Mother Bear Project

In an effort to qualify a local high school student, Karolyn Klever, from Rochester Adams High School in our local school district into the National Honor Society, she hosted a session for the international "Mother Bear Project." It was held at one of my favorite knitting shops, Skeins on Main, this past Sunday.

If you are not familiar with the "Mother Bear Project," they are a non-profit group dedicated to providing comfort and hope to children, primarily those infected or affected by HIV/AIDS in emerging nations.

Please write or call Skeins on Main, to volunteer your time towards this worthy cause. Karolyn hopes to collect 75 bears to ship over to Africa by May 1st. Please contact Kristine, Karolyn's mom, for information to start your bear!

Here are some of those donated in previous years....

Your name will appear on a tag attached to the sleeve of each bear. The pattern is very simple, fast, and the result is really quite sweet! Then a red or pink heart will be hand-sewn to the chest of each bear once they are ready to be mailed.
The red hearts on this map indicate where your bear might be sent!

Come on and make a difference!

A Giant Has The Map

Post 5: Final
"This gruesome woman," thought the Queen. "How could I ever fulfill a wish that was not my fault?"

Madame La DuRee hovered close to her face breathing in short wrenching spasms, as she ran her long fingernails against the Queen's smocked satin sleeve. The Queen held back her fear. "I know of a giant who has a map of every town, village, and house marked on it. He has a much larger map upstairs in a chest that shows every inch of the sea."

"If you promise to purchase at least one item from this Golden Castle of Faerie Enchantment, I will transport your beloved Samuel back to you. He has been living on an island not far from where his British ship "The Stargazer" sunk ten years ago!" Loraina is very much alive and you are a great-grandmother!"

The Queen was happier than she ever could have imagined. All has been a dream, for "The Amazing Princess Lisa" has cast a spell over me today so that I could bring you this story that you shall be forced to forget. But, in this happy hour, it has taken away my fears of my missing grandson and renewed hope.

It took some time to get Samuel home, where she had found him grown, and their child tall and beautiful. And they lived happily till the end.

Is That Really Madame LaDuRee?

Post 4:
"Ah, I so need some refreshment," whispered the Queen to Sage. "There is so much to taste, and my eyes are full if imagination. And, look at those cupcakes!!" Just follow the signs ahead....look at all of those sweet, edible jewels and dazzling stars just waiting to behold and devour.

The Queen smelled the cotton candy, roasted cinnamon almonds, fried sweet donuts, and kettle corn. Could she resist the scent of heavenly delight? She had to go back and and visit more circus themed art projects back in the tent, and thank Miss Lisa for such a glorious day!

And would she need a Circus and Follies image CD to take back to the castle?

She felt guilty for having the most imaginative visit. So many years had passed. She longed to see her dearest grandson, her Samuel. "Are you still alive?" the Queen asked. "But wait, I see someone I know ahead. Is that really you, Madame LaDuRee, the Queen shuddered. What are you doing here?"

"Oh, yes, my Queen. It is me. Certainly, I can bring you happiness again. But, first, I must make a condition. And if you do not fulfill it, you will never see your grandson again!" warned the fortune teller.

So Much To See and Do . . .

Post 3:
With laughter in the Queen's heart, her horse drawn carriage arrived in the Land of Winchester. She could hear the haunting melodies of the carousel.

"Glad to meet you," said Albious Woodsby. "This is Laurel. He can assist you with anything you may need, My Lady. Don' t forget to visit the Carlisle Pavillion, the Candy Court, and Food Pavillions."

The Queen grew overwhelmed in excitement. "There are so many things to do, and places to visit. How will I ever see everything?" she cried. As she rounded the Carlisle Pavillion and said one last "hello and goodbye" to Carneigie, the clown, there was The Tinsel Tent! "Look, look, look, these dolls are so vintage and even beyond that are MORE demonstrations! What a wonderful land of Faerie Enchantment!"

If only I had brought more friends, she thought.

Whisked Away to Adventure

Post 2:
The Queen loved parties, games, and especially music. "What will I wear?" she exclaimed. "All I have are these old horrid clothes!"

