Possibility

I adore old keys. Growing up in ancient houses probably helped spark my adoration of keys as I remember the skeleton keys that went to our locks. Holding one in my hand today is a flashback to the past. A piece of key shaped childhood. Of freedom and fun, play and carefree days.

Antique keys hold so much mystery. They unlock the imagination. Who did they belong to? What secrets did they lock safely away? They represent security.

I was gifted a handful of keys (pic taken via iPad) recently from a lovely friend. I have great hope for their use as the possibilities are endless. I imagine using them in photographs, encaustic art, making a mobile or windchime, something loving and artsy. Instead, they end up hidden away in a drawer. Treasures of their own, ironically locked away for safe keeping, their potential lying stagnant as I cannot bare to part with them. Perhaps it was growing up poor that causes me to hang onto treasure as when I open the drawer that holds my collection, I feel like the richest girl on the block. That alone makes them worth their weight.

Still, it saddens me, this inability to use them. I fear not doing them justice. Not having an art piece turn out good enough. Not having the pictures successfully represent their beauty. It is the "not good enough" part that causes me to keep them locked away. "Not good enough" is not good enough for me anymore.

What a cathartic post! I wasn't expecting it to end this way! What an epiphany! I think I'll take my key collection and proudly display them in a bowl where I will pass them regularly and they can whisper to me and spark my creativity. They will say, "You are good enough! Come play!"

A Friend's Give-a-way

Head over to my friend and fellow blogger's page for a give-a-way.

John is an author, a healer, an artist and all around beautiful spirit.

(if you don't win, you can always follow one of his page links to his Etsy stores!)

He creates healing art pieces and is giving one of his prints away.

You can enter for a chance to win a copy of the print below.

For your chance, click HERE.

Your print will arrive all the way from Tenerife, Spain!

(Perhaps for some of you that's not so far. For me? It's quite dreamy!)

Quick Share

I just had to share this fun find with you.

People's creativity never ceases to amaze me!

I found the funnest shop a few days ago.

~pause~

(Sorry. Had to take a moment to pause and tell y'all that spellcheck seems to think "funnest" is not a real word! Really? How can it not be a real word? I use it, like, daily! Whatevs.)

Anywho...

I was out with a friend of mine (lunch date, light shopping) and we happened upon the coolest set of stores! The Villager is a really great framing shop which also carries work by photographers, handmade jewelry, THE COOLEST lamps made from vintage cameras and musical instruments and more and more and more sweet goodness (wish I would have taken pictures downstairs but I didn't so you'll have to trust me and pay them a visit). 

Then... we saw a steep staircase inviting us up to another uber cool store. I am IN LOVE people! My Apt. @ 429 is sooooo fun! They have gently used vintage and vintage style clothing, vintage kitchenware, books, jewelry and so much more. It is hands down the coolest resale shop I have ever been in (and I have been in loads). It is set up to feel like a ginormous upstairs apartment (more like a flat as it is the entire upstairs of an old downtown building). I wanted to move in instantly!

One of the most creative items for sale were these skirts.

Someone took a whole bunch of men's ties and assembled them into skirts! Some of the skirts had ties simply sewn side by side. Others were designed a bit more roomy and flowing by taking the seams out of the ties, spreading them wide and then assembling the ties together. How fun and cute is that? Do you see the decoupage collage of vintage pages on the wall heading up the stairs? Seriously! The walls were full of fun art, there were dress displays hanging from the ceiling, there were animal crackers and candy sitting out for customer consumption pleasure, and fun signs all over. Example? Sure! Here's one now!

Too fun! 

I know I said it would be a quick share and then I went on and on and on and on and I know that this was an exciting post for me because spellcheck is having a hay day with my choice of words-

funnest

Whatevs

Anywho

uber

ginormous

-so I will let you off the hook and sign off for the day. In the event that you enjoyed this post and the stores I have mentioned, I will leave you with more fun pics! So many creative ideas here!

(sorry in advance for the shoddy photography, my little digital takes horrible inside shots)

Set The Mood

It's Monday morning.

A brand new start to a brand new day in a brand new week.

What mood do you choose?

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I had a really crappy day yesterday.

I could not shake my crappy mood.

Overwhelmed, irritated, frustrated.

