Honeysuckle Breeze

My Note from My Universe

2012-01-23T19:14:00.000-05:00

No, your eyes are not deceiving you.... Its me. Peek-a-Boo. Just wanted to share a little something with you kind of like I might do on FaceBook. My note from The Universe this morning read:

"It's like one big hall of mirrors, isn't it, Marlynn?

Except, of course, that the halls of time and space reflect what you choose to think.

Like right now.

Wow-

The Universe

(PS) Hey, Marlynn, can I borrow your comb?"

My Universe is just so darned cute and you can get your own, you know. Just go on and click on the Notes and The Universe is yours.

Enjoying the evening by doing a little "beading." This cross stitch is a little "dull" to me so I need to sparkle it. This is my only free evening this week and am enjoying it. Enjoy yours!

And the days fly by.....

2012-01-22T16:13:00.000-05:00

Dear Honeysuckle Breeze Peeps, MY my have I been ignoring you. Yes, it seems once again my schedule has taken me in different directions and one of them is not wanting to sit down at a laptop to post. On computer too much at the office and my workout schedule has become a little more complicated, you might say? Oh yeah, ask the clown with the funny red nose!

I have had a passion for boxing since I was young and would watch with my grandfather whenever it was on TV. I have always loved working out and getting my cardio going with boxing gloves and hitting the boxing punch mitts. So I am now signed up and doing an hour boxing/cardio/boot camp on Tuesday nights,

working out with trainer on Wednesday and Friday nights after work, and playing doubles tennis usually three Thursday nights out of 4. Am I whining about my schedule - heck no. Just explaining why I'm not here and not creating that much.

I was so happy when 2011 finally was over. Really really happy to usher it out. And you all were here and followed me on that journey...

All I can say is 2012 feels all new, exciting, and invigorating. I am headed in different directions right now - letting the universe guide me wherever I'm going. It's inspiring. And yes, I am still creating. Just jumped into a monthly ATC exchange. Headed to Art & Soul in Virginia Beach the first of March (will get to see my buds, Jan and Terri) and then another trip to Valley Ridge Art Studio in October to have my annual workshop with Michelle Ward. This year it is Synchroncity! Another exciting thing is I will be staying at the farm house at Valley Ridge.

Did this first time I went 5 years ago - and I have my same room, Meadowlark!

So, where is this rambling leading - as you can see, I haven't been back visiting you as much as I once did. But I think you already figured that one out! LOL But you all are closely held to my heart and I think of you and will be back now and then. And who knows when my life style will change again and leads me back to here more often. In this time and space, all things are possible. Let me show you what has been so exciting with the ATC this month and the word was HOPE.

Found the images and did the backs,

and then the front.... finally came up with "Hope Blooms"

So in all her glory she ushers in the new year. Take care and I will be back ....... Hugs to all,

Another admission - my "new" iPhone is also taking time. I love, love, love the camera and different photo programs. Have been posting photos on FaceBook and Instagram. If you want to friend me on FaceBook send a message and just say Honeysuckle Breeze and I will know you are drifting over there from here. On Instagram I am known as MsMarlynn. So when I can figure out how to download photos from iPhone to computer you will see more of my photography. Life is good, the cleaning lady is wonderful, and I am just preparing for a "big" 65 birthday in February. Whoot Whoot! Pass the boxing gloves, please!

And next up is......

2011-12-30T16:29:00.000-05:00

wishing all of you honeysuckle peeps a happy upcoming new year. I am getting ready to go upstairs and slap some gesso on this naked book. Not sure what is developing but we will soon find out.

I am still reading slowly Miss Peregrine's home for Peculiar Children and some of the PaperWhimsy gals are doing an exchange on the peculiar children and the results that I have seen are spectacular! They are such a talented bunch of artists. Anyway, I thinking of something like the Peregrine Children. I read up on the Peregrine Hawk and it is an amazing bird.

So we will see. I have this paper from a pullout section in Somerset Studio and I would really like to create this paper onto the cover using paint and the silhouette of the young girl. Stay tuned for updates.

Also this year I have "signed" up for an ATC exchange - one a month. For January the word is "Hope" - so I will also be thinking about where I want to go with that. "Your ATC should reflect what hope means to you or what visual the word gives you." Hmmmmm... Nope, Harley won't cut it for the "H" - back to the drawing table. Be safe over the next few days if I don't get back before New Year's Day. Don't drink and drive. Find a designated driver or take cab companies up on free rides. Whoop Whoop!

Christmas Time 1999

2011-12-27T13:19:00.003-05:00

Let's journey back to a Christmas Past - 1999. Hair Red. WOW. Back at work on a lunch break and cleaning out files. 'nough said, don't ya think....Last time I saw red was October 2003.

Christmas Past

2011-12-26T15:47:00.000-05:00

One more Christmas come and gone. One more page done in the Art Journal. And Harley has his first bubble bath ever and is threatening to run away from home if he gets another one. In other words, just another normal day in my world.... the day after Christmas.....

First the creation. The page was prepared by the layering of papers.

An image selected, a tim holtz stamp, and a bit of corrugated board,

And we have our "Specialite"

In the meantime while she was drying it was decided that Harley needed a bubble bath to wash away dust from Paris, London, Estonia, Berlin, and many states. He was not happy.

However, after it was all said and done, he was wrapped in a warm towel,

And set outside to dry.

Yes just another day in my world and tomorrow we will be headed into the office. It has been a great time off. I have a couple of items I am dropping in the mail.

This one will be sent to a special friend - however, that friend may have other thoughts when she sees him. It is just a little thank you. Wishing you all a pleasant week leading up to New Year's. Not sure what I will be creating next weekend but am working with this fascinating naked bare book...... need to get some gesso on some of the pages.....

Behave peeps!

And not a creature was stirring

2011-12-25T10:52:00.001-05:00

A very merry and blessed Christmas to all of you! Enjoy the day. And yes, I am creating the second layout in the art journal *wink*.... more tomorrow. And yes, Harley is fine with the Rat taking the lead. Harley is still recovering from his Christmas morning bacon and eggs!

One Art Journal Page done! Ho Ho HO

2011-12-23T16:58:00.001-05:00

Yes, I did it....... Miss Julie got me off my butt and I created one page in my journal book..... It was fun. First we had to clean up the creativity busters (you think this might have been my main problem all these months?)

Larcy gave me these cool baby jelly molds for Christmas,

which I put to good use,

And then the process began with one blank page

layers of papers glued on top of each other

then some paint, some images, and here the little Nomad is....

And finally, Mama's favorite T-shirt got a few paint splatters on it - but you know what, she would have loved it! LOL

OK - now I just have to work on the opposite page with Ghost Adventures in the background, yes they are having a marathon on....... And to all - hugs and be sure not to stress over the holiday preparations. You know, I need to try to bake my gingerbread cookies tomorrow. Mostly been baking bread and creating crockpot stews. Yum Yum. Until later, peeps!

Impromptu Blog Party

2011-12-21T09:46:00.000-05:00

Over at The Land of Lost Luggage artist Julie Prichard has just launched an impromptu blog party. I'm sure you all have realized I have gone through a little bit of a dry spell in the creating art department. Between work and the holidays and tennis and workouts, I seem to have little time left for the creation of art and I have to admit it - I am missing it. I am off for the next few days and dear dear Julie posted the impromptu blog party on her blog "Show me Yours" - Journal. SO, Julie, you did it. Yes, you did, you managed to get my butt out of the recliner and grab down from the shelf my art journal.

Here are a few pages that are laying in the journal which I need to pay some attention to.....

Hmmm, maybe after my workout and lunch a page will be created? Let me show you my Journal Gratitude with no words attached!

Headed out the door to workout.

WILL create this afternoon and be back with you shortly.

Fa La La LA La

2011-12-11T15:29:00.001-05:00

Hello, Honeysuckle Peeps, the holidays are fast approaching. I had a wonderful visit with my family at Thanksgiving and now have the holiday shopping all done. Started the shopping last weekend and completed it this weekend. Decided not to put the tree up this year, however the Thanksgiving Wreath had to come down,

and the Xmas one put up. However, that meant getting under the stairs which means removing all stuff hanging in the closet.....

But once up, it was worth it. So far have managed to wrap all the gifts (translated, gift bags) and am all done.

Have to admit something to you, peeps, I have finally faced the fact, especially this past year, that I don't like "cleaning" - in fact I just down right don't like it. SO, I made the decision to hire a cleaning company to come in every two weeks. A pretty good price since I do live in a condo and I can't tell you how this decision made me feel - relived. This way I can focus on the craft room, which still looks OK after Aaron's visit. So now with the cleaners coming in this week, I have to clean the wrapping tissue and bags,

The Xmas packagesare in big packages to take into work - since these are for them.

And guess what - I am not pulling out the vacuum or the dust rag. Nope, the cleaners get to do a "deep cleaning" the first time on Wednesday.

Although not Christmas, I found some cool place mats at Bed Bath and Beyond which will do for now.Fasten your seat belts because I have to admit that during the Thanksgiving festivities Harley got lost and I couldn't find him,

But today he reappeared after some "putting" stuff up........ holy cow, Harley,

He was lost among my books and I can only figure my brother was looking at the books and laid them on top of him. Yes the lost was found and the Rat is happy,

Poor Harley gets very little respect from the rest of the family.

Oliver is over for a visit and I gave him his Christmas Gift, yes an Angry Bird. He loved it.

Need to move and get a few more things done, but wanted to check in with you! Don't get to stressed out with the holiday doings! Stay calm. Stay serene and go get a pedicure..... yes, I did on Friday!

Hugs!

Thanksgiving 2012

2011-11-30T16:00:00.000-05:00

Good Afternoon, Peeps, and a middle of the week post, do tell. All Thanksgiving items have been put up awaiting Thanksgiving 2012. And with the cleaning and "filing" comes the satisfaction on one more Thanksgiving complete.

A number of years ago I went to a class sponsored at the now-extinct Recollections Store and created a Holiday Recipe Book. Never in my wildest dreams did I realize how much use I would get out of this book. It too is in the "tradition" ranks.

It has notes, photos, recipes, grocery lists, and movie tickets all tucked inside.

Recipes can be handwritten or cut from magazines and Sunday supplements. Anything goes and everything goes in my recipe books. Notes from the 2011 Thanksgiving have been placed inside including several notes on the size of the turkey and where to "slit" the bag the turkey cooks in - trust me only on top (which is logically and don't ask why I decided to slit on the side by the leg) and this lesson was learned by the juices leaking out into the shallow pan splashing to the bottom of the oven causing some good turkey smoke?! Got Aaron's butt out of bed. Would I do that? I'm taking the Fifth.

I love cookbooks and can't control myself when it comes to creating them. Right now I have three that I use:

I will once again slip into the night and get some more items separated for the Goodwill. Later, peeps,

PS, can we believe that tomorrow is December 1st?