Perhaps I need a extravagant party hat? In the very tiniest of fine print on her invitation reads: You must visit the "Emporium of Wonders." There is a table set up just for you to assemble a wondrous hat. "Oh, how clever of them!" she said. "I will look divine!" The Queen lovingly packed her artful suitcase filled to the brim with tinsel, paint, glue, carnival images, and crepe paper!

So, as the sun rose over her magical kingdom, she stepped into her carriage to be whisked away to undertake the adventure she so needed. She thought of Samuel, who was lost at sea after that severe thunderstorm. It was so hard to be happy, when she had lost so much!"

The Magical Message

Post 1:
Once upon a time, at the end of winter, when the snowflakes fell like feathers from the sky, a Grandma Queen sat at her window knitting.

As her beauty had faded, and her children had married, she longed for a life of fun and tom foolery like in the days of her youth.

As the hours passed, and the sky grew dark, there came a knocking at her door. Hesitantly, she opened the heavy wooden door to her castle and there stood a sweet little elf named Hans, from Party Owl Service (aka POI), who eagerly handed her a magical message!

"Gracious, gracious," the Queen cried. "What is this?" She lifted the seal of the leather envelope. And, behold there was an invitation to attend a great magical event called "The Carnival Soiree."

She was so full of joy to see that she had not been forgotten by her long lost friends in another kingdom across the huge pond. The invitation read more like a treasure map than a request to attend, but the Queen grew excited in anticipation.

First, you need to find the "Path of Illumination." There you will see all the colors of the rainbow flickering in sparkling lanterns like twinkling stars.

Pass the "Growing Wand Garden." There you will see a tree next to a brilliant yellow tent. Inside this tent is your ticket for adventure.

"Oh, my," said the Queen. Will I find myself light-hearted and full of happy thoughts today?" She was never quite the same when her first born grandson, Samuel disappeared off the coast of Madagascar so long ago.

Yes, she will go. How could she not?

Marie Antoinette Digital Collage

During our last Creative Workshops class, I created this digital collage. Gail Schmidt taught me so much and then some! I was a bit overwhelmed in the beginning, but eventually started to really get into it! Just learning all the tools was a bit scary, but it started getting much easier as we moved along. It is absolutely incredible what Photoshop can do. As the weeks go by, I will definitely share what I come with. Now, to start digging into my photo stash files. Thank you so much, Gail, for your expertise. What a great class!

Faerie Enchantment is Hosting "The Carnival Soiree"

Magic and mayhem, lurking behind every corner, every velvet curtain, secrets buried beneath the Big Top, portals to hidden places just inside the Seahorse Carousel, where a certain song at half past 8:00 p.m., can transport you to one of those worlds!

On Saturday, March 14, 2009, you are invited to Alice, The Socialite's Carnival Soiree, held at The Magic Carnival, from sunrise to sunset.

Make sure you wear your Carnival best, think rainbows and pointy harlequin hats, Pageant Queen gowns, or Mermaid dress, top hats in every color and tutu's complete with pixie wings.

What to expect:
-Carnival Tea
-Games
-Tokens
-Giveaways consisting of
Faerie Enchantment's collage CD,
Circus Follies and an altered poker chip kit.
-Free Circus images/ephemera
-Carnival party pictures
-Circus projects
-Stories

Whose invited: All Of You!!!
Place: YOU MUST SIGN UP at Faerie Enchantment
Time: All Day
Why: Lisa loves the circus, carnivals and soirees.
And it's her first blog event!

See you there. Remember it's this Saturday...

It Happened Again....

Oh YEAH....received a definite surprise today!

I am delighted to be tagged by Becky from Whymsical Musings! You have to visit her blog! This award is accompanied by the following words:

"This blog invests and believes in the PROXIMITY-nearness in space, time and relationships. These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement! Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers! Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this clever-written text into the body of their award."

