Loves Of My Life

I am crazy in love with my pets. Not having children of my own, these guys ARE my children and I am TOTALLY in love with them. The newest addition is "Gracie" a 13 week old basset hound puppy. Her previous owner couldn't keep her and was looking for a good home. Ms. Gracie won the lottery when she entered our doors. There is a little less room on the king size bed, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Harley, our other basset (10 months) is totally content with his new friend. Instant babysitter for the pup. As for Ziggy, well, as you can see...he keeps a constant eye on her....

Getting Ready

I'm coming up for air...seems like my life is on full speed with no break until February. I knew January would be a busy month at work and I geared up for it mentally, but too many late nights working catches up. I finally took yesterday to spend a nice relaxing day with my Sister and just do whatever...that is hard for me as I have a few shows coming up that I need to get ready for. It was nice though and today I was ready to get back to the studio with a better focus.

Here is a photo of what I've been working on and some of the tools I use. I didn't realize how much work was involved in making these. My goal is to have 40 ready for Artfest vendor night, but we'll see. As they progress, I'll upload more photos. Lots of ribbon and silver will follow...As I work on these, so many more ideas pop into my head. I've promised myself that I will finish these and then a new series will begin..I can't wait.

Back to work now....

Simplicity

While "HOPE" will always be my favorite word, "SIMPLICITY" will be the word I live by, or strive to live by. I find myself wanting to purge. I'm tired of "stuff". I want to rid my life of clutter, both internal and external. I want to really examine where I am in this life and what is really important to me. I think it is good for the soul to do a reality check. Thus, the focus of this art journal page.

Simplicity:

1: the state of being simple, uncomplicated, or uncompounded

On another note, while "cruising" the Internet last night, I came across this great site. I have added the tag to the right, "Be Brave." Check it out.

What Is In a Name

Check this out. I found this on Ms. Maija's blog. It is actually pretty correct, but then I have to wonder if all names would "fit." How about you? Thanks Maija for the link!

What Lorraine Means

You are relaxed, chill, and very likely to go with the flow. You are light hearted and accepting. You don't get worked up easily. Well adjusted and incredibly happy, many people wonder what your secret to life is. You are well rounded, with a complete perspective on life. You are solid and dependable. You are loyal, and people can count on you. At times, you can be a bit too serious. You tend to put too much pressure on yourself. You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. You're always up to something. You have a ton of energy, and most people can't handle you. You're very intense. You definitely are a handful, and you're likely to get in trouble. But your kind of trouble is a lot of fun. You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection. You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive. You have the classic "Type A" personality. You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing. You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long. You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start. You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people. You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts. You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals. You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone. You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together. At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

Secret Santa....YOU ROCK!!!!

I recently participated in a Secret Santa swap with MMCA. This was my first time participating in a swap like this. It was fun watching the excitement build and boy was I surprised! My Secret Santa was Kelly Snelling... For those of you that know Kelly, you know what a wonderful and beautiful person she is. For those of you that don't know Kelly, you need to visit her HERE. You won't be disappointed.

Kelly sent me this huge box full of goodies...sharpie pens in every color, Soufle pens, a candle, a journal, list notes, bath crystals, tea, chocolate, tons of the greatest epherma, beetle wings (they are really cool), quills, the most beautiful ornament (she has a great tutorial on her site), and this really cool painting. It all touched me so deeply, but this painting is so special to me and I wanted to share it with you (no, you can't have it, but I'll let you look)... Kelly put a lot of thought into this piece, about me...I absolutely love it Kelly...your package made my day, my month and year. You are such a special person!

More Ornaments

I LOVE this time of year. I'm always inspired to create something from the bottom of my heart...something meaningful and something to share. A few years ago, I participated in an ornament swap. It was fun receiving handmade ornaments. I didn't participate the past two years as I wasn't sure I would have the time to make the commitment. Instead, I decided that if I had time, I would make ornaments and send them out as RAKs with no return expected, but purely from my heart.

This year, I wanted to share my favorite word, "hope." The word "hope" has always been my favorite word as it is the opposite of despair. Each little star is painted and sewn. A tiny lightbulb hangs from the bottom representing the light of the Christmans season. I loved making these and I hope those receiving them will cherish them as well.

Wishing you all a blessed holiday season!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas....

