling Creeks<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ShSap9jorGs/UmlqvGzqLaI/AAAAAAAAD8E/PF0a36KyRkk/s1600/RosThaiPprBday130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ShSap9jorGs/UmlqvGzqLaI/AAAAAAAAD8E/PF0a36KyRkk/s320/RosThaiPprBday130.jpg" width="320" /></a>These journal pages bring a smile to face ... nice how two pages in your journal looking back at you can do that. And that's one of the reasons I relish my journaling practice ... not only does it stir immediate feelings, smells, moods, tastes, but too, it quizzes my memory. I might be better than some of those brain games or memory training CDs, who knows. I also see that moments charged with emotion are easier to remember, so that my pages mostly reflect times I want to remember. And thus, these volumes I'm creating tend to reinforce the positive and the creation of more positive. And you know what? I <i>like</i> that! Ok, back to these journal entries.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RZd3HqP2cu0/UmlqzpTqo3I/AAAAAAAAD8M/6xK-2nfBzIg/s1600/EsAABdayStars130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RZd3HqP2cu0/UmlqzpTqo3I/AAAAAAAAD8M/6xK-2nfBzIg/s200/EsAABdayStars130.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
Early June my hubby and I get to celebrate a birthday each. His, his belly-button birthday and I, my sobriety birth date. This birthday I set aside time to create a gift for Roland and his card. A lil' burro (his favorite animal) started as a demo but grew into a sweet shadow box presentation with a wild grass installed in the foreground. We traveled to Ashland for his birthday dinner at one of our favorite places, Thai Pepper, just off the Plaza. From a shot I grabbed on the patio of the restaurant, I blended his portrait, meal and the business card to capture the evening. The snippet to save from <i>my</i> celebration were words, "You're the kind of person who makes the world a better, brighter place ..." and stars from the card with which Roland presented me. I punched some additional stars with my own "star" paper punch, thank you very much! Can you ever have<i> too</i> many stars?<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gLjW0G7reiU/Umlq1R0zTlI/AAAAAAAAD8U/xaeRAvBPEfY/s1600/CuminHolesCover130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gLjW0G7reiU/Umlq1R0zTlI/AAAAAAAAD8U/xaeRAvBPEfY/s200/CuminHolesCover130.jpg" width="161" /></a><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ofSuIO2R5xg/Umlq5rikCMI/AAAAAAAAD8c/YViRXwWxW4M/s1600/CreeksStreamsDemo130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ofSuIO2R5xg/Umlq5rikCMI/AAAAAAAAD8c/YViRXwWxW4M/s320/CreeksStreamsDemo130.jpg" width="204" /></a>The other lil' item squeezed in came from a silly cooking session. We were attempting to get cumin to come out of this spice jar - to no avail. Upon closer examination, we learned there was a seal over the cover with holes. Laughing, we peeled it off and were charmed to see a cute logo of a boy in red with the addition of the cumin that had stuck to the under side of the seal. <i>Plunk</i> - right into my journal!<br />
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The finishing sketch on the far right was from a demonstration for a class focusing on "Creeks and Streams". You can find evidence of the white and turquoise wax crayon I'd initially used to save or accent areas as well as the reflections, rocks, twigs and cascades to replicate our Lithia Park Creek. The class and seemingly, the sketch were a success. And more smiles.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gt6B0hqD4Os/Umlq_-sz0ZI/AAAAAAAAD8k/viJYDwISwNM/s1600/FULLRosThaiPepperBdayMoabBrdge130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="114" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gt6B0hqD4Os/Umlq_-sz0ZI/AAAAAAAAD8k/viJYDwISwNM/s320/FULLRosThaiPepperBdayMoabBrdge130.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