Good Morning StarBright

2011-11-27T10:04:00.001-05:00

5:30 am - Alarm goes off. Up and about we begin getting the family ready for their drive home to Indianapolis and St. Louis. Hmmm, you think maybe I could go back and take a nap. Nope, once awake and up, yup, I stay up and have a cup of coffee.

Just want to say one thing about the video with Aaron that was posted yesterday. When Aaron comes to his Auntie M's place he gets bear hugs. Yes, he has Asperger's Syndrome and he tolerates my bear hugs. In the video you will notice that I come up behind him and put my hand on this shoulder. He handled that so well because he was in the "moment" acting and it was not real. Aaron has just moved into an apartment on his own and travels throughout Missouri giving presentations on "Living with Asperger's Syndrome."

Finding Kansas will be released again in April 2012, and I love this quote by Dr. Keith Schaefer, Director, Missouri Department of Mental Health, "Aaron Likens may be the most courageous, intelligent and tenacious young man I have met in my long tenure in the mental health field. Being profoundly touched by Asperger's Syndrome, he is fiercely determined to better understand himself and the world around him."

Yes, I am very proud of my Aaron. OK, now back to .... Thanksgiving is still up and won't be "taken down" for at least a week. Yes, the same oh same oh - am I gonna pull out the Christmas decorations from under the stairs this year? I can honestly say I don't know... Maybe not this year since I really do want to get this place cleaned out of its clutter and the clutter given away to let others enjoy it. Remember the closet,

Doesn't look that way right now. Right before family showed up last Tuesday, I had to start hauling the leftover stuff into it but I also now plan to pull each item out and deal with it now. Time ran out and thanks to all of you sending me your comments on FaceBook and here on this Blog, I feel OK with it and not overwhelmed! Progress not Perfection as they say.

Right now it is 11:00am and we have had a shower, cleaned the kitchen, and am now on laundry load # 2. On a roll, on a roll and hopefully will keep rolling on today.....

While my brother was here, he did work for his food. Got me a new fantastic kitchen faucet, (looks like we can play beauty shop with that sprayer - oh yeah),

Got the laundry sliding door fixed along with a new light switch.....I am now starting to make a list for next year. Don't want to forget why I started this blog.... so onto some art work for you... been a while and these items were created years ago.... First of all is a Thanksgiving clock I made in order to submit to Somerset Holidays (and no it was not selected which has nothing to do with anything...),

And then a "place card" using a Martha Steward "gobble gobble gobble"... She (the stamp not Martha) is one of my favorite stamps which I used a lot in years past .....

And again for this Thanksgiving, the Christmas Cactus did not disappoint.....

Have a great day.... I am still hanging out in my "Fight Like A Girl" lounging pants while keeping the cleaning going for a few more hours and then it is into the recliner with mindless TV going on, my kind of day!

And one more thing about my new iPhone.... I have discovered iSpeak, man oh man, words I think I am typing are not the words I am typing. For example, left a post on FaceBook for my niece which was suppose to say, "What a joy it was to spend Thanksgiving with my precious niece. . ." It came out in iSpeak as, "What a joy it was to spend Thanksgiving with my previous niece. . ." to which she responded, "The rumors of my death have been greatly exaggerated - Mark Twain" As to why I am not turning the auto-correct off? - it is way to convenient .... even with words getting all mussed up.... Hey, I don't have to blame me for my senility - just the iPhone.... Have I told you how much i love my iPhone lately - yes it is a little senile....

The Chaos that was Thanksgiving

2011-11-26T12:02:00.001-05:00

Days spent with family are always exciting in more ways than one. Preparing the holiday turkey, setting the table, figuring out where everyone will sit at a table for four and trying fitting eight chairs around it. This Thanksgiving we added my niece, Kim, and her son (my great-nephew) Caden, to the mix. As you know, my nephew, Aaron has Autism - Aspergers - and his worse nightmare happens at Thanksgiving when he sees his aunt's (that would be me) and his father's (that would be my brother) Thanksgiving plates. Aaron has written a book called, Finding Kansas, which is interesting since I have a door mat that says, "you're not in Kansas anymore:":

His book featured on the right side of this blog has been picked up by Penguin Books and you can see information on it at this link: Finding Kansas. You can also pre-order the book at that link.

So, let's begin now with the back story - as they say in television. The day started out early (especially if you go to bed late, "early" is relevant) with me getting this 20 pound turkey in the oven:

And the turkey in the oven at last,

And before you know it, turkey carved, everything out of the oven, let the feast begin:

Brother, Jim

Nephew Aaron

Great Nephew, Caden, Jim, and Niece, Kim

Along with Phil, Larcy, and Oliver make it to the table,

OK, can't just do one of Oliver as we all know,

As you remember from the video, here is Aaron's plate in all of its organized glory,

WAIT - that could be Larcy's plate..... yes, can you see the two lime green plates interspersed with mother's china? And wouldn't you know, Larcy escaped without her photo being taken however she is in the video!...

That was our Thursday and another thanksgiving meal in the bag - yes, the turkey was in the bag this year and very juicy, if I say so myself..... Friday, Aaron and I sent Jim, Caden, and Kim downtown DC while we chilled out here in the suburbs and had our Thanksgiving tradition of going to the Game Stop..... yes, every Thanksgiving, Aaron and I head over there.

So with our Saturday comes another tradition - a movie - we will be headed off to see Hugo, in 3-D and our Saturday is still young...... Dearest Brother has done is annual chores around the condo: put in a new faucet in the kitchen, fixed my downstairs toilet, and just finished fixing a sliding door upstairs. Life is good. See you tomorrow,

Send in the Clowns, Please

2011-11-13T16:48:00.001-05:00

Today, yes, we did need to send in the clowns .... Been working all day on the craft room. Still throwing out trash, made a trip to the Goodwill, and more stuff placed in the "donate" piles. I feel good as I yawn.

I have had this wonderful box for a long time.....

Decided it would work in the laundry area - you can see it since the sliding door is waiting for my brother to show up for Thanksgiving. He will need to either help me get it back in the "ruts"and "grooves" or it will be tossed. Couldn't do it myself. It is a heavy piece of wood.....

So with this being opened, it forced me to clean the area and lots went to the Goodwill - clean clothes in a laundry basket - a second basket -- not the one you see with clean towels......

The bathroom looked like hoarders heaven - Larcy and Pup Oliver stopped by - we decided it was a hoarders haven since you were not using the room for its original purpose. . . yup, couldn't raise that lid with all the junk on it.

Larcy: Where did the stuff come from? Me: Remember last Thanksgiving with my surgeries and how we threw all the stuff into the closet without any sorting? Larcy: yes. Me: In order to begin organizing I had to drag all those "bags" out of the closet and put them somewhere and the bed was not available!

Bed looks much much better now.... yes, it does, I just don't wanna get up and go take a photo of it! I am lounging remember! LOL. Have a great evening! I am having salmon and steamed veggies for dinner. Getting ready to work on the cross stitch again. Just remember as we begin our new week,

Keep on smiling!

Getting ready for the Thanksgiving Visitors

2011-11-12T19:24:00.001-05:00

For those of you who have followed me for years, you know that I am visited each Thanksgiving by my brother and nephew (who is also my godson). This year we have the pleasure of my niece and her son joining the fray! Which means I will be cooking a turkey for Jim, Aaron, Kim, Caden, Larcy/Phil/Oliver. We will have a grand time. The only stress I always always have is getting the craft room ready so Aaron will have a bed. YES, every year we go down this road. But this year is a little different. I am taking time to purge, clean, and store the stuff instead of throwing in a closet at the last minute in order for a room that Aaron can walk into.

So, with Elizabeth (Altered Book Lover) in my head: "like things with like things" and Terri (Artful Affirmations) sending me photos of her studio as she cleans, I have been inspired to keep plugging away. Terri wrote me this week and told me she felt like she had almost 50% done BUT it didn't look like it. BAM - I knew what she meant and probably why I always get frustrated and start tossing things in the closet.

After viewing her photos, and yes, she did manage to get me to open the door last Saturday so she could take a look, I have been working all day on that room - all day - and tomorrow will be doing the same. Here is where my binding machines and coils are living at the moment...... All together in one spot! Yes, you do see the Bind-It-All, the Rubicoil, and the Clinch..... geez, and I need three because.... the one you don't see is the little 7 Gypsies Binderie.

I have craft stuff to donate and luckily have a place to drop it off at, I have stuff for the Goodwill, and I have carted out trash all day. Here is the craft stuff:

And Goodwill:

My mantra right now is -- let someone else enjoy it for awhile! OK, I admit it, I am a little tired tonight and am planning on doing some cross stitch after I finish this post.

And, last but not least - I never let you all see the last two ATC cards in the alphabet series. A and B. A = Amour and B = Bats

I know this is a little off kilter but that is me at the moment! LOL My mind is still upstairs toss and purging, OH my! AND of course, learning to use my new white beautiful 4s iPhone..... yes, I crossed over and kissed the BlackBerry Good Bye....

Friends are the Zest of Life

2011-11-06T19:11:00.000-05:00

Been quite a busy time for me the last two weeks. Working a lot of days in a row, playing some tennis, working out, and finally doing a little bit of creating thanks to a visit by a blog friend. Years ago growing up I had a pen pal. I was in high school and right now I can't tell you where my pal was from or what her name was. But I remember how fun it was to have a pen pal. And then along came -- blogs. A form of pen pals but I do believe you get so much closer since at times blog becomes a journal online. I certainly know over the years I have told you all more things than I could have ever imagined sharing when I began.

This weekend I was blessed with a visit from a dear friend who I met for the first time. We spent 12 hours together on Saturday beginning at the hotel in the Reston Town Center. Terri and I met about 3 years ago over at PaperWhimsy. She has a beautiful blog called Artful Affirmations. This one blog has taken off and I encourage you to follow her. We started our day out with shopping, eating lunch, and then heading to my place where we had a fun time creating together. We also discovered we like the same authors and the same shows. Hmmmmmmm, we had never discussed this before in any communications we had prior to her visit.

I had a handmade book made a couple of years ago that I needed to begin painting. I began with gessoing a number of pages and then spreading paint on a number of pages randomly. In our travels shopping we stopped at Anthropology where I found some fascinating gift wrap......

In my heart of heart I was hoping it would "run" when I played with it. It is sturdy, peeps, sturdy,

Started to do some stamping on it. This is a Leonardo DaVinci book and so I had all of my stamps set aside for working in this journal, glad I didn't have to go looking for them, (yes the craft room is still a random accident in the universe waiting to happen)......

So I can always remember that the first two pages in this journal were done while Terri and I had tea and coffee and a great visit in my dining room.

Larcy and Oliver Pup came over to visit.

After our creation time, we headed off to dinner and a play. Had tickets to see the Elden Street Players presenting A Midsummer Night's Dream. Excellent dinner and play made more fun when we caught up with other friends. We celebrated Mary's birthday,

And do tell, she and Terri are from the same home town in Michigan. Holy Cow! LOL So those two had a great visit about the old home grounds. The play was a hoot, you can tell from the set....