I tried and tried to shake it but

the ugliness clung to me like a wet coat.

After searching my thick skull for a reason,

the source of the mood was discovered.

I have a 17 year old cat.

We've had him since he was one.

He's a wonderful fella...

when he's not waking me at the ass crack of dawn. 

Every morning the same thing.

Meow meow meow meow meow meow

meow meOW MEOW MEOWWWWW!!!!!

He'll sit on the floor and stare at me in my bed.

MEOW

He'll wander the house and yell MEOW!!!!

In all fairness, the vet has suspicions that he

has the beginning of dementia (poor fella)

and one of the first things I do when I wake

is give him heave duty pain meds for his arthritic

hips and spine (again, poor fella).

You might be thinking, "What a meanie!

Blaming that poor old cat for her fowl mood."

Yeah. I know! That's the conclusion I came to myself.

Except I didn't blame the cat. I blamed me.

My attitude. My perception.

I went to bed wanting nothing more than to sleep in.

I never sleep in.

Four children, one husband, two cats.

One mom. No late mornings for me.

I went to bed at 10 p.m. and was woken at 6 a.m.

Rather than perceiving my night as a full night's sleep,

I was immediately frustrated that I was woken up.

The constant Meoooowwww plucked at my nerves.

All I wanted was to sleep in and wake on my own!!

Is that too much to ask??????

Perception.

I set the mood. I set the impossible expectation.

Seeing my error, last night before bed I lay my head

down with a different mindset. Instead of "I want to sleep in", I thought "I will get enough good sleep and wake

to my faithful old friend who loves me and needs me."

See the difference?

I woke this morning feeling rested.

Faithful Farley was right there waiting for food, medicine and love and I was up and happy and ready to oblige.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Again I say...

It's Monday morning.
A brand new start to a brand new day in a brand new week.
What mood do you choose?

No fancy pictures here, just my faithful old man cat.

He's such a good guy.

I'm thankful for every day we have together.

Spoons

Do you (or someone you know) suffer from a debilitating condition?

Do you (or someone you know) suffer from chronic pain?
I have a story to share with you.

You'll have to follow the link as I did not request permission to post and it is copyright protected.

Go ahead. Take the time. It's worth it.

I'll be here when you get back.

The Spoon Theory

Great! You're back!

That story was shared with me by a wonderful online friend.

She knows I suffer from fibromyalgia and knows I have good days and bad.

My initial reaction to the story was, "Wow! I'm not alone. Someone gets it!"

I felt relief and understanding.

The story has stuck with me. I have shared it with many people.

It has given me a new way to look at my condition and my life.

It has taught me to take care of myself and pay attention

to the amount of energy I use and how I dish it out.

More recently, it has inspired me to make a new piece of art.

After finishing the piece and finding pleasure and satisfaction in it,

I have decided to do a "Spoon Series".

More to come...

Fun Job

Last week a friend was fretting.

She was completely bent out of shape over others opinions of her.

So I stated a long known truth.

She loved what I said so much she hired me 

to make a sign for a friend's bar.

It was to look rustic and worn and state the simple truth.

Some jobs are so much fun!

It's your choice whether you care for other people's.   ha ha ha!

Too often we... enjoy the comfort of opinion without the discomfort of thought.  ~John F. Kennedy

Life is fleeting

We are given life and eventually that life is taken away.

The beginning and end are not in our hands.

The middle is entirely ours.

Life is fleeting.

Make the choice today.

Love every minute, every breath, every beautiful gift your life offers.

Choose to make every moment you are in

the best moment of your life.

~ ~ ~

A friend called me yesterday. She was at her mother's house consoling her as they waited for the coroner to take her husband's body away. He suffered a massive heart attack. She was in a state of shock. Her mother was in shock. I was obviously not expecting a call like that.  I responded the only way one can.

I'm so very sorry. I love you. Please let me know what you need and I'll be there for you.

I left that phone call stunned. I have known Tom pretty much my whole life.

Here a whole life. 

Gone in an instant.

Perhaps that's why it always surprises us.

~ ~ ~

Sending prayers and hugs to all who were touched by Tom's life.

Whom are pained by his death.

May he rest in peace.

Beautiful You

You know how you wake up every morning,

go out into the world and share your sunshine?