So . . . the moral of the story . . . "For more smiles, paint and journal more!"Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707467046303899499.post-59262859042592282002013-10-17T11:23:00.001-07:002013-10-17T11:23:42.514-07:00Early Spring Campin' and Red Lily Calm<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5U2igFBPN7g/UmAqZN9QXdI/AAAAAAAAD7c/VMf95laDNhI/s1600/LaPineCampin'Tent130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5U2igFBPN7g/UmAqZN9QXdI/AAAAAAAAD7c/VMf95laDNhI/s320/LaPineCampin'Tent130.jpg" width="314" /></a>Ok, we've traveled through the full spectrum of camping. We moved out of the tent camping, starting with pop-up campers when we first moved to Oregon, even took a leap into the RV world towing a vehicle (you remember my Mexico tales, right?) ... with all of those now memories ... we've gone full circle again. We ordered a big 10 x 14 size (plenty of room to bed and mornin' yoga) and tested it out on the lawn at home. Then, off to truly test it out on during our May tent camping trip at La Pine, Oregon, up near Bend.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lHEgoY6v3yA/UmAqT57NGwI/AAAAAAAAD7U/-OBQzvGwyuM/s1600/LaPineCampin'MetoliusHatcherySlanted130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lHEgoY6v3yA/UmAqT57NGwI/AAAAAAAAD7U/-OBQzvGwyuM/s320/LaPineCampin'MetoliusHatcherySlanted130.jpg" width="320" /></a>These journal pages capture some of the sweetest moments from that trip. We had some sunny and some rainy weather and I started the tent image on site, adding the luxurious plump clouds from memory. We were joined by a dear friend who brought along his lil' camper and puppy and toured us along the pristine Metolious River (that actually has it's beginnings from a crystal clear spring that just flows out of the earth!). On our tour we ventured over to a fish hatchery (where we watched a BIG crow lunch on a sizable fish right out of the hatchery's pool) but the vision that took my breath away was the clear, brilliant colors in the churning waters of the river before the bridge.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HydDgdglfNY/UmAqgGr5fVI/AAAAAAAAD7k/7v1qr-XcDdw/s1600/LaPineCampin'Roger+Cody130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HydDgdglfNY/UmAqgGr5fVI/AAAAAAAAD7k/7v1qr-XcDdw/s200/LaPineCampin'Roger+Cody130.jpg" width="168" /></a>Yep, while the boys played at the hatchery, I began my painting. I knew I'd usurp all my time getting the bridge drawn right (all that architectural stuff) so once I got the drawing down, I ignored the bridge. And went to capturing the magnificent water. T'was a challenge with the continued movement but I took many photos and feel pretty happy with the color and feel of the moment! I finished the bridge from the photo, by the way, and got to savor the time "in the water".<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TizM8ED7aDI/UmAqkBT2TVI/AAAAAAAAD7s/zN0yfnhrvt0/s1600/RedLily130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TizM8ED7aDI/UmAqkBT2TVI/AAAAAAAAD7s/zN0yfnhrvt0/s320/RedLily130.jpg" width="320" /></a>Those of you who own dogs ... well, you know what the scene with our friend, Roger, here is about. Perhaps you can't see the treat in hand, but you know the beggin' stance our Cody has so mastered! Had to save this into my journal!<br />
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Once home to the Rogue Valley we'd promised to spend the upcoming Mother's Day with a friend who'd lost her mom the previous year. The fresh and elegant scene along the Applegate River provided by the Red Lily Winery soothed our spirits with music. We munched on our casual picnic spread while I catch shots of the peopled, red canopied tables. Lovely afternoon.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6cTjV0AQDNw/UmAqnrPQNzI/AAAAAAAAD70/arRoKgqkLHY/s1600/FULLLaPineCampin'RedLilyCanopies130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="114" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6cTjV0AQDNw/UmAqnrPQNzI/AAAAAAAAD70/arRoKgqkLHY/s320/FULLLaPineCampin'RedLilyCanopies130.jpg" width="320" /></a>Oh and PS ... the tent worked <i>great</i>, no leaks, ample room ... but we<i> won't</i> talk about clean up and packing of the wet and dirty b<span style="font-size: 12pt;">ehemoth</span> ... ok?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707467046303899499.post-47105439991730546002013-09-28T18:40:00.001-07:002013-09-28T18:40:30.490-07:00Portraits and Bugs and Greens ... oh my!!<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-raWEA7dHjoQ/UkeC6LyafXI/AAAAAAAAD6E/l8AUcdB8_wY/s1600/QuickPortraitClass130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-raWEA7dHjoQ/UkeC6LyafXI/AAAAAAAAD6E/l8AUcdB8_wY/s320/QuickPortraitClass130.jpg" width="242" /></a>Apologies for the long distance between posts ... preparing for and leading my Women's Journaling Alpine Retreat gobbled up a bunch of my time and energy. I'm back and will resume paying more love and attention to my blog. Thanks for your patience!<br />
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This journal duo covers quite a range. Mostly, it entails portrait pieces. And as usual, with a variety of levels. The first image, on the far left was actually quite a hilarious and playful moment. I was in my Ashland Art Center Studio around 4:30pm, an hour and a half before the Center closes. A cheery and very talented artist sauntered by my studio and we began talking. Not only did she do fabulous Gold Plating and Calligraphy work, but she journaled too! And she wanted to take a Private Class focusing on portraits. In our discussion we realized our <b>only</b> time frame was<u><i> then</i></u>. Scouring around for an image to use as our portrait subject we dug one out of a magazine and we went to dedicated work, giggling at the spontaneity of the situation! This was the flash finish of that session. Kind of unfinished and raw but ... I can at least tell it's a face!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j549rIdQwXo/UkeDAKThjnI/AAAAAAAAD6M/1qQy2fe8_Mo/s1600/JoanGrantBambu130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j549rIdQwXo/UkeDAKThjnI/AAAAAAAAD6M/1qQy2fe8_Mo/s320/JoanGrantBambu130.jpg" width="320" /></a>The wacky trio here in the middle of the page is visiting friends, Joan and Grant, and my silly husband. Our evening meal together was full of humor and seasoned stories. I finally got them to settle down enough to get this pose from them ... a fond memory just echoing in my mind.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JOzgR5JqelY/UkeDpsk_gVI/AAAAAAAAD6o/jgNPsJdmB-I/s1600/EasyTabBugs130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="101" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JOzgR5JqelY/UkeDpsk_gVI/AAAAAAAAD6o/jgNPsJdmB-I/s320/EasyTabBugs130.jpg" width="320" /></a>So these five winged seeds ... how did they appear. I'd noticed a brilliant reddish one as I parked my car one day, so of course, I collected a handful. When I decided to incorporate the seed into this page, I opted for five (it's more interesting to design in odd numbers) and I went to work cutting out my windows and Mod Podging them into place. Can't tell you my delight when the color on the previous page appeared - - and it was a pale green (nice compliment to the reddish seeds)!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fn2IfYncIIs/UkeDG78wtOI/AAAAAAAAD6Y/2H-jWpYRWek/s1600/KimsGreens130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fn2IfYncIIs/UkeDG78wtOI/AAAAAAAAD6Y/2H-jWpYRWek/s320/KimsGreens130.jpg" width="274" /></a>Continued wacky collectibles include the sliced Dairy Queen cover for my first vanilla cone of the spring is a constant memento and then, the cute lil' tags that come off a tiny battery my hubby uses to power hearing aids. They just looked like something to me and I found that I could fit them into the space I wanted to leave blank for the previous pages clear windows. And if I planned it right, you wouldn't see them in the windows! <b><i>Wellah!!!</i></b> And then, as I looked<br />
at them - - they became lil' bugs. Legs added ... and another smile comes to my face. Can you see how fun this can be?<br />
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During this time I'd begun teaching a six-week series watercolor class. During one of the early sessions I'd caught one of my prize students doing a great job replicating and experimenting with her greens. And with no head (no it didn't hurt her), she keeps her anonymity!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sb-A9MpcC1I/UkeDeEIud-I/AAAAAAAAD6c/jsIZRyFcYec/s1600/FULLJoanBambuPortraitClassKimGreens130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="116" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sb-A9MpcC1I/UkeDeEIud-I/AAAAAAAAD6c/jsIZRyFcYec/s320/FULLJoanBambuPortraitClassKimGreens130.jpg" width="320" /></a>Did you count all the smiles and silly-ness? Yep, my journal is a constant source of joy and play . . . my <i>playground </i>of sorts!!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707467046303899499.post-36155871548185500992013-08-13T13:59:00.000-07:002013-08-27T10:44:36.647-07:00Ending Workshlp Trickles into Sunset<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HzN9HajYAME/Uhzi5aX44-I/AAAAAAAAD5A/VaAqspbgdAA/s1600/YelenaWrkshpEContour130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HzN9HajYAME/Uhzi5aX44-I/AAAAAAAAD5A/VaAqspbgdAA/s320/YelenaWrkshpEContour130.jpg" width="320" /></a>With the remaining time at the Journaling Workshop (see previous post), we'd hoped to go outside, but the day is chilly
and pretty windy. Luckily we have a wide panoramic window and use it for
my next process, my "Awareness Meditation". And although you can't see
my beginning contour line drawing, it gave the basis for this rich page.