I took a photo of the floor with my phone and although dark you get the idea of the beautiful flowing colors,

The night ended when I dropped Terri back at her hotel. Yes, 12 hours went by so quick. What a great weekend! And now back to creating! Am I'm back, probably...... just need to get back into my routine........ Hugs, peeps.....

Which Came First the.....

2011-10-22T20:36:00.000-04:00

The Egg
or
The Egg Head

Good question? I think that is an appropriate name for this work of art I created at Michelle Ward's workshop at Valley Ridge Art Studio. I have to admit that Michelle had to "push" me to get to this "bravo" moment. I would almost say she "shamed" me into this. The last day she wanted us to do a painting. I have never "really" done a painting. I decided I would work on journal pages. She asked again if I really didn't want to do a painting. I said "no" - just the journal pages. Well here is the product and I have to admit this was one of the most fulfilling art creations I have ever done.....

I just kept building on what I had done and putting together techniques I had learned and utilized over the first two days. This three day workshop was well worth the time and the cost. I can't believe how much I grew. And of course, I was in my special spiritual place - Valley Ridge and the Murphey's Farm house enjoying moments and times with my best buds - some of whom I had just met and others that I have come to know and love - Judy, Michelle, Michelle's Mom, Katherine....... Jean and Mike. This was a little more special this year since the year before I was living with the knowledge that I would be undergoing a needle biopsy when I returned home. None of them knew that. This was my return to Camelot "all better."

This creation came together without me over thinking it. It was like throw on the paint and roll with it! LOL

This art could also be titled, "the end of the world as we know it." This painting just has more hidden meanings than I know - it was created from the subconscious mind - had to be.... Love the little egghead nerd. He is a cutie.

The sentence says:

"The day was a busy one" - my response, No kidding, Sherlock! Anyway, just wanted to share this with you. I've been busy once again with work, workouts, and tennis. I did make a huge slide to the dark side by deciding to abandon my BlackBerry and order a new iPhone 4s. Don't have it yet, BUT, managed to create my own case using pieces of this painting. Julie Prichard led me to this site: Case-Mate. I used the lower left hand part of the painting (from the top of post it is the second photo). When it arrives I will show you, for those of you who friend me on FaceBook - there is a photo of it downloaded from Case-Mate. Have a great day tomorrow and once again I make a promise that I won't be gone as long....... holy moly - cross my heart, really! Hugs

Really, really, and we can't forget what time of the year this is! Ahhhh, my October, I so love you.

We are Walking Hope

2011-10-10T17:54:00.000-04:00

Yes, we are walking hope and there are many of us out there.

"Our stories arise from our

hearts and our souls.

In this sense,

telling our stories

becomes a sacred

gesture,

opening a clear way to

that deep, ecstatic center

where we are most

uniquely ourselves,

individual and unique

yet joined together at the

heart."

Susan Wittig Albert

Wylde Women's Wisdom

Not the post I was going to write but then, today, I discovered a small journal from last year and decided that I just needed to honor October 8, 2010, the day the doctor called to say I had breast cancer. That day will always be with me as will my "cancer birthday" - the day it was all taken out: January 12, 2012. Another push to write this post was my email from Wylde Women's Wisdom - and yes, it was the quote above. I do listen to the universe when it sends me messages. LOL.....

Do you know that they are on the verge of developing a vaccine for breast cancer. Yes, a vaccination you can get to protect you against this disease. WoW -- within 5 years. Please, when asked, donate to breast cancer research. Just saying - there can be a world without this disease. WoooHooo. OK, the next post will be the post I meant to post today...... a little redundant but what the heck. A peek:

Think Pink - October Is .....

2011-10-08T19:41:00.000-04:00

"The simple act of telling

someone that you care,

why you care,

why they too might care,

can cause mountains to

move

We should never be

afraid to simply speak of

what we love,

from the place in us

which has loved.

It can make a difference."

Renee Askins

(Wylde Women's Wisdom)

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and, as many of you know I am compelled to ask everyone to honor this month and remember the importance of early detection. As you know, one year ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer, stage one, and went through 18 rounds of radiation. By the Grace of God and you, my friends, and my loving family, I came through this journey a stronger person.

Two weeks ago I had my first mammogram after the surgeries and radiation, and I am pleased to say, Me and the Girls passed with flying colors. Now I have to admit this..... OK, it is just my odd attitude about some stuff. My thoughts when walking into the Fairfax Radiology Clinic was, will my left boobie be so sensitive I am like gonna just grit my teeth and try to bear the "pain" - dramatic - you betcha, but that's me. Was I even thinking the test might come back with problems. Nope, just thinking about my crunched boobie and me..... I told someone that and they said, You gotta be kidding, that was all you were thinking about and not stressing about the outcome. NOPE. I think this is a lesson in life. . .

I owe all of you a lot and I hope I can repay you and the Universe. One way, is to help others who are beginning this journey. Which is what exactly a specific number of you did with me. And I have been able to do that. But I want to urge you to beware that this cancer now is very treatable and curable and is not a death sentence. You can dance your way through it with a song in your heart and early detection.

Is this Pollyanna - oh why the hell not? It beats the other side of the coin. Was I always my own Pollyanna - hell no. I had the dark thoughts, the dark days, and the "I just wanna kick something." That was normal. But with my trusty Harley who went to all 18 radiology sessions with me and is now a little worn with love, we got through this phase of our life-journey.

And in closing this blog post, I wish that all of you, hang in there. Trust your God and your Angels (I also add my Jesus to these other two) and your life-walk will be easier no matter what that journey will entail. Oh, shucks, just dance with style!

Some people go through life......

2011-10-02T13:34:00.000-04:00

Some people go through life trying to find out

what the world holds for them -

only to find out too late

that it's what they bring to the world

that really counts.

Lucy Maud Montgomery

That was one of my "Today's Wylde Women's Wisdom" last week. Always provides a thought-provoking moment when they are received in the email and I did need "thought-provoking" working at work and working at fighting my cold. I can safely say that as of today, I am feeling a little better. I did absolutely nothing yesterday, kinda, but

I did make a crock-pot full of stew and a wonderful navy bean soup along with some cross-stitching and

catching up on the 1st Season of Haven! Yes, I was pampering my "sickly" (looking for some sympathy here peeps) along with some chores, like laundry, and, OK, having a great day. Don't you love these kind of unplanned days?

Now to some creations..... At my retreat last week, I mentioned that we created a Journal with Michelle along with a painting. The Journal started out with us painting gesso on all of the pages. While pages were drying, we did paint the drum sticks which you saw in the previous post. Michelle, in her marvelous, way guided us through the concepts which would take us from Brave to Bravo.....

We then began our adventures in visual composition, shapes, stencils (innies and outies, later dudes), water marks, and just down right fun! 9 Circles to this page along with committing to a background and working with those colors. Using stencils - in and out - and I can honestly say the painting and creating of backgrounds was a marvelous adventure:

The transfers

Even an old newspaper bit from, of all places, Mexico,

This was a fun page to create...... and the next post . . . Composition......

oh my, there the little one goes walking on eggs! LOL

Never fear shadows......

2011-09-28T18:17:00.001-04:00

"Never fear shadows,

They simply mean

there's a light

shiningnear by"

Anonymous

Got back from my annual spiritual journey to the Life O Riley Farm and

Valley Ridge Art Studio where I spent a wonderful three days in a workshop with Michelle Ward.

Needless to say, a great time was had by all!

This workshop, which I will be posting about over the next few days, was titled, "Raise the Bar."

"It's a small step from Brave to Bravo" -- Michelle Ward

More art work tomorrow. Flying back from Wisconsin I managed to catch what I call the "airplane" cold - big time. OK, I did get a flu shot the week before and I knew it wouldn't kick in for about two - three weeks, but as I got in my car today, whining to do no one but myself, I realized it is all in your perspective of life. A common cold/flu on one hand - no big deal.

So as I feed the cold (?) with chicken soup and my fav V8, I will be taking photos of the art work I created at this workshop - I was blown away, stretched, shamed into a painting, laughing out loud, playing my painted drum sticks to the music of "Little Drummer Boy" - yes we had a great time. Harley was also along for the ride in his pink bandanna!

Rock on you little honeysuckle peeps....... it is a glorious day seen through sneezing and coughing. xoxo

Surprise, I'm back peeps.... for today anyway!

2011-09-12T19:26:00.000-04:00

Hello, peeps, how are you doing? I've missed you and was still involved with purging after my windows were put in. As I was cleaning, I ran across some cross stitching that was started but not completed. I found the wonderful sunflower purchased years ago and am planning on using it as part of the 6 x6 artist swap (mentioned in a previous post, I believe, LOL). I am thinking it will be the "cover" of the "book" I put together with all of the sunflowers created by incredible artists.

Found a cross stitch pattern and materials in for a book mark I found in London in 2005. Hmmm, 'tis now 2011, just completed. Yes, peeps, you can just call me "speedy" --- Love the lavender!

Still working on my Women of Salem. Clipping images and playing with background papers.

And last but not least, my Alphabet ATCs, only a few letters left (and did you think I forgot?).

C = Cherish

D = Diva

E = Eye Candy

The eyes always have it, don't they......

In closing, I want to tell you that I started to post yesterday on the 10th Anniversary of 9-11 and had I been able to cut and paste my post from last year, I would have. But an anniversary like yesterday takes a lot out of all of us as we reflect on the last ten years since the events from that horrendous day. If you would like to revisit that post, here is the link:

http://honeysucklebreeze.blogspot.com/2010/09/september-11th-rewind.html

And in closing my peepers..... sleep tight tonight and may angels wrap their wings around you. Hugs!

What I Doing on My Long Holiday Weekend

2011-09-03T17:44:00.001-04:00

Dateline: September 1, 2011
Topic: US Open Tennis
Where: Flushing Meadows, NY
How: Bus Ride

Yup, on Thursday, September 1, 2011 I did my annual one-day visit to the US Open on a bus ride. Hmmm, better bus than last year. But the butt was still sore coming home because one sits on bleachers and hard seats the whole day. Would I do it again? You betcha.

Up at 4:00am in order to head out of Reston at 5:45am. Arrived at the US Open around 12:15pm and I missed the singles match I really wanted to see: Francesa Schiavone in Arther Ashe Stadium. I got into my seat as she literally won the match and it was over.

But not all was lost. Got to see Serena Willliams,

Roger Federer for the second time,

and young US player,Melanie Oudin, playing doubles. She has not had a good year but fun to watch.

And then I noticed on the schedule that Francesa was playing doubles. Woot Woot. And so over to the court I headed and was not disappointed.

She and her partner did win the match.

Then at 6:30pm we headed home - yes, after a day of watching tennis and crowds, you are ready to head homeward bound. The traffic getting out of NYC never disappoints you.

Don't know how I managed this photo but it is one of my favorites. Made it to my condo at 12:30am and then hit the bed.

And today - just hanging out and yes, Dianne, I am still cleaning. Dianne was so funny in the previous post mentioning that it always seemed when she came to visit I was either cleaning or purging. Little does she know (OK, dirty little secret time) I do nothing all week when it comes to home caring. After work I am either working out with my trainer or trying to play tennis or just lazing around. The only time I manage to carve out for any cleaning or purging is on the weekend when you all drop by.

Am planning on playing singles tennis tomorrow morning with my bud BJ. Let's see how bad he beats me tomorrow. Two weekends ago it was h o rr i ble...... literally. Yes, you may be seeing me again tomorrow with some kind of creation. Stayed Tuned....

Earthquakes, Hurricane, New Windows, Hello Peeps

2011-08-29T20:02:00.000-04:00

And how was your week..... Mine went like this: Last Tuesday we had a 5.8 earthquake here in Northern Virginia. Hmmmm, never knew they were that noisy. Here on this coast (east) earthquakes don't happen and the first thing I thought of was there was an explosion somewhere. Or in the back regions of the mine - a terrorist attack? Nope, we don't have earthquakes. But we did. Rather interesting, I sometimes over think things and see things in amazement.

A freaking 5.8 earthquake - yes I did pick up the few pieces that were knocked off shelves in condo.

By Thursday our thoughts got over the earthquake and we were now focused on a hurricane called Irene. Well, Irene did do damage but here in my humble abode, wasn't that bad in Sterling, VA. I was not complaining.

However, the greatest event of the week was my new windows. Now, although I live in a condo, the cost of the windows are mine, not sure how the association got that one through while we were all sleeping, but they did. So since we got a new roof, new siding, why not go on and get the windows.

It was a production. Little did I know I would have men hanging out my windows. (I am on the third and fourth floor - what a show.) Had photos of the men hanging on my FaceBook post for those who friend me there.

Since all furniture had to be moved away from the windows, all curtains taken down, why not start washing and cleaning everything.

I swear I worked from dawn till dusk on Friday just cleaning and cleaning. Got most back to normal: bedroom,

dining room,

kitchen, a n d -- the living room almost. Yes, I am purging. How many tacky glue's can a girl have?

Made one trip to Goodwill and still working away on old magazines. I, can honestly tell you I am grateful for the show Hoarders. While purging I run the questions thru my mind; 1) trash; 2) give away; or 3) keep. I started giving some of my cross-stitch kits away - they have just been sitting. Let someone else have the joy of sewing them.

I am breathing in and out slowly. Listening again to Wayne Dyer's "The Shift" as I drive to and from work. It does my soul good to listen to him and his positive way of life and thinking. I have not created any art work and was, once again, thinking of walking away from the blog for a while. AND then before I put the Summer 2009 Artful Blogging magazine (a Stampington & Company publication) in the Goodwill basket, I read:

"When you blog, you are opening up your heart, your studio, your art, and/or your home. In many ways you bare a part of your soul. People begin to know you well and care about you and what you are writing about. An artful blog that is created by you with your words and photos and insights is a special gift that only you can give. It's always worth the work to give the gift of yourself."

So, after the year we have shared together with my breast cancer and the comfort, care, prayers, and love you all gave me, hey, I will hang in while I get this purging done and go through my dry spell. My muse is off on vacation but I know she will be back shortly. And, I still have a few more alpha ATC cards to share with you. The news for this week is that I will be going to the US Open Tennis Tourney in NYC on Thursday and will have some photos for you. If you would like to "friend" me on FaceBook, please feel free to do so. I have been posting there more recently than the blog - why, because I do it from my little "crackerberry" - LOL.

Meet the Covens

2011-08-21T17:11:00.000-04:00

Not really all that happy with this fourth ATC card in the Women of Salem. But will keep it right now. Originally it was going to be called "behind closed doors" but I wasn't happy with that and kept adding stuff to the card then came up with the title, "meet the covens" - hmmmmm I did write some more titles down so I can do a few more of these. Not done with it yet.

Well, to update you, I did get my "wood" floor in my office and spent all last week moving selected items back in. Still tossing at the office and at home.

This past week I learned that my condo neighbors had a scare with their pug who had to have surgery to remove a cancerous tumor. Poor Divot was still spunky as I delivered a care bag to her which included a toy, "chef Michael" puppy moist foot, and some doggy ice cream, Frosty Paws.

I received an adorable thank you card featuring Divot herself. Had a left over Frosty Paws box and you know the "rest of the story" - LOL

Gathered papers together and stamped and "dressed them all up" for a special pup.

Made the little grocery store notebook and gave to Divot's Mom.

The inside pages were aimed at Divot's mother who is an assistant principal at an elementary school.

The ribbons on this little book was kept to a minimum.

Need to still get some things done. My new windows are going to be put in the condo on Friday. You all have an awesome week!

In Her Own Time

2011-08-14T16:13:00.000-04:00

Just finished one more lady from "Salem," aka, Salem Women......

Yes, in her own day, she made the headlines,

Who knew, some traveled outside of Salem. Who knew?

Also promised that I would show the next Grocery Box Book, "Grow."

Love these boxes from Triscuts, they are now harder to find at the store.

Made this one as a gift and started decorating it randomly.

DID NOT realize that I put the "gal" on the Scarlet Letter - I swear I didn't until I went back through the book. LOL

Had to use "raggy" ribbons/ties on this book. Seems to all work together.

Found this quote the other day:

"Millions long for immortality

who don't know what to do

on a rainy afternoon."

Susan Ertz

Something to think about......

Yes, it is A to Z peeps, once again

2011-08-13T14:42:00.000-04:00

No, I have not run away from you and no I have not forgotten our next three letters, F, G, H.

I enjoyed all of these and in fact the "F" was one of the very early alpha ATC.

Enjoyed working on the G because I always love the Gypsy in my soul.

H = Help Wanted. Pink Poodle and all.

I have been busy the last two weeks. Last week made a quick run to the Queen's Ink a shop about 55 miles away. What a pleasant surprise to see how they have built up the shopping area.

Also had to clean out my office to get ready for a wood floor. This is the office I have been sitting in for 17 years.... 17 years. Yes, I did find some dust that old. Tossed files, and got it empty.

Can't wait to see it on Monday.... and yes, you too will see photos. Headed to dinner and a play tonight. I did get a "grocery box" notebook done and in the mail, will show it to you tomorrow, in the meantime here is a little peek at it,

We are getting some needed rain this afternoon, tonight, and tomorrow. At least I did get tennis in on Thursday, Friday, and this morning. Tomorrow is out, shucks! But I have Hoarders tv show going to get me motivated to grab another "bag" from the craft room to go through!

Java on your Mind?

2011-08-05T07:30:00.020-04:00

Good morning Honeysuckle Peeps. Early day, early rise, and it is a wonderfully cooler Friday. And yes, I still have to run off to work...... But in the meantime, God bless all of you in the middle part of the country with your over "100" readings. This morning we are sharing our coffee over my note from the Universe. All I can say is, how did the *bleeping* Universe know I was going to the Queen's Ink in Maryland, and a dangerous place for me, to spend a Xmas gift card??? Here it is as it arrived at 4:48am this morning:

The entire world will be a richer place, Marlynn, once you have my studio organized and have your art style.

We knew this when we helped you pick your dreams.

So let's get cracking,

The Universe

Man-oh-Man - you gotta be kidding! With this mess in mind, I need to watch Hoarders again. OK I will get the bed cleaned off this coming weekend, promise, and will show you the photos ..... Da*n you Universe, you know how to get me off my butt.

Well, anyway, I am working on this card above as part of a thank-you note.... See you this weekend. Oh, oh, the Universe is sending another one...... hmmmm, guess the "U" heard me whining?

When the external begins to define the internal,

instead of the internal defining the external,

one begins living as a mortal rather than as a god.

Trust me, as a "god" is better.

Zing,

The Universe

© www.tut.com

Lesley Riley Rocks.... 'nough said

2011-07-31T11:26:00.000-04:00

Last night while blog hopping, I ran across a post on one of my most favorite blogs, Magpie's Nest, with the title of "Why Artists Need to Get High." An absolute read for everyone of you..... And so this will not be a long post. I really want you to click and go over to Patty's blog to read this article. It opened my eyes to a number of things, yes, maybe I knew them in my soul, maybe not. And after reading, I ran over to Leslie Riley's site ASAP to sign up for stuff... doesn't matter what stuff (you know what I mean?)... The site is fantastic. So fasten your seat belt, get comfy, grab a drink of your choice, turn on your reading light and read over at ....

Patty's blog:

"Lesley Riley, The Artist Success Expert, is the creative founder of Artist Success, Solutions for the Struggling Artist. To receive her bi-weekly articles on creating your own success as an artist, visit www.ArtistSuccess.com." . . . . . .

Since Lesley is local in our area, I have taken a class with her using that magical material called Lutradur. What is Lutradur? It is a translucent, non woven fiber that looks and feels something like paper but won't tear or fray - and "burns" really well with a heat gun.

I loved working with Lesley and am very happy that I will be taking two classes with her at Art & Soul here in Virginia in March. My experience from this one class shows me that she is such a calming creative and inspirational soul and time spent with her is so darn worthwhile. This "booklet"was so fun to create that I bought the material and it is currently hidden away in the "lost" closet - yes the bogey man does live there - and I need to get brave and get it out and challenge my muse to create other works.

but, not today ....Today, I am working on the next ATC in the series of "Women of Salem." I have a tendency to get scattered and want to keep working on this series along as my Muse wants me to.... Kind of thinking of a Salem Woman as a Chem Lab Professor...... OH, and I have not forgotten that we have only a few more Alphabet ATCs to show you, here is a sneak peek for F, G, and H,

Saturday Night Pot Luck

2011-07-30T19:33:00.000-04:00

I did manage to get the second "Women of Salem" ATC created this afternoon. Surprising since I did get a late start today. Played cardio tennis this morning and it was very warm and muggy with a breeze. Took a lot out of me, I don't think my tummy liked the cereal and milk I had before I went out into the heat. Uggies but did play for 1 1/2 hours. Then went and had lunch, stopped at Burlington (chaos reigned as usual, they need a good manager for that store, I think I go just to watch it especially when trying to check out, always a challenge) and then came home......

Miss Susie Salem came together after the debacle of her creation the other day. I had fun with her today and used an entirely different background than the original one. And no - I did not use any of the "thrashed" pieces.

I sewed her a little apron, after all she has been cooking all day .... hmmm, not quite sure what she is cooking, but the recipe looks interesting.

Hopefully it is not blue bird stew. I have to give a "shout out" to Elizabeth over at the Altered Book Lover Page... she gave me those TV stamps which bring back such wonderful memories from my younger days - those and green stamps, oh my..... As you can see, I sewed them in to give a little variety to the ATC.

Watching tennis, and will go out tomorrow morning playing singles with my tennis bud B.J. He has been away most of July so I haven't gotten my singles in on Sunday morning. Hey, it takes me a while to lose to him, I don't give him the game! Stay cool, wherever you are my honeysuckle peeps! (Now if you have read this far down, you deserve to know that the page out of the recipe book had to do with "fish" - not people.)

