A RR book project and toddler soccer

This morning I had the pleasure of watching Kiran's last soccer practice of the session.
He and his dad have been doing this on Saturday mornings for several weeks.
But when he was done, he was done.
I've been working on a round robin book this weekend too. This is just the front cover. I have miles to go before I send it out on Tuesday.

Blessings and Four Freedoms

I had thought I'd like to create a Thanksgiving post, but this one is just so perfect.

Thanks Pat!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Get ready to refocus

From one book . . .

I have a good friend who goes nuts when I tear apart a book for an art project.
I won't say that I was driven by that fact, but I did hope she'd be pleased that I used the elements from this one book in three projects.

They are for a gift.
Except they're not for her.

They're for my friend and step mom who is a wonderful cook and is always copying a recipe.
There's a hand-written recipe under the green glass that was on one of the blank pages of the original book. Glued between the glass and cover and surrounded by a leather cord, it may dry (revealing the printing) in . . . oh, say . . . FIVE years.

Make Believe

Last weekend I had the pleasure of seeing my friend Terry Stone again, catching a glimpse of her creative process and viewing her most recent work.
You may remember when I first featured Terry's work -- almost two years ago.

All of the Santas, elves and fairies in those photos were created by Terry.
While her work has always been driven by fantasy and her wonderful imagination,
these days she's working from fairy-tale characters as well.
Just imagine the negotiations between the frog and this princess.
I love the character she gives her dolls' clay faces, but she doesn't stop there. Each of her figures is dressed either in antique clothing and shoes or clothing made from vintage fabric.

Every little detail is thought out.
Sweet Puck's face.
Alice's dismay.
Gosh, I love her face.
Cinderella.
We came home with two of Terry's figures. Carolyn adopted this precious fairy -- her first doll, even though she introduced me to this incredible artist years ago . . .
and my fairy godmother, based on Terry's own grandmother.

While I'm no fairy godmother, I am thrilled to be a memaw and delighted to add Terry's likeness of her own grandmother to my growing collection of her work!
This is the beginning stage of something I'm working on.

Queen for a Day!

Today we celebrate the art and heart of Susanna. Her Winged Messengers have traveled all over the world, because she had a vision and she made it happen. Yes, Susanna, you are a work of art.
I took one of her Winged Messengers with me to Italy. From my room in Cortona, I was reminded to "Call her." I brought my messenger home where it sits in my studio, because I may need to see this message again.
But Susanna generously leaves her messages here and there, no doubt bringing smiles to those who see her creations.
And yes, they may just change lives.
Thanks Susanna!

Thanks to Angie for organizing this tribute (visit her for more) and to Shin for designing our invitation/button.

Autumn's Arboreally Cool Falling Leaves

“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings.

Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees.

The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy,

while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.”

~John Muir

When I shared this tree with you in September, I thought I was showing you one tree, but a closer look tells me that this is two -- perhaps three -- trees after all.Several trees that have been growing side by side for years in Valley Forge. Through sunlight and snow. Providing shade for walker after walker . . . Covered in leaves . . . and covered in no leaves at all.

November finds my tree(s) nearly bare of leaves. But beautiful still.Especially in the early Autumn dusk.

Check with Julie, for more cool trees.