L U L U N A S T A M P S

Hmmmmm?

2010-07-20T12:54:00.001-04:00

I Write Like by Mémoires, Mac journal software. Analyze your writing!

This is great fun.

Waiting for the Tidal Wave....

2010-04-05T13:38:00.002-04:00

Tomorrow would have been my Dad's 80th birthday. Since his death on November 13, the April calendar page has been like a dreaded countdown.

It will be a big wave to ride ......

Love you and miss you Dad. ♥

"procrasticleaning" .....

2010-03-16T13:08:00.005-04:00

I am supposed to have read this entire book by Thursday morning for a study group, called "When Everything Changes, Change Everything: in a Time of Turmoil, a Pathway to Peace" by Neale Donald Walsch.

Instead, I am tempted to fall into my bad habit of "procrasticleaning". Overwhelmed by my "to-do" list , before any of the above tasks can be completed, my entire desk, closet, house, refrigerator and life must be cleaned and organized first. Like that will ever happen.

If I've learned anything in the past year, everything changes - I mean EVERYTHING, and you just have to roll with it. I'm not sure that reading this book will unlock all the mysteries of life's trials and tribulations or help me find more peace.

It's enough progress for me to give up procrasticleaning, leave everything in chaos and go practice my saxophone outside on the deck (my version of peace) now that it's finally above 50 degrees in Vermont. The book, and everything else can wait - at least for today.

"Spark Plugging" Valentine's Day

2010-01-23T10:12:00.005-05:00

Vintage romance just in time for Valentine's Day. I love the title at the bottom "The Sparking Plug" I hope this inspires you to copy and use in your handmade paper arts projects. Please share your work with us?

♥ ♥ ♥ Happy Valentine's Day ♥ ♥ ♥

One more for 2009

2009-12-31T11:02:00.004-05:00

My father passed away November 13. Still reeling from the shock and disbelief, I have been unable to write about it until today. The last day of 2009 seems like the appropriate moment.

He was extremely generous, and my mind keeps wandering back to the day he presented me with my Selmer Mark VII tenor and alto saxophones. I was a senior in high school, and had always played on rentals (a Yamaha tenor) or an older instrument borrowed from a family member (an alto Buescher Tru-Tone). My Dad was a very busy man, and traveled extensively for his company, which meant he missed most of my concerts and performances. Last year at Thanksgiving, while visiting in Vermont, he remarked that he'd never heard me play. I took out the tenor he gave me, and played for him. Looking up as I finished I saw tears in his eyes. I asked him why he was crying. He replied that he felt terrible he had never heard me play before and told me he thought I was really good. "It doesn't matter Dad, you heard me now."

I wanted to play for him one last time, and my husband was kind enough to realize I wasn't crazy when I asked him to drive my Selmer Tenor across Canada for 2 days so I could play "A Closer Walk With Thee" at his funeral.

From now on, every time I play, I know he can hear me.

I want to play saxophone underwater.......

2009-05-15T10:16:00.003-04:00

If you like this - check out the main site and contribute to the charity "Band on the Wall", helping to teach music to disabled children.

http://www.breakfastroom.net

Mother's Day 2009

2009-05-09T20:40:00.002-04:00

It's a strange Mother's Day weekend this year. Typically, my mother-in-law Joan would be arriving from Spain for her annual 2 month visit. She's not coming this year, or ever again. She passed away in February after somewhat brief and completely horrible battle with lymphoma.

I'm home alone for the weekend - the husband and kids are off to Lake Placid for a basketball tournament. I'm usually with them, because Joan would be here, to hold the fort and insist I go. I'm here with the dog, and surprisingly, I don't mind being left behind this year.

Thunderstorms rolled in, and the phones are out. My mind wanders and I think about things she said to me last year. "Don't you EVER give up what makes you happy for anyone...EVER!" and then she grabbed my hand, looked me in the eyes and said "I want you to know, that I know, that it's you that keeps the kids and this family together.... and I love you for it."

Two to three months a year for the last 11 years - roughly 990 days. We spent a lot of time together - more than I've spent with almost anyone else. We talked about everything, over coffee in the morning, riding in the car, sitting outside watching the kids play. I always felt like she understood me in a way not many people do.

