Beautiful Memories

to remember those who have gone before with love and admiration. On Saturday our family spent the day helping my sister in law Carmen with her yard. It is kind of a family tradition that we do service for someone who has gone before. This time my brother who died two years ago last February. We weeded, then mulched, and shared memories and fun while the kids helped right along with us. His boys twelve, nine, and three, with our kids, and all the neighbors joining in on the fun. It seems working can be fun and extremely rewarding. Much to their surprise. As we shoveled mulch out of the truck each child taking turns dumping the buckets it healed us, remembering uncle Stan and his love for life, his love for service and his wonderful light personality. Afterwards we went to his grave sight and the kids jumped, played, and even made crayon rubbings of the gravestone. Children know how to grieve in their own way..............the memory of such a wonderful man goes on in his children.



Happy memorial day to all of you as you think of those who you have gone before ..........i give you my love and peace this day.

The nina post

Okay i promised another artfest post. Taking a class from Nina has been something i have always wanted to do. Just looking at her book was inspiration enough to get me started. My first time using Mica pieces. It made everything look so old and finished. We hammered and hammered, I am sure Nina was getting a headache. She taught us how to use all of your favorite things you've been collecting, like my wasp nest, in a beautiful way. I will finish this book and love it, because it is part of me and the things i enjoy. I had a great time getting to know Nina better, she is a sweetie and very genuine.

Artfest 2008

Artfest 2008 in Port Townsend Washington hosted by Teesha and Tracy Moore was an artist's dream for a few lovely days. The weather was sunny (for Washington) and the ocean edge was just the right place to cozy up with some art friends. Julie and i flew out on Wednesday morning and bummed around Seattle, finding a great antique store, and the local fire house. You can always count on a fireman to help you get where you need to go.

i even need my fire guy when i am away.


Julie outside this vintage dinnerware shop. In the back of the store we found a box with some brocade gold fabric curtain panels in it. On the box was a sign that said "make me an offer" Julie offered $6, and he took it, good thing i kept my mouth shut i was going to offer $12.



Another shot of this eclectic display. He had me interested with the fresh flowers outside the shop. The dishes were great all gathered together by color and style. I wish i could have bought some to bring home.

Thursday's class Annie Lockhart...............

My first class with Annie Lockhart. What a sweetie, her wonderful talent of putting old memories together into something beautiful was the highlight of the day. I made my piece out of a very old fishing bag and some other nature things, the meaningful addition to my piece inspired by Annie was the dried daffodils from my brothers funeral two years ago, and the seven pearls in the seed pod for my sweet family.

I used some fishing lures that Annie gave me. I will always cherish this piece, because it reminds me of gathering days with my children, and the many hours my brother and i spent exploring the old junk on our farm.


my box of gathered memories i brought for Annie's class.

Julie's piece made from a small book that opens up. "Peace be With You" is the title. Beautiful.


i loved this ladies work so much. She was in our class and had such artistic ability. If anyone knows her name please let me know.


Here are some of my favorites from show and tell. Karen O' Brien created this in Judy Wise's class. I love it.


This darling girl, is fourteen years old. She did both of these pieces. What talent......


tomorrow i will post about the amazing class with Nina Bagley. Time to kiss the kiddies goodnight.

Art nest 2008

My artwork from Anahata's class.





My finished necklace from Amy's class. I really love the delicate little flower buds dangling from the brass chain.



Pam's journaling class.

Shopping for the nest

I had the best day shopping for some little things for the nest. All of these little goodies for Amy Hanna's class.


Isn't this little angel sweet? I couldn't resist being so close to valentines day.

And my ledger for miss Pam's class. An old photo album with antique picture frames.I am leaving in the pages and hoping to play on those as well as add in paper. My mind is racing about all the details of getting Art Nest ready. Do we have the right caffeine drinks? It seems we are all addicted to something these days. And the details of leaving your family for four days, I have to begin months in advance. It will all be worth the work on Wednesday night when I sit down around the hearth with a fire going, admiring all of our winter nests. resting in the company of wonderful artist. ahhhhhhhh.....heaven

Today is the day

Registration opens today for our art nest Summer retreat in June. We are so excited about this group of artists.Be prepared for a fabulous four days enjoying the beauty of Park City in the summer. The weather is perfect. The venue is divine and the company of artists will be a retreat you will never forget. Come on over to the art nest to check out all the details.

Kashi goodness

This is my new best friend. Trying to eat a healthy lunch with a busy schedule? These will make you feel pampered and totally satisfied. They come in all flavors and are a mere 350 calories. Stacked with fresh veggies and the lovely Kashi seven grain pilaf. 18 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber. The Sweet and sour Chicken even has roasted green beans and peppers. Have i convinced you to go buy a few????

january january

I am a bad blogger!!! i can admit it. I can't figure out how to fit this into my life. I would much rather look at your beautiful blogs and art, than take time to post about mine. I have been on a creative high lately getting ready for art nest. making and planning and fussing about the details. We are going to have such a fabulous group this time. I have however found one thing that has helped me to be a little more organized and to make art everyday.


This ledger has great open space and all the info you need to look at a week at a glance.


I can doodle and design while I am doing the everyday things that need to be done. As you can see I am running quite a bit, i am training for a half marathon in March. My life always goes better when i can run...........i will post about running soon, i love running......but taking an hour for myself on a saturday in the middle of the day for my long run is hard to do, the ledger helps me to fit it all in...........



this ledger is published by Andrews McMeel publishing, LLC. Delsie Chambon, is the Art Director and you can get this on Amazon. In Tune With Nature 2008 calendar.
Happy Winter organizing.........

Married Nineteen Years

Today is my anniversary, nineteen years ago i married this man, whom i still adore with all my heart. last week we went away to our cabin in the mountains to celebrate. We drank hot cocoa by the fire and watched the stars from the jucuzzi.
the aspens covered with snow.....
the road less traveled..... is the path we have taken in our marriage and in life.
We decorated the cabin with wreaths and bows, and put up the tree.
It was a magical few days of romance and holiday Cheer. He still is the man of my dreams....