1. Debra, my dear friend, at "It's All Good." Check out her heartfelt words, art, and humor!

2. My dearest Terri from "Blooming Ideas." You are just soooo creative!

3. Coralie Cederna Johnson from "Vintage Cottage Home." You will enjoy her fun and vintage inspired life!

4. Kris at "Nostalgic Collage" and "A Nostalgic Halloween." I love her artwork!! Thank you for sharing all of your beautiful gothic arches and ATC's.

5. Anji of "On Ruby's Hill." You'll adore her tales with her boys from Alaska, and sea glass jewelry.

6. Rosa of "Living as Rosa." Check out her adventures with her kitty, Bella, down in Nashville!

7. Paula of "Serendipity." Her blog is beautiful. She and her husband are adopting a baby!

8. Marie of "Ozstuff Online." Her artwork is brilliant!

With so many creative artists out there in blogland, it is an incredible honor to be recognized as having a noteworthy blog!

Thank you so much for enjoying my virtual journal and for taking the time out of your hectic schedules to check me out.

Words cannot express how touched I am to receive this recognition. When I first started blogging it was challenging. I sat in front of my monitor thinking. "OK now, what would anyone possibly want to know about me?" First I displayed photos, without much journaling. I am getting better about actually writing more though. After about six months, I was getting more comments, and I relaxed a little bit. I joined an incredible local art group, and began monthly swaps with them. Then I actually had some cool photos to post! I am still striving for interesting topics, and have become friends with some really brilliant artists. Thank you so very much. Thank you again Becky. There are so many wonderful blogs to see!

Love,
Nancy

Quite A Productive Day

I got my "act" together early this morning, had breakfast with my hubby, and made a dash over to my friend Deb's house before Noon. It rained like the monsoons today, including thunder and lightning. Driving over to her house was just a blur due to my slow driving, drinking my coffee, and the usual Dodge Ram truck, that always seems to be following me when I am notoriously overcautious in bad weather. I wanted to check out her newly completed art studio (which I must say is just beautiful), and to just plain socialize. She had just posted her latest photo for "Pink Saturday," and we spoiled ourselves with some pink frosted sugar cookies and coffee. What a delightful treat for me!

Later we walked over to the neatest yarn shop right on her street. I was in heaven touching all the silken fibers, thinking about new knitting projects, and maybe even taking a needle felting class in the future. It seems like we are always finding ways to inspire ourselves in new directions.

I have been also dreaming of making myself a "Apron-ology" style apron. If you haven't picked up this new Somerset magazine, it is pure eye candy. Choosing the fabric is my biggest dilemma. Last Wednesday, I browsed our local thrift store, and purchased a used wedding dress. Just thought to myself, why not make something wonderful out of someones special day? Or maybe it wasn't, if it was hanging on the bargain rack! It is encrusted with a sequined and beaded lace border, so you can just imagine what I might come up with. Maybe a short little hostess apron!


I have been taking the latest digital collage class with Creative Workshops. Here is my second photo of the collage we were taught. I know I need a lot of practice. I haven't quite got the hang of the correct brush size to erase unwanted edges of layers in Photoshop Elements. I guess, with any type of artwork, there is always the repetitive motion that you have to perfect. I am imagining all kinds of ways to manipulate my hoarded vintage images into new artwork! I can hardly wait for next week for the final phase of our class. I wonder if she may even teach a intermediate class after this one? It is so addictive.

Do You Need A Wishing Jar?

This is such an adorable commercial that I viewed on one of my loyal follower's blog, Melissa of "My Whimsical Wishes." So, I thought I would share it with you. She has come up with the idea of making a "Wishing Jar." It inspires me to want to make one of them. What a neat idea, Melissa! Hmmmm....what kind of jar do I want to hold some of those special wishes for my life?

Watch it here: GE General Electric Wind Energy Commercial

I really like this idea of having a wishing jar. "Sometimes it feels good to just write down the things in life you wish you had. Whether it's something tangible like a new car, or something you want to accomplish in your life. It doesn't matter just think about it, write it down, and maybe just maybe if you put your dreams out into the universe they may come true...," says Melissa.

Love this...

Tag, You're It !....

Oh My, I have been Tagged!
My dear friend and artist extraordinaire,
Terri, of Blooming Ideas,

was given this award, and then passed it on to me.

