Reflective Elements

This time

2011-02-15T01:11:00.000-06:00

This photo is of the frost on our front door last week. I just love it . It has such a femine lacy feel and texture to it. I think it and some of the others I took that day are going to end up in at least one mixed media piece.

Last week, with the difficulties in the east, the thought came to my mind; will the antichrist rise out of Egypt.?

My only concern being, when that time comes, am I doing all that I should or could? I read about believers of the past and what they've done. What will we do?

Comfort Quilts

2011-01-04T11:08:00.000-06:00

The children are back at school after two weeks of holiday vacation. My littlest one is taking a rare nap. Life at the moment is good.
Not much art has been done. I am currently working on a quilt for my blanket loving three year old. There is great comfort in a quilt made by someone who loves us. When I was about 20 years old my apartment was broken into and I was assaulted. Afterwards, at night, I clung to the quilt my grandmother made me. God got me through the difficult months after, but my grandmother's quilt was a great help.

Dad's Funeral

2010-11-09T08:37:00.005-06:00

My dad passed Oct. 13th after a long bout with skin cancer. He had a military funeral as can be seen in the pictures. He loved his country, and was a marine in the Vietnam war.

I am being rushed off, so will have to finish this later. Hmm.

Cancer

2010-05-06T15:33:00.004-05:00

My dad's cancer has spread. Now he's opting for the strong cocktail mix that begins next week. Not looking forward to that. I am, however, looking forward to fishing this weekend with the whole family for my oldest's birthday. He will now be a teenager officially, and not just think like one.

I need an art retreat!!

These necklaces are a few that I've made.

Concentrating has been more of a challenge than usual.

There has been lots of unfinished projects.

It's Been Awhile

2009-09-25T20:53:00.003-05:00

The past few months have not been so productive. In fact they have been many times discouraging and frustrating. Mostly I have been producing doodles like these. I do love to play with colored pencils, markers, and just about anything I can write with. It brings back the good feelings of being a kid.

I have all these expectations of who I think I should be, what I think I should do, what I think an artist is.., a mother.., a child of God... Reality never reflects these expectations.

Today I heard a snip-it off the radio in passing. "Stop trying to be enough" the man said. The reason this struck me is because I have told God so many times, especially lately, that no matter what I do- it just isn't good enough. It was the same thing I have heard and thought about so often. God's grace is sufficient.

"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness". 2 Cor 12:9

Honestly, though I know what this means, I don't understand how it works in our lives. I do know that God is who he says he is.. I believe that God is able, but my mind continues to try to measure the height, width, and depth of who He is. God is immeasurable. He is infinite. I am a beggar for a few crumbs.

Doodle shoes

2009-06-20T18:19:00.002-05:00

Not a lot of art has been done here in the past month. My children are keeping me very busy. I bought these shoes on clearance for a buck and doodled on them. I like them- fun and comfortable.
The temp has been up near 100. We haven't turned on the a.c. here for the past couple years, so we slow down a bit when it gets pretty hot.

To quilt or not to quilt

2009-04-30T16:48:00.005-05:00

Sometimes it is difficult to decide which medium to work on or with. I nearly always go back to the quilt. It is such a comforting medium. It's like being wrapped up in one of the quilts my grandma made me. There was a difficult time or two that I would only sleep with that blanket, because of how it made me feel loved.

Here are a couple recent pieces. The sunflower quilt is painted with acrylics and the background partial flowers are photo transfers.

In Remembering, I rust dyed a cloth and screen printed it before stitching and beading.

Carry on

2009-03-12T00:44:00.005-05:00

Today I started the day pretty bummed, so I decided to take some pics. Taking photos helps me forget about whatever it is that I want to forget.
This truck is at a neighbor's house to the south of us. Whenever I go into town I google over it; so today I got permission and headed right over.
What is it about these old trucks that are so cool?

(I later did a bit of photoshopping. My camera and photoshop are two of my favorite tools.)

Still, this evening I was a bit bummed, and I thought I'd share what I felt God was saying to me.
Yes, there is sorrow, but do not take the time to wallow in it. This will only let the sorrow and darkness grow. Instead dig in your heals and press on for those around you. How else can the purposes of God be wrought? To wallow in sorrow is selfish and does not bring about the purposes that God would use you for in anothers' life. Carry on.

