Inspiration

The prompt I had given my local art journal group was to create pages inspired by the works of famous/or not-so-famous artists. What is it about their work that inspires us? Had a fun discussion on these topics and as always left with great ideas to try out myself.

I've already posted my pages based on Bua's work here and here.
These are ones inspired by Jackson Pollock. Have always been mesmerized by his canvases - he always has such energy to his works. Mine were created on colored card stock using a candle and a box of Crayola crayons. Cool no? Love these so much that I might create a larger canvas piece using the same idea.

Recent Reads

1. Inspired to Quilt
I don't quilt, but many of these ideas work for journals as well. Fun book to browse for inspiration.

2. Collage Lab
Another idea book from the Lab series. Good to get you started if you are stuck.

3. The English Assassin
Slowly working my way through this series - am not loving it, but it holds my interest.

4. The Help
First ebook I bought and I love it. I am always fascinated by the servant/master relationship and particularly by how that played out in the south post slavery. A really good, if disturbing, read.

5. Mockingjay
The final book in the YA Hunger Games trilogy has been much anticipated. This is as good a read as the others in the series - dark, but good.

Injury Time Out

Pulled a muscle in my left leg and have been hobbling around like Quasimodo. Wish I had an interesting story to tell - like I pulled it while climbing Everest, or some other adventure. Am left with an appreciation of what I take for granted - being able to walk pain free.

Love how this page turned out - the background was created using bubble wrap. Fun.

21 Secrets

I decided to play with others online. Signed up for 21 Secrets and am getting some great ideas. Have worked my way through several of the workshops, and while not all are good, am having fun.

Another page inspired by the work of Justin Bua.

Celebrations

Well, not sure that everyone celebrates the "discovery" of the new world by Columbus, but in our house we have much to celebrate. A 19 year anniversary. Time sure does fly.
Happy versary Babes. 82.

10.10.10

10.10.10. So cool a calender date no?

The thing about trips where you spend time with lots of people, don't get enough sleep, etc, is that you have fun, but usually also pick up some dudus. Am sick and making good use of recovery days.

Watched a good game between Michigan and Michigan State yesterday. Such energy in that stadium in Ann Arbor - I've attended a game there, so I know. You feel your very bones vibrate. Since Susan is a State alum, we were rooting for them - though that dang Go Blue song is dang catchy. The Spartans won, so the Paul Bunyan trophy will continue to reside in Lansing for the fourth consecutive year. Such quaint traditions in college games.

October

And just like that it is October. There is something disconcerting about taking a trip during which the months change. Always leaves me discombobulated for a while. Kinda like I misplaced days somewhere. Know what I mean?

Anyways, am back home after a trip to Ann Arbor and Chicago. So many fun things about the trip - road trip, train trip, lunch with a fellow traveler, reunion with family and friends. Am home and letting it all percolate. To see pics click here.

Travel journal

I made a new travel journal for an upcoming trip. Love the process of making a new book and playing with all the supplies - paper, wallpaper samples, fabric samples, thread. I really liked Teesha Moore's Amazing 16 page journal idea, and decided to bind five of these into a book with hard covers. I used smaller sheets to start with, so my book is about 4.5 x 6 inches. To keep the book closed, I stamped a piece of elastic and create a loop. Cannot wait to fill it up.

Beauty

Beauty is where you find it. I found this at the marina gate. Simply fab.

Recent Reads

Happy Autumnal Equinox. One of two days each year with equal light and dark. Something quite auspicious about that no?

1. Sara Midda's South of France
Delightful gem of a little book. Read it again to inspire me for an upcoming trip.

2. The Confident Creative
There are a lot of good ideas and reflections in this book. However I found the way the author writes to be annoying.

3. The Illustrated Life
A book I never tire looking at. It is on my nightstand - always there when I am in the mood to be delighted.

4. When Wanderers Cease to Roam
This is an illustrated journal with a section for each month a year. Loved it.

5. The Kill Artist
First book I've read by the author, and first in the Gabriel Allon series. An old style thriller - while not fantastic is a good read. I am currently reading the next book in the series.

6. The Beat of Urban Art
Stumbled across this graffiti artist while browsing my local library shelves and love, love his style.

