EDiM #6

EDiM #6: Draw a holiday card.

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The summer solstice is a one of the biggie celebrations in our house. Pen and watercolors.

EDiM #5

EDiM #5: Draw something sweet.

  

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I've got a sweet tooth, so simply looking at all the other participant entries has had me salivating all day. If one scoop is good, three is better. Pen and watercolors.

Brain rewiring

I am fascinated by the brain, and love learning about how our brains work. Once thought to be static and unchanging beyond a certain age, neuroscience has shown us the incredible plasticity of our brains. At all ages. Check out this interesting TED talk. I find it serendipitous how many of the items on the last slide are in line with my Every Day in May goals.

EDiM #4

EDiM #4: Draw a present you have received. Why is it special?

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How to pick one from so many? Especially when some of the best gifts are intangibles. Decided to sketch this bookmark, which was a gift from my sister. It reminds me of the many adventures we have had together, which always make me smile. Pen and watercolors.

EDiM #3

EDiM #3: Free choice. Draw anything you like.

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I for one love getting two for the price of one, so imagine my delight when this sketch works for both EDiM and TSBC. (The Sketchbook Challenge theme this month is Fruit and Veggies). Felt like the background needed some oomph, so out came a henna stencil to the rescue. Ink and watercolors.

EDiM #2

EDiM #2: Draw something that represents a new year's resolution of yours.

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In lieu of resolutions, I choose one word each year. My word for 2012 is LIGHT.

I still remember the first time I saw a prism split white light into a rainbow of colors. I was a wee one, and thought it quite magical. I now know how this happens, and even after decades of science education, I still think it is a magical thing. Watercolors and collage.

EDiM #1

Hello May. I've set several goals for the month of May, which I will share at the end of the month. One of them is to participate in the Every Day in May sketching challenge. Quickly bound a new journal which I hope to completely fill this month.

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EDiM #1: Draw or paint a landscape. Day one and I am already out of my comfort zone! Oh boy. It is raining heavily all day today, so decided to use a photo I had taken while in Turkey a couple of months ago. I loved the Cappadocia area, so thought I'd do a quick sketch of the Three Sisters. Pencil and watercolors.

Evil Eyes

It seems that every culture has their own way of dealing with evil eyes, or evil spirits. I grew up in a culture that put black kohl around the eyes of babies to protect them. In Turkey, amulets for protection take the form of blue eyes. It is believed that the blue color absorbs the bad stuff, thus keeping one safe. Now, while I am not a believer, I did get myself a protective bracelet, and got each of my nieces and nephews one too. What the heck, one can never have too much protection right?

Book adaptations

There have been quite a few books that haven been adapted lately. Some great, some not so good.

1. Games of Thrones
I've had this series on my TBR list for ages - my ebook one - and was conflicted as to whether to watch Season 1 before I had read the books. When my library had the complete first season available, I decided to jump in, and have to say that I loved it. So, the book has just popped up to my will read in May list, and I will put off watching Season 2 until I've read the books.

2. Hugo
This is another book on my TBR list, and I have to say I do not understand all the hype about this movie. Yes, I loved the photography and the lighting, and oh those gears, but the story was simply not compelling. Guess, I'll just read the book.

3. Great Expectations
Holy moly, is this adaptation fabulous. Love everything about it, and expect no less from Masterpiece productions.

4. The Hunger Games
I actually got to see this in the theaters before it got to DVD - something that rarely happens. While I liked the movie, I did not love it. The book is sooooo much better. There is so much missing in the movie that you don't get if you have not read the book.

Recent Reads

36. The Cloud Spinner
Last week while my nephews were over for a sleepover we read several books. This one was the bed-time selection. They already knew the story, but I had not read it before. I love exposing kids to the idea of taking what you need and not one bit more. That there are consequences to being greedy.

37. Z is for Moose
The boys and I laughed out loud as we read about the antics of Moose.

38. The Lorax
We had a read-aloud of this much loved story. The kids have seen the movie and really liked it. I'll wait for the DVD. Love the environmental message in the story.

39. The Flight of Gemma Hardy
I recently had a reading day. One of those days that I laze about with a good read. I was delighted to have this one waiting on my nightstand. It has rave reviews. It started out great, but I ended up not liking it as much I thought I would. The bare bones are all there - an orphan, treated badly (ala Cinderella). Sent to an orphanage, where the maltreatment continues. Thankfully, she grows up, finds love, runs away from it, only to circle back to where she started. I read that this book was an homage to Jane Eyre - a book I have yet to read - but after a strong start, it simply ran out of gas.

40. The Pulse of Mixed Media
"If you gave 100 artists the same set of art supplies and asked them to create, you would end up with 100 unique works of art." This is how the book starts - sounds compelling right? Sadly, it is not. While the art and layout of the book is a delight, the actual text is simply boring. I do read Seth's blog, and while this format works for a blog, I expected more from the book.

The stories behind bloodlines

Taryn Simon explores the stories of humanity via bloodlines. You can learn more about this fascinating project by watching her TED talk.

Book Covers

I really like Chip Kidd's book covers, and quite enjoyed this TED talk on the topic.
You can see it here.

World Book Night 2012

Today is the day that about 25,000 people distribute free books to members of their community who might be reluctant readers. You can read more about the program on their website.