The radio stations are already playing Christmas music! So, I turned it up, decorated the house, and went to work on Christmas presents and gifties....Here is a start on some ornaments I am making. They have quite a ways to go yet, but I was satisfied I was able to make it this far. I'll finish them up over the Thanksgiving Day break and then they will be on their way to new homes!

Wishing you all a very blessed and Happy Thanksgiving....

Peeling Back The Layers

Recently, I had a "conversation" (via email) with a friend asking her how she managed to be so "open". She wrote me back this amazing reply and held nothing back in her response. She responded to me as if I were sitting right across from her at a table having a cup of coffee. It was honest and real, no editing before sending...She is really an amazing woman.

Our emails back and forth gave me a lot to think about. I'm not a shy person, but I am in many ways a private person. It takes a while to know me, the real me...Our conversation and my after thoughts prompted these two pages in my art journal, titled Peeling Back the Layers and Connections....

Fantastic Mail Day!

Every night after work, I follow the same routine...drive towards home, into the neighborhood, around the block and stop to get the mail. It is like clockwork...never miss a day, unless it is a federal holiday (or Sunday). Some days are more exciting than others...like when Amazon delivers a new book...but today was something special...I received this fabulous piece of mail art from the VERY talented Sally Turlington. I couldn't even look at the other mail, as I was awestruck by this incredible piece of artwork. When I got home, I didn't want to open it...I knew I would have to, as I knew what was in it, but I just wanted it to remain in tact. I took my time...found the letter opener and finally opened it very carefully. It was worth waiting for...another great surprise...the most lovely ATC by Sally.

Sally, you made my day! Thanks!!!

Happy Halloween!

I love this time of year! I love the colors of Halloween and the aroma of all the candy! I'm sitting here waiting for all the little ones to come dressed in their costumes. It brings back such great memories of when I was little. The costumes certainly have changed! So far, I've managed to eat two fun size Snickers, a box of Milk Duds and a Kit Kat... that Tootsie Pop is looking pretty good too!

This past weekend, my husband and I made the annual trip to Dallas for a Halloween party. We always have such a great time dressing up and acting like complete idiots! This year was extra special as I met up with some old high school and college friends. It's amazing how we just pick up where we left off. That is the beauty of real friendships. I have known Susan since 6th grade. Yep, we were the nerds that ate brown bag lunches together. We laugh now, but we were pitiful!

Here are a few pre-party pics. It makes me laugh looking at them....

Thanks!

Thank you to those who expressed interest in my pieces. The show was a great success and my work was very well received. It is always hard to put your work out "there" for others to review and judge. It is one thing to make something for yourself, but to make something in hopes that others will like it is always a bit frightening.

For those of you that inquired about available pieces, these are the pieces I have left. If you would like more information, please send me an email and I would be happy to send you more information.

Lorraine

Where is Fall??

I know I live in Texas, but come on folks...a little cool weather wouldn't hurt! We have had a few cool mornings, but that's about it. The days are getting shorter, leaves are turning, but it is still hot! I long to wear a sweatshirt,curl up with a blanket and a good book. I'll give it one more week, and then I'm cranking the air conditioner down to 65!!

I've been busy, busy. Busy at work and busy at home. I'm getting ready for a trunk show next weekend. I'll be glad when it's over. I love the "groove" of getting ready, as I stay focused, and get alot accomplished. My head always swims with new ideas, but I have to stay focused until the show is over. What kind of show? A Jewelry Trunk Show held in conjunction with Clay Ole. I'll be participating with nine other metal artists. If you're near San Antonio next weekend, it will be held at the San Antonio Garden Center, 3310 N. New Braunfels @ Funston, from 10:00 - 4:00. It will be fun! I'll be posting some photos of available pieces on my jewelry blog in the next couple of days. Take a peek when you get the chance, but better yet, stop by my booth next weekend!

Time for a Change

I decided it was time for a change....Blog needed an update. I still have a few other changes to make, but the banner was the biggest change. A HUGE thank you to Susan Tuttle for creating this banner for me. All of the elements are from pictures I have taken. I love what she did with them! It was Susan's idea to keep the shoes, but just change the color. I wish I could find them in that color as I would own a pair for sure!

Thanks again Susan!!