Altered Angel

2009-03-10T21:31:00.003-05:00

The last few weeks have been a bit of a blur.

I've been thinking about Ecclesiastes. When I have those times of questioning the point of life; I often find my way back to this book.

'What does man gain from all his labor at which he toils under the sun? Generations come and generations go, but the earth remains forever. The sun rises and the sun sets, and hurries back to where it rises. The wind blows to the south and turns to the north; round and round it goes, ever returning on its course. All streams flow into the sea, yet the sea in never full. To the place the streams come from, there they return again. All things are wearisome, more than one can say. The eye never has enough of seeing, nor the ear its fill of hearing. What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun. Is there anything of which one can say, "Look! This is something new"? It was here already, long ago; it was here before our time. There is no rememberence of men of old, and even those who are yet to come will not be remembered by those who follow. Eccl. 1: 3-11.

If this so dreary, well the monotony of it all can be, but there is good news too.

'For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the Lord, " and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you," declares the Lord, "and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile." Jer 29:11-14.

My emotions don't always match what I know to be true.

New work

2009-02-13T12:48:00.002-06:00

"Leap" is a new pieced and embroidered quilt that I am getting ready to place in my etsy shop. It is something that I actually made the design quite some time ago, but later decided to embroider it. There are many designs that just sit waiting for me to decide the best way to carry them out. There are many commercial fabrics that I really like, but don't often use them. They don't feel as much 'mine'. The fabrics in this quilt are very soothing.

"Peace" is a small acrylic painting on canvas that was also started some time ago, but not finished until recently. I hope to get this also put in my etsy shop today. It takes me awhile sometimes.

Here is a treasury that I have been included on etsy. It goes until 4:30 pm today.

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=39241

Mailboxes

2009-02-02T21:08:00.002-06:00

Have you ever seen this many mail boxes in a row like this. I never had before, so had to stop and take a few pics. This one shows better than the others how many there were.

More about this mini quilt here:

http://artaweek.blogspot.com/

Final Friday

2009-01-27T20:32:00.003-06:00

My work will be displayed here for the 'Final Friday' art crawl in Wichita this friday.

United Country Wichita

509 E Douglas

Wichita, Ks.

Jan. 30th, 6-9pm

New year

2009-01-12T09:09:00.004-06:00

This was a photo I took this weekend, and did a very little bit of photoshopping to. I plan to do more. It was nice to get out and take pics again. The kids ran and played while I took pics. We didn't get to stay out too long before the temperatures began to go down.

At the end of each month, Wichita has 'Final Friday'- the art crawl. I've been invited and am set to participate this month, so I am trying to get a few items completed for it. During the Christmas break I got nothing done. It was nice to spend time with my family, and it was nice for school to start back up as well.

First real snow of year

2008-12-16T22:53:00.003-06:00

The weather has been more odd than usual for Kansas. It has been unseasonably warm for the most part. Now it feels like winter. ugh.

These trees are just outside my bedroom window. The two younger boys spent much time looking out to watch the snowfall. My four year old took me for a tour of the snow covered yard.
Remember how exciting the first snow was when we were children?

This is ye old chicken house. It's not in the greatest shape, but it looks cool with snow on it. I do not like the cold, but I love living in the country.

Go ahead daydream

2008-11-30T22:01:00.005-06:00

This tree drawing was made using colored graphite pencils and prismacolors. Daydreaming and drawing is the spice of life!

When I was a little girl I repeatedly got into trouble for daydreaming in school. I found some old report cards from grade school. The one thing they had in common was an unsatisfactory at paying attention. In daydreams we can do anything, be anything. What would life be like without it?

This quilt was quilted, painted, stitched, and beaded. I was happy with the way it turned out. Actual colors are a bit deeper.

Christmas sale

2008-11-23T00:00:00.007-06:00

With the weather getting a bit colder, it is a little easier to believe Christmas is coming up. It has been unseasonably warm here for the most part.

I am offering a 25% off storewide in my etsy shop Nov. 22 - 29.

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5463177

I'm how old!?

2008-11-18T23:49:00.007-06:00

You ever have those moments or days that you look at yourself and wonder-'How did I get here?'. Wasn't my mother just this age not long ago? Then, I thought she was older than dirt.

The way my oldest son put it two years ago:

He asked his teacher how old he was. When he said 26, my son said, "Oh, you're still in your happy years, before you get old and stressed out." