My Mornings in my Nest

I love my life in St. Louis and adore my backyard. Having NEVER owned a single dwelling home in my working life, I was surprised that I bought the small bungalow for retirement.

After living in apartments and condos, taking care of the "outside" was new. Yes, I have my yard mowed every two weeks - but I have a small battery operated lawn mower for the "off" week to use in the back yard.  My grass grows fast and KokoBean is small.

He can terrorize squirrels, bunnies, and birds. He storms out first thing in the morning to announce to all that his day has started and we are on our toes until it is time for him to have a nap. I have been able to get some creating in. 

I have now created another "small book" inspired by my Seth Apter class and am sending it off to an Instagram friend.  I called it "Secret" --

 Just a sample of the pages.  I'm trying to keep these posts short here in the beginning as I get use to playing with the Blog again. The days during the Pandemic has been like a sci-fi movie I have seen in the past - especially in the beginning when we panicked in our search for toilet paper, sanitizers, etc. I also did a class with Quinn McDonald entitled "DiaryMay2020" - all about keeping a diary during Covid 19 days. It really helped and I am still using the book I created to write my thoughts in - who knew - the need to reactivate this blog is a result of this class with Quinn.

One my recent posts in this diary:

"When the time is right and be the grace of God, 2020 will realign for the better good of all the Universe." We can hope! You all have a wonky doodle rest of the day - we have had rain on and off all day. I leave you with a look of my craft table.  ;  )

Hugs and puppy kisses, we will get through this!😘

Waiting in the Breeze

I should probably begin this post with my Note from The Universe today.  How appropriate, wouldn't you say?

Be led by joy, Marlynn

It's the whole point.

Tallyho,

  The Universe

PS, Remember Marlynn, before this entire adventure began, you once asked me to remind you of this? You asked that I time it right before the floodgates opened, so that you could stay grounded. You were studying at the prestigious Bent Light University.. in the Ph.D. program... on a Hula Hoop scholarship. "Go Illuminators!"


I think this is appropriate for today since I am still waiting for the results of the  biopsies.  You know, waiting is almost Zen like when you think of it. You just have to get into the moment, the flow, the dance and mesh in the here and now after twirling with your hula hoop. You cannot angst over things like this because it will throw your serenity into a tail spin.

Yes, my tail is usually spinning enough, my peeps. Between working, tennis, workouts, boxing, and creating, I really don't have much time to get into the "angst-mode". Really, not good for you emotionally, spiritually, or physically. So if you learn anything from my travels and journeys - learn this:  live in the moment, be thankful for what you have, don't moan, groan, or whine.  Say a prayer each day and make sure you thank you!

All that being said, I have been creating some pages in the "Lost Chord" book.  The one above is using a clip art from Retro Cafe. She is a beauty, isn't she and so perfect for our upcoming Easter Celebrations. The background is from an old book, "The Lives of Saints" I picked up somewhere. Seemed it worked well.

So if you learn anything from my travels and journeys - learn this:  live in the moment, be thankful for what you have, don't moan, groan, or whine.  Say a prayer each day and make sure you say thank you!  And whatever you do, don't let the train leave the station without you.

Photo found on Lumiere de l'Atelier site on Facebook. No credits given.

The month flew by quickly

It always amazes me how quickly time travels by when you are or are not having fun. January, oh January, you are now 26 days old.

And tomorrow will also quickly trip its way into history.  Today was a fun day - Saturdays usually are.

Had time to play in my art journal, had lunch at a favorite restaurant, and got my HHR washed after the messy snow we had this week.  Could not stand to have all that salt chemical on her red red body.

The Journal page to the left is in my "Smash" book. Wasn't sure I was going to like the size of it since I am use to creating on a smaller canvas.  This portion is just a little bit of the page.

It sometimes amazes me how quickly some art journal pages are created. Am working on another in the smash book and already yawning my way to slumber land. You know there are only so many abominable snow men movies you can watch on SyFy and not sure I am "up" for another one. And so I will bid you goodnight, my honeysuckle peeps.  Through my eyes tonight -- my living room mantle.

 Night night! Sleep tight.

And All through the House

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse! Well maybe - you never know on Christmas Eve. One of the most magical nights of the year. Merry Christmas to you with love from Harley, the Rat, and me. Hugs to all and to all a Good Night.

When is Too Much Too Much?

It is time now to seriously, like seriously tackle the craft room I have been whining about for years.  And I mean tackle.  I have a number of things organized in my life and this is the last vestige of total chaos.

SO, what I am thinking about - yes, I am using you as a sounding board.  I'm thinking I should just pack everything up as if I were going to move.  Over the years since 1998 my art has changed.  We have gone from scrapbooking, to stamping, to making cards, to altered books, to mixed media.

I have tools that are never used anymore. What to do with all of it? Good question and one I need to ponder. Maybe will pack and give to a local stamp store, Angela's Happy Stamper, for her to donate to worthy causes.

Anyway, just had to get this off my chest because I am going to take this step and it will be a little drastic and interesting to see where I stop. I have seriously considered packing it ALL up and starting all over.

What started this was my note from The Universe:

"Sometimes, Marlynn, if the direction you're about to move feels 'right' in your head and heart, yet the first few steps look pretty daunting, no fun, and maybe even scary, you should take those first few steps anyway and get 'em over with.
     "And I'm not just saying that because watching you in action gives me goose bumps.
     "Oh.... behave,
            "The Universe."

Me and the Harl will keep you posted, peeps.  Enjoy the weekend.

Yes, Aunt Mary, I'm still Kicking

You know you are in trouble when you get an email like this from your beloved Aunt Mary:

Hi Marlynn,

No blog since April 7.  Everything OK?

Love you,

Aunt Mary

Yup, big trouble, and if my Mama was still alive I would hear her words, "how could you?"  She use to chastise me when, at an early age, I would not send thank-you notes for gifts received.  Now, I know she would chime in, when I had not blogged in like "forever."  Nope, I did not realize it had been April 7.  Nope, I didn't have a clue my lovely Aunt Mary read the blog - OK her photo along with my mother is on the featured blog banner.  They were such a sweet looking duo weren't they?

Last February when I went to Art & Soul, Lesley Riley was not able to teach a class I had signed up for and she offered us a 30 minute call with her.  Oh WOW!  So I took her up on her offer and had a call with her just before our (work) conference when I felt snowed under and not able to get much done except work. All energies and focus was on that project.  If you are following me on Facebook, you know my mantra at  was - get me to July 1 and all will be well!  Get me to July 1!  Well, in talking with Lesley I realized there are a few things I do want to focus on in my personal life:  

(1) art journaling, 

(2) organization of art room, and 

(3) back-to-blogging.  

On the matter of # 3, I needed someone to jump start me back to the blog 

- NOOOoooo, it wasn't Oliver who has been over to visit on numerous occasions.  Nope, I guess I got a good kick-in-the-butt (I know Aunt Mary would not see it that way) just-do-it.  And here I am. I have been thinking about blogging all last week but just couldn't grab the laptop.  So here I am on a very early morning reacting to Aunt Mary's note on AOL that was the first thing I saw on my iPhone.  The universe moves in ways we don't comprehend.  And with that, I really need to get ready for work!

Better go and wake up the office.  And yes, I have been creating like crazy in my art journal.  I have enough art work to show you now!  (OK, a dirty little secret - I haven't been creating the first part of the year and really felt like I had nothing to show you..... that's just between you and me!)  More later.

From My Universe:

"Wild, huh, Marlynn, how the entirety of living deliberately can be summed up in just three words?

Thoughts become things.

Of course, beliefs are important too, but your thoughts can change what you believe.

And words are important, they're your thoughts that will become things the soonest.

And taking action is absolutely critical, because more than anything else, it creates expectation.

Spread the word,
    The Universe

PS  You were thinking chocolate, vanilla, Marlynn, and strawberry?"

And now after dealing with chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry all I can say is "Happy Lunch Time," Peeps. No matter when your lunchtime arrives. 

This will be a quick one..... no don't go there, no quickie jokes.  

I'm headed out again tomorrow but wanted to share two new art journal pages in my little itty bitty book and my note from the Universe today.

Enjoy your Tuesday, and your Spring!

Breezing By......

Yes, time for a check-in and a sharing moment with a note from my Universe. You all know how much I love these notes!  Just put your name in where mine appears and read this uplifting note,


"How'd you like a little peek into the future, Marlynn? Oh, I really shouldn't, but, well, you so rock, I figure this indulgence, just once, will be all right.

You're sitting around a warm and cozy fireplace surrounded by friends and boisterous laughter. Early-morning snow gently falling across the countryside is visible from the enormous, ceiling-high windows beside you. Everyone is sipping hot chocolate, and reminiscing about the fabulous circumstances that have brought you together, brimming with excitement for times ahead. And then you chime in, "If only we'd seen it, we never would have been so hard on ourselves. If only we'd had just the slightest inkling that the challenges, lacks, and issues we faced back then were of our own exacting design, and that they'd soon make possible the whirlwind of events that so swiftly followed, we'd have been, well, as proud then as we are now... and every bit as photogenic." 

And then everyone starts clapping, smiling, and taking lots of pictures. 

Not a word to anyone,
    The Universe"

Always remember it takes time to get from point A to point B and there are detours along our way. However, trust me, you will get to point B and by looking back you will realize the universe was giving you signs pointing you in the right direction, you just didn't know it at the time. This was just a quick check-in and I wanted to say "hi" - thinking of you. Have a glorious day my Honeysuckle Breeze Peepers! Spring is here!

So you think this is boxing?

You know, the weekend starts out and you think you have all this time to play and create BUT other stuff pushes some of that to the back which is neither bad nor good. Just happens.  Oliver pup went home Saturday morning and I went to play tennis.  After tennis, you know, I got lazy and just hung around.

By today I needed to get some stuff done like run into the office for a few hours, grocery shop, and play with boxes.

You know this is boxing,

And this is boxing.

Michelle Ward is doing a workshop in Somerset, New Jersey, July 20, 2012, Debris Journal.  Now I have seen this journal and held it in my hands. It is magical. So rich with left over art, i.e. debris, and the corrugated cardboard rich in beauty! It has been featured here and there around Somerset Studios and I just love love love it to the point I want to make my own. I do have plans to go to a workshop with Michelle at Valley Ridge and the July 20 date is not available in my calendar. The Valley Ridge workshop is called "Synchronicity" and will, of course, be loads of fun and she will push me and my art.

As you can see I am working and playing with cardboard right now. Something I can do in the evenings and gives me fun in "ripping" boxes.

We will see what happens.

Also have to show you this beautiful cereal box. OH my, let your eyes wander ..... there are many art projects waiting to be created.

What is the line, "so much to do, so little time."

Well, as we know, spring has sprung all over the place. What an absolutely strange winter all of us have had. Take care this week. Mine will be busy but not so busy that I won't have time to stop by and say hi!

Just another day......

"It's not as if one could be bored enough, feel frustrated enough, or complain enough that their life would suddenly turn around. Doesn't work that way.
     Whatever anyone "is," Marlynn, they become more of. And anyone's is'ness is whatever they say it is.
     Happily,
    The Universe"

Whadda way to start a day, hey? I love my mentor, The Universe, as you know and would encourage each of you to sign up for your own little itsy bitsy notes...


And now to another topic which I have been reviewing lately but am not taking any drastic steps about.... Time Suckers - yes, I am referring to FaceBook and the new Pinterest. I love Facebook and do posts and keep in touch with all my friends. But as I have said here, I just don't pay attention to my blog and other blogs out there anymore. Many of us are not posting to our blogs as we once did. As you know I work a full-time job and the last thing I want to do is show up at home and get on the computer. Nope, I don't wanna and I'm not gonna and whine whine whine.  I'm thinking I can manage my FaceBook and my blog and creating - but at this point, although, signed up, not devoting any time to Pinterest.


Love my friend Cindy's recent post on her blog entitled, "Useful and Beautiful" She is inspiring me to take on this project, especially the one talking about her desk. I could do this while unpacking my Art and Soul stuff? Ya, think?  I see shoe cleaning in my future this weekend. Thank you, Cindy, out goes shoes that hurt my feet.


So here is to changing our clocks on Sunday morning at 2AM and to all of our little time suckers that lurk in the twilight hour....that time before...

.....I hear the Twilight Zone theme playing in the background. Ghost Adventures is new tonight although that has nothing to do with nothing I don't think. Hugs, peeps.