New Journal

I like to vary the size of my journals. I finished making this one today - about 4.5 x 6 inches. Outside cover is scrapbook paper, the inside cover is wallpaper samples and the pages are watercolor paper. I used the coptic stitch - can never quite make it look the way I expect. I think the thread I used is too thin to really show the coptic chain. Cannot wait to play in it.

Bag-o-phile

You know me, you know I gotta thing for bags. Don't know what it is. Maybe I need to be ready for a quick escape. Love bags. Never met a bag I did not like. They come in all shapes, sizes and colors. So much fun. I've been giving some of my bags away - to good homes. I mean why tote things around in one of those horrible plastic shopping bags when you could use a fun bag instead? I do not own the bags drawn below. I saw a stamp that had bags and was inspired to capture some of the fun of bags.

Specs

You might recall that I bought my first pair of reading glasses last year in Thailand. Actually bought them to read The Mosquito Coast which was printed in this tiny horrible print, though I loved the book. Since then, have not really needed them. This summer I started reading on my nook, and could simply change font size - so was lulled into this false sense of being able to see just fine. Umm, am here to report that I've been using my reading glasses for the past week and actually need them. Even more interesting is that I had them on while eating breakfast one morning and could actually see details of my meal that I could not before. Wonder how much we don't actually see and don't even realize. Fascinating.

Faces are tough to draw - there are always emotions tied to a human face.

Masks

The prompt I had given my art journal group was to create pages using masks or stencils. At the meeting today, it was fun to see what others had created. So many good ideas to explore further. What fun.

Here are my pages. For this one which I had posted earlier, I used the image from a magazine as my mask. For the pages below, I used pics of my nephews that they had given me recently. I also decided to capture some thoughts about them at this age. Each line of text starts with their current age - so Luke's all start with @ seven, and Jonah's @ five. For the background I used a couple of Tim Holtz masks and my own stencils. You'd be surprised at what you can do with that netting that comes with a box of clementines. Love how these turned out.

Clocks

At our latitude, sunset is getting earlier and earlier. At this point we have lost about one and a half hours of daylight. And it will only get worse before it gets better. My animal body wants to do as all the other animals and go to bed when it gets dark out. Realized yesterday that it was only 7:00pm when that occurred. Time to retrain my internal clock.

This is one of my fave buildings in the Navy yard.

Time flies

Can you believe how fast the hours, days, months are flying by? It is all I can do to hang on for dear life.

Had the boys over yesterday - a school night, so homework was on the menu. My nephew Jonah, age 5, and I continue to have deep philosophical discussions about god. You know. GOD!!! (imagine little fists pumping the air). Here is a sample from yesterday:

Jonah: God made the sun
Susan: What if it wasn't God who made the sun?
Jonah: Then it would be dark!

Gotta love that kid.

Bua

There is something to be said about simply browsing the library stacks with no real intention. I stumbled across a book by Justin Bua and love this work. I used his book to experiment with his style - love it.

Recent Reads

1. Foreign Affairs
My book club selection for the month starts out slowly but is quite an interesting read. I especially like that the story is told from the point of view of a man and a woman who do not end up together - that is refreshing in itself. Also liked how the characters actually say things that we often think, but do not say out loud. The story explores the sense of self at home and abroad. Quite good.

2. The Host
Summer reading indeed. I'm been on a Greek gods, vampires and now aliens kick - oh my! This was a perfect read for a sailing cruise. Why are post apocalyptic novels so popular again?

3. The Art of Travel
Have been slowly reading, savoring and reflecting my way through this gem of a book. Having finished it last night, I can tell you that I am not the same person I was prior to reading it. And maybe best of all it has set me on new paths to explore. Fantastic.

Reading with kids

1. When Sophie Gets Angry
One of the books we read with the boys on our camping trip. How do you handle anger? Sophie calms herself in nature. A good way to have a discussion about what we get angry about and how we handle that emotion.

2. The Brand New Kid
The story of a new kid that looks different and how he is treated by his classmates. "The kids are so mean to him", said Jonah. One girl reaches out to the stranger, and her actions change everything. Jonah said that he is the same way - he makes friends with everyone no matter who they are or what they look like. Love this kid.