I selected My Sisters Keeper by Jodi Picoult from the list of available books. Why this one? I loved it, and thought it would be a great read for reluctant readers. Late this afternoon, armed with my 20 copies, I visited a laundromat and the Market Basket (grocery store) in Lowell, MA. a town near me. It took me about 2 hours to give away all my copies. Here are some thoughts about my experience:

• I expected to give away a book to every other person or so - a 50% hit rate. It was more like a hit every 15 to 20 people. 
• So many people were simply not interested in a book. A free book at that!
• Everyone, and I mean everyone, was wary when I approached them. What do I want? What am I selling? What is the catch? What does that say about how we view members of our community?
• I really loved finding people who were not readers, and were willing to give the book a try. One woman said "no thanks", then after hearing my pitch to someone else circled back and said she'd take one.
• I had fun discussions with a couple of women about how the book compares with the movie.
• I loved the chance encounters, and the few minutes getting to hear personal stories about reading, travel, life, etc.
• I loved their faces when people really believed that they were getting a book they could keep. For free. No strings attached.
• One of the two men who accepted a book, said that it was his birthday, and the book was a surprise gift that he would start reading when he got home.
• My stats: 17 women, 2 men, 1 teenage girl.

Doing this was outside my comfort zone. I am not one to simply walk up and talk to strangers. But I love books, and was delighted at the opportunity to expose people to a book I loved. I feel more connected to my local community today, and that is priceless. Thank you WBN.

Journal Page

This is a page I had created before my trip to Turkey. Was listening to various audio books that made me think of the concept of home.

Created with fluid acrylics, markers and a bird stamp.

Music and Sketches

After I picked up my WBN books (see earlier post), decided to hang out and listen to a performance by The International String Trio, who were quite good. All I had with me was a teeny journal and a ball point pen. Quickly sketched some of the audience. Sometimes the simplest supplies are the best.

WBN

 I picked up the books I will be handing out on World Book Night. Not sure what that is? Check it out here. I am will be handing out 20 copies of this book - a good read for reluctant readers I think. I love how this is a special print edition and that the back cover has a list of all the books that were options to give away. So, so cool. If you are not a giver this year, do consider being one in 2013.

Recent Reads

32. The Rembrandt Affair
With this book - Gabriel Allon #10 - Daniel Silva is back on track with my fave art restorer/assassin. I quite enjoy these fast paced stories, and this one has art theft as the back story - a topic that fascinates me.

33. The Drop
This is Harry Bosch #16, and I listened to it on audio. It is an OK read, though do not think that I would have finished the book if I had sat down to read it. When does one give up on a series that used to be really good?

34. A Study in Scarlet
I've meant to read Sherlock for ages, but simply did not get round to it. Well, this is the book selected for the Soho Crime Read-Along this month, so checked out the audio book from the library and I loved it. Classic who-dun-it.

35. Caleb's Crossing
This is my book club selection for April, and has been on my TBR list since it was published. I love books by this author, and this one is really good as well. This historical novel explores the shocks and reverberations caused by first contact. New gods versus old gods. New traditions versus old ones. The loss of family and community ties when one decides to follow a path different than one that is expected of you. The story of a Native American boy and a Puritan girl who are changed by their chance encounter and friendship.

Boston Marathon 2012

The headlines say it all: Boston massacre: Thousands of runners quit marathon and last year's champ drops out at mile 18 as temperatures soar to 88.

That is hot for a marathon. Hot to do anything really - other than swing in a hammock, in the shade, cold drink in hand, cheering on the runners. Which is what I did. It was a great race for Kenyans.

Much more seasonal temps today, and as I went out for my 2.51 miles run this morning, I thought of all those who struggled through 26.2 miles in the heat, and dug deep as I ran up my very own heartbreak hill. Well, maybe molehill is a more accurate description.

Recent Movies

My problem is that by the time I get around to thinking about going to the movies, the movies I want to see are already on DVD. Well, not such a big problem as I get to watch in my jammies and snack on whatever I want.

1. The Help
I loved the book and loved the movie. I do think the book is better, but this is one of the few movies-made-from books that I loved. "You is smart. You is kind. You is important".

2. Moneyball
Had not even heard about this movie until Brad Pitt got his nomination for an Oscar. I found the movie slow going, but interesting. Think I might check out the book it is based on.

3. Real Steel
Not a movie I would have paid money to watch, but it was better than expected. Hugh Jackman should have taken off his shirt more often!

4. Midnight in Paris
I liked this movie even though I find Own Wilson extremely annoying. The supporting cast was great.

Anne Rice on The Colbert Report

I am a huge Anne Rice fan. Huge. Loved everything she has written and cannot wait to sink my teeth (pun intended) into her new book. She wrote about "real" vampires - none of this sparkly crap. :-)

The Colbert Report
Get More: Colbert Report Full Episodes,Political Humor & Satire Blog,Video Archive

Hunger Games Mania

I loved the books. Have yet to see the movie. And the doll is out already? At least she is not in heels, in front of an oven.

You can see the new Katniss Barbie doll here.

Recent Reads

28. The Bastard of Istanbul
Started listening to this book before I left for Turkey and finished it on the flight over. There are quite a few characters in this book, and I really liked that it was all about the women in the families - the crazy ones, the sane ones, the rebellious ones. Set in Turkey and the States, the story explores the notion of identity, and how we figure out where we belong. I learned more about the Armenian deportations and massacres of 1915, and was fascinated to hear both the Turkish and Armenian sides of the events. The food described in this book made me hungry and I was delighted to get the chance to sample some of what I had heard described so wonderfully. If you read this, I would highly recommend you try out the audio version.