The sun has come out. The house is quiet. I can hear Joanie's voice in my head, almost like she's in the next room. I take my bari sax out of the case, open the door to the balcony..... I stand outside and play "Moonlight in Vermont" and some Dizzy Gillespie licks. One of the benefits of rural Vermont, no neighbors, but I am scaring the squirrels away from the birdfeeder. I play until the sun starts to go down. She would have loved that. The sky looks like a heavenly painting - blues and warm reds. The birds are singing. I know she heard me.

Happy Mother's Day to all mothers wherever you are.

Hats, Bonnets and Easter

2009-04-07T15:49:00.003-04:00

I decided to double up on the vintage ephemera this month... so many beautiful images with ladies and their hats. I heard a commentary on VPR this morning about the criticism hurled at Aretha Franklin regarding her now famous inaugural finery: "Gerzina: Easter bonnets and Aretha's hat", By Gretchen Gerzina. It is worth reading and gives a new perspective on ladies wearing hats as a show of R-E-S-P-E-C-T. http://www.vpr.net/episode/45802/ .

I love to provide monthly ephemera "freebies". All I ask is that you share what you make with the rest of us. Thanks.

"Little Darling - the snow is finally melting..."

2009-03-20T18:05:00.003-04:00

Here comes the sun ~ finally. The signs of spring take their time in the Green Mountains. The chicadees are whistling their happy song - the sky has transformed from grey to blue, and the mud ruts in the road could suck the tire off your car. Aaahhh the 5th season in Vermont - Mud Season.

No matter - I'm so happy to see spring - I've decided to post a bonus freebie this month - hope you like it. It is from my private collection - put on the Beatles and sing along with the birds.......and enjoy it.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2009-03-17T12:06:00.001-04:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day - Hope you're wearing green or rumour has it that you are eligible for a fanny pinch! This is this month's vintage image freebie - please enjoy and show me your work!

PACO DE LUCIA , John McLaughlin , AL DI MEOLA

2009-03-05T19:15:00.001-05:00

My new cure for "cabin fever"......

February Ephemera Freebie

2009-02-02T10:00:00.002-05:00

I love February - it's a short month, I can forget about all the January pressure to make everything over, it's the last real month of winter (or so I tell myself), and Valentine's Day is right around the corner!

In keeping with that romantic sentiment - here is another vintage freebie ~ make something romantic and enjoy - please share if you're feeling brave - I'd love to see what you've made!

Now where did I put my bliss.....?

2009-01-28T15:14:00.001-05:00

Every January we are bombarded by messages encouraging us to revamp, reorganize and reprioritize. The television talk show circuit is rife with professionals ready to help overhaul our finances, personal appearance, home, health, life. I'm compelled to make lists, read magazine articles, listen to the experts. Now, there is the added pressure of finding bliss. Bliss is a word I just can't wrap my head around. What are they talking about? Like most women, I'm starting to stress about falling short in yet another category...... the “bliss” scale. In addition to the sudden urge to lose ten pounds, look ten years younger, or check ten things off my new daily online organizational calendar, something else keeps popping into my head.... How can I find my bliss if I can't even find my car keys!

There are hooks by the back door, a basket on the hall table, and a key chain bigger than the one for the restroom at the gas station. What's wrong with me? According to the experts, an invisible army of perfectly organized women exists with everything they need at their fingertips. Why can't I do all that stuff? Should I take more vitamins, make a duty roster for the kids and post it on the bathroom mirror, hire a personal trainer? I'm starting to feel panicky. I put my coat on and slip my hand into the pocket and find bliss at that moment. The realization hits me: our bills get paid, the kids are happy, there's food on the table, a roof over our heads, and we love each other. This past year was challenging for my family in almost every way possible, but we pulled together and persevered. My bliss is, I'm still here, so is my family, and I'm holding my car keys. I have to run, I'm late for a makeover at the beauty shop.

