Not Resolutions

I am not fond of the word "resolutions." The connotation is that of cement: I must do this or suffer dire circumstances. My ears will fall off. My tongue will turn green, then blue. No, wait. Those are the drug warnings on television commercials. I do get confused.

I think it is only human to reflect on how your life is moving along, and what improvements could be made. Lose weight, quit smoking, stop shooting heroin, those types of improvements. Setting new goals is also an end-of-the-year ritual. Today let us flip this around a bit, and instead of saying we are making New Year Resolution's, and setting new goals, we are just going to be better. Or just be.

Be kinder.
Be more gentle with people.
Be humane with animals.
Be understanding - that not everyone is walking the same path as we are.
Be wiser. Do your own research on whatever subject comes your way. That includes medical problems.
Be happy.
Be content with your lot.

Perhaps it is my age. Perhaps it is the fact that I am in this alone (well, with two dogs), and I have my counsel to listen to without any interference. But good grief, you have to find your own happiness. No one else on the face of this planet is here to make you complete, happy, content, satisfied. Get off your lazy ass and do it yourself.

Sorry. I had to vent. Left over frustration from Christmas. Sigh. It's gone now. Thank You.

Thoughts I'd like to ponder for this new year: more travel, particularly to the Pacific Northwest. I do want to lose this extra weight, some of which is the result of no longer smoking. A good thing. And I want to create more. Time will tell.

More belly rubs, please!

Have a safe New Year's Eve.
Linda

Tis The Day

Have a very Merry Christmas.

 

Hug those you love.

 

Don't forget your pets.

Linda

Merry Christmas

Gracie refusing to look at me

Jake refusing to look at me

Have yourself a Merry little Christmas. Happy Holidays. Whatever you celebrate, let it be done with joy in your heart. And realize that it is almost over. Because, hey! The build-up started in September, so we were all hyped up for months.

Only in America.
Linda

Tis the Season

Christmas is a mixed blessing for most people. Gives everyone a chance to get together with family and friends, kick back and have some fun. But it is also stressful, because you feel that you have to kick back and have some fun. So many people to see, so much to do.

Grand dog Riley

Grand dog Sophie

My brats

Jake

Nephew, Amos

My solution to the stress of the season? Hug a dog. Thankfully I will have that opportunity on various occasions.

Enjoy yourselves.
Linda

It's a Dog's Life

Jake. Waiting for a paw massage. Waiting, mom.

Spoiled rotten brats

I teach an aquatic aerobics class two nights a week. My normal routine is to come home, let the dogs out (priorities!), and then take a shower. While I am in the shower, the dogs wait patiently in the bedroom.

I may have mentioned a time or two that the dogs are spoiled. Beyond belief. Yes, they are allowed on furniture and the beds. It's me and them in the house, and I don't mind. Last night as I exited the bathroom, Gracie jumped up and claimed the exact middle of the king size bed, curled up against the pillows. Jake, not wanting his sister to gain any momentum in the continuous competition for my affectations, claimed my spot next to the light. This is where I would sit to read.

I stood at the foot of the bed, took this shot with my phone, then asked the dogs if they were comfortable. They both put their heads down on pillows. I then went to the far right to read.

Dog lovers are strange and wonderful people. We will do just about anything to accommodate our dogs, to make them comfortable and loved. And the dogs know this, know how to work it.

I swear they plan this shit out ahead of time.
Linda

alisaburke: exploring we will go

alisaburke: exploring we will go: A while back we made the promise to each other to always make time to seek adventure as a family ( you can read about it here ). Explorin...



I want to go to the Oregon coast.



I want to wander in that wilderness, looking out over the vast ocean, feeling the spray on my face.



These photos make me happy. They make me realize that I still have the desire to explore, even though walking is a problem.



What would you like to do?

Linda

Dog Stress

My right hand is rubbing behind her ear.

Yesterday I had the annual Dog Park People Cookie Exchange. My house is not big, but we all manage to fit into the living room and kitchen for food, conversation, and dog stories. And dogs. This year we had Yuki, a yorkie, join us with his mom, Becky, and 2 Weinheimers named Merlin and Kaiser with their mom, Joy.

So a quick recap: 5 dogs and 9 adults. No fights occurred among the humans, but Gracie and Jake got into it over God knows what. When you put that many dog owners together, it is a natural thing for everyone to use their "mom" voices and stop the fight. My poor Gracie was terrified. She immediately went into a complete down position, head resting on paws, her eyes darting around looking for me. Gracie is a social butterfly. She loves people, wants to sit on their laps (why yes, she did, thank you very much), be petted and loved, made to feel special. Jake has a few he will go to, but does feel very comfortable in this group.