29. Eyewitness Turkey
The guide book I had along for the trip. Love the visual presentation of these guide books.

30. Reliquary
This is book #2 of the Pendergast series, and I listened to the audio book while traveling around Turkey. Would not say that I loved it, but the story pulled me along during long travel days. I will try the next in the series.

31. The Fault in Our Stars
This is not your typical YA book. No vampires. No dystopian worlds. It is the story of teens living with, battling, and dying from cancer. It is a love story. And not just between a boy and a girl, but the love of friendship. I smiled. I cried. I really liked this book.

The Blue Mosque

Two of Istanbul's most venerable monuments, the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, face each other in Sultanahmet Square. You must start your exploration of Istanbul's wonders here.

The Blue Mosque, known locally as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, gets its name from the marvelous, mainly blue, Iznik tilework decorating its interior walls. It has six minarets, eight domes and one main dome, and was considered a sacrilegious attempt to rival the architecture of Mecca when it was built (1609-1616).

Pictures cannot capture the majesty of this mosque, but to see my attempt click here.

Avanos Master Potter

One of the fun things about the trip to Turkey was a chance to see some local artisans at work. This master potter in Avanos uses the red clay obtained from the nearby Red River, and an old fashioned kick wheel. As a person who never created even the proverbial ashtray in pottery class, I found the whole process fascinating.

The other very cool thing is that the studio/store of Guray Seramik is located in the Cappadocia region of the the country. The area with all those rock caves. These guys are also located underground. You walk into a carved entrance in a hill and each room is hacked out. You need another room? No problem. Dig out another one. Something very Clan Bear about that to me. Loved it.

Home

Am home and jet lagged. Sleeping a ridiculous number of hours. Up all night. Starving at odd times. Craving certain foods. Am patiently waiting it out. Giving my body a chance to rest and recover. Good thing I have fun books to read at 2 am each night.

Ataturk

At the airport waiting to start the first of two legs home. Half the airport is duty free shops. Check out these new cigarette packaging. Who says there is no truth in advertising?

Pergamum

The acropolis city of Pergamum sits atop the highest point around and has great views. You take a funicular ride to the top. Did I mention the fab view?

Highlights include the Temple of Trajan, pictured here, the Altar of Zeus, the Temple of Athena, and the site of one of the oldest libraries in the world. It used to contain 200,000 scrolls. Mark Anthony had them transferred to Alexandria as a wedding gift for Cleopatra. And we all know what happened to the library at Alexandria.

The site is near the present day town of Bergama, which looks like a lovely place to hang your hat for a while.

Troy

Ah Troy. Land of Hector, and Paris, and Helen, and Achilles. Long thought to be a fictional place, it is a land whose stories come to us through the mists of time.

Never mind that it was the smallest of all the sites I explored this trip. It is huge in my imagination. Never mind that the movie with Brad Pitt has a Hollywood ending. There sure was a lot of eye candy in that movie. Never mind that this is not the actual horse, but a replica. Who cares? By the way, the movie horse was donated to the nearby town of Canakkale, and you better believe that if I had known that before I left town, I would have hightailed it over there to see it.

So the residual effect is that the Turks have a saying: "Do not trust a Greek bearing gifts". Not a surprise then, that the Greeks say the same thing about Turks.

Have I mentioned how much I love Turkey? Bears repeating.

Sunset on the Aegean

This was my first time on the Aegean.

The Charisma hotel in Kusadasi was right on the water, and had fab views. Kusadasi is a fun town, though would not want to be there when the cruise ships arrive. I hear that as many as six can be in port at once. Multiply that by about 3,500 - would make me flee for sure.

So here is my water list for this trip:
1. Golden Horn
2. Bosporus
3. Sea of Marmara
4. Mediterranean Sea
5. Aegean Sea
6. The Dardanelles

Sure makes this island girl very happy.

Exploring

Exploring the burbs of Constaninople. Walked over to the Galata Bridge and over in Beyoglu. Love wandering the narrow streets, getting lost, finding hidden gems.

Ran into a group of protesters and police in riot gear. Second time in as many weeks. The government just passed the 4+4+4 ruling on education, and there are many very unhappy with this change. I understand why.

Our last full day in the city. We head to the airport and then home tomorrow. I will be sorry to leave this wonderful country. Must plan a trip back.

Istanbul

Back in Istanbul after a marvelous tour of the western half of Turkey. A couple more days to soak in the sights before we head home.

Yesterday, the agenda included a tour of the Topkapi Place, and it is well worth a visit. I love the idea of relics. Are things holy because they just are, or because we assign holiness to them? Some of the wonderful items on dlisplay include the rod that Moses parted the Red Sea with, the beard of the prophet, bones of St. John, etc. Fab.

I have so much to digest and process. Have been journaling through-out the trip, and I do believe that journaling helps me absorb what I am seeing, feeling, experiencing. Thank goodness - otherwise, I might just explode!

Ephesus

So wonderful to get the chance to explore sites that I have read about for years. The library at Efes was certainly one of the highlights of this trip.