Just Another Friday Coffee Break

2011-07-29T07:30:00.002-04:00

Today for your drinking pleasure, my note from the Universe this early morning:

"Baby souls follow.

Young souls lead.

But old souls, Marlynn, are happy to dance alone.

Not that I'm spying on you,

The Universe"

So my advice to you, my peeps, is to dance. Just dance! Life is fantastic and we need to dance with glee. Hugs and as we all say, TGIF!

(PS. obviously, Salem Woman # 2 didn't work and I tore up the ATC last night. But don't worry already got her re-cut and ready to rock and roll is "Pot Luck" -- yes, I had to drag her out of the trash for this photo and I admit I am a proud trash-stalker!)

sewing 101

2011-07-24T18:21:00.000-04:00

Today has been a lazy Sunday - which is so nice. Yes, I did get errands run, watched tennis, and am cooking dinner right now. Decided to work on an ATC. As I explained before in a post, if I have a title, the creation process goes quickly. Today for you review is "sewing 101." Right now her "Stickles" are drying because I wanted to add a little bit of color. I have some Salem images from DigitalCollege I want to use up and will make a few more of these and probably call them my "Salem Era."

Also started working on a "grocery box" notebook I made last year and am thinking about giving it away. Will make up my mind later.... I really do love the Heineken Beer Boxes for note books....

They have such vibrant green color and along with an image from an old calendar - I think it works. Throughout the notebook I have added a few digital images - the ones below are from Itkupilli .

All I can say, is sleep well my Divas! Enjoy your week and let's all hope it cools down, it has started here that way today a few degrees at a time.... yes. . . degree by degree!

Madam Butterfly flies.....

2011-07-23T17:01:00.000-04:00

Finally, yes, peeps, finally, got the Asian Coaster done and ready to mail to my bud, Nathalie.

The coaster finally came together when I thought of the title first. I was really stifled on this one.

Then the title,

Madam Butterfly. A special envelope is always needed for one's creation....

May she always be remembered in music,

And, the rest of the story - I gave up a trip to the movies (Harry Potter) to stay home to create her. And, it was worth it! Stay cool -- still hot here...

Is it Sunday all ready?

2011-07-17T17:12:00.000-04:00

The weekend has come and gone very quickly and here it is Sunday, and no, I have not worked on my red Asian coaster. But I have managed to do a lot of work from the office, which is good. This is work that needs to be done to play catch up and it makes you feel really good, especially doing it with mindless TV going and you are reclining in your recliner! Not bad. So in order to give us all a little creative kick-start, got three more Alphabet ATC cards for you: J, K, and I:

J = Java

K = Killer Klowns (yes, one of my favorites - loved the movie too - Killer Klowns from Outer Space)

I = Island (or what I should do with the turkey netting from Thanksgiving, LOL)

And before we leave, I have to share with you my Tammy message from today with a little odd photo, just think BAG Lady! I will be the best dressed bag lady you have ever seen wearing my jewelry.... yes sir ree,

"When you are in a creative or appreciative zone,

you literally have no access to your inner lizard,

that fear-based, non-creative, shrieking little beasty

who is so afraid you're going to be a bag lady.

Martha Beck

Wylde Women's Wisdom and inspiration collected by Tammy Vitale"

Coffee Break

2011-07-15T07:30:00.004-04:00

Having a morning coffee break, hope you are too. On this absolutely fantastic gorgeous day here in Northern Virginia, I am relishing a note from Tammy:

"Marlynn

If you were to close your eyes and think

of the warmest, safest place you have ever experienced, visited or imagined,

where would it be?

This is your wylde place. Pay attention to what you are wearing,

the smells and sounds around you,

what you feel against your skin.

Make this place so real that it only takes an in-breath to get there

and an out breath to be secure there.

Tammy Vitale"

Wylde Women's Wisdom inspirational quotes collected by Tammy Vitale

Have a cool day wherever you are! See you this weekend. Working on an Asian Coaster this week and ready to assembly tomorrow....

Lessons Learned. . . . huh?

2011-07-10T17:07:00.000-04:00

Yes, my honeysuckle peeps, three more ATC Alphabet cards for your enjoyment on the Sunday afternoon. We are now at L, M, and N....... I call them Lessons, Marie, and Nunnery. Each were fun in their own way,

L = Lessons Learned?

M = Marie's Folly

N = Nunnery

All of you know the devil is in the details and many times when I create I just start looking and looking knowing somewhere is that special little detail that will set the ATC off..... For example, I can't tell you where I found the "believe" but felt it was perfect for this ATC.

And now a look-see at my one of the pieces of art I bought in June at Theresa Martin's art show. Love it or how do you spell M-A-G-I-C-A-L. Yes, it is hanging on my wall. I always love the shadows my lamp throws on the wall at night!

You all have a fab evening. Will try to get back to you the middle of the week. Been a busy weekend. Manage to play cardio tennis yesterday, had lunch with Theresa to pick up my art work (you will see the second one soon) and today being doing the usual errands and chores. Not sure I shared this with you, but well worth a second time for those new to the blog,

"A note from the Universe:

Its not the day you have to handle, but the moment.

Its not the dragon you have to slay, but the fear.

And its not the path you have to know, but the destination,

What a relief, huh?"

From Harley, Rat, and me, hugs and kisses and warm and fuzzies. Always remember - the moment, the fear, and the destination when you are feeling low..... Relief is not far off. Trust me. ; ]

Some days you're the bait and some days you're. . .

2011-07-08T09:02:00.000-04:00

Just a very quick visit, over coffee. I so love my Wylde Women's Wisdom thoughts I receive each day that I had to share this one with you along with photos of my dear dear "Dilbert" following our staff meeting yesterday and then today. YES, there is a lesson to be learned from the dummy. He got in the mood to celebrate, celebrate.... and that was yesterday....... A thought from Tammy,

"Marlynn

When you are tired, rest.

When you are disillusioned, have a look at your expectations

(and where they came from).

When you are confused, spend some time with a friend

who loves you enough to listen but not to try to fix.

Notice I don't say "If you are tired"

I say "when."

When You acknowledge things, you are prepared for them.

Acknowledge cycles in your life,

because they're going to happen.

Tammy Vitale"

And just like in life, and just like Tammy said, we need to acknowledge cycles in our lives. Some days you are up and some days you can be just like Dilbert...... the day after.....Have a great day, peeps, remember it is Friday. Celebrate your joys thru the cycles of you life. Enjoy your java. Yum Yum

The Nightmare Creation

2011-07-04T18:28:00.000-04:00

It has been going on two months since I created anything.... Two months.

And today it happened, boys and girls,

It happened. The Nightmare was born and really isn't done yet. Those of you who know the way I create realize this is just the beginning. I will be adding to this creation but wanted you to see the beginning product.

Not sure where this creation will lead but I can say a little purge goes a long way to help one's creativity, and YES, I did clean up the space when I decided to call it a day. Hope you are enjoying the fireworks tonight. I will try to be back later on in the week. It has been fun being back with you, my buds!

Good Day breezing through the Honeysuckles

2011-07-03T17:24:00.000-04:00

Happy July 3rd and the Breeze hopes you are having a wonderful Sunday. So far I have. The day started with a cup of java and a good book,

with the boys in the corner of the patio happy after a few good thunderstorms last night,

if you look close they still have some morning rain drops dripping. Yesterday was a stellar day with a find I could not pass up. I have lusted after this cookware for a year,

But the cost has been a little high until I found it at Bed, Bath, and Beyond...... Move over Second Hand Rose, I have walked into the store. Oh Boy! -- The price on the display model was wrong, do tell, and when they rang it up I called them on the price. Well I got money off the original price plus 20% discount coupon off the original cost and wow was it marked down. LOL. Well at least they pulled the other pots to "reprice" after I walked out of the store.

Last night had minestrone soup and garlic bread in my new pot..... Yes, I do have a pot to ______ to do whatever you would want to do in a pot. Tonight will be Bar-B-Q chicken, corn, and scalloped potatoes. Hello, 4th of July. I did get a little more cleaning done and four bags to the Goodwill.

A few photos of one more section in the "room." Yes, I watched three hours of Hoarders last night and it really did get me going this morning.

OK, enough of organizing. I wanna show you three more alpha ATCs. And you thought I forgot! Here we go where we left off, Q is for Queen and off with their heads,

P is for Paper Chase - this is one of my favorites in the 26 cards. I used an old newspaper, compliments of Elizabeth over at Altered Book Lover, all about someone who fell on some scissors.... yes, fatal. Remember that boys and girls. Always know where your scissors are!

O is for the Oracle of Delphi. Love that ancient story and enjoyed making this card.

Ok, until tomorrow. I might take a day off and create one thing tomorrow I do keep saying that and then I tackle another load of stuff. I am going to let you know, that I am donating craft supplies to a senior citizens home. Makes me feel good to turn loose of stuff that I have "outgrown" and now another will enjoy. Hugs to all and I need to put the chicken in the oven.

When in doubt, call 1-800-Hoarders, not me.

2011-07-01T16:51:00.000-04:00

I am sure we have watched this Hoarders show at some point and can I bet we have thought - "OH no, not me." That stuff is "art" stuff that I create with and OK I may have three exact items exactly the same because I loved it three times over and forgot I bought it? Well, maybe not all of us because I know a few of you out there are extremely organized. I read my Julie Girl talking about that at times in her FaceBook posts.

Well I am going to assume by the title of this post, you now have figured out what I have done all day long. First of all, I want you to remember that I have done my "office" work in some way or another for 23 straight days.

The meeting is over! It was successful due to many staffers working hard and long hours on site, and yes, Harley and Rat assisted, also,

So I took a day off only to begin cleaning the craft room/studio/guest bedroom. Oh my, oh my, I have been lost in Wonderland, if you can call it that. But several small areas are done which is a start. I sometimes will self-sabotage myself by thinking if I can't do it all, then I can't start on it because I will never ever get it done and then I sit on my fat butt. So there, I admitted it. *sniff* *sniff* but I am now back with you in the fold, my blogger buddies, yes I AM. You know, I should have taken "before" photos but you would have called Hoarders for me, yes you would..... The beginning,

Elizabeth, Altered Book Lover, inspired me several years ago and is still an inspiration on space organization. I take a lot of photos, yes she suggested this, since I can then remember where I moved something to because by habit I will go to the old place and stare in disbelief because said item is not there.

I moved this white shelf from the window to sit on top of my "work bench" - I bought this monster "work desk" from Lowes one Christmas and it took forever to put together - but has been worth the angst.

Moved these items from another area where I moved my Clip It Up whirly twirly (it takes a lot of space but really is worth it),

It is amazing as you start one area and move stuff - it slowly comes together. All my little Martha's all in a row....

And in the upper right hand corner, my Claudine-paper-scrap-wreath which is one of my inspirations,

Sewing Diva,

and Martha Diva,

and me Diva,

and as the day comes to a close, and another Hoarder selects not to bring home another item until there is a place, I will remain lost in the craft room crawling around trying to find the trashcan which is now buried under so much garbage which I have decided to part with. Promise to see you tomorrow my little peeps. I need to take some trash out! Hugs and remember I AM BACK!

How to Play in Traffic 101

2011-06-19T17:35:00.000-04:00

My dear Honeysuckle Breeze Peeps: You've been fantastic the last two months. I know I haven't posted much and am in the countdown until July 1 when a number of meetings will be off my plate and I can come out and play more with you! Favorite quote for today......

"Carry a jar of bubbles in your car.

Add a little fantasy

for the next traffic jam."

Jennifer Louden

Worked yesterday and today. Did get to do cardio tennis yesterday morning. I chose to work since it caught me up and my Monday will not be as bad as it might have been! LOL I head to the two meetings on Wednesday and will return next Tuesday. I am pretty certain that Harley may be able to keep you up with my activities since I will be busy and the little red dog will be roaming the halls of the hotel. Hopefully staying out of trouble, but we do know him don't we.

Today, we will treat you to three more letters: R, S, and T. These three were really fun way back when!
(do you realize I haven't created anything since way back when?)

R = A Royal Pain - (oh yes they were, see the look in their eyes)

and then there was S = Behind Closed Doors - Sorcery 101:

and last is T = and Baby Makes Three. This is a favorite since I used up the last of some fun lace I had:

And now it is time to go thru a few papers I did bring home from work - Now Now - it is called "purging" the old files! Y E S and then I will run out and buy a jar of bubbles and play in traffic under the full moon. Is there a full moon? Smooches and Hugs and I promise not to stay away so long. And a little tease for you, when July 1 shows up, we will have a few give aways!

Urban Urchins and Vestal Virgins

2011-06-05T17:25:00.000-04:00

I always wonder how the weeks run away so quickly. My week was busy at the office and I did not get in as much tennis or cleaning as I wanted. But overall a fantastic week. Worked late one day after work but well worth the time in order to catch up. These three day weekends do play havoc with your plans.

First off, we will visit the U and V in the Alphabet ATC collection. These were fun when created, I created the Vestal Virgin card early on and used a Hunt Tomato Paste food can wrapper as the background. Once I found the clip art the title jumped into my head.

With the U - this one was a more difficult one in being "birthed" - I chose the background first and have loved the charlie chaplin and clown kids clip art for a long time.

The boston terrier reminds me of my Poncho who grew up with me. The metal circle around the pup - not sure what it is but I had it in my collection of stuff.

On the holiday last week I did get dresser drawers cleaned and straighted.... felt good. Today I was able to meet a fellow artist in my area. We first met on PaperWhimsy, then FaceBook when we friended each other. Later we realized we were not that far apart...... Me in Sterling, She in Arlington. We have had fun in the FaceBook community for the last 9 months.

Today she had an art opening. theresa mARTin is an inspiring artist. She showed at the Glenview Mansion Art Gallery in Rockville, Maryland. For a peek, click on this link. I ended up buying two of her works. The first was what I call "she had me at the rhinestones." What more can I say. I am a rhinestone kinda gal.......I also bought a smaller assemblage work call "3".....

The inspiration was so exciting. I really can't wait until July when I will start creating again. Drove home from Maryland and guess what, the traffic here in this area can be a pain in the butt. A breezy easy Sunday traffic jam, you can only image the chaotic chaos it is during the week,

In the meantime I am cleaning, and cleaning, and cleaning....Two big meetings coming up, one on June 13 and one the last week in June. In the meantime, I will be cleaning, working, playing tennis, and working out with my trainer. Sorry I am so boring right now - but that's the way it is in my world. I am still loving my new book,

So, for me, back to reading my book. Hugs to you and I am going to go blog hopping which I haven't done in like forever. I think of you all often, I really do.

Woodlands in Xanadu...oh my

2011-05-29T19:57:00.000-04:00

Good Sunday evening my Honeysuckle Peeps. Yes, I've been gone two weeks working on my purging talent. Tonight I want to show you X and W. You will note that W does not have too much layering on it. It was one of the first of the Alphabet ATC cards in the series and was made out of the cover of a Bas Bleu catalogue. I just couldn't help myself when I saw it and thought of the woodlands and all the mysterious things that on go on....

X however was a pretty difficult letter and all I had in my mind was Xanadu - I have no idea where "ancestral voices" came from, however, I believe it may be from the poem. I had several Asian images and decided to go that route.

What have I been doing for two weeks? OMG - yes - OMG - I have been cleaning out my closet. I had clothes from 1997 and 2000 through 2011. Now, I know I am not planning on getting back down to the size I was in my way younger days - and someone else should find some use in them. They were all in good shape. In fact I still have the 1998 dress I bought to wear to my mother's funeral and still wear it to this day. What can I say.... but purge purge purge.

Finally finished it in two weekends and took a good 5 bags to Goodwill.

In the meantime, construction still goes on here at the condos. Larcy and Oliver, pup. came over today to help me take down screens that were damaged and the construction company plans on "rescreening" - See these 9 upper windows - we took down 8 screens! The top four are my two bedrooms and the lower five are kitchen and dining room..... and of course the patio railing....

Me, I plan on playing tennis tomorrow, and, of course, been watching the French Open.....

And then clean and purge in the Chest of Drawers - 5 drawers.....and counting.....

In the meantime, I have just been hanging out, feeling good, and right now sipping my coffee. Have a good evening! Hugs and all that kind of stuff to you.

Within and Without as the Breeze Blows

2011-05-15T19:39:00.000-04:00

Yeti Lives within and without hiding in plain sight.

I remember when I started trying to figure out what I would do with the letter "Y" it was like a revelation and then Y was (huh?)..... Y not the Yeti. As I think back to last year I recall what a joy these 26 cards were to make.

It was finally a project I had decided to do (in my head) and stuck to it! So many times I have an idea in my mind but I never take that next step to start the creation and the idea floats away, sometimes, never to be recalled again.

These long ago forgotten creations are lost unless I make the move to write them down, and unhappily I don't most of the time. Maybe that should be a resolution for me. Lord knows I make plenty of grocery box notebooks to have one to write it down in.

As the Yeti developed I was able to use a "tag" with a drawing of a garden "goyle" which I love and yes I bought the George Carruth creation. He is so wonderful and his creations, George not Yeti, are inspiration!

After layering my guy, I found the perfect eye wear - the rusty paper clip found in my trash area. The outside elements are wonderful on the metal clips.

When you venture into the forest deep, while fairies and gnomes flit about among the dew drops and dead leaves, remember, he has his eye on you.

And we have a whole 24 more to go.....OK, I can handle this "no creating" cleaning out period and so can you. Have a great evening. I am now getting ready - into my jammies - yes, early, but we have three hours of the Survivor Finale tonight.

This has been a red-letter day for my TV viewing. Two of my favorite tennis gals battled it out in the Rome finals and Maria Sharapova won the game. I really admire how she has battled back from her shoulder surgery and it is finally coming together for her. Her opponent was another great tennis player, Sam Stosur who battled back after dealing with a devastating case of lime disease. She is a good player but Maria overpowered her at the Rome Masters. Yesterday in the semi-finals I noticed Sam's sunglasses, she is one of the very few players who wears them, however coming from Australia you can understand why she is in the habit, so to speak.

OK, I had to buy them.... a portion of the proceeds are going to the Young Survivor Coalition which is a non-profit organization focused on concerns and issues unique to young women fighting breast cancer. And on that note, my peep breezers, I am running upstairs to get in the jammies. Go Rob Go Rob - win Survivor.

Days can Run Away from Us

2011-05-14T20:39:00.000-04:00

Have you lately been wondering where all the days have gone? All of a sudden it is May 14 and you look back over your week and go "wow, when I turned around it was only Monday." Well, my week ran away from me. It seems the busier, with life, I am the quicker it scampers. The children at the condos had a chance for a beautiful day to chalk the sidewalks - it was a pleasant surprise early Monday morning. In a nutshell my week was:

5 full days of working at the job, Monday through Friday
1 business lunch with co-workers, Monday

2 tennis events, Monday and Thursday (sorry Barbara, I didn't tell you I was gonna use your photo)

1 cardio 45 minute stationary bike ride, Wednesday

2 workouts with trainers, Tuesday and Thursday

1 Virtual Board Meeting - preparing materials and taking minutes, Friday
And mindless TV (hello, Ghost Adventures, Survivor, Tennis Channel, Big Bang Theory)....

so far so good .... and then........ the siding to the condo was coming down and eventually going up.... some things falling off the walls while they hammered and took old siding down and the Tyvec wrapping around

My once attractive patio, thank you very much, ended up in my dining and living room (remember I am trying to clean stuff out).... yes, photos say it better than anything.....

And finally, found out that a close co-worker was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer last week. Good thing, they found it early in a mammogram, the lump is smaller than mine was, and it looks like her treatment will be exactly like mine. She contacted the same physician practice I used. I know she will be fine and I am trying to share with her all of my experiences and how absolutely (as shocking as this may sound but some of you were with me the whole time) easy it was to walk the path with friends, God, and family.

OK, I digressed but must have needed to share that with you. I don't like to do a blog post without showing you some of my art work, or a project I am working on, or something I have done in the past. So, while I am still trying to clean out the unnecessary in my life and condo, I am not creating art work. Last year I accomplished a feat I am proud of --26 ATC cards based on the alphabet. Those who have been long time followers of this blog, remember that venture from A to Z.

I will leave you tonight with my Z as my eyes are getting sleepy.... yawn....(and yes reruns of Ghost Adventures are on....)

das Zigeunerherz

Will be back soon, my honeysuckle peeps, thanks for hanging in there with me while I do my spring cleaning!

To the Women Who Went Before

2011-05-08T18:51:00.000-04:00

Today is Mother's Day and I am missing my momma. She passed over October 1, 1998 while here brother and sister were visiting from California -- only my brother (Missouri) and me (Northern Virginia) had to fly in for the funeral. She was an incredible woman who was in nurses training when my dad returned from WWII in 1946 and they ran off and eloped. They had only known each other through letters - which I still have. My mom had moved next door to my dad's mom (momo) who encouraged her to write her son in the war. Little did momo know that when he returned those two would run off together.

Such are stuff romance novels are written about. I came along a year later and 13 months later my brother came along. Back to nurses training, back then young ladies could NOT be married and go to nurses schools. She had to drop out but she went back when she turned 40 and graduated from college as a Registered Nurse. That takes guts and she had it. I admired her back then for going back to school. She was a special lady and there will not be another one like her in my universe.

This is a love letter to those special women who went before me. All three make up the me I call me.

My German Grandmother, Grandma:

Strictly conservative and Lutheran as they come.

My Southern Grandmother, Momo,

As Southern as southern can be and Southern Baptist on top of all that... Living next door to each other most of my life!

Happy Mother's Day to all three of you - I know you are looking down from Heaven smiling at the me I have become and I just want you to know I love you all so much and think of you often. Hugs to all my Honeysuckle Peeps as you celebrate this special day today.

Letting Go of the Unnecessary

2011-05-07T20:47:00.000-04:00

Yes, I know I disappeared after the Royal Wedding. After such a feast of Britannia, I had to come back to reality and then it was May 1. May is my month to let go of the unnecessary! I did not join in on a swap with my PaperWhismy friends because I need to focus on the unnecessary in my life - all month. You can call it spring cleaning but we are putting our nose to the grind stone and doing it.

I don't think there will be much "creating" in my art world this month. However, there are different degrees of creating in one's life when faced with throwing out the stuff. As many of you know, cleaning can be a spiritual experience of letting go. And my trip on this road started last Sunday. Ran into some close friends while grocery shopping and he remembered I asked if he would take out my glass shower "door" which I stubbed my toe on the runner two weeks before, and boy oh me oh my, it hurt. I wanted to be done with that shower door for a long time. It was cool when I moved into the condo in 1994 but it was not easy to keep clean. Trust me shower curtains are easier. Got it out and to the trash. Found me some new shower stuff - Ah - take me back to Paris....

But first you have to take everything out of the bathroom - OK, I left the new shower curtain in.....

The shower curtain is from Burlington and some of the accessories from Michaels. I started out with a clean bathroom - all the sunflower stuff was removed and mirror, floor, and bath scrubbed down.

Curtain hung and then went searching for my own stuff to also use in the my bathroom.

I have had this vase painted by Mrs. Sam Hewell in 1929 since the early 70s. Love it and bring it out every once in a while. It was loved by her and by me....

I also hung one of the items I created several years ago -- it was published in Somerset. Loved designing her and now she can reside in the royal bath for a while.

A little floral arrangement on the door...... So right now I am tuckered out. Started the day out with cardio tennis way too early in this morning. Got Ghost Adventures playing in the background.... tennis match scheduled tomorrow with a tennis bud, BJ. And another room on the list to begin letting go of the unnecessary. I hope your Saturday was everything you wanted it to be. See ya tomorrow!

Excuse me while I go visit my Paris! LOL

Hello Buckingham, I'm Here

2011-04-29T16:36:00.000-04:00

Once upon a time I was a redhead without a hat

But one who knew how to have fun at a party - royal or otherwise

It was a glorious wedding day for William and Catherine, and to top it off, two kisses on the balcony.

You have to admit they know how to throw a party. I think it is needless to say the crown is not dead in England. Did you see all the people -- young, old, and in between helping the Queen throw a shindig right there at the Palace and you know in the streets tonight.

I loved my visit to London in 2005. I have always felt in another time that is where I lived, London not Paris.

Walk with me down memory lane,

The Peter Pan Statue,

Buckingham Palace

The statues

the fountains

The palace intrigues

Parliament

The Tower

and all the little princes and knights

There is a lot of sorrow and sadness in the world. Let us be grateful that we had a chance to be swept away to another place on a grand holiday. May the Lord bless the lovely couple and may they walk in His way and celebrate their love together as husband and wife. It will be fun to watch their story unfold. And yes, I still get chills when I hear "God Save the Queen" sung, especially in Westminister Abby, 20 Dean's Yard, London. You notice she doesn't sing it to herself.... I think it is now time for High Tea!

The Royal Wedding - Ready, Set, Go!

2011-04-28T13:29:00.000-04:00

Got my crown,

Got my tea,

Got my tea pot,

Got my tea cup,

Got my scones,

Got the Royal Couple,

so do you think I'm ready and that 4am tomorrow morning will be arriving EARLY...

You betcha. Wouldn't miss this for the world. I love all things royal,

but why wouldn't I?

I mean, after all . . .

By the way, did I tell you what I would be doing tomorrow? Think queenly *wave* here....

It is a Glorious Easter in the Honeysuckles

2011-04-24T16:11:00.000-04:00

Here in the Honeysuckles it seems to be winter or summer. It is currently 84 degrees with a threat of thunderstorms later on. BUT, I am not complaining. It is just beautiful outside.

Here is a question for you: Why does one dining room table seem to be the repository for one's life? Have you noticed it. You turn around and it is packed with mail and anything else that can fall on it and no place for a dinner plate.....

One month ago I cleaned it off and crossed my heart not to let it get to that point again. Well, guess what, I lied to myself, yes I did! And so this glorious Easter Sunday I have been cleaning, and kind of enjoying it. OH help me NOW...

But when the sun is shining I wanted to see my crystal sun catcher catch the rays.....

Life is good in my little nest. Yesterday, Janet asked about the chili box notepad, and here it is. I made this out of my Hard Times Chili box and just added paper and used my bind it all to hold it all together.

For the front I added some crocheted lace and some random sewing on the back cover which was the back of the box.

Various tags were added

including a French Bread Loaf bag

what I love about these - is anything goes,

One of my favorite boxes was the Mrs Smith Peach Cobbler = add a little sewing, paint, and ribbons and you are ready to roll.....

I have also used the Leggs packaging,

Yes, the Kleenex box went from this,

to this:

And I love the Wheaties Fuel boxes to use for notebooks for the guys! This one was for my trainer who is still using it to write up his different workout programs...... he uses a pencil and when he gets to the end of the book he starts over in the front. I offered to make another one for him and he couldn't figure out why since he could still use this one using the eraser! LOL

The next time you throw a box out, just remember it does have another use in another lifetime..... Wishing you a happy day!

OH my, Peeps, I'm back.....

2011-04-23T19:43:00.000-04:00

Yes, here it is the evening, and yes, I finished my book I started out working on this morning!

Martha Living in all her glory is a done thing. I like the Cinch. Yes, different from the Rubicoil, the Bind It All, and the Binderie. Holy Moly Crimerie, I have FOUR binding machines. Oh my, this may turn into a reality show. . "obsession."

On the cover I used the cover of the December issue of Living and some scrapbook paper.

Got papers punched. Take a clue from the clueless here - always practice your punching before you punch for real!

With the Cinch you can use the Bind-It-All wires or the Cinch wires, but excuse me I have all of these rubicoils. Doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure this one out. I think. I thought it would be easy. I did find I needed to line up all the holes and then "hold" them together to before coiling. Nope, not as easy as if I had used the Rubicoil machine.

The rolling at that point got really easy peasy!

What I discovered was the Rubicoil machine punches the holes much closer so I ended up "stretching the coils" and it worked. Here is a Rubicoil punched little book and you can see the difference between the photo above and the one below:

Next book I work on, maybe tomorrow, I will use the Cinch wires to see how I like that look. After the coils were in I started putting in all the pages I ripped out of the Living magazine I eventually tossed (yes, Korie, I might not be organizing but, darn it, I am tossing),

And more pages,

Well, I dressed Martha up a bit with a "domestic bliss" fabric tag:

These textile tags are from Melody Ross in her Homespun collection. So until tomorrow just remember:

And a note to Janet: I will show you the chili box little notebook tomorrow morning. I found the photos of it. Yes, I gave it away as a gift! All of you have a great evening and get ready for the Easter Bunny to arrive at your door step. Hugs to all,

Good Morning Dear Peeps

2011-04-23T07:46:00.000-04:00

OK, it is 6 am

yup I think that is me

No cardio tennis this Saturday - second week we have been rained out, but I am awake and might as well get started on my day.

Plan on making some "grocery box" notebooks. Haven't done that for a while.

Got a new binder - I will, at some point, show you photos of how many of these machines I have. Geez, they all do something different and that is how they hook you.

Got the boxes together

Got the papers together

You will just have to hold your breath until this afternoon to see the creation.

Yea, I can do this "morning" -- rain and all-- and coffee-- and

OMGosh the Easter Bunny took a bun?

But look, left some eggs. OK - one more cup of coffee. *yawn*

A Quick Lunch Time Break

2011-04-18T13:17:00.000-04:00

Just a quick noon time post since I won't have a chance tonight. Oliver's mummy is coming home and he and I will be going to pick her up.

The little rascal did good but he will be ready to see his mommy and daddy. Thought you would be interested in a quick Lizzie Borden video my friend Cindy LaFerle sent regarding the Lizzie Mystery. You can find it on MSNBC and it is a cool clip. They went to the Bed & Breakfast - remember I told you I did stay there. If you have trouble with the link on "MSNBC" - here is the "real" link and you can do a cut and paste:

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/42612544/ns/today-books/?gt1=43001

Yes, that would be me in the living room where Mr. Borden was killed - this was in October 2007. Would go back to that place in a second. The couch he died on was right across the room from the rocker.

On a separate topic, I think you would just love a piece of Cindy's art work that she featured on her blog last week. The theme...... is a quote from Rumi: "The eye is meant to see things. The soul is here for its own joy." Rumi. Cindy did a wonderful piece on that quote. Click here for the link.

And I can't leave you without showing something I created even if it were years ago. This is from one of my journals when I was playing with "colors" and using magazine ads and clip art:

One more using the same color pallet:

Have a great rest of the day and I will be back with you soon.

Lizzie - The Final Chapter

2011-04-15T20:30:00.000-04:00

This is the little guy has been taking up my time since yesterday and will be for the next few days. Yes, Oliver pup has come to visit until Monday. Tonight he has wanted a lot more attention than normal probably because he misses his mummy and daddy and also we have odd stuff going on around here like a new roof on the condo and a lot of hammering. He is a sweetie, grouchy or not. He has a full tummy at the moment.

Wanted to show you some of our lovely trees we have had in our Northern Virginia. We have beautiful trees and allergies! LoL.

Let's wander back to Lizzie. As Lizzie approached her trial, her sister and uncle hired the best attorney in Massachusetts, a former governor. It was the OJ trial of the century and this was the first trial where the lawyers dressed his client for the trial and selected the jury carefully.

Twelve men - women could not serve on a jury. Twelve men who had watched this young lady grow up. Known her all of her life.

She was the Sunday School teacher, for heaven's sake. It took them no time to declare her NOT Guilty. Done. Now although they freed her, she was never free from the public scrutiny. They gossiped about her.

She traveled to New York and hung out with the "theatre people" - those kind of people. She hung out a lot with one actress that she would have visit Fall River and party in the grand house she purchased on the top of the hill. The same hill she wanted her father to buy a house on but he refused because he didn't want to spend the money. He wanted to stay in town close to his businesses.

Did she kill her parents? I think the jury will always be out on this one. Many History Channel shows have been devoted on how she could have axed two people and have no blood on her.

One theory is she did it completely naked. Do tell - I see a Paris Hilton-type-scandal brewing! We tend to forget that her father had an illegitimate son who had been seen in town that week. There was a pig farmer livid with Mr. Borden because Mr. B was forcing him off his farm because he had not paid the rent. Who knows - we certainly never will.

But we need to remember - she was found innocent. Yes, I have been in the home and spent the night in Mr. and Mrs. Borden's bedroom. I do believe their spirits roam the hallways.

