Priorities

I overheard a disturbing commercial last night. I believe it was for that big electronics store, and the gist of the ad was: doing the right thing by our military personnel at Christmas time by buying just the right electronics for when they return home. HUH?

I understand the concept of advertising dollars geared towards our lack of self esteem, but at a time when family is one of the few valuable things we have in our lives and everything else is economically out of reach, I find this completely irresponsible and greedy.

Responsible prioritizing this holiday: family, health, laughter, cookies - not new televisions.

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Its a nice place to be

Crazy behavior can be excused, because, you’re crazy.

I publicly admitted to my family’s predilections for over indulgence. To illustrate this, my mother and I went window shopping today, at Costco. We could be overheard saying, “WOW, that looks awesome”, “Oh, that is so decadent” “that is EVIL”, meaning, can’t- say- no- to the sugar coma, artery clogging, no nutritional value beauty that is beholden. Remember the ‘wish books’ of yore? We wished away in the refrigeration section of a box store, and it actually brought us peace and joy.

Ask aloud, what drove the food crazy Mother and daughter out of the studio during the holiday season? I will tell you. Bubba single-handedly ate 2 pounds of home made baklava in 24 hours, that was off limits till Thanksgiving, and Mom was ready to skin him alive for it.

Did I mention crazy?

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Wishing

As the waning moon hovers, I wish for fortitude and for the California winds to cease, and the fires to be contained and for the health and safety of my family there.

Forgive me. I am still working at 128th speed. Desiring to play and develop an art camp curriculum, I’m dragging my feet on everything I need to be doing. But I have pathetically managed to add 9 whole entries into the on-line store.

love (and tireless firemen)

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Siblings in Houston

There is a great public sculpture in front of the convention center in Houston. The siblings were so well behaved during the entire trip, we let them play on the last morning of International Quilt Festival. Remember, to see the pictures in all their glory, click on the first picture, then continue the show with the hidden NEXT in the upper right.

For new visitors to EyEmbellishments, Sunday’s belong to the growing family of Siblings. The have their own page. See the top tab labeled Sibs Sunday for more of their photo albums.

Personal note to PJH: You’ve certainly got me thinking about the Sib’s Adventures, and more! I’ve got to figure out how to do it now. love and socks, michele

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Thanksgiving joy

It’s no secret I am a member of an indulging food loving family. This morning I put on my fat pants and they were snug and it’s not even officially the holiday season yet! Cheese and Rice!

Will this put a damper on Thanksgiving? Nope. I love food. What is better than real butter on hot -from- the- oven dinner rolls?

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Dream, play, life

Apologies for being out of touch these last 3 weeks. Returning from Houston, I’ve been loathe to fit back into daily life. Instead I’ve been exploring the dreams of what I wish for in the next chapter of my life.

Questioned in Houston about teaching piqued my desire to generate creative enthusiasm in others. I’m currently dreaming up a month long art camp to play and create a pile of “starter stash” and the possibilities are overwhelmingly delicious.

In the meantime, I must push myself to maintain responsibilities. I will be stocking the on-line store this weekend. Thank you for your patience. Plus more silly sibling (sock creatures) pictures from Houston coming Sunday. Love (and enthusiasm), michele

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calm waters

My angst is released as I drift about  on calm waters, dreaming of a bright, blooming, beautiful future.

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Bumping into the night

Portrait

Portrait

Uncle Crusty’s legs are knobby and boney.  Walk quickly down those creaky wooden stairs, before he loses his balance and topples right on to you.

Love all things creepy and crawly. Love scary and spooky. Love skulls and skeletons: they’re elegant, silly, and a great beginning point for creativity. Mixed Media Monday is hosting the best theme this week: Things That Go Bump in Night.

Uncle Crusty was made by punch needle embroidery and embellished with one glass eye, one commercial clock face button, and gold bugle beads for teeth.

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expanding humanity

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special kind of relationship

The adult version of Charlotte and Wilber. It’s a special kind of relationship. Charlotte has no need to save Wil from slaughter, so they can spend quality time philosophizing. There’s respect, reflection, open dialogue, give and take in this companionship.

I’ve been skimming Julia Cameron’s book, Finding Water, The Art of Perseverance. Her pronouncement of community and it’s benefits have finally made sense to me. “Creativity flourishes in an atmosphere of acceptance. It could be argued that friendship is often the determining factor between a career that flourishes and one that languishes.”

