Phoenix rising

I am back. I loaded some samples of my mail art that I have been working on. I got a new camera and I am not afaid to use it!
I have been working with Juliana Coles retreat books they are amazing. If you are into Visual Journaling and and gaining self confidence they are worth it. I am in her yahoo group and we have been trading mail art. It's really fun actually getting snail mail.

There is a very nice article on the last page of the new Somerset Studio about when we share with others artwork or journal art that is close to our hearts, it can become healing for others. It's like giving away our medicine. What you create will help someone. That is an encouragement for me to put into form a struggle or illumination that I am experiencing. It doesn't come easy for all people to create but still they have those same feelings. If they can see how to work it out through art and visual journaling it may give them the courage to try.

Check out Traci Bunkers work. A great many are finding there way to visual journaling. I think we should be positive and supportive of each other. Leave your critic out and you may feel the medicine at work within you

gretchen

Spring 2009

I am imspired to connect more deeply to nature, myself, and a quiet sacred space. I have two days off from both my jobs. I am always yearning for more time with grandbabies but its really important to connect with yourself. The only way that happens is to make a plan. So I am taking the ferry to Whidbey Island to a place called "Earth Sanctuary". I will let you know.

Namaste

Steeped in Fog

Everyday its thick and freezes on the road in case we forgot its winter. I am devouring new books an mags in my spare time. I just finished a crammed course in Excel MS and my brain is craving creative free form collage!
I went to the bookstore and looked through the array of Art mags. I saw such a wild variety of art I was inspired. I felt reaffirmed that art is very much about the unique way the creativity flows through me and is transformed into a piece that holds that energy. I love it.

Check out the Crafty Chica link ... really fun. Watch the calendar video!

Journal prompt...You could make a flow chart in MS Visio... and paste it in your journal,naw! how about writing with a color crayon about one of your most creative" Firsts " for me... it was a plaster cast with things we found in nature or one of my famous woven looped potholders! Then paint over it with dark watercolors. Looks kinda batik like. It's fun.

Winter White

All the stories about the Northwest buried in snow are true! I got 3feet at my house 2weeks ago and still have 2 feet with snow forecast for today. There was a moment I had of winter wonderland driving through the snow at night. But when we were digging our cars out Christmas day the fun melted away...we made our visits (a Christmas miracle) and safely back home. I live in the woods on top of a big hill. I have really learned to drive in the snow this year! Tip... if you get stuck and your wheels are turned, straighten them and then try to go!

"Twilight" If you see the movie you will really some of the awesome beauty of the Northwest. I really liked it. Washington really is the most beautiful place. If you love outdoor sports and art!

Journal prompt...Two pages. on the left side draw yourself with your non-dominate hand and write or print some of your biggest challenges, just a word here and there. On the right side draw yourself with your dominate hand and write some of your biggest successes.

Journal prompt... Make a list of your favorite comfort foods ... Hot cocoa, mac and cheese, etc.