When the contour lines were done, I began painting and coloring in the
scene with my watercolors and even writing in tiny text that curved and
danced around various shapes created in the drawing. I did later drop in
a side view of Yelena, who sat next to me, as she worked in her
journal. I can't tell you how happy I am with this page on so many
levels. What do you think?<br />
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The adjacent page came from one of my Journaling "Clinics" held monthly in my Ashland Art Center Studio. April's focus was "Sunsets". With sunsets and their extreme colors, you really have to be in a bold mood. As usual, I start with a teeny bit of wax crayon (mainly as reminders as to where the different colors end and begin - - and to serve as "fences" which stop one color from flowing into the other), note where I want to save my whites and begin with my yellow (Aureolin). I've wet most of the sky area and jump from yellow, to pink (Quin. Rose), then to orange (Pyrrol) - - using <b>a lot</b> of pigment to water ratio. I do dip into my darker orange (Brown Madder) and some cooler red (Aliz. Crimson) for variety and richness. And while the page was still wet, I began to drop in some blues (Cerulean, Thalo and Indigo) and purples (Thalo Blue and Quin. Rose). When the page was dry I began to add the Indigo Blue landscape silhouette and finally, the delicate tree branches poking into the page from the left. The five seeds window-ing thru at the bottom right were a happy accident that occurred when I worked on the following journal page. You'll have to stay around to hear that story!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--YG50Tr41zQ/UhzkuqiyASI/AAAAAAAAD5U/RmWcnAaBoNI/s1600/FULLYelenaWrkshpSunsetDemo130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="114" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--YG50Tr41zQ/UhzkuqiyASI/AAAAAAAAD5U/RmWcnAaBoNI/s320/FULLYelenaWrkshpSunsetDemo130.jpg" width="320" /></a>When I was finishing up this journal spread, I had to make some adjustments. Because the sunset was<b> so</b> strong and dramatic, I did have to pump up some of the values and colors in the opposite page. But I was happy eventually and deliberately wanted the branches and teeny text from the left page to help you traverse into the tree branches of the right page. The end result . . . a pretty dynamic duo to savor, eh?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707467046303899499.post-28824097145977912912013-08-10T13:55:00.001-07:002013-08-10T15:38:06.904-07:00Refreshment ~ A Shared Workshop<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cZDAWckgJro/UgaeI7lXjQI/AAAAAAAAD3s/SzxRILka4Yk/s1600/YelenaPortrait2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cZDAWckgJro/UgaeI7lXjQI/AAAAAAAAD3s/SzxRILka4Yk/s200/YelenaPortrait2.jpg" width="133" /></a>Months in the planning, another <a href="http://www.4shared.com/rar/2BFIug3S/Adobe_Photoshop_CS6_130_Multil.html">Ashland Art Center</a> Artist, <a href="http://joyfullart.com/">Yelena Joy</a> and I have created a tandem-taught Journaling Workshop. "Self Discovery Through Journaling" at the tucked away jewel of <a href="http://www.hiddenspringswellness.com/">Hidden Springs</a>, was a one day affair and did some deep and refreshing work.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i5RmzJzvhD0/UgaeiAn_uEI/AAAAAAAAD30/yVfsO590aOM/s1600/WRKSHPinprocess2.jpgBlur.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i5RmzJzvhD0/UgaeiAn_uEI/AAAAAAAAD30/yVfsO590aOM/s200/WRKSHPinprocess2.jpgBlur.jpg" width="150" /></a>We arrived early to set up the beautifully coral colored room. We have ample room and tables enough for samples of both Yelena's and my journals. While Yelena leads off the workshop with some breathing and awareness exercises I get to savor some of her new-to-me processes. All us participants are lead to a safe, playful place and with no design in my head, I allow marks and colors to land on my journal page. I get to hear my usual "critical" voice wondering where<br />
the order is? the tidiness? the structure? And in just ignoring "her", this is the page I create. Viewing the curves I begin creating lil' people and fish to inhabit the<br />
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playful world. And eventually, just out of triangles, comes the graphic fish swimming along my border. It truly was refreshing and freeing.<br />
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After our lunch break, we gather for my portion of the class. I guide them through one of my all time favorite processes, "Animal Mandala". Everyone gives vision to different animals ~ reminding me of how different and how at diverse places we all are in <i> </i><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jGi94V6BiUY/Uga_NakdVkI/AAAAAAAAD40/P88GWR6yc7M/s1600/YelenaWrkshpChipmunkRedo130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jGi94V6BiUY/Uga_NakdVkI/AAAAAAAAD40/P88GWR6yc7M/s320/YelenaWrkshpChipmunkRedo130.jpg" width="320" /></a>our lives.<br />