Thank you so much, Terri.
You are too sweet!

I believe it works like this.
I am to follow a few rules
&
Here are the award rules:

List 7 things that you "Love,"
and then pass this award on to
7 Bloggers that you love!
Be sure to tag them,
and let them know they have won.

You can copy the picture of the award
and put it on your sideboard
Letting the whole world know.....
you are KREATIV!

The Seven Things I LOVE are:
1. Chuck, my husband of 42 years!
2. My children, Brad, Amy & their spouses
3. My grandchildren, Ethan & Lauren
4. My artistic friends, Deb, Terri, Vikki & Kim
5. Music (especially easy listening)
6. Nature (forget winter)
7. The sun at the seashore

My seven tagged Bloggers are:

Forever Jann
Becky Royall, Whymsical Musings
Heather Robinson, Creative Solace
Melissa, My Whimsical Wishes

Gossamer Creations
Abigail Folk & Kage Harp, Rusted Wings
iTkUpilli

I would most definitely tag Terri once more, and Deb again. And, not forgetting Angela Harris, Carol Wingert's Place, Healing Expressions, Maygreen Fairies, Paper Whimsy, Gail Schmidt of Shabby Cottage, Vintage Flair, and everyone from my blog list. Seven is just not enough! After the One World One Heart Giveaway, I have viewed hundreds of some of the most brilliant and inspirational blogs that I ever discovered. So, for me, to receive this award is an honor.

Thank you again, Terri, for tagging me. You're a dear sweet friend, and I am feeling quite humble that you passed this on to me.

Hugs, Nancy

Excited About Tomorrow

Check out my finished digital collage created during Lesson One of Creative Workshops. I love the misty ghost image of the horse and lady as shown in this photo. And the sparkles! Love those.... I have played for hours since our first class, and have experimented with what I can do and can't do with all those tools on the left side of the Photoshop Elements page. Especially, the "can't do" part that seems to occur whether I want it to or not. Yesterday, I ended up with photos that were completely black and white. It took me quite some time to figure out what I did to do that! Can't wait for tomorrow's class to start again.

First Attempt at Digital Collage

Yesterday I started a digital collage class through Creative Workshops, hosted by Gail Schmidt. Oh my goodness.....I was a basket case yesterday. First of all, I could not find my pictures for class, the volume was turned down on my computer, so I thought the video for the workshop was messed up. The phone was ringing off the hook with one problem after another. It's a good thing, I had some time to "rewind," get some sleep, and push myself into the unknown world of Photoshop Elements this morning. Gail is just a peach, answering all of my crazy questions, and I am quite proud of my first attempt. I guess if you are learning, there is some amount of frustration. There is still time to join all of us! Classes began February 24th.

Victorian Style Chalkboards

You just have to check out these fabulous chalkboards from Spell It Out Designs. I missed out for their amazing giveaway, but still wanted to share. The drawing is today. Wouldn't they be so sweet for jotting quick phone messages, or to decorate your craft room? Or, they might even bring new meaning to the refrigerator magnet!


Click link to be whisked away to Spell It Out Designs blog giveaway post to find out how you can purchase one of your own!

Thanks, Heidi, of My Hiding Place in Cyberspace, for sharing!

My Sincere Gratitude

I was one of the lucky ones to win a prize during the "One World-One Heart Giveaway." Thank you so much, Inka Heaton, from Inkaland in Idaho, for this gorgeous "Captured Fairy" necklace charm. She is delicately handcrafted in a miniature bottle hanging from a black satin rope, and labeled so. What an awesome present to hang around my neck. She is my creative spirit!



Photo from The Magical World of Lisa Jane, "Enchanted Childhood."

Life Is Art

"Art is the one form of communication with which you can not argue...ever. No matter what the medium, art just is. You might not like a piece, you might not agree with what a piece stands for, but the work of art itself doesn't care how you feel...it simply exists in all its glory broadcasting its own personal message to everyone who sees it." words by Georgiann Carlson

"Art can help us find our way, if we choose to look...because the one thing that art does extremely well is expand our vision...to open our minds...give us hope and show us very clearly just what it is that we have to lose."