Aphrodite

Have I mentioned yet how much I love Turkey? Love it.

As I strolled through the magnificent Aphrodisias Archaeological Site yesterday, was thinking of my nephews and nieces. They are up on the Greek and Roman gods - thanks to the Percy Jackson books - and would have loved the Aphrodite Temple as much as I did.

Pamukkale

Just when I think I have seen the most incredible sights in Turkey, I find one even more sublime.

Oh, the wonder that is the Pamukkale Hierapolis Ancient City. The light blue of the pools formed by the calcified water. Walking through the ancient city. Fields of red poppies. The beauty of snow capped mountains. Could have spent days exploring. So many wonders, so little time.

Marvels of Cappadocia

Loved this area of Turkey. There are wonderful hikes, and the scenery is spectacular. Thousands of years ago, people used to live in man-made caves: both under and above ground. Some still lived there until fairly recently, when forced to move to apartments by the government. Rock slides were becoming a hazard.

Pics are of the exterior of the church of El Nazar, and a view of Uchisar. Fascinating.

On the Med

Left Cappadocia yesterday. Made our way over the beautiful Taurus Mountains, and kept going South until we ran into the blue of the Mediterranean Sea.

Stopped in Konya along the way to see the Mevlana Muzesi, where Rumi is buried. Home to the whirling dervishes, this is one of the pilgrimage stops for Muslims. It was wonderful to be surrounded by so many pilgrims - cannot help but be affected by such powerful emotions.

Artisans in Cappadocia

There is something magical about watching master artists at work. Will post a short video when I get home. Here is an example of their skill with ceramics.

Sensory overload

Turkey is a feast for the senses. So much to take in. Here is a pic of the fab Spice Bazaar.

Constantinople

I gets shivers just thinking that I am in Constantinople. I am having flashbacks to history lessons I took as a kid. and books I've read since then. Stories that come to me through the mists of time.

I am on sensory overload of every kind. I love the mosques. The call to prayer reminds me of being a kid, and home. I stumble over history at almost every step. The weather has been fabulous. The food is delicious. And oh, the dessert shops. Why are they in every corner?

Tomorrow we head to Ankara. Capital of the Ottomans. There I go getting chills up my spine again.

Happy Equinox.

Merhaba

Merhaba from the lovely city of Istanbul.

Am jet lagged, but so happy to be here. I love this city. It is so vibrant, and chock-full of history. There are wonderful things to gawk at everywhere you turn. We are having wonderful touring weather - sunny and high 50s.

Really needed to stretch our legs after that cramped flight, so have been doing quite a bit of walking since we arrived. Joined the sunday promenade through Gulhane Park yesterday. Strolled over to see the outside of the Blue Mosque and Aya Sophia. Am in awe.

Today explored the Grand and Spice Bazaars. Love the colors and the smells. Am on sensory overload already. Need to spend some time with my journal and digest my experiences so far.

Need I mention that I have already sampled the Baklava? It is sooo good.

Refreshments

Much needed after a 4 hour delay getting out of Boston. The plane finally shows up, and then we have a flat. Guess we will need that fixed in order to land.

Book Link

Discovered that Boston Logan has the best airport bookstore I've ever seen. A new, indie style one. If you are traveling out of terminal A, and you forget to pack a book - no worries.

Our long journey has started. Is it time for a snack yet?

One more day ...

Today is it. I gotta get it all done today. We leave for Turkey tomorrow. Stay tuned for stories from another land.

In the meantime, realize this morning that I am missing one of the bag of snacks I had bought for the trip. Well, did not loose it so much as eat it. Oops. Good thing I got extra.

I'm not a fan of TV. You know me you know that. But I do enjoy certain shows. I watch them online whenever I please. And I am a sucker for musicals. Don't get me started on The Sound of Music.... Well, happened to stumble upon SMASH and quite like it. Yes, it is really a soap opera with musical numbers I know. Umm, and just so you know, it is dangerous to snack and watch this show at the same time. They should have a warning at the beginning and every 20 minutes after. This journal spread is a sketch of two of my fave actors in the show. Pen and markers. The background was leftover inks from another project.

What I'm doing instead of packing

The good news is that I have a packing and to-do list. The bad news? I'd rather go shopping for additional snacks for the trip.

And of course had to stop in at the book store. And get a cup of tea. And relax with with a book and some magazines. While there, a "gaggle" of women arrived and settled at a table near me. I could not resist. Dug out my sketch book and a pen. One of the woman and I made eye contact. She knew exactly what I was doing. Her reaction? She sat up straighter. Love that.

I am not a total slacker. I have checked off many things on my list. I even got a hair cut today. Yes I know all about the notion that one should cut hair at least two weeks before an event or photo opp. But what the heck. That is what hats are for. Well, am off to sample some of the snacks I got for the trip - after all, I do want to make sure that they are not poisoned.

Flowers [2]

Yes, I should be packing for my trip. And checking off items on my to-do list. But I would much rather brew a hot cuppa tea and curl up with a good book. Not that I am not excited. I am. Crazily so. Turkey! Cannot wait. But I have two and a half whole days to clean and pack and do all that other stuff. In the meanwhile am immersed in the lives of fictional Turkish and Armenian families. Delish.