3. Flotsam
I love this book - no words. You get to use your imagination to create your own story. Very cool.

4. Mirror Mirror
This cool book of poetry can be read two ways - forward and backward - and the story changes dramatically. The boys had fun creating their own verses that made sense in both directions.

September

And here is September. Kiddies are all back in school. The neighborhood is so quiet. Time flies by so very fast.

Sailing

This has been a good summer for outdoor activities, especially sailing. Hurricane Earl passed on by and was downgraded enough not to cause any damage at the marina. Where to head for the next cruise? So many options.

Here is a page I created while at a mooring in Scituate harbor.

Art Journal

I like how this collage turned out.

Ephemera

These pages are always fun to create and a wonderful visual reminder of a place and time.

Fragile (2)

Here is a page I created yesterday. See earlier post for details.

Fragile

I often think that people should have a sticker on them that says Fragile: Handle with Care.

Am reminded again of how really fragile is our hold on life. My cousin Thomas was killed in a hit and run in Kerala a couple of days ago. And just like that his life is over. He did not even get to celebrate his first wedding anniversary. I've been holding in my thoughts his wife, mother, father, brother, sister and all his cousins, uncles, aunts, friends who loved him.

Give someone you love a hug today.

Art Journal

Love the images in National Geographic - here is one that captivated me recently.

Sketchcrawl

Decided to spend an afternoon exploring downtown Lowell recently. Took along my art journal and supplies. The first page was inspired by the Quilts exhibit at the Brush Art Gallery. Ink and markers. The second page was drawn on location and painted with watercolors when I got back home. A fun afternoon that recharged my batts.

Art Journal

Realized after I started sketching that I was not using a water-proof pen, but I like the darkness the ink wash created. Created this page while at my local B&N store - inspiration from a mag I was browsing. Watercolors added later at home.

Art Journal

On this dark, cool rainy day, love the bright colors on this page.

Recent Reads

1. Marley and Me
This is a good read. Made me laugh. Made me cry. Made me want to get a dog - well not quite. This was our read aloud book on the boat this summer.

2. How Did You Get This Number?
Stumbled across this book of 9 essays in ebook format at my library. It is a quick and enjoyable read.

3. The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake
Another book I read in ebook format. I was intrigued by the idea of the story, but was not impressed with the book. The story is told from the point of view of Rose, who at the age of 9 discovers that she can taste her mother's emotions in the food she prepares. As she grows older in this sad disconnected family, her abilities get stronger, and she can identify not only the feelings of the people who prepare food, but the feelings of everyone/everything in the entire food chain. Could not help wondering if I would consider such an ability a gift or a burden.

4. The Red Pyramid
The first book in the new Kane Chronicles introduces kids to Egyptian mythology. The author has gotten rather formulaic in his writing, and while this is not as good a read as the Percy Jackson series, it has some interesting themes.

Birthday

This is what I woke up to. Gotta love it.

Birthday Month

Yup, I celebrate my entire birthday month - who can fit it all into just one day? This page was created on the first day to kick off the celebration.

Art Journal

This one is from our camping trip with my nephews. We had this little sun shade that the boys setup and used as a play pen.

Camping with boys

This has been a fun summer with my nephews - we've had weekly overnights all summer and that has given us more time to explore and play.

One of our adventures included a 2 night camping trip in the White Mountains. We got to the Lafayette Campground and setup our tent and tarp right before the heavens opened. Having a fantastic tent that keeps everyone nice and dry - priceless. Lafayette is a lovely campground with a river that ran right by our tent - the only downside is traffic noise - but it was a great location for our first time in the mountains with the boys. Activities included exploring the river, hiking to explore waterfalls and caves, stories by the fire, etc.

To see pics from the trip click here.

Recent Reads

1. Where Women Create
An interesting view inside the places some women create.

2. Best Rail Trails New England
So many trails, so little time. Have decided that the Cape Cold trail is on the list after the kiddies go back to school - way less traffic at nearby campground.

3. Drawing Lab for Mixed Media Artists
A little gem of a book. Wonderful ideas to spark creativity.

4. The Postmistress
Loved the idea of this book - what happens when people do not deliver mail during a time there were few other ways to communicate? The war reporting and descriptions were done quite well, but the execution of the story left much to be desired - the characters were not well developed.