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I giggle, because once again, I out-picture the Chipmunk. He seems to
be with me for awhile and I think I sort of know what he looks like. I
sketch in a rough chipmunk and save completing his head 'til I'm home
and can get a better reference from which to work. Well, when I begin to
finish up my chipmunk, I realize he's more like a squirrel. I have to
enlarge my critter, scrape off wax crayon and re-design the entire
mandala.<i> Now</i>, my chipmunk has the right proportions (what
happened to that photographic memory I had as a child?) and the correct
tail. And he even gets to dab his tail onto the underwater play of my
previous page.<i> Sigh. </i>I do some research in my "Animal Speaks"
book and feel out what text applies to me and the particular attributes I
need to be wary of or work on. <br />
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<br />The workshop continues onto the following page ... with an appropriate finale ... stay tuned!<i><br /></i><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707467046303899499.post-56638504643919400352013-08-05T19:00:00.000-07:002013-08-05T19:00:18.291-07:00The Whispers of Spring<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1GFGD-vUnJ8/UgBWyOQmWVI/AAAAAAAAD3E/KgKQFF5jKN0/s1600/ChickSingular130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1GFGD-vUnJ8/UgBWyOQmWVI/AAAAAAAAD3E/KgKQFF5jKN0/s200/ChickSingular130.jpg" width="178" /></a></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uYD8BvtWGFE/UgBWt8dBoKI/AAAAAAAAD28/6HzX1guQBnk/s1600/ChicksGroup130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uYD8BvtWGFE/UgBWt8dBoKI/AAAAAAAAD28/6HzX1guQBnk/s320/ChicksGroup130.jpg" width="256" /></a>As we move into March of 2013, my journal takes note of quiet lil' whispers that suggest Spring is arriving. The first comes with an annual tradition in which Roland, Cody and I indulge. Each March we see the promo on television of the nearby Grange Co-ops announcing the arrival of tiny, fuzzy chicks. YEAH! it's a red flag for Spring!! This journal post records the feathery fluffs poking around in their over sized watering trough in which the Grange Co-op presents them. When you enter the large building you hear the buzz of lil' peeps despite the enormous room. Once we arrive at the trough, I discover there is a bigger variety than in previous years. Some even with tiny tail feathers and they all hop and tweet over their sisters and brothers. It captures your heart and each year I have to be talked out of bringing one home. Cody seems attracted to their movement but we limit his viewing so as not to freak out the wee birds. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KlrmIo9Pqe0/UgBXZ_0dYkI/AAAAAAAAD3M/pD0yWKmvWrU/s1600/FloralSpringDemo130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KlrmIo9Pqe0/UgBXZ_0dYkI/AAAAAAAAD3M/pD0yWKmvWrU/s320/FloralSpringDemo130.jpg" width="320" /></a>Did I ever tell you that my dad used to bring me home little chicks for Easter when I was small? We'd keep him under our parakeet cage on the floor, in a Jim Beam box with a sheltered light bulb for warmth. I was terribly creative with the name, and we called him "Peep-peep". One grew 'til he had lil' feathers and we had to find a ranch/farm that would take him. Another year, I remember my dad coming around the corner of the couch when I had "Peep-peep" out for a living room tour, and dad stepped on him. That might have been the last year I was gifted with lil' chicks. So this annual event I'm sure is a throw back to my childhood ... and a sweet one.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NzLMVAoU2AM/UgBXj1YO5CI/AAAAAAAAD3U/_hVHxGdkCFA/s1600/SayYoureOneBook130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NzLMVAoU2AM/UgBXj1YO5CI/AAAAAAAAD3U/_hVHxGdkCFA/s320/SayYoureOneBook130.jpg" width="320" /></a>Shortlly after Valentine's Day, my brilliant crocus announces the approach of Spring too. I noticed how very enthusiastic my plant was this year, expanding to over eight inches across! Of course, when my Journaling Clinic came around with the topic of "Spring Florals" I had the perfect subject. Here's the quick demo.<br />
<br />
During this same period we were reading (Roland and I read together each morning - a cozy ritual) this book that so impacted me, entitled, "Say You're One of Them". This book presents numerous vignettes of children's lives in Nigeria and Kenya that will open your eyes and break your heart. Many night after we finished this book, I went to sleep wondering what happened to the children brought to life on the pages. My<br />