Here is another flower page. I love it. It is exactly my style. Sketch with words. So me. Flowers from home. I really miss Kenya at times. This was one such day. My Mom was a Biology/Chemistry teacher, and we used to have early morning and late night flower hunting trips, looking for specimens for her class practicals. Such wonderful memories.

Tried out my new Koi watercolor set. Sumptuous color. Do I pack it for my trip? Traveling light. Light and lean - that is my travel mantra. We'll see....

Recent Reads

25. The Oracle of Stamboul
I continue to be immersed in books set in Turkey in anticipation of my upcoming trip. Decided to try this book based on a reco from a BOTNS reader, and I liked it.

I'm in an audio book groove at the moment, so listened to this book on walks, and doing chores around the house. The story is set in the late 1800s Istanbul, and is about young Eleonora Cohen, a savant. I loved how precocious she is, and how well read. Her passion for books, and her brains often gets her into trouble in a world where to stick out is not a good thing. While it was a fun story, I thought that the author lacked the skill to add much depth to the characters, and ambiance of the city.

26. Frommer's Turkey
As guide books go this is a good one. Not great, but good.

27. Globejotting: How to Write Extraordinary Travel Journals (and still have time to enjoy your trip!)
This is the 4th or 5th time I've read this book. I keep journals on trips. Well, travel art journals really, and I read this book before trips to remind me of some really great tips.

Cowboy

Less over at artjournaling has a cowboy challenge. You can read more about it here.

I do believe that I watched every cowboy movie ever produced as a kid. More than once. My Dad was a huge fan, and we kids knew no better. Was thinking about those fun memories as I played with this page.

Not having grown up here, I expected to see cowboys everywhere when I first arrived in the States. Imagine my surprise and disappointment when I realized I would not be hanging with cowboys. Well, I seek them out every chance I get, and have loved the rodeos I've attended.

Cowboys. Indians. Outlaws. Swooning women. Oh my. I remember an incident when I was working with young girls in an after school program, and this little girl asked me if I was Spanish. No. I am Indian. She looked at me with a puzzled expression. "But, I thought all the Indians were dead", she said. And she was only five years old. Sigh.

Acrylics and markers.

Flowers [1]

The Sketchbook Challenge theme for this month is flowers. I realize that though I love flowers, I do not sketch them. Not really sure why. Maybe because I find it hard to capture their ethereal nature. So, here on this almost summer-like day (in early March!) is one of my flower pages from my journal. The pages get cropped on my scanner, but you get the idea.

The background paper and acrylic wash was already there. Added the flowers with ink and markers and a water brush to spread some of that marker around.

Journaling with kids [Part 2]

See this earlier post for additional information.

Here is the journal that Sophia created:

Close Ups

Realize that I had not yet posted these pages from last month. The sketchbook theme for Feb was close ups, and I immediately thought of close ups of the alphabet and butterfly wings - both of which are wonderfully abstract shapes. Ink and watercolors. I used pearlescent watercolors on the alphabet page which has a fun metallic sheen that is hard to capture with a photo.

Finding your muse

For all you creative souls out there, Alisa Burke has posted a free mini-class.
You can find it here.

Travel prep

If you know me at all, then you know that the first thing I've been working on for my upcoming trip is the list of books I'm taking along. Well, that and my snack list. I've got Turkey specific books, plus about 75 other books from my TBR list loaded onto my nookie. And I've got several audio books on my iPod. I'm taking along a small personal library, and it all fits in such little space. Love that.

Now, how to get the Chatty Cathy's to shut up? Here are some good things to consider:
The Misanthrope’s Guide to Reading While Traveling (or How to Be Left Alone)

Journaling with kids [Part 1]

I love journaling with my nieces and nephews, and do so every chance I get.

For my Dec 2011 visit with my nieces, I made simple 6x6 journals to take along. I folded 6 pages of 6x12 cheapo watercolor paper into one signature, cut wall paper for a soft cover, and stitched the whole thing together with a simple pamphlet stitch. The kids and I made time every day during my visit to play in our journals. Ink, watercolors, markers, glue sticks, collage, etc. Such fun.

Here is the journal that Bella created:

Angry Seas

So, we are expecting temps to be almost 70F in the Boston area today, which gets me thinking about sailing season. A friend send me a link to a video, and I gotta tell you, I think I got sea sick sitting on my couch. Just to be clear - I do not go out sailing in seas like this.

You can see the video here.

Recent Reads

23. Culture Shock! Turkey
New author #15. Read this one in preparation for an upcoming trip and found it interesting. These guides are not travel guides per se, they describe local customs and etiquette. So, I now know, in case it comes up to give a woman an odd number of flowers, and not to take wine as a hostess gift. See what I mean?

24. Gardens of Water
New author #16. I listened to the audio version of the book and really liked it. The story is set in the environs of Istanbul after a devastating earthquake. We follow the story of how a Kurdish family and an American one intersect, and how both are changed in ways they could not have imagined. The novel explores the tensions of holding on to traditions in a changing world, the effect of outsiders, political/ethnic tensions, the strain that growing up creates between a father and his daughter, the struggle of a girl to find her self-worth in a society that does not encourage self-expression. It is not an easy story, and I found myself shaking my head much of the time, but I liked how the story explores major themes in the particulars of these characters.