5. Darkness, Take My Hand
You know that deja vu feeling you get that you have read a book before? Well, had that while reading this well written book. The gory details makes it not for the faint-of-heart, but so well done.

6. Priceless: How I Went Undercover to Rescue the World's Stolen Treasures
With a title like that, who could resist? But this non-fiction book deviated from the theme and is more the author's memoir. Really enjoyed the heist stories, but in the end quit the book. Just do not care enough to read about this guy.

Reading with kids

My nephews and I continue to read our way through fab books.

1. Are You Going to Be Good?
Read this one out loud to the boys - a fun story about a kid who is told all the ways he should behave at a party and then he finds an unexpected ally.

2. June 29, 1999
Read this to Jonah. A science experiment has unexpected results. Fun.

3. The First Rule of Little Brothers
The boys had such different reactions to this book. Jonah (the little one) thought that the older brother in the book was mean. Luke (the older one) nodded knowingly as he read it. Yup. He totally understands.

4. Miss Brooks Loves Books (And I Don't)
I love this book - both the story and the illustrations. I had a similar experience while teaching - this kid, Jamie, hated to read. Would not read. I searched high and low and finally found a topic that he was interested in. And you know what? Jamie reads. Love that.

Recent Reads

1. The Killing Floor
My first book by this really popular author. Found it a good read - did not capture me and draw me in, but an interesting read none-the-less. Will look into the other books in the series.

2. The Bone People
This book has been on my bookshelf to read for several years and I finally got around to reading it for my book club. Loved it. The story of 3 broken and damaged people and how they connect. I loved the New Zealand, Maori angle and though the writing style takes some getting used to, a great read.

3. Digital Expressions
Fun book with interesting ideas on how to create digital art.

4. The Passage
The buzz around this book has been incredible. It made the top of my list because it was actually available in ebook format at my library. An epic novel with lots of characters. As you read it, you know that it is not going to end well. Have been lost in the world of vampires for the past week or so. Fun summer read.

Recent Movies

1. Alice in Wonderland
I know this did not get great reviews, but I loved it. Ah Johnny Depp. The movie is a wonderful adaptation of the book - which I have tried to read twice and yet to make it past the first couple of chapters.

2. New Moon
I might look into reading the Twilight series - it cannot be as bad as the movies can it? This was pretty bad - and I love both vampires and werewolves. Sigh.

3. The Lightning Thief
Enjoyed the book and unfortunately, the movie was really bad. Ah well.

4. The Stoning of Soraya M
Wow. This is a powerful movie. Do not watch it if you are having a bad day. Tough subject matter. Excellent movie.

Reading with kids

1. The Island of Skog
I loved this book. Read it to the boys on one of their overnights, and we talked about the mystery and the magic of the story.

2. The Biggest Bear
The graphics are wonderful. The story builds up to what you think will be a bad ending, but then there is hope. Sort of.

3. The Mysterious Tadpole
A gift that turns out to be not quite as expected. Funny.

4. Amos & Boris
Lovely story about a mouse who heads out for an adventure and is helped by a whale. And one day is able to return the favor. Quite fun.

5. The Elves and the Shoemaker
This is the only book on this list that I had read as a kid - though do not recall that the elves were naked!

6. Haunted Castle on Hallow's Eve
Luke continues to read his way through the Magic Tree House series. In MTH # 30, Jack and Annie are on a Merlin Mission to a very spooky castle. Where are all the people?

7. Summer of the Sea Serpent
In MTH #31 Jack and Annie have another adventure filled with danger, magic and mystery. This is one of the best books yet.

Visual Journal

An example of a page using acrylic paint, collage and ink.

Snippets

If I'm not driving, I like to do something with my hands while I listen to podcasts or audio books. I knit. I vacuum. I walk. I do dishes. I doodle. This page is an example of how my hands stay occupied while my mind is stimulated.

The Politics of Fiction

Elif Shafak gives a TED talk that has to be one of the top 5 talks I have heard.
You can hear it here.