The internet has made this declaration truthful and evident. I am able to grow emotionally as well as artistically through this community.

It is a very good book. I  have to return it to the library, but it has made it to my “must own’ list. Alibris here I come.

For those who have not recognized yourselves here: my continued gratitude - Joanne, Lynn, Fannie, Anonomous AP, among many others that are growing with me. michele

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Full moon night

Does the moon goddess give you vibrant dreams when she is fully beholden to you? Don’t let this cool, calming collage fool you.

Tonight you may wish to hold on to your pillow. Full moons typically strengthen emotions and she has currently found herself in Aries, the sign of desire and anger. Wowza.

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That’s no lady

Horses, cigars, and cowboy hats! How unbecoming of a lady. That’s no lady, that is a fearless woman, who is not afraid of life.

Shameless plug time: I’m getting the on-line store stocked for the pre-Houston pack up. I’m not sure yet how to handle the on-line store while I am out of town, so I thought I’d go for a hail- Mary- hurrah.

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Stick around

Stick challenge: Our Great American Quilt Factory embellishment group has a current challenge of “sticks”. Originally I began painting canvases for a book format, then the Big Art Adventure had the matchbook challenge, which sent me in a match-stick direction. Voila, my art quilt with matchsticks.

matches close-up

matches close-up

Terry’s finished sticks are cleverly displayed on a store bought lampshade. First she spray painted the shade which gave it more texture and interest, then she applied painted dowels sewn up in graphic fabrics.

An update: for those kind people that expressed a desire to see the Moon Mosaic Shrine lighted I have finally taken a picture. Thank you for your interest. michele

Moon Lights

Moon Lights

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The woman I am

The woman I am? I don’t know it changes with every breath.

But I’ve been tagged by the Swirly Girl herself, the lovely and talented Tracy Borders, with whom I share a passion for martinis. By being tagged, I am to share 6 random facts about myself. The tagging rules follow my 6.

1. I think I am insane, but I’m okay with that.

2. I have spent half of my life painting snowmen on dishes (wouldn’t that drive anyone insane?)

3. My middle name is Yvonne and I got a flu shot today.

4.I have 2 winters worth of heavy bedding in my car awaiting a trip to the laundromat, and I love the smell of laundromats - detergents and softners.

5. I absolutely enjoy sleeping.

6. I have over 18 clocks in my home, and only 4 are accurate. I stopped replacing the batteries in the others - it’s expensive.

The rules are as follows:
1. Link to the person who tagged you.
2. Post the rules on your blog.
3. Write six random things about yourself.
4. Tag six people at the end of your post.
5. Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
6. Let the tagger know your entry is up.

My 6 people to further this disclosure hell are:

1. Fannie: of the great big open heart and painting that made me cry

2. The Black Snob: my favorite non art blog: warning very political and entertaining

3. Rebecca: if she can’t inspire you to pick up a pen, pencil, camera, maybe you are hopeless.

4. Bubba: When he gets going, he’s as entertaining as a loon.

5. Sue Bleiweiss: Eye candy for book lovers. Drool worthy, scrumptious books and fiber projects.

6. Fibra Artysta: a delightful young lady who I will hypnotize into giving me her dog and sock creatures.

Enjoy their blogs, I do.

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Houston IQF

Did somebody say PANIC?

It was forever and a month ago that Houston’s International Quilt Festival was scheduled. The preview night is 23 days away! Information is updated on our events page with current links to Quilts, Inc. and Make It University.

Deb Benson

Deb Benson

We have 2 Make It University Workshops, so I hope all interested in making and taking home a IQF mosaic memento will join us.

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Celebrating 200

Although some of us might claim we create for our own satisfaction, it is awfully nice to hear words of encouragement and appreciation.

During this last week I silently decided to award this site’s 200th comment with a little mixed media collage. I watched the numbers shamelessly as the counter advanced to 200. Last night Patty over at the Magpie’s Nest, was the joyous bringer of kindness. She is a tireless creator and contributor to a variety of challenges. I envy her energy and dedication.

Thank you Patty for your lovely words and generosity. Your collage gift is coming. michele

Sib’s Sunday will resume next weekend.

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