January 20, 2009

2009-01-20T16:14:00.003-05:00

My husband and our oldest daughter are together today in the nation's capital. Early this morning, they woke and walked together to the Washington Monument and beyond, to participate in the making of history. I spoke with them early this afternoon. They are elated, emotional and a little exhausted but are sharing and making memories today that will last a lifetime.

I thought this particular piece of vintage ephemera appropriate, considering the occasion and it's celebratory nature. It's this month's freebie - so please send me a photo if you are inspired by it to be creative.

Pace سلام שלום Hasîtî शान्ति Barış ...... Peace.

MACM - Button Heart Valentine's Day Card

2009-01-09T11:41:00.001-05:00

I think this is a great card idea ~ especially after the holidays. I always end up with a box of those little "extra button" envelopes - mostly white and clear - which would look great on red, pink or purple cardstock. I do think you could send it through the mail - however, I would wrap it in tissue/bubble wrap and send in a padded envelope. More like a little gift? You could rubber stamp a heart in a darker or contrasting ink and mount the buttons on top - eliminating the need to sketch your heart or erase pencil marks (that would drive me nuts).

Do a miniature version of this and make a beautiful gift tag with tiny white dress shirt buttons (raid your husband's closet and remove the extras from the lower inside front tail of his shirt ~ the price is right and tucking the shirt in will be less bulky!).

Or if you've been really ambitious and have cleaned your closet to make room for the new things received over the holidays ~ some of those "throw away" items of clothing probably have some great buttons on them!

Dexter Gordon: Montmartre, Copenhagen, 1971

2008-12-22T10:49:00.001-05:00

"Saucy Joanie"

2008-12-21T19:32:00.002-05:00

Another great piece of ephemera....reminds me of Lady Joan. If you create something special with this beautiful old girl, please share it with me so I can forward it to Joan. ♥

Happy People Dancing on Planet Earth

2008-12-21T10:32:00.001-05:00

Holidays making you feel a little blue ~ watch this video - I DARE you not to smile ~ get up and dance!

Ephemera ~ Harvard Girl in Winter

2008-12-15T12:55:00.004-05:00

Wanted to share this image with you ~ for Emily ~ who is in Boston taking graduate classes at Harvard.....miss you and can't wait to see you at Christmas!

Finally Friday - Gifts Card/Tag (Two Peas In A Bucket)

2008-12-12T13:43:00.001-05:00

Quick and easy ~ perfect for last minute wrap-ups when you've run out of tags. Also consider using pieces of the gift wrap to make the "boxes" ~ matchy, matchy, that's for me!

Snowman Soup

2008-11-19T16:25:00.001-05:00

I found this on youTube today - looking for quick Christmas gift ideas for teachers and friends. I've seen the "reindeer food" version before - but I love the snowman soup. This video uses Stampin' Up products (I used to demo for them, too) but you could use any snowflake or snowman stamps with your own cardstock. Also, vintage imagery would be great as well. For the labels that say "freeze dried snowballs" you could print a label by hand to match, or use print your own label sheet on the computer. This looks so fast and easy - it would be a great project for kids to make. Super idea. I mean, there's chocolate in it right? Off to check my pantry for some freeze dried snowballs!

Snowman Soup Poem

2008-11-19T15:16:00.004-05:00

Here is the "snowman soup" supply list and poem (for the posted video above) - it's listed on several Christmas crafting sites - with variations on how many chocolate kisses to include....more chocolate is better for me! More ideas: stocking stuffer, gift basket filler, 12 days of Christmas gift, Secret Santa present......I better get busy :) ♥

1 package hot chocolate mix
1-2 Hershey Kisses
10 mini-marshmallows
1 mini candy cane or cinnamon stick

Place in a small ziplock bag or in a new mug - or follow the instructions below.

Attach this poem:

"Was told you've been real good this year.

Always glad to hear it!

With freezing weather drawing near,

You'll need to warm the spirit.

So here's a little Snowman Soup

Complete with stirring stick.

Add hot water, sip it slow.

It's sure to do the trick!"

Thinking about Christmas

2008-11-13T10:47:00.003-05:00

The leaves are all off the trees, and we've had more than one snowfall at my house (more coming next week). The kids already have their winter clothes, boots and sleds at the ready!