Check out this artistic video. It is just too beautiful not to share!

And the Winner Is....

I am honored that so many of you have stopped by my blog and left such beautiful comments. I tried to visit all of the wonderful bloggers that participated, but it was challenging. I am truly glad I joined in this fabulous event and giveaway, and will be looking forward to next year's caravan. I have added so many amazing artists to my favorite links and added myself to countless blogs. This was one of the highlights of my year! Thank you for sharing all your brilliant artwork.

And now, for the winner of my hand knitted mittens...

Congratulations to Anji Gallanos!! of Juneau, Alaska.
I will contact you soon for your delivery information.
Hugs,
Nancy

Deadline for One World One Heart Giveaway

I will be cutting off sign-up for the One World One Heart giveaway at 12:00 o'clock Midnight tonight, so I will have time to post and contact the winner. I will be out of town over the weekend, so your package will be leaving my home by the first of next week. Sorry for this short notice! I can't wait to see who wins.

Hope you are the lucky winner!

Altered Valentines

Did you know that valentine greeting cards date back to the late 1800's? Here are my contribution for today's special "one-of-a-kind" dimensional valentine greeting card. During the One World-One Heart event, I found this gorgeous web-site called Outsider-Artists. You can easily order downloadable sheets of these amazing winged sweethearts by visiting one talented gal, Becky Loyall from Whymsical Musings.







Happy Valentine's Day!

Love Letter Tin

Making this romantic Valentine tin, inspired me to post this sweet love letter written by Ronald Regan to his wife, Nancy. I have a few classic "love notes" and a heart-shaped ring from my youth that now have a place to rest. These nostalgic images can be downloaded from Lisa Vollrath's "Original Printable Holiday Collection." Enjoy!

Nancy

Aboard Air Force One

March 4, 1983

Dear First Lady,

I know tradition has it that on this morning I place cards, Happy Anniversary cards, on your breakfast tray. But things are somewhat mixed up. I substituted a gift and delivered it a few weeks ago.

Still this is the day, the day that marks 31 years of such happiness as comes to few men. I told you once that it was like an adolescent's dream of what marriage should be like. That hasn't changed.

You know I love the ranch but these last two days made it plain I only love it when you are there. Come to think of it, that's true of every place & every time. When you aren't there I'm no place, just lost in time & space.

I more than love you, I'm not whole without you. You are life itself to me. When you are gone, I'm waiting for you to return so I can start living again.

Happy Anniversary and thank you for 31 wonderful years.

I love you.

Your Grateful Husband

Snow Queen Paper Snow Globe

Lately, I have been concentrating on exploring artwork with shaped pages and three-dimensional objects. I now use more fibers and embellishments than I have ever used before. Sometimes I even focus on the edge of my project. This "Snow Queen" was a free downloaded image from Dover. I used paint, colored pencils, and extra thick glitter snow on the rounded edge and extravagant feathers. Endless possibilities.... saved treasures waiting to emerge with deep personal meaning. I am hoping this Queen will wave her wand to make all this cold and snow go somewhere other than here!

Cupid's True Love

For me, the month of February truly celebrates the season of love, one of the most enchanting times of my heart. This is my latest journal page.


Do you know the make-believe story of Cupid? It was said that once you were shot with an arrow from Cupid's bow, you would fall in love with the next person you met. Sometimes, Cupid would toy with others affections by matching up couples with opposite qualities just to see what would happen. One day, Cupid was given a dose of his own medicine and would soon learn his lesson about true love.

A certain king and queen had a daughter with the most astonishing beauty named Psyche. When news spread of her beauty, Cupid's mother, Venus, felt threatened. She felt she must seek out her competitor and put her in her place by ordering Cupid to find Psyche, pierce her with his arrow, and make her fall in love with the most hideous monster he could find. Cupid obeyed his mother and set out to find Psyche. Once Cupid found Psyche, he was so overcome by her beauty that he accidentally pierced his own body with his arrow and fell madly in love with Psyche.