How you throw compliments that make others blush with pride?

How you lend a hand when you see someone in need?

How you build the confidence of your children with love and praise?

How you see the beauty in everyone you meet?

How you appreciate the gift of friendship and let your friends feel your appreciation?

How you love and accept every flaw in Mother Nature not as a flaw but as perfectly imperfect?

Will you do me a favor this morning?

Before you head out the door,

will you look in the mirror

and start there?

Throw yourself compliments and watch yourself blush.

Do you see need in your eyes? Fill that need.

Give yourself the love and praise you deserve and the confidence will follow.

Look at the beauty that is looking back at you.

Appreciate yourself as the best friend you could have.

Love and accept every perfect imperfection you were blessed with.

Start with beautiful you.

Take Note

UM/UIM

Uninsured Motorist/Under Insured Motorist

Insurance

BUY IT!!!!

I am asking each of you to check your automobile insurance.

Because I care.

Check for uninsured and under insured motorist insurance.

You can get a million dollars of coverage for next to nothing.

My friend has it. It's saving her house.

I was gone the last few days.

I was hours away helping a friend.

She is in her mid thirties.

She has a four year old and a one year old.

Three weeks ago she was in a bad car accident.

She was driving home from work (second shift).

She was t-boned.

The accident happened in front of a hospital

less than a mile from her home where her children lay sleeping

and her husband sat waiting.

They had to use Jaws-of-Life to extract her from her totaled car.

Her pelvis was crushed.

She was rushed to a bigger hospital where they screwed her pelvis together.

She is lucky.

She has family and friends helping to care for her and her children.

Grueling physical therapy, lots of pain meds.

Sent home with instructions.

DO NOTHING

She will need to use a walker for two months.

Crutches for another two.

She can't take care of her girls.

She can't work.

The Driver

A twenty year old kid.

High on drugs.

Blacked out.

He had a warrant and a past record.

Part of his record. Battery. Drugs.

He had NO INSURANCE.

It's the law to carry insurance here.

He obviously has no regard for law.

My friend has under insured/uninsured motorist insurance.

Coverage up to one million dollars.

She is spreading the word.

She asked me to spread the word.

Healing will take time.

Reimbursement will take time.

Her family is helping her financially.

Without her insurance, she would lose everything monetarily.

The insurance will sue the kid.

You can't squeeze blood from a turnip.

Please. 

Check your insurance.

Consider uninsured/under insured motorist insurance.

I checked. I had the minimum.

I am upping mine to the max.

I had fun with her girls.

I was glad to help her.

It was sad to see her suffering,

watch her frustration with being helpless to her children's needs.

She's lucky. 

Her life was spared.

She's getting stronger every day.

For Shannon's sake,

check your insurance.

Spread the word.

This was the moon at sunrise a few days ago driving to my friend's house.

MIA

I

AM

MIA

Out of town.
Helping a friend.

She was in a terrible car accident.

Needs much assistance.

Shattered pelvis + two tiny tots = no fun.

She has so much love and support pouring in.

Filling in few days family couldn't.

Be back Thursday.

Catch up then.

Love to all!!!

p.s. prayers appreciated

Busy Days

Yesterday

Went to House On The Rock

Finally had the guts to walk out here...

Went hiking by a waterfall

here

You'll have to scroll down the link to see the waterfall.

I burned out my batteries at our first stop.

Long drive.

Body retaliating.

Exhausted family.

Good times.

Fun.

Today

Second born turns teenage!

Happy celebration day!

Received phone call from friend.

She was in a bad accident.

Young guy on drugs t-boned her.

She has a shattered pelvis.

Waiting for surgery.

Plates, screws, pain.

I'm worried about her.

Grocery Shopped.

Got in a fender bender.

Both of us backing out.

Both of us in blind spots.

Both our fault.

Decided we would deal with our own cars on our own.

No cops. No insurance.

Left each other with a hug.

No lie.

Off to the amusement park.

Praying for safe travels.

Life is strange.

Wishing all of you a happy and safe weekend

full of the good stuff.

Guerilla Art-a-flopagus

I finished my final assignment for the class

Experimental Art e-course

Buah ha ha ha!!!

What a flop!

Well, not a total flop.

I met a friend!!!