Is it just me or does Thanksgiving seem like a day of rest and lots of food to help us gain our strength for Christmas and the Holiday season? I can't believe I'm saying this because used to hate people who crowed, "I'm all done with my holiday shopping" - but "I'm done with my holiday shopping". I realize this is possible this year: 1.) because my youngest of 4 kids is in Kindergarten... 2.) I've really pared down the shopping list.... 3.) I hit a really great sale at The Christmas Tree Shop... 4.) I've been stashing gifts for the kids here and there as a make a little money from my eBay auctions. I may never be done with shopping this early ever again in my lifetime so this is my written proof. ♥ All that's left to do is the wrapping, baking and crafting. My three favorite things to do during the holidays. The hard part for me: getting all to the post office in time!

This vintage image is so inspiring to me- I have a shoebox full of old postcards from a nearby antique barn - I hope it inspires you to stay home, get cozy, and start your holiday crafting.

If you make something with this gorgeous blonde - I'd love to see it!

Vintage Imagery....Joanie on Holiday

2008-11-09T12:00:00.005-05:00

I love this image - I've always called it "Joanie on Holiday". My dear mother-in-law Joan lives in Mijas Pueblo, Spain. She has suffered a stroke and seizure over the past weekend and is in hospital in Malaga. Feel free to copy and create something wonderful with this image. If you like what you've created, please share it with me so I can send it to Joanie. hugs and thanks ♥

....and the Winner of Blog Candy is.... ~ CazJN ~

2008-11-06T13:52:00.004-05:00

CazJN - you are the winner of the Blogspot Candy Giveaway - please contact me with your email address - I want to make sure you get your goodies!

Happy Stamping! I'm off to practice my yakkity sax :)

Back on the Sax.....

2008-11-03T11:34:00.004-05:00

I realize this is a crazy blogpost title, however, I wonder if I'm a little crazy lately myself. As you may have read in a previous post, I have taken out my tenor saxophone again. For those of you who knew me in my youth and are cheering me on - I appreciate your support (thanks, Margaret ♥). I am also grateful to my family for tolerating all the tooting.......

While I was mulling over whether or not I had any skills or chops left, searching on the internet led me to an intriguing website and forum: http://www.petethomas.co.uk/ and it's companion http://www.breakfastroom.co.uk/. After lurking in the forum group for a month or so, devouring all the posts about technical strides in mouthpieces, reeds, ligatures and which saxophones were considered the best - I've just posted my intro. Both are a fabulous resource for all things Saxophone. It was encouraging and inspiring to read the posts from men and women, younger and older and in between, who have been playing the sax for years and those at every age just beginning to play. Thanks, Pete ♥. Who is Pete Thomas? - click above and find out for yourself - and don't forget to check out his shopping links...Pete donates proceeds from sales to APEC, Leukaemia Busters and IMC Burma Cyclone Appeal.

Happy Stamping Halloween!

2008-10-31T11:46:00.002-04:00

Happy Halloween! I dug in my box of unused rubber - and found this little cutie in my stash of old PSX. She's stamped in black permanent ink and colored in with Berol prismacolor pencils. I found a little bag of "collage" odds and ends and found this little kraft colored speckled oval - kind of looks like a cracker I think. Distressed it and sponged on some Antique Brown and pumpkin colored ink. The background paper was sent to me by my sister-in-law, I don't know who it's from - but I LOVE it. If you know, please comment so I can buy some more and give credit. Everything else is pretty self-explanatory, layered with mounting tape and then layered on the cardstock......and speaking of Trick or Treat, don't forget to register for the "blog candy" - Stampland's new instructional dvd with lots of goodies from Darlene's duster demos - (Eclipse tape, dusters, and an assortment of unmounted and mounted stamps along with a brand-new sealed dvd!) Who needs more candy corn anyway?

More Spectacular Fall Foilage

2008-09-27T16:57:00.002-04:00

Okay, okay.....I know I just blogged about this yesterday - but the rain from hurricane "Kyle" had a transforming effect - overnight! Compare the picture below to the one of the same scenery from the previous post - the change is soooo dramatic in one day!

Besides, the winters are sooooo long and grey - I can't get enough of this beautiful foilage.