It was thought that her beauty was so great that she was not meant for just any ordinary man. Psyche was moved to live in a castle on an isolated mountain. Cupid only visited her under the darkness of night, and insists that she never be able to look upon his face in daylight. While back at her palace, stories began to surface that Psyche had finally married. For fear that she had indeed married a monster, one night Psyche held a lamp over Cupid's face. Startled to see who he was, Psyche also accidentally pricks herself with one of Cupid's arrows and falls deeply in love with Cupid. Cupid leaps from a window, flies away from Psyche and goes into hiding from being seen. After searching for Cupid far and wide, she beseeches the help of Cupid's mother, to help find her true love.

Psyche goes through many ridiculous tests of faith, trying to please Venus so that she and Cupid could be united and live happily for all eternity. After successfully completing every impossible test put before her by Venus, Cupid finally comes to the aid of Psyche. Cupid's wish is granted and the two have a baby girl named Delight. Cupid and his love, Psyche, finally live happily ever after.

I Have OWOH Disorder

Okay, I am also seriously out of control. Really, I probably shouldn't be allowed near my computer until this thing is over. Is anyone else obsessively visiting every single site on the "One World One Heart" besides me?

I haven't even visited my normal blogs for nearly a week, and even canceled an appointment so I could hit some more sites. The first day, I was up to 2:00 a.m. The second day I practically spent the entire day goofing off! Luckily, my boss at work is my husband!! He wanted to know today if I was "on strike."

Anyway, do you think Miss Lisa Swifka, has some type of support group set up for those of us who have developed a OWOH disorder??

I can't even begin to tell you how much I have enjoyed this event! I have met some very sweet people all over the world with heartfelt stories and stunning blogs. Oh, I think I don't want this to ever end.....but, I need to finish my "Snow Globe" project for Saturday. That should be enough to make me rise up and make something extra special from my overload of internet inspiration. AFTER I check out a couple more blogs......

One World-One Heart Giveaway

I hereby announce my very first giveaway in the third annual "One World~One Heart Giveaway." This event enables bloggers the world over an opportunity to meet new friends...AND you might even win a gorgeous handmade gift!

To learn more, and to see a list of the participating blogs with their links, just click here. You may even want to do a giveaway on your own blog too! Whether you want to do a giveaway or just enter to win as you pop from blog to blog entering drawings, you undoubtedly will come across some very cool blogs that you might never have happened to come across otherwise.

And for My Giveaway.....

To enter my drawing you must be an active blogger. All you need to do is leave a comment on this post. Please be sure to include your email address. The drawing is February 12th. I will contact you via e-mail and post the winner on my blog. If you want to know even more about this event, click here. There are a lot of very generous people with great blogs to share, and many wonderful items being offered!

I would like to give away a pair of hand-knitted "Bella's Mittens" as pictured here. They are completely washable made with Plymouth Yarn, the "Encore Colors" in the shade "Faded Blue." They are 75% acrylic and 25% wool. Now, all you have to do is add a comment with your email address to this post. Thanks for all your heartfelt comments! I sincerely appreciate them.

Things I Love About Winter

As the snow fell outside my window this afternoon, I spotted these precious doves huddled together on a branch which holds four bird feeders in our back yard. The snow has not stopped since 10:00 o'clock this morning. Right now, we are experiencing 17 degrees, but actually feels more like 3 degrees. I started my art journal today for Terri, and almost finished the background. I am still gathering images, and color ideas. I guess, it's a perfect opportunity to create some art! Winter in Michigan this year has been brutal. I just want to see some sunshine and a little less snowflakes.

Bella's Mittens

These absolutely gorgeous mittens, as worn by Kristen Stewart in the movie "Twilight," and designed by the talented and generous Marielle Henault, are becoming my most recent obsession. This is a photo of my dear daughter, Amy wearing them! I'm in love with these mittens. Wow, and they fit my hands too! It's a great pattern; quick, easy, and elegant (yet somewhat of a challenge for me). Thank you, Marielle, for making it available to all knitters for free! Please go to my favorite links, and hit "Subliminal Rabbit." On her December 29, 2008 post, near the bottom, you can download this beautiful mitten pattern.