Like as in... met for the first time ever.

We've been chatting through e-mail.

I found her art at a local gallery.

The owner said she was painfully shy.

Naughty me snooped around the internet.

Found her e-mail address.

Approached her via e-mail.

Told her I am also a self-taught creator and lover of encaustic art.

Explained that I understand her discomfort with meeting new people

but thought perhaps we could be e-mail buddies.

We could learn from each other.

She agreed.

We chat often. Sometimes daily.

For my final assignment in the Experimental Art e-course

I was assigned come up with a guerilla art project.

I decided my theme would be 

Random Acts of Loving Kindness.

I chose some pictures I had taken.

Played with them in photoshop elements.

Added positive affirmations and a little note in the corner

(a gift for you - a gentle reminder).

Due to my physical struggles this past week they were not perfect.

I did what I could. I decided that was enough.

I would send them into the world as is.

The printing cut off a letter, cropped a picture too tight.

Some of the font is too small.

It's the thought that counts, right?

So I asked my e-mail buddy to meet with me.

No uncomfortable-sit-across-the-table-and-stare-at-a-stranger meeting.

An artsy meet-up with a project to keep us busy.

We would be placing my photo cards in a public place.

Little gifts for others to find.

Pretty pictures and positive sayings to brighten their day.

Perhaps they would find the right owner.

Someone who would take it home.

Someone who needed the message.

We decided on the library.

It was uber busy.

I spread the picture cards around.

One on the steps.

One on the bench. 

A book shelf here.

A movie shelf there.

By the computers.

On and on.

We parked our fannies, chatted, and watched.

Most people walked right by.

Some people looked.

A few picked them up but set them back down.

Afraid to take them?

Not understanding they were a gift?

Then.....

along came....

'dum dum dum'

THE LIBRARIAN.

She spotted the cards, walked around picking them up

and proceeded to deposit them in the waste basket!!!!!

Seems she did not find our idea cute in the least.

Litter. Solicitation.

Whaaaaat?

She totally crapped on my random act of kindness.

What a jab. Ouch!

Thank goodness my new friend was with.

We decided to laugh instead of cry.   :)

I picked them out of the garbage.

An afternoon in the library and not a single card adopted.

We left.

We went to a cemetery to take pictures of old headstones.

My camera died after a couple shots.

Luck was not on my side.

Time to call it a day.

I dropped my new friend off at her car.

Thanked her for her help and for a fun afternoon.

I headed off to run some errands and left the pictures in random places as I went, this time with no worries as to whether they would be found or thrown or simply blown away.

After all, it's the thought that counts.

That reminds me.

My surprise for today.

I wanted to send two sets of my 

"Random Act of Loving Kindess"

cards out into the world via my blog.

They're not perfect

but

they're filled with

Loving Kindess!

Possible uses

bookmarks

send via mail anonymously

give to those you love

give to total strangers

stick in library books

stick in random places around town

keep them for yourself.

If interested in receiving a set let me know in a comment.

If there are more than two people I will draw names by Friday.

p.s. Thanks to all my loving friends who sent well wishes this past week. My pain is receding, mind clearing and I am on the upswing. Hugs back atcha!

Flowers For A Friend

A very dear friend lots her baby due to complications during childbirth yesterday.

There truly are no words to express just how sorry I am for their loss.

All I can do is pray.

 

I pray that she is able to pick up the pieces of her broken heart

and use the strands of love that are pouring in from across the globe

to begin to mend it.

 

I pray that her husband's heart understand

that for however brief, he was blessed with a beautiful son

who will now be watching over them as a beautiful angel.

 

I pray that their young daughter be wrapped in childhood magic during this difficult time

dancing with fairies and sprites, cuddling with blankets and teddies,

soaking up rainbows and butterflies

to ease the sadness that surrounds her

and she herself is feeling.

Tears are God’s gift to us. Our holy water. They heal us as they flow. ~Rita Schiano

List list list list

Today's list prompted by Aimee over at Artsyville!

I'm so frustrated. Today I figured out I'm suffering from Creative Constipation.