Here are the colors of my favorite rainbow pad - ♥

It's Officially Autumn in Vermont

2008-09-26T12:16:00.003-04:00

The colors this year are spectacular and inspiring - it has been a few years since they've been so vibrant - the reds are incredible - next weekend is the official "peak" color of the season - I wish I had a rainbow pad that did justice to these hues.....these photos were taken early this morning from my back porch - I was afraid I would miss something if I waited.....very inspiring - if I could just find the time to mess with my stamps ♥

Featuring Susan Fordyce!

2008-09-13T07:23:00.007-04:00

I am so excited to post these two amazing works of art from Susan Fordyce, an accomplished artist and friend from Indiana - her compositions are unique and visually captivating - she takes detail in mixed media to another level of perfection..... I love them they are so intricate ♥

From Susan "...these photos were taken just as a record of work and the sea-image one was done after I framed it so was done at an angle. It is much lighter in color. The pearls sewn on it are real pearls and tiny bits of green glass that I glued on are about 200 years old...I love this piece...the other one just was tooooooo fun for me to do....they frame out at about 16 x 20."

Thanks so much for sharing these Susan ♥

Anitra's “APACHE SUNFLOWER”

2008-09-05T21:34:00.007-04:00

My grandmother, "Nanny", passed away this week at the age of 90. I was unable to attend the funeral, but many serendipitous things happened. The amaryllis I always gave to Nan every year for Christmas I couldn't send this year since she was in the nursing home - I kept it, but it never bloomed.....until this week. ♥

The day I received the news of her passing, my talented new friend Anitra (from Anitra's Cute Art World) sent me an email with this gorgeous work of art attached. It couldn't have come at a better time - she used the sunflower from the slide show - I think it is stupendous. Thank you Anitra, you are an angel. Here part of the sunny email she sent to me:

"I am part Cherokee. My newest design “Apache Sunflower” is one of my first designs for my new Series Native Americans. I am excited to finally start using my long held and loved images from my dear friend Karen from Luna Girl Images! She has many beautiful images that she has composed into CD’s for sale on E-bay & Etsy. I have also another friend to thank and that is Lori Turner from Luluna Stamps for sharing her sunflower image with me! I feel very happy inside after a feeling as if I would never get the time to do another design my heart is full of joy!" Anitra from http://cuteartworld.blogspot.com/

Her blog is visually amazing - there are links there to her store on Etsy, as well as her eBay listings and more....♥

Messing About

2008-08-26T13:13:00.003-04:00

Well - I took out the vinyl tablecloth left over from Brownie craft time and decided to make a mess. I looked through my supply laden office and came across an over-abundance of "chipboard" (purchased at a rubber stamp convention over 2 years ago and still in the original bag). Thinking of a shadow box idea I used a ruler as a guide to cut the bottom of the box - 1" by 3" and to cut the clear acetate cover (slightly smaller). After stamping, watercoloring and cutting the Acey Deucy image to size, I constructed the sides and top. Dropped in a few pearls and beads and other fun things - decided I needed to adhere the dragonfly in a strategic place - then learned the hard way to mask off the acetate - especially before using wall spackle....yes girls, spackle.....to seal the "box" and smush in some tiny beads. After the spackle got a little drier, I used acrylic metallic paint in copper, silver, black and a tiny bit of gold and covered all sides. After the spackle and paint were dry, I carefully removed the piece of correction tape from the acetate. I'm not sure whether to use it as a magnet or put a pin back on it - but it was fun to make.........no - I didn't measure anything except to use the ruler as an eyeball guide.

Anitra's Cute Art World ~ "Mr. Otis Toad"

2008-08-17T13:47:00.016-04:00

All I can say about the talented and generous artist Anitra Williams is W♥W and W♥W. My little man (he's 5) named the toad in my slide show "Otis" - as he names every toad he befriends. Anitra has taken Otis into another world - we are so thrilled - please check out her blogspot - http://cuteartworld.blogspot.com/ - and read the poem she wrote to accompany this collage.........and prepare to be transported into Anitra's fantastical art world.