Am I Really A Jackie?

My friend, Deb, from "It's All Good," posted a neat personality quiz this morning. Of course, I have to do whatever Deb does (as I once quoted), so here are my results of the personality quiz. It's kind of fun, yet a little spooky.

Your result for Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz...

You Are a Jackie!

You are a Jackie. "I do everything the right way."

Jackies are realistic, conscientious, and principled. They strive to live up to their high ideals.

How to Get Along with Me

* Take your share of the responsibility so I don't end up with all the work.

* Acknowledge my achievements.

* I'm hard on myself. Reassure me that I'm fine the way I am.

* Tell me that you value my advice.

* Be fair and considerate, as I am.

* Apologize if you have been unthoughtful. It will help me to forgive.

* Gently encourage me to lighten up and to laugh at myself when I get uptight, but hear my worries first.

What I Like About Being a Jackie

* Being self-disciplined and able to accomplish a great deal

* Working hard to make the world a better place

* Having high standards and ethics; not compromising myself

* Being reasonable, responsible, and dedicated in everything I do

* Being able to put facts together, coming to good understandings, and figuring out wise solutions

* Being the best I can be and bringing out the best in other people

What's Hard About Being a Jackie

* Being disappointed with myself or others when my expectations are not met

* Feeling burdened by too much responsibility

* Thinking that what I do is never good enough

* Not being appreciated for what I do for people

* Being upset because others aren't trying as hard as I am

* Obsessing about what I did or what I should do

* Being tense, anxious, and taking things too seriously

Jackies as Children Often

* Criticize themselves in anticipation of criticism from others

* Refrain from doing things that they think might not come out perfect

* Focus on living up to the expectations of their parents and teachers

* Are very responsible; may assume the role of parent

* Hold back negative emotions ("good children aren't angry")

Jackies as Parents

* Teach their children responsibility and strong moral values

* Are consistent and fair

* Discipline firmly

Take Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz at HelloQuizzy

Ravelry Knitting

Joining Ravelry is amazing and it's free! I have been checking out some of the most gorgeous knitting projects, plus there are patterns for most of them. In between my other art projects, I have been knitting these microfiber dishcloths. I stumbled into one of our local knitting stores called Skeins on Main, where there was a bargain bin. Naturally, I grabbed enough for three dishcloths. This lovely luxury yarn is a blend of 65% cotton and 35% microfiber called Jo Sharp Aran Cotton. It feels wonderful as you are handknitting a project. My all time favorite dishcloth pattern was graciously shared by Homespun Living.

My other project that has been seriously frustrating me is a pair of mittens. I finally completed my first error free right hand. I now have four (yes four!!) right hands done, all different colors, all different sizes. Maybe I need another hand? But, for crying out loud, my brain had turned to mush and needed a break from the mittens for a day. Now, I have one left hand to go. I can't wait to show you in a few days. They are an amazing pair of mittens.

Nan

A Colorful New Year

Wow...another year! 2008 has been full in so many ways. 2009 promises to be another year with so many more colorful adventures. I'm excited to see what comes, and to share it here with you. Some of us think of "out with the old and in with the new." Some of us may think of New Year's Resolutions. Some may think of change. And some like me, well they just may think of all the things that they wanted to do and time just has a way of slipping away. I want to thank all of you who have stopped by this past six months to visit my little blog, whether you have commented or not. I sincerely appreciate all of you. I intend to approach this new year feeling fresh and full of new found energy.

Happy New Year!

Hugs, Nancy

Where My Heart Is

Perhaps the reason I was so enthusiastic about these pages of a house at Christmas time is because that is where those I love reside. My husband, my visiting daughter and son in law, my son and his wife, and my grandchildren, they are my heart. I love my house because that is where my heart is. And where my heart is, I needed to find a way to create my vision of an old-fashioned Santa and still show the holiness of Christmas time. I think I will probably always have the heart of a child at this time of year.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Falling Leaves

With the many things I try to manage in my household for one month, I admit that I wasn't too excited about assuming the added responsibility of completing five of these leaves for my art club this month. For several weeks, I just kept looking for ideas, but nothing was clicking. Last Sunday, I just had to start and just let it happen. Whenever I find myself struggling, I go back to my stash of collected clip art, and this is what emerged. Thanks once again to Mind Wide Open, I "got 'er done!"