After everyone left and I was done cleaning up the dishes and putting everything away, we sat on the bed to watch television. Gracie came up to my right. I took this photo with my phone. She needed to know we were cool, and that she wasn't in trouble. What you can't see is Jake to the left, laying on the pillows with his body tilted towards me, waiting for a belly rub.

I love these guys. A bunch.
Linda

Random Thoughts

Jake after a hard day at Puppy Playground

I follow a lot of blogs. Some from artists that I admire, some by fellow geeks about Firefly or Castle. Tumblr is loaded with unique photographs, and I usually go through my list in the mornings while sipping a mug of coffee. It relaxes me, but also has become a routine to get me ready for the day. I just plain like it.

One of the blogs this morning had a suggestion, and I would like to pass it along. Get a large jar or container, doesn't have to be fancy, and each time in the year 2015 when something good happens, jot a note to remind you of that event, and put it in the jar. At the end of the year, on New Year's Eve, sit down and read through the notes. Your very own year in review, but only the good things that will bring a smile to your face and heart.

Another blogger had a photo of a small plastic baggie, with a few items and a note. The blogger had been handed this baggie on a flight, prior to take-off by the parents of an infant. The note explained that this would be the first flight for the baby, and mom and dad didn't know how their little one would react. So the baggie contained 2 pair of ear plugs, and a few foil wrapped chocolates along with the apology if the baby cried. Mom and dad are going to be great parents.

It is easy at this time of year to be a bit kinder towards our fellow travelers in life. My hope is that I can extend that feeling for all seasons.

Have a great day.
Linda

Sigh

It has been said that humans do not like change. We seem to adapt to a routine, making minor adjustments as we proceed through life. Perhaps this is true, certainly not for everyone, but I have discovered that dogs are creatures of habit far more than humans.

On the old car that was totaled, I folded down the back seats and spread a quilt out for the spoiled brats. Gracie always went to the rear window, sat down, and gazed out on what we just passed. Jake was in the front of the space, his butt on the top of the folded seats, his front paws on the console. His job was to navigate, commenting on anyone standing at a bus stop, walking, or riding a bike. The dogs had grown accustomed to the 2012 Escape. It was theirs. They liked it.

Grace did not want to enter the rental car, which was a Chrysler sedan. It meant she had to share the back seat with her brother. This was just not in her realm of thought, so she shook, put on the brakes, and generally gave me a rough time whenever I wanted to take them somewhere in the past two weeks.

I returned the rental yesterday, and picked up the 2014 Escape SE. I like it. No, let's correct that. I LOVE it. It is bigger, heavier than the older car because it's the newer body style. Has more snazzy elements that I don't completely understand yet, but we'll get there. After returning home and eating dinner, I turned on the light in the garage, invited the dogs out there, and folded down the back seats to spread out sheets and a clean quilt. As I backed out of the car, I glanced down at the dogs. They were both sitting there, looking up. "Not our car, mom", was the impression I got. Jake is going to have to stretch just a bit to rest his butt on the seat with his front paws on the console. The rear seat on this car has more room. Gracie will still be able to gaze out the back window as we travel, so I think she'll be happy. But what I found curious was after I put their quilt in the car, neither dog made any attempt to get in the back. The silent message was that they wanted the 2012 car back. Yeah, babies, I know. 

Life goes on.

Linda

We miss you, John

34 years ago today I was getting ready for work. At the time I worked in downtown Chicago for Time Life Books. My best friend Pat called to tell me that John Lennon had been assassinated in New York. I was 33 years old, preparing for our wedding, and suddenly felt like reality was a dream.

We were all 15 and 16 when the Beatles invaded America. There is little doubt it was indeed an invasion. The four mop top lads were everywhere, on television, in the newspapers, magazines, all over the radio. I think at one point they had 5 songs in the top 10 in Chicago. My friends and I were completely blown away, Beatlemaniacs to the core. I owned every album as soon as it was released, every single, and attended all 3 of the Chicago Beatle concerts.

It is hard to explain to someone who didn't live through that era what the 1960's were like, what we felt. As baby boomers, we grew up with the imminent threat of nuclear war, the turmoil of early civil rights conflicts, and the election of the first Roman Catholic president. We listened as adults discussed that Nixon had lost to Kennedy in the election because of the televised debates, where Richard Nixon refused make-up, and the tanned, vibrant John F Kennedy represented a new American image. We sat in school on that horrible November day while principals announced that the President was dead, saw our teachers openly weep, and ask for prayers for the young widow and children.