Summer blooms - an accidental gardener

2008-08-13T09:32:00.006-04:00

After the snowiest winter on record and the 3rd rainiest summer ever in Vermont - I am truly grateful for the spirit lifting hues of my no-maintenance perennial garden....in fact, I am an "accidental gardener". I have no talent for it, no knack - I'm a dreaded "black thumb". Almost all the flower beds were lovingly planted many years ago by another woman who lived in this farmhouse. I had nothing to do with this bounty, I haven't touched them for fear I'd pull a weed that was something unrecoverable.

I wanted to share some of the recent photos I took (check out the slide show)- however, I think the blue hydrangea would be beautiful to use as a collage background....hint hint.....just my little tribute to a short, wet, but exquisitely colorful summer...

Abracadada Rubber Stamp Museum

2008-07-30T13:13:00.005-04:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppkdGs1M8Co

This YouTube link is worth clicking on! A guided tour of the Abracadada Rubber Stamp Museum from it's curator, William "Picasso" Gaglione. Founder of the original Stamp Francisco and now Stampland with his lovely wife, Darlene Domel, Picasso is extremely active in correspondence art.

My daughter and I were lucky enough to catch up with Picasso and Darlene in New York City this past June for a special exhibition, "Mapping Correspondence" at the Center for the Book Arts. http://www.centerforbookarts.org (look in the exhibit archives for Spring 2008 and check out the Flikr photos)

If you are interested in the history of rubber stamps, or just rubber stamps in general, check out this vintage video of the Abracadada Rubber Stamp Museum.

Diva Darlene Duster DVD update!

2008-07-17T12:09:00.006-04:00

from the insert, "Dusting can be fun?? Tapes can create? Stamp along with the Queen of Quick and Easy as she shows you step by step how to create using Color Duster brushes and Eclipse masking tape. In just a few easy steps you can become a duster expert, a tape transformer. Watch and see how you can add new dimension to ATCs, greeting cards, scrapbooks, altered books, journals and gifts. It is easy effective and entertaining."

As promised - Darlene Domel - the darling of the dusters - has sent me an exclusive preview (dvd insert) of her upcoming "Color Conversations with Darlene Domel" instructional DVD. If you have taken her classes or seen her live demonstrations in the Stampland booth- she makes sophisticated stamping fast, fun and fabulous. As soon as the dvd's and price information becomes available - I will let everyone in on all the details.

.......Congratulations to Stampland, Picasso and Darlene!

vintage imagery

2008-07-16T11:47:00.007-04:00

Real women mow the lawn..... Wear men's hats.....
Make fishing fashionable...

While looking glamorous no matter what......

Vermont is the perfect playground for scavenger hunters, pack rats, antique lovers, and ephemera addicts - a never ending supply of cool old stuff in shops, yard sales and attics. A few favorite finds from my ephemeramania..... I'm always on the hunt for old books with etchings and beautiful illustrations, antique postcards and old magazines and sheet music.

Freebies - please share your work if you choose to copy and use them - I'd love to see anything you might do - I have more time to scavenge lately than to stamp - and keep finding new things as I catch up on cleaning before the snow flies.......enjoy♥

mqhdiva - I found the original piano book for "Hair" and the beloved "Chicago Gold" - I know you could knock off the entire book. ♥

For Olivia......

2008-05-16T22:33:00.000-04:00

Invisibility...

2008-05-16T21:15:00.004-04:00

My dearest and oldest childhood girlfriend - mqhdiva - sent me this on Mother's Day..

It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone and ask to be taken to the store. Inside I'm thinking, "Can't you see I'm on the phone?" Obviously not; no one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all. I'm invisible. The Invisible Mom.

Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more: Can you fix this? Can you tie this? Can you open this? Can you wipe me? Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being. I'm a clock to ask, "What time is it?" I'm a satellite guide to answer, "What number is the Disney Channel?" I'm a car to order "Right around 5:30, please." I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated summa cum laude - but now they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again. She's going, she's going, she's gone!