2012 reading goals:
Authors new to me = 12. YTD = 16. (Have decided that there is no need to continue tracking this one. Check and check.)
2 books by Charles Dickens. YTD = 0 (Currently reading Bleak House)

Custom Labels Tutorial

While making a new travel journal for my upcoming trip to Turkey, I decided to create labels with the names of the places I will be visiting. This is a fun and easy way to play with basic office supplies, and I thought I'd make a quick video to show how I do this.

The power of introverts

Susan Cain has a book out that is on my TBR list.
To see her TED talk on the topic click here.

Recent Movies

I love movies. Always have. But not so much the ones that Hollywood makes these days. Guess I am not in the 15-25 year old demographic they are wooing. And I know I'm an old foggie, but does anyone else miss those huge old-style movie theaters? The ones with balcony seating? Anyways here are some movies I've seen recently on a much, much tinnier screen.

1. Warrior
This is one of the better movies I have seen lately. The story of a broken, dysfunctional family, and how a father and his sons navigate the wreckage of their relationships. I would not consider this a sports movie, though much of the action centers on MMA (mixed martial arts). While I found myself cringing during the fight scenes, I loved how the movie explores physical damage versus emotional/psychological damage, and how the former heals faster and cleaner.

2. Snow Flower and the Secret Fan
No. No. No. This is what I kept saying - aloud - throughout this movie. I loved, loved the book. A beautiful and heartbreaking story that the movie version made boring. Sigh.

3. Water for Elephants
I loved this book as well. Such a wonderful read. The movie was not great, but at least it was not boring. The vampire dude should stick to vampire roles - though I do not like him in those either. The star of the show other than Rosie, the elephant, is Christoph Waltz who plays the ringleader. His acting is luminous.

Paper Love

Hello. My name is Elizabeth. And I am a paperholic.

I love paper. Always have. And even though I love the ease of doing things electronically, I still collect paper. I have paper coming out the wazoo. I might even be considered a paper hoarder. I simply cannot walk past pretty paper. I put a moratorium on all new paper purchases a couple of years ago (though I do fall off the wagon now and again), and am slowly making my way through my stash.

Maybe you are like me, and find some paper simply too good to use. Umm, what are we saving it for? My mantra is: I can always get more. I can always get more. Last week I finally went through my entire stash of 9x12 cheapo watercolor paper (gasp!). I must admit to a twinge of withdrawal symptoms, but I have several pads of larger size paper still waiting for me, so it is not like I am bereft of paper. Though am wondering if I have enough for the post-apocalyptic world .... I digress.

I am currently surrounded by stacks of paper. Not hidden away, but out in the open. Why? Because we have finalized our travel plans, and heading to Turkey in a couple of weeks. I am vibrating with excitement. Remember my over-excited post? Well, have been rather excitable lately.

In preparation for the trip am making a new travel journal - so much fun to create - and have dived into my paper stash looking for candidates who want to go to Turkey with me.

Thanks for checking in. Stay tuned for further updates.

Happy Leap Year Day

Isn't is so much fun to have an extra day this year? A whole extra 24 hours. How wonderful.

It is snowing out here in the Boston area. I feel like I'm in a snow globe that has been gently shaken. Lovely.

To watch an an interesting interview where Elizabeth Gilbert talks about creativity, click here. I am marinating on the idea that learning to say no to things we really, really want to do is a part of learning how to take care of ourselves.

Journal video

Decided to make a video to share my current journal and a fun new project I'm working on. (Double click on the video to watch in full screen mode).

You can find the Remains of the Day class info here.

Recent Reads

19. The Magicians
New author #12. This book has been described as a "Harry Potter for adults". Yes, it has more adult content - there is booze and sex, but it is not nearly as good as the Potter books. Not even close. There is no magic to the writing, and I found all the characters rather annoying. Yes, there are some clever scenes, but as a whole found it an OK read and will not be rushing to read the sequel.

20. A Wrinkle in Time
It is the 50th anniversary of this book, and so many people I know love it, so decided to give it a read. I have read the author before - love her journals, so was looking forward to seeing how she wrote fiction. I liked the book. I did not find it an amazing read, but then again, it was written for the tastes of young adults half a century ago. There is a strong Christian theme to the story - did not expect that, and when I asked friends who read the book as kids, they did not remember that aspect of the story. Will probably read the other books in the series, though not any time soon.

21. The Odds
New author #13. This is a slim book that packs quite a punch. A couple on the brink of financial and emotional disaster come back to Niagara Falls for a Valentine's Day blowout. The story gently explores the highs and lows of a long term marriage.

22. Sew Wild
New author #14. This is a fun book that explores ways to dye and print fabric to use in creative projects. I especially like the no measuring, no pattern philosophy.

Bleak House
Our Bleak House read-along kicked off last weekend. A group of friends are reading it in installments and getting together to discuss the book. Loving it so far.

2012 reading goals:
Authors new to me = 12. YTD = 14. (Well, exceeded my goal and it is only Feb.)
2 books by Charles Dickens. YTD = 0 (Currently reading Bleak House)

Tan Le: My immigration story

I believe in the power of capturing and sharing stories.
Click here to hear a powerful one.

ebooks vs DTBs

I love books. Everything about them. And not just the worlds they open up to me. I love the tactile things too - the smell of ink, the paper texture, the font style, the book size, the heft, the way they feel in my hands. I could go on and on.