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aim is to add to this illustration of the book, adding more children's feet running off the page. Well, that's my intention ... Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707467046303899499.post-88760291756178515562013-08-03T17:46:00.002-07:002013-08-03T17:46:32.972-07:00A Newberg Escape<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Roland announced he "needed" me for February 15th, 16th and 17th. Ok, I agree and I eventually wiggle it out of him that we are going north to a small town near Portland, Oregon, called Newberg. No, this has nothing to do with "Lobster Newberg" ... but that was originally where my mind went when I heard the name.We left early gratefully leaving behind grey, rainy skies that opened more to blue by the time we reach our destination. Our early arrival allows us to hit our favored "Sweet Tomatoes" Restaurant and squeeze in a movie too. I'd tried to take Roland to see his girlfriend, Julianne Hough, who stars in "Safe Haven" in the Rogue Valley. It was bizarre that the specially released Valentine Day movie was no where to be found where we lived. So we hunted it down and he was very satiated ~ she is awfully cute. And the movie was romantic so we were all happy. Here's my attempt at <br />
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the kissing scene with Julianne and her honey. <br />
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Next morn we wake to an unplanned day. I'm buzzing through the web for things to do, so of course I check out what's going on at the Portland Museum of Art. Very cool ... I see they offer a tour of their studio artists and Roland is up for it too. We doddle around in the fabulous sculpture gardens til the Museum opens. Thrilled to find a piece, "Desert Harvest", by Allan Houser, an artist we'd just read about in a book by Kent Nerburn, "The Wolf at Twilight" (a book I<i> highly</i> recommend if you love authentic stories of Native American Indian life). When the Museum opened we trotted to the appointed meeting place for the studio tours and they told us it was only for children and that we'd be bored. Grrrrr ... wish they'd have mentioned that in their promotional. <br />
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Anyway ... we peruse the remainder of the floors and are enamored with exhibits on the Native American Indians of the Northwest. Most fascinating to me is an exhibit of small (say, 3-5 inches) glass creations of Indian relics. There are over three hundred of them mounted on a vertical wall that reaches two floors. The colorful, delicate pieces are mounted on a black, maybe six inch slender post that holds the piece off the grey wall. Not only are the pieces amazing but I'm quite captured with the intriguing shadows cast by the strong lighting (one is captured as best I could here). I stood<br />
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there for a good long time ... a feast for my lil' artistic eyes.<br />
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Another favorite we always have to hit in Portland is their "Pearl Bakery" (I've echoed the Pearl Bakery's window graphic in my journal page - so appropriate for the bakery). After leaving the Museum, we landed there for a yummy coffee. We needed to eat light for Roland had picked out a special restaurant for dining that night, "The Painted Lady" Restaurant. It too was in Newberg so after freshening up we arrived with appetite in hand. A charming ole' Victorian home refurbished into a cozy, intimate place. There was some entertainment factor with the five courses, but, for me, I have to say, my Lemon Souffle (which you see here - please, don't drool on the screen) was the high point of the over-extravagant meal. I did adore their double business cards, one for the restaurant and the other for the cottages. They tied the pages together nicely with the contrasting colors and elegant text.<br />
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The trip was a special treat ... just the thing that Roland loves to dream up and I get to participate in. Here I am ... counting my blessings!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707467046303899499.post-84786284160820236712013-07-31T17:46:00.002-07:002013-07-31T17:46:42.844-07:00Chocolate Collage?<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xum8NJOWQ8g/UfmrMT03IfI/AAAAAAAAD1c/UnyPrHFk5Ds/s1600/CollageMyMind130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xum8NJOWQ8g/UfmrMT03IfI/AAAAAAAAD1c/UnyPrHFk5Ds/s320/CollageMyMind130.jpg" width="246" /></a>Well, they really aren't mixed together but, they are dancing around on the same journal pages. And, so these journal pages come into being ...<br />
<br />