In December, 1964 the Chicago stations started to play "I Want To Hold Your Hand", which was a hit in Britain and rapidly caught fire in the US. Kids wanted to smile, wanted to dance, wanted to forget about the hell of politics and the escalating war in Vietnam. We wanted to have fun again. The Beatles provided the permission. And, as a generation, we listened.

John Lennon could be sarcastic, at times edging on cruel with his remarks, but honest. Always honest. His lyrics hit home immediately. Fans learned how to distinguish between the songs composed primarily by John vs. Paul. We devoured every grain of information about the Beatles as a group, and about our individual favorite.

When the Beatles split up as a group, I was an adult, in the working world, and not inclined to follow them as individuals. I didn't like Yoko. Still don't. Most Beatle fans feel the same way. But the four men were still in the world, still existing, and there was always a tiny hope that the band would unite to perform one more time. Just one. On December 8, 1980 all of that hope was destroyed. Who knows what would have happened, what dreams could have been fulfilled. What incredible music could have been created.

Paul McCartney recently spoke publicly, for the first time, calling Mark Chapman the "jerk of all jerks" for murdering John Lennon. May you rot, Mark Chapman. You didn't just murder a brilliant musician, husband, father, and friend, you murdered a portion of our youth.
Linda

I Can't Seem to Stop!

12 x 12 inch canvas with the collage base

10 x 10 inch finished

10 x 10 close-up

12 x 12 finished.

I have four more videos to watch in the Donna Downey 10 in 10 online class. Trying so hard not to gallop through these, because each one is a treasure. I am learning so much. A few days ago, I received another shipment of canvases from Dick Blick, this time in the 12 by 12 inch size, and decided to experiment on my own.

I am drawn to the vintage, grungy look that represents antiques, old papers and an unspoken past. In the first photo, the main paper that is yellow with age is from a very old book I picked up at a flea market. The original owner had made notes in the margins with a #2 pencil, and I wanted that to show in my collage. The other book paper is also old but the ephemera are reproductions. I have stacks of this stuff from the craze that existed a few years back in scrapbooking. After the papers had been added to the canvas, I decided I wanted a point of texture. Using Golden's light modeling paste and a numbers stencil, I added an area in the upper left hand corner. It is there in the first photo, but you really have to look. Once you paint over the dried modeling paste and add some Raw Umber, it really pops.

I have no idea if every artist is like this, but I am in love with the top half of this larger canvas, not so much with the bottom blue part. This may be finished, it may not. None of this series are yet sealed. To me that means I can always add and change something. Letting this one sit on the table and percolate is the ticket. This is normal for me, how my brain works.

The latest 10 x 10 canvas is complete. In that lesson, we went back to adding some neutral grey paint to the palette, and I do like that. Layers upon layers of paint, added and then sometimes removed with a baby wipe or a piece of clean muslin. This process is relaxing to me, and a constant delight. When you reach the "ah ha" second of discovery, it is so very rewarding. THAT is the point where you stop, step back and decide if it is finished.

This class has made me feel like my creative side has taken another path, found a different direction. My curiosity is growing with each canvas. I can't wait to see what's around the next corner.
Linda

Random Friday

I am Jake. Everything is MINE!

I am Gracie. I used to be the alpha dog. Good times.

My dogs have weaker bladders than I do. Every single night one or both will wake me to go outside. Last night it was Gracie at 4:30am. She didn't want to come in. Evidently something smelled good, or there was an abundance of rabbit poop to nosh on, or the grass was tasty, who knows? After 30 minutes, she finally came to the back door and tapped once. We headed back to bed.

I have a king size bed. When I purchased the Tempur Pedic mattress, the salesman asked why I was buying the king size. I had a one word reply: dogs. He nodded. We understood each other. At 5am this morning, I climbed back into my cozy king size bed. Gracie followed me, unusual because Jake is normally the one who sleeps with me, and she curled up into the pillows to my right. This was not a good sign. She was now occupying the space that her brother vacated, so he could go out and once again mark the backyard.

2 minutes later Jake entered the bedroom, jumping up on the king size bed. Note I keep emphasizing the size of the bed. It's big. Can we share? Why no, why do you ask? Jake walked to my left, and decided that wasn't sufficient for his current needs. He then carefully walked around me to my right, entering the 10 inch space between me and Gracie. And stood there. At this point I am trying to contain my laughter, because the handwriting is definitely on the wall. After standing for maybe a minute being ignored by Gracie, Jake gave her a gentle nudge with his nose. When that didn't work, he stepped up onto the pillows that were supporting Gracie, and started to settle in. She took the hint and exited the bedroom. Jake circled 3 times, his norm, and made a nest.