And yet, I am now an avid ebook fan. Yes, I miss all the tactile goodies, and yes, ereaders are far from perfect, but ebooks are the future. Will they ever completely replace DTBs (dead tree books)? I think not. But look at what has happened to the music industry. It is only a matter of time.

I am a bi-reader (I might have just coined a new term!): I read both ebooks and DTBs. My device of choice is a nook. I am a believer in open/standard formats, and proprietary formats make me itch. But that is a story for a different time.

In the meanwhile, I am saddened by the extinction of a very special species - the indie bookstore. They are on the endangered list. When will there be postal stamps with images of our fave ones? It is interesting that Barnes and Noble - the brick and mortar Goliath that has been responsible for much of this extinction also looks to be in trouble now. OK, OK. I do think that Amazon is guiltier. But still.

Check out this interesting NYT article.

Fabric Love

I've been wanting a sewing machine for a awhile. Oh, you think I'm going to make me a sun dress or two do you? I hate to disappoint, but I'm still in recovery from a home ec. class I had as a wee one. The mean ol' teacher would look disapprovingly at my stitches and make me take them out and do it again. And again. And again. I do believe that at one point my Mom took pity on me and did some of my homework. I hated every minute of it.

So, imagine my surprise when I started thinking about getting a sewing machine several months ago. When making my travel journals, I tend to create pockets and attach ephemera, and I use staples, brads, etc. Sometimes I hand stitch. But after taking the Remains of the Day class by Mary Ann Moss, an entire new world opened up to me. Who knew one could have so much fun with needle and thread?

I started investigating machines, and then realized that Babes has an old, and I mean ancient, museum quality, Singer that her Mom used. I mean this baby was probably used in the depression era. It sure is weighty enough to hold down the house during a dust storm at any rate. Brought it up. Cleaned it up and after several hours of experimentation and lots of head scratching, I got it working. And it has sounded like a Chinese sweatshop over here ever since. I did not realize just how many projects I've had stacked up just waiting for such a moment.

I will post a pic of the machine one of these days - maybe when it goes on a coffee break. It is much to busy to pose at the moment. In the meantime, I am immersed in delightful words like bobbins and notions. I walk down aisles and fabrics call to me. I just might make a sundress one of these days.

Ann Patchett on The Colbert Report

Go indie book stores. Go. Love this.

The Colbert Report
Get More: Colbert Report Full Episodes,Political Humor & Satire Blog,Video Archive

Happy Mardi Gras

Had a day-long play date with my nephews. It is wonderful being an Aunt. I get all the perks without any of the work.

Wonderful that today is Mardi Gras. We pulled out the masks and beads and had a ball. It is now dinner time, and the wonderful smells of etouffee wafts over from the kitchen. This is how we celebrate Mardi Gras. Hope you had a fun one too.

Journal Page

Here is a simple page I created to celebrate my 5K. I found this fun image online (kokopellitattoodesign) and decided to make the page a simple black and white one. Added some red with marker to capture some of the pain.

Time sure does fly. It feels like such a long time ago, and it was only a couple of weeks back. Where the heck does the time go?

Artist journals

I love getting insight into how people use their journals.

Click on the link to see this video: Guillermo Del Toro speaking about the notebooks he kept that became his film, “Pan’s Labyrinth”

Over-excited

I've often heard parents say things like this about their kids: they are over-tired, over-stimulated, etc.

Well, I am over-excited. We have a trip in the works and I am vibrating with excitement. Reading guide books. Pouring over maps. Thinking there is so much to do, I might just have to move there. Making a new travel journal. Thinking about what art supplies to take along. The list goes on.

So naturally was up around 2 am last night. Wide awake. No going back to sleep no way wide awake. Decided to get up and write about some of that excitement. Let it slowly leak out of me, so that I can get back to being excited and not over-excited.

So while I feel rather jet lagged today, I am excited.

Recent Reads

15. Fables & Reflections
This is book #6 in the Sandman series, and is a fun romp. I did not love it like I have others in the series, but it is an interesting read non-the-less.

16. Making Journals by Hand
I dip into this delightful book every couple of years or so, especially when I'm planning my next big trip and looking for inspiration. Love everything about this book.

17. The Cellist of Sarajevo
New author #10. This is what my book club is reading this month. The book has been on my radar for a while, but was not on my TBR list. It is not an easy book to read - I actually had nightmares one night. The novel explores the siege of Sarajevo told from the particular stories of four residents. I think the author does a brilliant thing in not telling us the ethnic/religious backgrounds of the four people - we are not able to rely on easy prejudices, and have to do the work to really evaluate each person as an individual - not as a representative of a group. The philosophical questions throughout the book are explored in an open manner - we left to draw our own conclusions. This is a book that is going to stay with me for awhile.

18. The Lover's Dictionary
New author #11. I picked this up to read for Valentine Day week, and am I every so glad that I did. I loved it. It reads like wonderfully written, intimate journal entries. There are sections that simply took my breath away. I'd advise resisting the urge to read straight through. I dipped in a little at a time, and made the book last the entire week. Lovely.

2012 reading goals:
Authors new to me = 12. YTD = 11.
2 books by Charles Dickens. YTD = 0

What are you reading?

Journal Page

This was a fun page to create. Started out with a page that already had a purple acrylic background. Added more paint with stencils and drips. Used the negative of the image on this page as a stencil for the women. Journaling with a white pen completed my page.