Causes? doubt, inhibition, excuses, laziness, fear, restriction, inaction, time
Cures? action, action, action, action, sew, write, create, knit, take photos, play, draw

I have no schooling or training in anything creative, yet I love to create. But I don't create.
I'm a perfectionist and have trouble doing anything that I don't do perfect. I am far from perfect in anything so that is a limiting characteristic.
My favorite types of art are mixed media. The messier the better. So why don't I allow myself to play? I stopped playing as a child when I was very young. I exchanged play and creativity for anal retentiveness and control. I know. Boring, right? But they got me through. Funny thing? I now live with five extremely creative people who cut loose and make constant messes. What do I do? Stress about the mess and obsess on the disorder (I also adore and love all their creations).

From this day forward I vow to work on cutting loose and creating. It won't be perfect and probably never will be. I realize that now. The realization is freeing. Now I will create for fun. For the freeing feeling. I will try my best to let loose and see what becomes (although I will be cleaning up after myself).


(example of the self-talk that wanders through my brain. this particular train of thought happens to be that of increased self-awareness and exploration. problem solving. this is good. me no likey the bad.)

Reverb - Name

Reverb prompt:

New Name - Let’s meet again, for the first time. If you could introduce yourself to strangers by another name for just one day, what would it be and why?   Wow. Never thought I'd see this subject matter in reverb. Interesting. I have issues with my name. I don't like being called by it. Call it an identity crisis if you will. I was always told by my grandmother that my name was going to be Gertrude (which is a lie). Mom said she wanted to name me Mary after my aunt and grandma (three Marys? perhaps too much). So the story goes, my parents couldn't agree on a name so my dad finally settled it by saying flat out, "her name is gonna be Lynn". Not that it had meaning or was special or pretty, just to settle an argument. Then he walked. My brother used to torture me with my name repeating it over and over and over and over in condescending tone. He was a bully growing up. Add all that to the dysfunctional mayhem that was my life growing up and I tend to have some identity issues. I don't identify well with my younger self. I don't identify at all with my name. I hate it actually. My own husband knows not to call me by name and never does. A few friends do. Not often. Sometimes it grinds at me and I can't hear what the person is saying because once they say my name I get tripped up and can't stop feeling frustrated with the sound long enough to hear what follows. Sort of like having your name called out over the intercom at a store. Stops you in your tracks and makes you feel uncomfortable.

Darling Husband and I sometimes play the name game. We'll talk about changing our name to Rockefeller and dream of extravagance. Or we'll pick a name that sounds uber ridiculous and make up all sorts of crazy back stories to go with. I have thought long and hard about other names. If I could change my name, what would I want to change it to. Funny thing? I never found one to fit. I actually kinda like being somewhat nameless and anonymous. I think that's partially why I fell in love with the internet.

Names are strange to me. I'm not great at remembering them and don't often use them to address someone. Feels like a label to me. I'm getting more and more used to my name. I can introduce myself by name if necessary. I am practicing writing it in case I were ever to become a famous author or artist (however I found that I like writing my initials better than my name). If you meet me and ask what I like to be called, I'll tell you "whatever. you can call me Lynn, chickie poo, hey you, I'll answer to whatever". I'm casual like that.   ;)

What name do I love best? I love being called Mommy!!!!

To answer the question, I guess I better not use any other name than my own. I'm still on the path to accepting it. Why mess that up?

On a side note, if you ever run into me, how about calling me Friend? Yeah. I like the sound of that.

Reverb - Party

Reverb prompt: 

Party. What social gathering rocked your socks off in 2010? Describe the people, music, food, drink, clothes, shenanigans.  Hands down the social gathering that rocked my socks off this year was my birthday!!! I had a Pampered Chef party at my house a few weeks before my birthday and invited family, friends and neighbors. Unbeknown to me, some of the ladies (who didn't even know each other before the evening) got together and planned a surprise night out for my birthday! It was the first time anyone held a birthday celebration for me since I was a child (not including hubs, the kids and I hanging out and eating cake).

