Friday Night

The last couple of days I have been doing some weeding out of clutter in my house. Well maybe more like rearranging the clutter. Not sure I really got rid of anything. You know the old saying "I might need it some day".

I have finished 3 more memories cards and I have figured out a few more "ideas" for the cards. I had to put more African cards on hold. I think I burned out on those. I am giving myself a few days to concentrate on the memories cards instead.

The Moleskine Project started tonight on its journey. The originating gallery had them on display tonight from 4-10 in their own gallery. Now they will be moving around for one or two day shows to other destinations. There was a live feed but I forgot to sign onto it until it was too late.

I also want to try a portrait in colored pencil. I did the portrait kit from Ann Kullenberg's website. I wasn't too thrilled with my picture. But I got away from it for a couple days and now realize even tho it still looks kind of "paint-by-numberish", it does look pretty good. It's just that it has so many different colors and they seem to not go together in my eyes. But I when I look at a photo of a face, I don't see all the colors in it. I see the light and dark but don't really see yellows, blues, greens, etc.

I will hopefully work thru that eventually. We shall see. But I do need a lot of practice, practice, practice.

Scavenger Hunt #121

Here are some of my first sketches for the latest scavenger hunt hosted by fleur.

Arrival

The next two of my memory cards have arrived. One in CA and one in NC. The four I have finished and sent have all now arrived. I need to get busy with more, but I need to get more of my African Series finished first. Tonight I am working on Scavenger Hunt items before the current hunt is finished tomorrow. In by the skin of my nose again. This is becoming a habit I need to break.

Finished Cats

Well I finished my cats. In fact I did one too many. Now to figure out which to eliminate.

And Even More Cats

Here are more cats that I have finished for the cat trade on Drawspace. I still have a few to go. Hopefully I can do some more tonight. Getting a little tired of cats tho.

Cats, Cats, & More Cats

I have been working on my cat ATCs. I have 13 finished of the 17 needed. They are all different. Some in graphite, some in colored pencil. Some look more cartoony than others. I'm happy with the way they are turning out. The next trade on Drawspace will be music and musical instruments. That should be a real challenge. I don't play an instrument and haven't really been around them much.

Baby Dolls and Pinwheels

I worked on two more memories trading cards today. I am having such a nice time with these cards and the memories. Each card I do seems to stir up more thoughts of things from the past

Tonight I was surfing looking for things that were popular in the 1950s. This brought back more special memories. I remember in the 60s that my mom used to make log planters from cans and plaster of Paris. She put the cans together and put the plaster over them forming what looked like a log with cut branches sticking out from it. She would use a fork and make texture in the plaster and then paint the logs. They were really quite attractive and she sold a few.

Another time she made these wall hangings from some bendable sheets that were like screening. She formed them to look like frames then attached dried cattails, flowers, cotton pods, etc to make a floral arrangement. Then they were sprayed with a gold paint.

Another hobby she did was making those resin grapes that everyone had on their coffee tables in the 60s. They had a wooden stem and a cluster of the resin grapes. The last set of them mom had was tossed thru their television by a burglar who trashed the house while looking for money.

The hobby that was most useful to me was her flower making. I'm not sure what kind of material they were made of (some kind of paper but thicker like cloth), but they had stems wrapped in green floral tape, leaves, and just about any kind of flowers. She made the boutonniere and wedding corsage for our wedding. My request was carnations and the deepest red...so they looked almost black. Very pretty when done.

My mother didn't work outside the house and she didn't even drive until I was a senior in high school. She was always home when I came home from school and most days I would walk in the door to the smell of fresh baked yeast rolls, cinnamon rolls, cookies or a fresh pot of beans cooking on the stove with cornbread in the oven. It was always such a nice greeting and made me feel glad to come home.

Memories

My second Memory art card has arrived in New York. My mom always gave us modeling clay. We tried so hard to keep the colors separated but eventually we had one big clump of gray. Many memories playing for hours and hours with my clay.

25 something

My first card for the 25 something trade has arrived at its new home in Canada. I am doing childhood memories. The first one was hula hoops.

I received my first hula hoop when I was in about 4th grade. We were in Oklahoma visiting my grandfather for the last time and he had grandma give us each $5. When we got home, we bought hula hoops with our money. They were so much fun and we soon had mastered the technique.

I have tried it since I have gotten older and thicker. Doesn't work any more. Too much hip and not enough action. And I felt like a dunce... awkward and not a pretty sight.

Scavenger Hunt #119

Can you believe that we are on Scavenger Hunt #119. Wow. How nice that we have made it this far. I hope we make it a lot farther. Come on #200.