Some of you have gathered early this year may not be the most comfortable period in my life ... readjusting one's dreams ... so you may understand that sometimes feelings can only be expressed in the tangle of a collage. The start of this come to me when I was putting away to interesting things I tend to collect on my working table. They can be things I find on walks, in garbage or friends bring to my attention. I had that black, shiny technology box and the lil' scrap of lace in my hand, and looking down at them more intently, I said to myself, "this is kinda how <br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W7HSioWw2Fs/UfmuXQBFujI/AAAAAAAAD2A/Lph8e7dMEQo/s1600/CollageMyMindFlwr130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W7HSioWw2Fs/UfmuXQBFujI/AAAAAAAAD2A/Lph8e7dMEQo/s200/CollageMyMindFlwr130.jpg" width="200" /></a>I'm feeling". Something about the contrast of the techi-black box to the soft, intricacy of the lace hit it on the head. And I knew a collage was brewing. Pulling out other trimmings, I found more outer expressions for my inner tangle. The paper doll with her flailing appendages (yes, they do move - on brads), words about "me hiding out" and of course, the comfort of my "Cody" pup. And ... here's the result ... still not certain of the translation, but I feel better for the<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z407PUctlrc/UfmuPtvx9jI/AAAAAAAAD1s/NxFTNWd2Ao8/s1600/ChocolateVDay130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z407PUctlrc/UfmuPtvx9jI/AAAAAAAAD1s/NxFTNWd2Ao8/s320/ChocolateVDay130.jpg" width="308" /></a> expression. This lil' pink flower escaped from somewhere to lighten the mood.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hamp4hcdqBM/UfmuUZanYCI/AAAAAAAAD10/TnjqtwOEyxE/s1600/FULLCollageMyMindChocolateVday130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="115" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hamp4hcdqBM/UfmuUZanYCI/AAAAAAAAD10/TnjqtwOEyxE/s320/FULLCollageMyMindChocolateVday130.jpg" width="320" /></a>Now don't worry, I've not forgotten the chocolate. As Valentines Day rolls around, I've got two agendas. One is a theme for my upcoming Journaling "Clinic" on February 15 and lil' loving treats for my honey. Passing the Harry and David Country Store here in the Rogue Valley, I notice their sign for "2 Truffles for the Price of 1"! And knowing Roland loves dark chocolate, the car pulls in and you know the rest of the story. When Valentine's Day arrives, Ro and I discover we'd <i><b>both</b></i> purchased the <u>very same</u> chocolate covered bing cherriesonly I'd brought twice as many (no surprise to those who know me). So now, we had to get rid of some of them for our health's sake. The Journaling "Clinic's" theme became "Chocolate" and I furnished actual truffles to paint from and consume. Here's my lil' demo for "chocolate" and I had to incorporate the truffle label too. Still quite tantalizing as I look at it. I'm probably safe from chocolate flood again, at least 'til the holidays ...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707467046303899499.post-17376596249690664472013-07-29T13:34:00.000-07:002013-07-29T13:37:24.982-07:00Lincoln Next to Our Delinquent<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2_PUqFgYOoc/UfbQf6mVO5I/AAAAAAAAD08/07nDEpHwgdo/s1600/Lincoln130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2_PUqFgYOoc/UfbQf6mVO5I/AAAAAAAAD08/07nDEpHwgdo/s320/Lincoln130.jpg" width="244" /></a>Just the title makes me grin ... these journal entries sound opposing but, actually both of these personalities are very strong and positive. Well, guess I'd better explain, right?<br />
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Thru the months of January and February we continued to find winter's warm entertainments. We had to go see<i> Lincoln</i> (pretty amazing ~ the reality of that war and the complexities of Lincoln and his strengths as well as his weaknesses). So, of course I had to honor him in portrait. Well, a fairly good portrait. The name tags come from a gathering of like minded friends ~ you can see I had the chicken and pudding while Roland had the Eggplant (and yes, the pudding too!). And once we'd discovered that on Mondays in Medford you can get tickets for matinees for just $5, we hit<i> Les Miserables</i> too! Wow, another dy-no-mite heart-breaker with powerful actors! If I<i> had</i> to choose, I'd favor<i> Les Miserables</i>. I'm a sop for tenderness.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BFh5GCdKflU/UfbQp_gLU7I/AAAAAAAAD1M/dm8ekLqMnfs/s1600/CookieDelinquent130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BFh5GCdKflU/UfbQp_gLU7I/AAAAAAAAD1M/dm8ekLqMnfs/s200/CookieDelinquent130.jpg" width="200" /></a>Early in February I had a sweet reminder of a warm weather friendship. An elegant hand-crafted card arrived in the mail from one of our repeat participants in our annual <a href="http://visualartjournaling.wordpress.com/category/2013-retreat/">Women's Journaling Alpine Retreat</a>. Now Cookie is a lil' spark at our retreats, creative, ornery and a wizard at identifying nature for us (she's a park ranger, no wonder?). But she has also come to be know as our lil' "Delinquent" mainly for the reason that during our morning yoga on the lake shore, she's off taking photos or <br />