Summer

Lots of outdoor playing going on this summer. Love being on the water. Created this page in the cockpit, ice drink in hand. Life is good.

Doodles

There is something soothing about doodling - no expectations. Just move the pen around on the page.

Global Voices

Listened to this fascinating talk today. Lots to marinate on.

Markers

A page created using kids markers. They are quite fun to play with.
The fortune cookie text: There is no such thing as an ordinary cat.
Ain't that the truth?

Visual Journal

A double page spread using acrylic paints and collage materials. I'm finding that I like a handwritten background to my pages. A personal style seems to be developing.

Book Light

It is getting harder and harder to find a good book light. I bought one several years ago from Levenger and love it. As is usually the case with things you love it is no longer in stock. Babes has gone through several brands and all of them are useless, so was determined to find a good one for her birthday. Found this one at Barnes and Noble. Took the first one back - the light flickered - but the second one works just fine. Light. Nice design. Rechargeable.

Do you use a book light? Which one?

Visual Journal

Some magazine had an article about how people dress their dogs. Incredible really. Inspired this page.

Recent Reads

1. Small Island
This is quite a stunning read. Set in Jamaica and post-war Britain, the novel explores racism, family, war and the ties that bind us. The story is told in 4 voices - a style that I quite enjoy.

2. A Favorite of the Queen
I love the Tudor period, so was looking forward to this read. The first time I've read this author, and will not be going back. I actually stopped about 60 pages in - the writing seems juvenile and has no depth. Not worth the time.

3. Playing with Books
Interesting, but not quite what I was expecting. Sometimes I wonder how books like this get published.

4. Two Lives
My book club selection for the month, and while there are parts I quite enjoyed, I could not wait for the book to end. As fascinated I am by Gertrude Stein and Alice Toklas, this book does not make me want to go out and read their work - the author seems to have culled the best parts for a tasty nibble. I enjoyed this fictional account much more.

5. The Indigo Notebook
This YA book is an okay read. I particularly enjoyed the travel bits of the story.

Frogs

We are having such a great summer in these parts. My parents are in town for several weeks, and we took the boys out to the local park to look for frogs. A fun afternoon was had by all. You can see more pics from the afternoon here.

Nook

I've got a new toy! After lusting after the Amazon Kindle for what seems like years, I weighed my options, read the reviews and finally decided to get the Barnes & Noble Nook. And I love it!

My tipping point list:

• Prices have finally come down to a reasonable number. The wireless Nook sells for $149.
• The Nook allows access to the battery (for replacements) and has a memory expansion slot - the Kindle has neither.
• The Nook supports standards - the Adobe epub format. The Kindle uses a proprietary format. I'm all for standards.
• Because the Nook supports standards, I can load ebooks from my library and download tons of free books - huge savings over buying every ebook I read.
• The Nook has rudimentary web browsing - in Beta - nothing great - but a nice feature.
• I dislike the hard key pad of the Kindle - pefer the Nook's soft navigation.
• Love the e-ink technology.
  

I've been using my Nook for about 2 weeks now and love it. What I notice missing are the tactile pleasures I get from holding a book in my hands - the smell, the feel of the paper, the heft. But not having to carry stacks of books with me every time I leave the house is really wonderful. I currently have about 40 books loaded and am in dual reading mode at the moment - reading both ebooks and hard copy, and expect to continue in that manner. There are some books you just want to hold close to you no?

Viva Espana!

Not a great game today, but love that Spain beat Germany. Only 2 more games - the one for 3rd place and the finals. What the heck will I do after that?

Finals on Sunday. Spain versus Holland. Plan is to make food from each country for the game. So far we have sangria, paella, Heineken and Gouda cheese on the menu.

Go Spain Go!

World Cup

Back from several days on the boat. Love the summer.

Ooh, we are down to the last 4 teams - looking forward to some great football the next several days.

We watched the Argentina/Germany game in the North End with lots of fans. I was rooting for Argentina; they lost 0-4. Emotions ran high - fans almost started a fight. Germany was by far the better team - no doubt about that. I actually prefer games that are won in regular time. The shootout is painful to watch. I was crying by the end of the Ghana/Uruguay game. Such a horrible way to loose.

But onward - will we have a Germany/Netherlands final?