I haven't been doing a very good job on the hunts. I have been jumping in at the last minute and throwing together a few sketches just to participate. But today I decided to do some proper sketches. I still won't finish this one but I did quite a few of them. It makes me feel better. I need to start right away when the new lists are posted. That is what I used to do when I finished them.

Cats and Crazy Cats

I am in an ATC trade at Drawspace forum of Cats/Crazy Cats. I have 17 to do and have 5 finished. This trade is for one month. That means we have to get 17 done and mailed in a month.

We have one of these trades at Drawspace once a month. Every month is a different theme. Several of the past monthly themes have been Undersea Life, Prehistoric, Flowers, Safari, and we have had several holiday themed ones. Most months I participate. I enjoy the shorter trades as people tend to follow thru with their cards. On the longer projects, many times people don't follow thru.

I couldn't tell you how many sign up and play along for a bit. Then they just disappear. Sometimes for a long time, sometimes forever, or even sign up for more projects. That becomes a problem as they usually receive cards but don't return theirs. I can understand if people have emergencies or health problems, but they should return to finish the cards once they are better. Especially if they are back participating in the forums. Even an apology would be nice.

Even when I had my knee surgery a year ago, I finished all my cards before the surgery. And I left an email for a couple people on the forums where they could find out what happened if I just disappeared.

That's why I enjoy the trades at Drawspace. Everyone seems so happy to do the trades and they don't seem at all fazed by having to do so many in such a short time. They are just happy to participate and enjoy the getting and the giving.

And this time we have 17 people plus myself who are working to get our cards done (and believe it or not some have theirs done and mailed in the first week or so) and anxiously waiting to see what new surprises arrive in the mail.

Here are 4 of the ones for the cat trade that I have finished.

Quiet Saturday

I have spent a quiet Saturday. Not feeling too perky but I did get a card done for the 25 Something trade. I can't show it yet but should be soon as it is going to New York. It should only take a couple of days.

This is the second one of my "theme" of memories. The first one is still making its way to Canada. I mailed it the 3rd of February.

I have been in a mini slump since sending off my Moleskine book to the Project. I think that little project took too much out of me. Artwork is meant to be done leisurely and with enjoyment not pumped out quickly to meet a deadline for mailing. That takes the fun from it. Hopefully I can get more into my trade projects now. So far I have been doing my usual graphite or colored pencil. Maybe I should think about a different style for some of these. They would give me a chance to try something new.

Art Blog Award

I received an Art Blog Award from Teresa at Blueberries Life and Art.Thank you Teresa. I am to list 7 things I love and then name 7 more artists to honor.

Like Teresa my first love is God, then family, and friends.

1. I love my fur and feather babies. They have given me so much love and joy. I have never had children so these are my replacements. Their unconditional love has made me a better person.

2. Art. I have a passion for art that I didn't know was possible. It gives me so much satisfaction and joy.

3. My memories. Many people lose their memories to Alzheimer's. My memories are precious to me as I think it must be devastating to face the loss of them.

4. The internet. I really enjoy the internet. It has provided me with many benefits I would otherwise not have had. I haven't traveled but with the internet, I can travel to just about anywhere I want. I can learn just about anything I have interest in. I have met so many friends thru the internet. I have learned about different cultures, languages, and even recipes like tomato gravy (Ick!).

5. I love to people watch. When I am in a line at a grocery store, at Costco, the mall, or anywhere, I love to watch people and their reactions to situations. You can learn so much about people just by watching them.

6. I like to watch television. I have always liked watching tv. I don't always "watch" but it is always on and in the background. I spend more time listening. It keeps me company and keeps my birds occupied. When some show has an outdoor scene, my parakeet comes alive listening to the bird sounds. Something I would not even notice if it weren't for her reaction.

7. Sweets. Especially chocolate. There is nothing like a nice cup of hot chocolate or chai latte. So sweet and luxurious on a cold day.

Well now you know my likes and be glad you don't get a list of my dislikes.

Now for the other artists who deserve a nice award.

Jo Castillo
Quirky Artist
Ai's arts
Marie-Dom/fleur
Wendy Prior
Joan Tavolott
Donna

If time doesn't permit a post, please just put the award on your site to let everyone know that your are is appreciated.

For some reason I couldn't post a link to each person's site but you can find their links in my side link area. Teresa's is also there if you would like to see her list.

Woohoo

My Moleskine sketchbook is working its way to its destination. I am so glad to have it finished and in the mail. In fact I am kind of in lala land. I haven't done any art for several days. I just can't get myself in the mood to do it. All I have done are some really lousy quick sketches for the scavenger hunt and those were because it was the last day of the hunt. I wanted to get something done for it. I will work on getting motivated again starting tomorrow. Or maybe tonight.