December Recipe Card

Incredible...the smell of freshly baked cookies, the first bite of homemade cookies that are still warm. That's what scrumptious, magical memories are made of. This is my recipe card for the month of December. This "Tangy Yule Ball" recipe is a favorite of my mom. Last week she and my sister received a blanket of snow totally more than 24 inches in the upper peninsula. Ouch! The snow is still falling delicately down where I live, but nothing like the "up north" gets. I made my first batch of Christmas cookies today, and tucked them into a Santa tin. Now if I could only keep Chuck out of the cans before I can give them away for the holidays!

Renaissance Art Journal

Last weekend I attended an art journal class inspired by the techniques of Jacqueline Sullivan and hosted by Terri Gauthier of Davison, Michigan. I had taken a similar class a few years ago when Jackie taught these modeling paste fundamentals herself, so when Terri offered a class of faux metal painting and book binding, I jumped at the chance to participate. If any one has the opportunity to take a class from Jacqueline, I would definitely encourage you to do so. Her art is amazing! Even though we watched and learned from Terri, no two journals colors were identical. Isn't it fun how that happens and no one's work is the same? I feel like my journal celebrates something mystical and needs to hold my treasured heritage family photos. Thank you, Terri, for hosting such a glamorous event. Your mouth watering homemade breakfast was a pleasure!

Art Doll Swap

What a fun exchange everyone had last month. It was my turn to pick a theme, and I chose "Little Girl Paper Dolls" as shown in a past SOMERSET LIFE magazine. We had an outline. It had to be a little girl, mounted on a wooden block, and was to have a back drop. I believe we all did some of our best work on this project. I chose an image from Paper Whimsy and named each child with a Victorian name. Vicky used a photo of her daughter Natalie. Terri's girl had beautiful iridescent wings. Deb's work had a curtain like theater background, and Kim's image captured the essence of time. They are all just the sweetest things! Next month's assignment will have a leaf shape and an autumn theme. I wonder what our art group will create with only that thought. Hmmmm.

"Annabell" by Nancy Van Hoose

"Natalie" by Vikki Light

"Butterly Kisses" by Terri Gauthier

"Curtain Call" by Debra Abel

"Essence of Time" by Kimberly Baslock

November Recipe Card

There is something so innately comforting about a home-cooked meal--whether you're the cook or the fortunate recipient of the meal. Usually when my family gathers for the holidays, it has become a tradition for me to make this appetizer. Won ton wrappers make this snack really easy to put together. The wrappers look like flower petals or blossoms, creating a pretty cup to hold the spicy sausage and cheese mixture. This easy recipe is truly a culinary delight! The lovely two little girl image was shared through "Mind Wide Open" on a challenge hosted by Gail Schmidt.

Hand Knit Dish Cloths

At this time of year, I seem to focus my attention towards making handmade gifts for the holiday season. I look forward to being more productive, more creative, and making things for those who appreciate the value of a hand-knit or homemade gift. This past weekend, we made the journey up to Lake Superior where my mom and sister share that excitement of gift-making. My sister crochets like a mad woman whipping up practical yet beautiful potholders, toys, and felted handbags, while my mom paints wondrous Christmas ornaments, knits sweaters, afghans, and unique baby gifts. If any of you have seen the new SOMERSET STUDIO "ARTFUL BLOGGING" magazine this month, you can appreciate the love I have for this latest issue. It is very comforting to know that there are many artful spirits in this world. One article inspired me to knit up these raised box stitch dishcloths. Then I created a tag of a beautiful young woman from an image I received from my dear friend, Deb Abel. As I have been a knitter for over 50 years (has it been that long?), I quickly read Deb Andriulli's pattern and pulled out my needles. This pattern is easy yet impressive. I am peaceful now, sipping my cup of tea, dreaming of the next color to use.