Food for thought

How to ensure the health of future generations? Here are two really great talks to get you thinking:

The Toxic Baby?

What we learn before we are born

Nieces

While working on my Vegas journal, am missing my nieces. They are smart and funny and adorable and playful and fun to be around.

Bound for Vegas Travel Journal - Sneak Peek #3

I'm in the midst of making a new travel journal - so every flat surface is covered with scraps and paint and clippings and images and thread, oh my. Am going to have to get to the bottom of that soon. Will be nice to see my table again.

In the meanwhile, decided that I really should finish up my last travel journal, so started adding ephemera and notes. I want to add some photos as well, so need to get some printed - on my list this week.

In the meanwhile, here is a sneak peek of a page. Gesso, glue, ink, watercolors.

Recent Reads

12. Mercy
This book is a fast read, and not nearly as good as some of her other works. There are multiple stories, and like her other books both sides of a moral issue are discussed in a court case. How do you define love? Would you kill a loved one if they asked you to? Do you love enough? Or is that even love? Can two people love equally? How would you measure love? Can it be measured? Good food for thought.

13. After the Apocalypse
New author #8. I'm not a big short story fan, but was intrigued by reviews of this book. These are not the typical post apocalyptic style stories. Yes, there is some disaster, but that is not the story. These stories explore individual lives in the aftermath. Quite interesting.

14. Lamberto, Lamberto, Lamberto
New author #9. Supposedly the author is beloved in his native Italy, so thought I'd check it out. This is fable is a modern take on the search for eternal life. Cute.

2012 reading goals:
Authors new to me = 12. YTD = 9.
2 books by Charles Dickens. YTD = 0

Journal Page

I found the image of this woman in my stash and thought that I'd use it to create positive and negative shapes to play with. Here is what I did with the positive shape. I already had the yellow acrylic wash on the page, which made the rest of the colors an easy decision. The page came together rather quickly. Collage items, ink and makers.

The warm colors remind me of spring - which it almost feels like in these parts (the northeast US). We are into February with no snow and none on the forecast! Guess that might be a positive side effect of global warming then? In any case I am loving it.

Dickens @ 200

Happy 200th birthday Mr. Dickens.

There have been many celebrations leading up to the event. A fave place to stop by is Charles Dickens at 200. Check it out.

Journal Page

I started out with a page that already had the background pasted down. I had done this weeks ago - using up a leftover scrap from a different project. While flipping through my inspiration boards, was captivated by "Woman in White Turban" by Charles Sebree and decided to use that image as my starting point.

The music sheet had already been painted with red acrylic paint and a thin layer of gesso. In order to further cover up the background, I mixed my craft acrylics with a touch of gesso for even greater opacity. I quite like how this page turned out.

DFL (-1)

Now if you know me, you know that I am not a runner. Have never understood that "high" runners talk about when they go out for an "easy 5 mile" run. Walk a 5K? Sure. No problemo.

So, why, oh why, have I decided that one of my goals this year is to run a 5K?

I started with the couch to 5K plan on Jan 2. Imagine my shock when I learned that I can actually walk faster than I can run. Huh? Gather this is true of all beginner runners. My 3 times a week training sessions have been on plan and going really well. So of course, I decided to throw a wrench on the entire plan by signing up for a 5K this past weekend. Never mind that my training so far had been indoors on a treadmill. Need I mention that there was no incline involved?

Yes it was true that I had not completed my final weeks of the training program, but the event I signed up for was a charity event - a fun 5K run/walk that benefited a local theater company. I would not be deterred.

To get ready for actually running outdoors, I had 2 practice training runs outdoors the week leading up to the event. On the first one I thought I was dying - could running outside be so very different from a treadmill? Discouraged, I came home to take stock. Turns out that I have no way to gauge my pace when outside. Unlike being on a treadmill, there are no big red numbers in front of me telling me how fast I am running. Turns out I was running about a mile and a half faster pace than I had been training. Aha. I can correct for that. My second (and final training run before the 5K) my right calf seized up and I painfully hobbled home. The lesson there was not to play a long game of racquetball and expect not to pay the price.

Never-the-less, I showed up early on Sunday morning, Babes in tow to boost my morale. It was cold. I mean below freezing cold. Believe the temp at the start was 29 deg F. But all that nervous excitement kept me from feeling the icy winds in my lungs.

I had 3 goals for the race:
1. Finish.
2. Run as much as possible.
3. 50 minutes or less.

Notice, that "have fun" was not a goal. A bit of fore-shadowing...

Started out fine. The jack rabbits were soon out of sight, but I the mighty tortoise would not be daunted. Onward. Then about a mile in my calf (yes the same one) seized up. Stretched it out and limped along painfully for a while. Would I be like some others around me and be a DNF? I think not. I could feel the Kenyan in me.

The results? Not only did I finish, I finished in 47:47:81. A personal best for me. I dug deep at the end and was not DFL. If only the Patriots had dug deep last night as well - but that is another story.

So, today I am feeling quite accomplished. Nursing along sore and leaden legs. Scanning the race blogs. Looking for my next 5K race.

Doodling #3

Happy February! Hope this year has been swell so far.

Here is the final of my three doodling pages for the Jan Sketchbook Challenge. I was playing with the idea of stained glass. Ink and watercolors.