I stubbed my little toe against the vacuum today. I think it is probably broken. It is really black and blue. It had already been broken once in the 80s and since they don't do anything for broken toes, I just didn't see a doctor about it. It grew back crooked. And now it seems it will get even more crooked. It hurts to walk at all. That would be a nice change except that life goes on and you can't just sit on your back end 24 hours a day.

I picked today to change and wash the bedding. Now I have to go walk around the bed and get it remade. Hopefully hubby will help me and do his side of the bed.

Happy Birthday Bill

Today is my hubby's birthday. He is 59. He was born on Groundhog Day. He was also a preemie baby. Born at 3lbs 6oz. In the hospital for a month. If you have seen the photos of our us and our dogs in the Christmas photo, you will know that the man has more than made up for the lack of weight at birth.

He was a thin boy, but he said when they took out his tonsils, he started gaining and was over 200 lbs by his 8th grade graduation. Now those were some powerful tonsils (I'm glad I kept mine).

Once in an elevator at a hospital, we met a lady whose daughter or relative had just given birth to a little girl who weighed 3lbs something. When we told her about hubby, she looked at him in horror. She was imagining her little pint sized girl growing to such a large size. Her look made us laugh.

So tonight when hubby gets home, he will have leftover baked chicken, salad with hot sauce and hot peppers, and some German Chocolate cake. He should be a very happy man. Until tomorrow when he realizes 60 is just a hop, skip, and a jump away. I should know. For 3 months now, we will be the same age. Come May I have to go over the 60 mark.

I would post a recent photo of him I took against his will (he was in shorts, boots, no shirt) as he took out the trash. I couldn't believe he was going outside like that and I threatened to turn on the outside lights. He threatened my life if I post it or draw it. I guess turning 60 is better than being dead.

Moleskine Project Sketchbook Finished

Well as of 4:00AM I am finished with the project sketchbook. Hurray! Here are two more pages from the Moley.

Moley Project

I worked last night on my Moleskine Project book. I got 3 more double pages done or almost done. 3 more to go.

I took a look at some samples of other's books on the project website. Quite a variety. I can't believe that so many of them were able to add watercolor to their books. The pages are so thin, I was worried about the colored pencil and graphite. A couple pages the tear out line started to tear. And a couple other places my graphite poked a hole in the paper. But it is close to the finish now. I could let it be available for sale, but I think I will enclose a stamped envelope to get it back. I will put my email address and website in it in case someone would like to browse or even to buy something.

I plan to scan the most recent pages soon and will post another sample.

Bananas

I got this in an email. I thought it might interest others.

After Reading this, you will NEVER look at a banana in the same way again!

Bananas Contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber, a banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy. Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes. But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.

Depression:
According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel better.

PMS:
Forget the pills -- eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.

Anemia:
High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.

Blood Pressure:
This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it the perfect way to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.

Brain Power:
200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex England ) school were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.

Constipation:
High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.

Hangovers:
One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.

Heartburn:
Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

Morning Sickness:
Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness

Mosquito bites:
Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.

Nerves:
Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.

Overweight and at work?
Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and chips. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.

Ulcers:
The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.

Temperature control:
Many other cultures see bananas as a "cooling" fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand , for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD):
Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan.

Smoking:
Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B-6 and B-12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.

Stress:
Potassium is a vital mineral which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be re-balanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.

Strokes:
According to research in "The New England Journal of Medicine," eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death from strokes by as much as 40%!

So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrates, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around. So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, "A banana a day keeps the doctor away!

Ditto

I just finished another page in the Moley. This one was my baby Ditto. I will fill the other side with a few other things and make it a tribute page. I just have to look up when she was born. She was such a sweet little thing and we sure miss her.

I think that puts all my animals in the book. I will probably do a couple more, at least of Penny. I would love to do her eyes in color. They are the most beautiful goldish color.

I now have 7 1/2 full pages to do. Getting there slow but sure. I have been neglecting all my other projects tho. I haven't done anything for the scavenger hunt this time so will have to manage a few later today. The last day for it is the 29th so I will hopefully slide by just at the last minute.

We will be getting the addresses for the new project...24 of something... I still have a few left to finish for the Out of Africa. And I owe two ATCs to Toad Hollow Drawing Club. One a valentine. The one for Scribble Talk I have ready and waiting for a name and address of whom to send to. And last but not least for Drawspace. Those are all sent and most have arrived. I mailed a last add on one today to Ohio.

I suppose I am not too far behind but I felt a little pressure for a bit from the Moleskine. When I get that mailed off, I feel I can breathe again. Of course then I will worry that it makes it safely. When you are a worrier, you always find something to worry about.

January VSD

I almost forgot to do the VSD this month. I have missed the last couple of months and wanted to do this one. I need to get back into the swing of doing it. So I hurriedly did a partial of the peeled orange. About 15-20 minutes work in my Moleskine Sketchbook with colored pencils.