One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England. Janice had just got back from a fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was sitting there, looking around at the others all put together so well. It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself as I looked down at my out-of-style dress; it was the only thing I could find that was clean. My unwashed hair was pulled up in a hair clip and I was afraid I could actually smell peanut butter in it. I was feeling pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, "I brought you this." It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe. I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to me until I read her inscription: "To Carol, with admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees."

In the days ahead I would read - no, devour - the book. And I would discover what would become for me, life changing truths after which I could pattern my daily work: No one can say who built the great cathedrals - we have no record of their names. These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished. They made great sacrifices and expected no credit. The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything. A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, "Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof? No one will ever see it." And the workman replied, "Because God sees."

At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction.But it is not a disease that is erasing my life. It is the cure for the disease of my own self-centeredness. It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn pride. I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great building. As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished. to work on something that their name will never be on. The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree.

When I really think about it, I don't want my son/daughter to tell the friends they are bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, "My Mom gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey for three hours and presses all the linens for the table." That would mean I'd built a shrine or a monument to myself. I just want them to come home. And then, if there is anything more to say to their friends, to add, "You're gonna love it there."

As mothers, sisters, daughters, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we're doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women......

Imagination.......

2008-04-15T16:29:00.005-04:00

Imagination is a funny thing....sometimes it can lead to inspiration and other times to frustration - trying to create what you see in your mind's eye. I'm imagining that the snow in Vermont will melt soon and that the sunshine will spark my creativity and renew my spirit.....

dreaming of spring........

Duster art.....

2008-04-09T09:19:00.001-04:00

Duster Brush Diva Darlene

2008-04-09T08:29:00.005-04:00

Dabbling in dusters.....if you haven't seen the deliriously delicious Diva of the Dusters, Darlene Domel of Stampland, you need to seek her out at a convention near you (schedule will be posted soon). Her definitive demonstrations are delightfully divine! Rumor has it that a dvd of Darlene's Duster technique will be available soon......I'll keep you posted.

Moms on eBay

2008-04-08T18:36:00.002-04:00

Just wanted to give a shout out to my MSMs in my eBay Group......Thanks for all your help and encouragement....you are all so great.

"Altered Art"

2008-04-06T12:09:00.001-04:00

Click to enlarge...... (all images courtesy Stampland or vintage Stamp Francisco unless otherwise noted)......click on Stampland link to see all the great mounted/unmounted stamps in their catalog!

So many stamps, so little time......

2008-04-06T09:21:00.004-04:00

Made a mess at the kitchen table - and played! Here are some of the results....

I hate being a newbie sometimes.....

2008-03-31T03:27:00.005-04:00

I hate being a newbie.....it's uncomfortable....it's work....it's embarassing.....that is why it is good for me. My MMB (Menopausal Mommy Brain) needs the work. A week later and not much better equipped to create what I want to here, but I'm learning and I keep on screwing up....but it's okay. Hopefully these samples will load this time....please newbie gods....be with me.

Homage to Classic Rubber Stamping

2008-03-25T13:39:00.010-04:00

Maybe it's because it's what I know, maybe because it's simple....or maybe it's just because I have always loved every stamp Picasso Gaglione and Darlene Domel have ever vulcanized...all I know is that the time has come for me to "get my stamp on"....and I only want to use my old school Stamp Francisco images and my newly arrived rubber from Stampland....

There is something sacred and simple about one-dimensional art. In the old days (yes the 1990s are now my "old days"...my weapons of choice were grey rubber brayers from Picasso and Darlene, one of their hand dyed rainbow pads, cover up and correction tape, a true black prismacolor pencil, black/brown ink pad of my own mixing....a newsprint pad and a handful of inked up, dirty, but much loved rubber stamps.....SIGH....

I may not be able to get the entire house clean, finish a home repair project,get the yard work done, or see any results of my many "Mom" hours.....but if I take a few minutes for myself at the end of the day.....I can stamp - I can feel that sweet sense of task completion - and return rejuvenated to my unfinished life business with a secret smile of satisfaction. I know that I will not be able to resist returning to the creative and satisfying experience of creating something I love with a rubber stamp. Yes, an obsession, an addiction....but I just can't stop myself and don't know if I ever want to be cured.

I'm jonesin' for some old school stamping.....