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identifying birds. And I've portrayed her in watercolor doing one of her "sit-on-the-big-rock delinquent poses". But we love her anyway and she's become an integral part of our kitchen prep, a possible "Sous Chef" I believe? Eh Izzy?<br />
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All that aside, the card was made by her and I delighted so much in the design not only of the cover but also her simple card logo. See the "simple sentiments" logo below the card. And inside ... what only an artist can appreciate, "May there always be time to paint". Yep, life is good with these kind of friends!<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707467046303899499.post-6600422419638062432013-07-28T14:35:00.000-07:002013-07-28T14:35:27.080-07:00Winter Entertainment and Visuals<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nr26Apd27WE/UfWK7BAafAI/AAAAAAAADz0/15zXVphFPqU/s1600/ScroogeCamelotGirl130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nr26Apd27WE/UfWK7BAafAI/AAAAAAAADz0/15zXVphFPqU/s320/ScroogeCamelotGirl130.jpg" width="312" /></a>As I travel through December in my journal ... I know we dabbled our share in entertainment. The holidays<br />
are rich here in the Rogue Valley with theater not to mention the festive visuals. That's precisely what has tumbled out onto these two journal pages.<br />
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On the left, I've remembered two live theater shows we attended. First, was at the new Camelot Theater,<i>Forty-Second Street</i>.
Naturally I had to mimic the numerous chorus girls in the show and ...
sadly ...too, that "the girls were hot, the music not" in my lil' teeny
notation. Oh, well, we all have our off days. The next show was
outrageously <b>great</b> ... at the<a href="http://www.randalltheatre.com/"> Randall Theater</a> (a wonderful secret in Medford!) ...<i> Scrooge!</i> It's a crazy warehouse building with<br />
imaginative and inventive arrangements to cushion the <br />
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rugged interior. I loved the variety of chairs for the audience and that they had a raffle to auction off the "specialty seats", a cozy love couch, right in the midst of the other chairs! And then, the performance, with limited space, funds and staging, did an amazingly effective job of<i> Scrooge!</i> with brilliant characters, singing and stage props! I was giddy with delight at the performance. GO there if you get the chance! It's a magical space ... and it <b><i>so</i></b> brought me into the holiday spirit!<br />
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My adjacent page centered around seasonal festivities too. You can also see more clearly, the "HOME" text I'd formed to show thru the paperclay overstuffed chair on the previous page. But back to seasonal ... it was nearly a normal day, my going into the <a href="http://www.ashlandartcenter.org/">Ashland Art Center</a> to work in my studio (they are working Studios, we must work in them 10 hours minimum each week). My mind must have been doodling around because I missed my regular highway exit and ended up going to the south end of Ashland to get into town. That normally would have been no problem, but with all the huge snow storms at that time, this end of town is the "Chaining Up" area of Highway 5, just before reaching the climb to the Siskiyou Pass.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-51KpWWA_zIs/UfWNx0O0fXI/AAAAAAAAD0c/hqo_VDn5Q-w/s1600/FULLScrooge+XmasPony130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="116" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-51KpWWA_zIs/UfWNx0O0fXI/AAAAAAAAD0c/hqo_VDn5Q-w/s320/FULLScrooge+XmasPony130.jpg" width="320" /></a>So bumper to bumper I sputter along, arriving an hour late. I'd missed my appointment with a patron who'd wanted to buy one of my prints for his wife for Christmas, but luckily he returned. I just have time to set up for my Journaling "Clinic" with this month's focus on "Holiday Images". I've chosen this playful riding horse in a Jacksonville window. My wax crayons allow a quick loose sketch, saving my window lights and highlights on the horse. He turns out pretty happily and I add his reins when I get home. He makes me smile ... well, actually these two pages do. It's been one of my better holiday seasons. So ... ho, ho, ho!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0