Wizard of Oz ACEO Swap

Ahhhh…..the beauty of the beloved movie, the Wizard of Oz!

This was the first time I ever went to the movies when I was a young girl. My mom said I clenched my teeth when the Wicked Witch of the West flew her bicycle down that graveled road in Dorothy's fantasy. I viewed that huge Cinemascope screen thinking back in awe and still remember that evil witch scaring me!

This movie has special thoughts for me, due to not only it’s glowing music, but I lost a favorite Scottie stuffed animal dog when we left the theater. Talk about a memory!That is why I have chosen the subject of using "ToTo" as my main focus in representing the Wizard of Oz "And ToTo Too....." in my very first online ACEO Challenge hosted by Kris Dickinson.

I guess, the movie is pretty obvious that the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion already had what they thought they were missing. Their respective problems were in misapprehending their own nature. That is a very powerful statement when you think about it! Makes me think about my own possible imaginary hangups.

I recall feeling emotional when the Scarecrow was showing wisdom, the Tin Man feeling deeply, and poor Cowardly Lion going far beyond his comfort zone when facing the flying monkeys at the Witches Castle in the Haunted Forest. His accomplishment was truly harder in his case. What “is” true courage really?

It is very touching to watch the Wizard of Oz at my age. It was wonderful to see Dorothy step from the black and white world of Kansas to the bright colors of Munchkin Land, almost like she was taking a voyage in self-discovery. The Wizard of Oz is learning about evil, friendship, and fallibility, and how we see this identical voyage repeated in our own lifetimes.

I often wonder if the screenwriters actually were tapping into our frustrations, our excitement, our dreams and needs, and our sense of wonderment. I wonder if they knew the impact this movie would have 60 years later!

I wonder if they knew that

their heart’s desires

were not that far from our own!

The main background and wing images are from Moonlight Journey. I Googled the "Haunted Forest" sign and "ToTo" dog. Then I added silver mini glitter stars and lastly embellished with a very light touch of iridescent Dazzle glue.

Share a Little Sunshine

Wow! I was certainly honored and surprised to receive "A Sunshine Award." This adorable photo sure makes me imagine the warmth of spring, summer vacations, and the time change. This award is really very very flattering.

It is awarded to bloggers whose positiveness and creativity inspires others in the blogging world. I am so humbled to be considered in this way. For me, visiting blogs that make me happy is basically the reason why I started blogging.

I love escaping to some foreign land, viewing photos of places I will never be able to visit, becoming inspired from the talents of others, and sometimes just loving the music on a friend's blog. I adore finding exciting new recipes shown in breathtaking photos in hot summer places. It's all about attitude when it comes to being happy. Blogging can sure let you escape to something really fun when you need it.

My "Sunshine Award" was presented to me by Diana of "Adventuring Through Life"

The rules for accepting this award are:

1. Put the logo on your blog or within your post.

2. Pass the award to 12 bloggers.

3. Link to the nominees within your post.

4. Let them know they received this award by commenting on their blog.

5. Share the love and link to the person whom you received this award.

Thank you, Diana, for such a loving award. I am so honored to be considered someone with a positive attitude plus having creativity to share.

My nominees are:

Over A Tuscan Stove

Cucina Cara Mia

Beach Vintage

Verona Daily Photo

Lost in Sicily

Sicilia Through Images

Bella Vita In Liguria

Two Crazy Crafters

Happy Loves Rosie

Panini Girl

Life in St. Maarten Blog

Join in the fun by visiting a new blog today. Take a look at these blogs with beauty and enjoy the ride! You may just find a place to bring YOU a little sunshine!

Nancy

Play it Forward Thank You and Giveaway

Last month, I offered three giveaways for the One World One Heart event. Not only did I give away, I also will be receiving two gorgeous gifts. There were an astounding number of artful blogs to visit this year, and it is pure luck to have won two of them.

A big bear hug goes out to my dear friend, Debra Abel, from "It's All Good." She did the random generator, and I was the No. 2 comment. What are the chances of this happening? She insists that it was legitimate, and I'm sticking to it! I have always admired the image of her sweetheart of a mermaid piece. I love the sea, the ocean, and what lies beneath. Please visit Deb's blog to get a glimpse of some of her beautiful pieces of art, plus a mixture of her thoughts on what is happening in her world. I am so excited to own this brilliant print and all it's fine detail!

And it won't be long before, I will be receiving another package from across the Atlantic Ocean. Linda Woolford, of "The Briar Rose Gate," painted a magical moonlit crow image in winter, "Nobel Gwynan, Raven of the Dark Woods Clan." She says it's on it's way. I think it is just stunning! Her site is wonderful with photo images of her town, family, and neighboring villages. You will even meet her lab, Poppy and his new pal Prince. I love the music she chose for her blog.

As a thank you to the above blogs, please leave a comment for them by clicking on these links. Then come back and leave a comment on this post with your email address. On Friday, March 5th, I will choose 5 lucky winners to receive one of my hand knit coffee cup cozies that are shown below.

Thank you so much Deb and Linda!

Nancy

Inspiration from Across the Country

When I first started seriously blogging, I began to receive sweet comments from my "imaginary" friend, Becky. I used to think quite a bit about her, where she lived, where she created her amazing pieces of art, and basically, I just loved her style. Her words were powerful, and they encouraged me.

As time passed, I would link to her very colorful blog, and think to myself "I wish I could do that!" I loved her little girl images, her mysterious backgrounds, her poetry, and the mood of her pieces. I would visit her blog practically every day, and dream about the art she posted. Sometimes we would coincidentally have the same background on our blogs. It was rather funny! Then I started commenting back, and we exchanged a few "Awards."

Today, I have turned some of my work towards the things I love about Becky's style. I couldn't believe it when she opened her own shop and started selling her own digital collage sheets. I was in heaven! It seems like I have known Becky for ages, but we have only known each other for a blip in time.

You can imagine my surprise, when I received this gorgeous bookmark in the mail this past weekend. She wrote on the package "Happy Valentine's Day.....sending sweet Valentine wishes your way." ~ Becky. I feel so honored to own this original piece of artwork from my friend who lives half across the country. I am so glad we met this way, but a little sad that I may never meet her in person during my lifetime. Thank heavens for artful blogging!

Please visit Becky's beautiful and inspiring blog, Whymsical Musings.