It was so much fun! Six ladies dining on the patio of a restaurant eating amazing local fare and drinking micro brew fresh from the tap. We chatted, ate, drank and then hiked up the road to the comedy club where we laughed and laughed and laughed!!! Oh how I love to laugh. It was a fun filled night and made me feel really special. I am so thankful for that evening.
Really wish I had pics but I was so busy livin' in the moment and enjoying the evening, I completely spaced it! Even with camera in hand! That's not such a bad thing though as I have the memories here (points at head) and feel them here (puts hand on heart).  :)

Air It Out

Oh Wow! What a weekend! A friend of mine rented a beautiful home on Lake Petenwell this past week. We were invited to stay with them and headed up for an extended weekend. The house was gorgeous. The natural setting absolutely soul cleansing.
Our master suite (yes, opposed to 'the other" master suite) was on first floor with huge windows and a stone patio looking out toward the lake. I would lie in bed after waking in the morning and take in my surroundings. Starting with the beautiful home, then turning my head upward toward the window above my head where I could watch the trees blowing in the breeze, leaves dancing in the sun beams. Turning my head to the side, I could see the lake view filtered through the curtains. As my feet hit the ground I stepped toward the massive windows, opened the curtains, then the door and stepped out on the patio to take in the sun, the wind, the leaves rustling, the waves crashing.
I took my mind, my body, my spirit, all out on that patio for a good airing out. Inhale, exhale, arms in the air, head thrown toward the heavens, inhale, exhale, smile, love, bliss.
aaaaaahhhh.....

What did you do this past weekend? Hope it was good ;)

our master suite

lying in bed, looking up, out the window

filtered morning view from bed

throwing back curtains & opening door

welcome to bliss!

aaaahh!

looking back at our little patio

peace!

Inspiration

I have a self-discovery partner.

Is that cheating? To have a partner at "self" discovery?

Maybe I should phrase it like this...

A good friend and I are keeping each other inspired and motivated

while simultaneously working on our own self-discovery.

(More wordy and precise, but also more stuffy, no?) 

At any rate, "J" and I are making art dates. Choosing local artistic venues and setting the date. Keeping each other inspired through e-mail. Sharing inspirational links, motivational words.

A few weeks ago, "J" sent me a package in the mail. The package included a card made by a participant of The Very Special Arts Center (Madison, WI) which works with disabled individuals on self-growth through art. Inside the card was a note explaining how "J" had been going through some of her creative books in order to "organize her mind and space" to focus on her goals. In the process, she had found several books she thought fit my path better than hers. 

What a wonderful and lovely surprise it was to receive her package of inspiration!

Yesterday I sent a package in return. I had fallen in love with Mind's Eye Journals we had come across at an art fair we attended a few weeks ago. I mean IN LOVE!!!! They were gorgeous! They were also not in my budget. Being an at-home-mom of four does not often allow for such extravagance. I vowed that some day I would own one. For now, I will settle. 

I went into the dungeon (my basement studio) and dug around a bit. I came up with some raw materials and an idea. I watched YouTube, watched a library video and read a few books on book binding. Then I went to work. I created a journal for "J" and a journal for myself. They are not professional, they are not perfect. They are simply a loving place for each of us to start our journey of self-expression. Words, painting, collage, who knows what the finished journals will hold. 

Each journal is covered with a quote specific to its owner. May they bring us creativity, freedom and peace.

Crossroads

Yesterday I had the opportunity to take a walk with a good friend.
We have been setting dates once a week for the past four weeks.
Every week we go to a different small town
eat at a different small eatery
take in the local shops
and drive the local roads.

On our weekly lunch dates
we have spent time discussing and pondering our lives.
We talk of where life has taken us,
where we feel we are headed,
where we hope to head
and all the possibilities out there.


Yesterday we found a quaint little town called Rockdale.
We saw a path that led to a bridge
that also led to the trail.
We headed down the path
as we could not resist the canopy of trees.

Not too far into our walk we came upon a crossroads.
I kid you not! An actual crossroads!
Can you see it below?
One path is graveled quite nicely
while the other is more grassy and natural.

I giggled and couldn't resist giving my friend Rosie a small crossroads speech.
"You see Rosie?
All this talk and contemplation we have been doing and here it is!
Our actual crossroads right here in front of us! You must pick!
Pick a path! Which way should we go?"

That's the last time I let her make the decisions! Ha!
No sooner did we head in her chosen direction than we came upon a red sign
(yes, a literal "sign")
that read...

"WRONG WAY"

Oh did we laugh and laugh!

How completely fitting for two silly wanderers.

(Rosie and the "wrong way")