What the boy doesn't realize, and I do, is that the more alpha and possessive behavior he displays, the more clinging Gracie is becoming. She is the dog that will greet people into our home, and want to sit on their laps. She is the one at the dog park who will hug strangers. Little Gracie will get her attention, one way or another. And she has started to carve out "mom" time for belly rubs and back rubs.

How empty my days would be without these two. Have a great day.
Linda

alisaburke: paper bag gift bags

alisaburke: paper bag gift bags: Truth be told, when it comes to wrapping gifts I am lazy and I am cheap! While I love creating unique handmade wrapping, I'd rather...

What a great idea!!! Make your own gift bags, by adding some color and lines. I don't wrap many Christmas presents, because the grandkids all want money. I understand that, but loving this concept for those few, small presents I do purchase and give.

Have a wonderful day. Create something.
Linda

Random Outbursts

Folly  Beach, SC. during a thunderstorm

Historic district in Charleston, SC

There are times in everyone's lives that are overwhelming, stressful, irritating. Moments where your heart beats faster, your blood pressure rises, and you wonder when it will end. Yesterday was one of those days for me, so today I am posting photos from one of my happy places. Take a deep breath, Linda, and relax.

As I posted previously, I had an accident with the car. My vehicle was barely moving, the man who hit me wasn't driving fast (maybe 25 mph), but both cars were towed. Yesterday I received a call from the local collision shop. It was not particularly pleasant news. No, not at all. My car was totaled.

What? What, said I? How in the hell could it be totaled when I was barely moving, when the airbags didn't deploy, when I wasn't hurt? So I calmed down and drove over there. I was blown away by the concern and politeness of John from Diamond Collision. He took the time to explain to me how a Ford Escape is put together, and how the frame was bent from this impact. And once the explanation was based on that fact, how it all fell into place that the total damage could be $14,500. Yes, you read that correctly. Holy Shit, Batman!

I cleaned out my Escape yesterday, leaving behind Gracie and Jake nose smears on the inside windows. Leaving behind a ton of dog hair, and a ton of sadness. But it is just a car, a means of getting from point a to point b. Today I will go look at new Escapes. Hopefully tomorrow I will receive the settlement from the insurance company, and I can return the rental car. I am never comfortable driving a rental. Yeah, it's in my brain, but I just don't like it.

In the middle of all of this drama, my cell phone (the only phone I have) decided to perform some strange duties. For example, Linda, why not set the world clock for Afghanistan? Or let's take a screenshot of your phone when you are not on the internet. Don't like that? Let's randomly choose numerals to hit when you are on a call with, oh, say, the IRS? Which, of course, makes the automated IRS system think you are playing games and kick you back to the beginning of the freaking menu. Hmmmm. How else can we irritate her? I know! When she puts her phone in her coat pocket at the dog park, let's move the screen brightness allllll the way off! Then she can't see anything on the screen. Not even how to get into settings to set it back. Isn't this fun? No, wait. I have another idea. Random phone calls. To people that Linda doesn't really want to talk to at this moment in time. Do you think she is irritated enough yet?

Verizon replaced the phone. I am 27 days away from the end of the contract when I can get a new phone, but they said no, we'll replace it.

Deep sigh.
Linda

Moving right along....

With bits and pieces attached with Matte Medium

Completed canvas. I think. Not sure. Yes. Well....

First step. The numbers to the right are chipboard pieces

Completed. Yes. Definitely

Forgot to take steps 1,2, and 3 of this canvas. Sue me.

Close up of the grunge. I LOVE the grunge.

I am halfway through the 10 canvases in 10 days workshop. I purchased and started this workshop on November 18th, so really trying to stretch it out. Yesterday I decided once complete, I'm going to go back and do another set just to see what happens.

This is way too much fun. It should be illegal. If you missed the first posts, I enrolled in a Donna Downey online workshop. The name of this class is 10 in 10, and you can see the details here. Because I already had the Golden products on hand that she uses, my investment was minimal. My problem now, as in the last two photos above, is that I get so wrapped up in painting I forget to stop and take some shots of the progress. Sorry about that.

I love the layers. I absolutely love the grunge. And I do have favorites, but will bite the bullet and hang all 10 canvases up in a grouping when done. Yesterday I put 2 up in my bedroom, and they look lonely, incomplete. Ms. Downey is correct. They need to be grouped together, and I also want to hang them in the order they were created.

I am now hungry for more workshops, more challenges. After months of a creative drought, the urge is back. Loving this. Thanks for stopping by.
Linda