Was justice served? Don't know - but you have to admit, it is one good story. May Abby and Andrew Borden rest in peace. Lizzie and her sister, Emma, are buried next to them. Yes they did have their secrets.

Sisters always do - I suppose. Never had one, a sister that is, but have had my share of girlfriends who were my soul sisters.

Were the Borden's poisoned before the last Ax?

2011-04-10T19:31:00.000-04:00

Some say she poisoned them before they were axed to death.

It was known that there were complaints about stomach aches before the murders.

Could it have been the cook letting the mutton soup go bad.

They said Mr. Borden could be a tight wad. Did they keep eating the same porridge over and over? However it was a very hot August summer that year.

Some say they saw Lizzie buy some poison at the drug store. She didn't deny it - said it was for the rats.

We will never know what went on "behind closed doors." Yes, some whispered that the daughter loved the father too much. It was never proven that there was anything going on behind those doors.

Rumor had it that the sisters were not pleased with their father's plan to give some of their mother's property to the step-mom. No, not happy at all. It is said the older sister poisoned Lizzie's mind and turned her against her step-mom, the only real mother she had ever known.

No matter what, she got off and we will never know if she did it or not. We will never know what she could have possibly been thinking. My oh my!

The 1890s and Lizzie B

2011-04-09T16:13:00.000-04:00

August 4, 1892

A mother sewn on to a "flap"

Flap opening to reveal

Soul Sore - a tragic day not only for the victims, Andrew & Abby, the daughter, Lizzie, the other family members, but also the town of Fall River

The step mother Abby, did she deserve such a tragic death?

Inside flap - which is the opposite side of "Mother" and Lace

Love the quote: "the journey awakens the soul" - and we all have those journeys to take at various times in our lives - the times we know it is all about the soul not the journey,

The Scene of the First Crime - the step-mother is axed in the guest bedroom while making up the bed. Did Lizzie wander in with fresh sheets, towels, while hiding her ax? Hmmmmmmm, one would surmise not a good way to enjoy your day. It brought Lizzie 13 days of a trial that put 92 Second Street, Fall River, MA, on the map.

And on a mundane note, Harley and I got our taxes done this week. Harley worked really hard to get me into the "tax man's" office on Monday. Glad to get that "chore done."

Today after 2 hours on the tennis court got a shower, and now need to get ready to see an Elden Street Players play tonight - a musical no less, are you ready for this one my honeysuckle peeps? The musical is called "Thrill me: The Leopold & Loeb Story." Oh my, must have murder on my mind, do tell. More tomorrow,

If you are local, check the link there is still a week left for the run of the play. I will let you know what I think about the play tomorrow. Hugs, my peeps! Hugs

Marie is leaving the Building

2011-04-03T18:52:00.000-04:00

Yes, Marie is flying away tomorrow. I have become attached to her and realize that if she does not head out she will be staying here...

However, Marie was created for a very special friend I met through Paper Whimsy when we both showed up there close to the same time and the rest is blogland history. She and I have corresponded on many levels and shared "secrets" more or less over the years. For some reason, we feel comfortable enough to do that although we have never laid eyes on each other. And so the miracle of bloggers forge new territory for some of us, but not really. In my day we use to have penpals in far away places and although we never met we felt the friendship over the miles.

Well, enough of that. Marie got her ribbons

Her title

Her angel wings. And my love creating her.

Just one last quick note to Jackie who left a comment on Gina's pages asking where I had found the image of the nun. She was found over at Digital Collage Sheets and is number ds 617. Well worth the cost of the download! Happy Sunday!

Le Petit Trianon Redux

2011-03-30T19:12:00.000-04:00

How did it get to be Wednesday already??? I'm thinking I posted last Sunday BUT instead I finished up the final two pages in the Cardboard Album I am making as a surprise for a good friend. I am calling it Le Petit Trianon OR Marie Antoinette's little garden.

If you remember, Marie is on the left side and on the right is a stone angel. I like the way the last two pages came together - took awhile but it finally came....

One of my favorite images of Marie above,

And one of my favorite Stone Angels along with a poem,

For the poem I used a google translator to take it from English to French. It is a poem that talks about an angel's kiss. I used it before in a wedding album years ago and forgot about it. Worked on the outside back of the altered book with a quick collage,

The front is still a work in progress but getting there!

Still need to put a title on it. Whewww. Hope you have had a good week so far. I've finished dinner and will be getting ready for Survivor and the finale of Top Chef - go Richard! We have had cold rain today with what seems to be a little sleet trying to come down. Oh Spring, we miss you! Come home and warm us up!

The Sneak Peeks Revealed

2011-03-30T17:00:00.014-04:00

A number of weeks ago I showed little tidbits of my exchange with the group I call my 6 x 6 group: Six artist creations in Six months by Six artists. This was the sixth and final creation for this swap and was for a wonderful soul, Gina Wise, who left our realm of existence last November. Gina's theme was "white on white" one of my favorites. I must make myself a book using this theme and have always always been so inspired by True Colors! My favorite artists are in that book. If you do not have a copy, RuN and buy one at a number of different places, especially on Amazon. It is worth hours of inspiration and then more.

White is always fascinating to me since you really don't think about how many colors "white" is....

I really loved creating these pages in Gina's memory

I was able to use images I have had for a number of years along with other embellishments sitting around,

This "door knocker" was bought when our local Recollections was going out of business. How many years has that been - still miss that store. The image is another one of my favorite's and I always end up printing her on canvas.

It gives her a longing and haunting look,

Just remember it is "hump" day and the weekend is not far away! Have a lovely evening!

Yes, boys and girls, Lizzie Borden Time

2011-03-27T09:47:00.000-04:00

Once upon a time, Lizzie Borden:

Such a sweet young girl, who would have thought?

And later the children taunted her with the little ditty,

It started in the bedroom the uncle had slept in the night before,

And ax to the back of the head

What was a stepmother suppose to do?

Lizzie Borden took an ax,

Yes, slowly we are making our way through the paper bag sandwich bag little book spotlighting the Sunday School Teacher from Fall River, MA. So misunderstood, boys and girls. But remember this lesson, when the full moon wains ("super moon" a week ago),

Don't buy the ax just buy some tulips -- Flower Power, my hipsters, Flower Power!

Hugs my honeysuckle peeps - enjoy your Sunday!

Shopping and Crafting WooHoo

2011-03-20T17:04:00.000-04:00

What more could you ask for on a lovely Saturday noon time then shopping, lunch and coming home creating two more Marie pages for my little gift book? Larcy and I headed out to a "Spring 2011 Boutique Show" by ChicksPicks by Hillary. Trust me - you will enjoy visiting their web site.

And anyone local interested in the next show it will be April 14-16, focusing on "Royal Wedding, Tea, Easter and Mom's Day Gifts." You can receive an invitation by adding your name to their list on the web site or email Hillary@chickspicksbyhillary.com. I'm telling you, it is not like any other "boutique show" you will ever see.

Oh, did I tell you we ran into Kate and William? I will show you more photos throughout the week. Needless to say, yes, I spent some dollars but oh what fun we had.

Got home and finished up two more pages in the Marie book I am giving away as a gift. Yes, I am almost done and today have set out paper for last two inside pages and have an idea of what the cover and back will look like. If you remember, we have called this book, The Petit Trianon, and if you click on the name you will see the original post on the cardboard book. On the left hand side of the pages I am using images of Marie:

A few feathers and antique button goes a long way, huh?

On the right side, I am trying to utilize images of stone angels in gardens.

The three transparencies on the right are from the Angela Cartwright collection over at The Shoppe at Somerset.

And the two pages laid out together....

So a little collage of pages to close out the post. I have to figure out dinner. I have left over pork roast, mushrooms, onions, but not mushroom soup but I do have Lipton Recipe Secrets Savory Herb with Garlic Recipe soup and dip mix and Hmmmmm, the new Food Channel magazine. oh my..... it will be easier to create the next two pages, LOL.

Hugs to all and here's hoping your week goes well!

And the Winner Is.....

2011-03-18T12:00:00.007-04:00

The lucky winner of Lovey's wonderful book is:

# 19 Cass

I used the randon generator to generate the lucky person!

Cass, in an email message send me your address and I will get the copy in the mail to you,

Give Away and other Sundry Stuff

2011-03-13T17:32:00.000-04:00

For all the followers of this blog - here is a give away just for you. You all have been wonderful over the past six months and I want you to have a chance at a wonderful book, Fabric Photo Memories, by my close friend, Lovey, who wroteit , laid it out, did the photography, and got it published!

This is a beautiful book which inspries and includes tips and tutorials, and features Lovey's Fabric Photo Collages. She is an artist in the truest sense of the word. I have admired her work for a while now. You can see some of K.C. Willis' influence in her work and yes, Lovey, takes it to a new height! SO, what do you have to do to have a chance at this Give Away? Just: 1) be a follower of this blog; and 2) leave a comment that you would like to be considered for the giveaway. We will do the drawing at 12:00 noon on Friday, Eastern Daylight Time. Best of luck.

And now to my weekend besides just whining about the time change..... I have worked on my final creation for our 6 x 6 swap and can only show you bits and pieces until the intended artist receives the pages. These creations were a little emotional - white on white - intended originally for Gina Wise, one of the six artists. God called Gina home right before Thanksgiving after she suffered a heart attack. Gina's friend Kathy jumped in to fill the void we all were feeling and so my pages are made, white on white, in memory of Gina's beautiful soul and spirit.

I made four layouts on two sheets precut and pretreated by Gina.

Page one:

Page two:

Page three:

And page four:

And let's not forget the tag:

So now, I need to wander and visit your blogs. It seems that although I had the last rad treatment on Thursday, I am busy every day after work at my trainers either doing cardio or a workout and then fixing dinner and still am not posting that much during the week. But we will work at getting better at this now that the "drama" in my life is quieting down. LOL And yes, you will get a few more Lizzie Borden peeks this coming week. Hugs to all and I do hope you changed your clocks!

Graduation Day - The Last Radiation Blast

2011-03-10T19:49:00.000-05:00

You joined us on our journey,

You laughed, cried, and prayed with us,

The last day finally came today - one day late - but it came. On the 18th radiation treatment who should we meet in the hall headed down to rads, but Dr. Diaz, our breast surgeon, too cute, don't you think? Harley's in love.

Down the hall we stroll taking in the sights and sounds, remembering and honoring each of the 18 days,

Checking in and waiting,

The frickin machine - Holy Cow Harley - looks like Star Trek to me OR is it "HAL" oh my,

Harley, "Oh No - take me away it is trying to suck me up..... I'm just a liddle guy."

The view

Almost time for the last blast

The Beam? Oh no

Graduation Day

Diploma

By the grace of God - we are here today and feeling healthy and vibrant - by the grace of God. Thank you my very dearest dearest friends, we will get back to normal soon. THINK PINK!

And to end our graduation day - we had a one hour workout with James and Mary - will hit the bed early. Hugs!!!