The Purpose of Your Life

Hubby was out of town this weekend, so I went to dinner with some girlfriends. We talked about many things, but the topic we spent the most time on was the realization life is too short. It was interesting to see how our stories were all similar...reaching that point in your life where you just don't sweat the small stuff. We all cherish the moments of free time we have and spend more time at home than we once did working our way up the corporate ladder. Then it dawned on me that we all are about the same age...is this something that is just built into each of us? That "age" when body parts start to fall, but our spirits rise up to touch the sky?

Cleaning my studio this afternoon, this picture fell out of a book. It was from a class I once took from Karen Michel. It made me stop and think again about our conversation last night... "The Purpose of Your Life." Fitting...something to tink about...

After a Long Break

I've taken a break...a very long and needed break. Working full time doesn't allow me the freedom to sit at the computer for very long anymore. I have to make choices...either spend my time doing something productive, or spend time catching up on the computer. Don't get me wrong...I love to sit and catch up on all the blogs and groups, but I just don't have that luxary anymore...so, I have made some goals:

1) Update my blog once a month
2) Take one hour a week to catch up reading my favorite blogs
3) HIRE A HOUSEKEEPER (a must, must, must!)
4) Put no pressures on myself

This break away has been very positive in that I have learned so much about myself, my strengths and weaknesses (both personally and professionally), the power of true friendships, and the importance of being genuine.

This being a 3-day weekend, I immerged myself in creativity. Thank goodness for opening bird season weekend, as I have the house to myself and four critters...

When it comes to visual arts, I always work intuitively. I see something and immediately it just comes to me. I bought a Dover clip art book and was flipping through the pages with a Halloween theme in mind, but something else came to mind instantly...that which grabs our heart. While the pictures are pretty bare (bare to the bones, literally)there was such power in my thought process as I moved quickly through the pieces. Our hearts can be grabbed both positively and negatively...that we can not control, but what we can control is how we react to those feelings...

More Seeds of Hope

I had such a great time making the ATC's yesterday, that I decided to make another batch for trade today. I'm in such a different stage in my life right now. I have been planting flowers like crazy. My Sister's say that I'm finally nesting. Hmm...maybe there is hope for me yet. I'm no Martha Stewart, that is for sure! I'm not a very domestic person, but I find myself wanting to be home more lately and really enjoying the contentment of just sitting on my deck and taking in the beauty of God's existence in such simple pleasures as a flower....

Off to plant, but if you are interested in trading for one of these ATC's, drop me a note.

Seeds of Hope

I'm in an ATC swap with a small group of folks and thought I would finish mine as the deadline quickly arrives. Where has this year gone? The schools are already finishing up for the summer and it seems like they the school buses were just starting their routes...

I had prepared these backrounds quite some time ago, but needed to try something new, thus the purpose of the ATC swap...something new we haven't tried before. One of the suggested categories was sewing. Although I have sewn before, I had never sewn on an ATC. Sometimes ideas just flow into my head and I knew immediately what I wanted to do. I wanted to "sew" seeds of Hope. So I encased real seeds in a vinyl pocket. I really liked the way they turned out.

Wishing you a great weekend!

Fallen Angel 890

I was playing with transfers a while back and had this image that halfway transferred, so I tossed it aside with other failures. This morning I was looking through my "pile" and came to this image again. I realized it wasn't a failure at all. It spoke to me of vulnerabilities...how easily we are led astray when we don't listen to his word...how willingly we expose ourselves to toxic conversations and selfish desires...When we have fallen, he will pick us up, if only we listen...

Fill Me

I've been quiet over the past month or so...I haven't been into making much art lately as I seem to be in a different season in my life. I love being back at work, but it leaves me with little free time, and I have to make choices with the free time that I have. Nature has been calling me, tugging at my heart. I long to sit in the sun and feel it's rays against my face, or a gentle breeze whispering in my ear...

I've been trying to work in my art journal whenever I get the chance. Here is a page I recently completed. I am so drawn to this image for various reasons.

This one's for you Annie! Hope you have a glorious week!

Wide Open

I came home today in a melancholy mood and as I drove into my driveway, I noticed a package on the front porch... When I went to pick it up I realized it was from Amazon. Bingo! Something to lift my spirits! Inside was Wide Open, by Randi Feuerhelm-Watts. It's actually a deck of cards and a workbook. It's like a piece of artwork! I love Randi's journals and have had the pleasure of being one of her students. I can't wait to sit with a cup of tea and devour each card. Check out her new website too, it's so fun!

Thanks you Randi!!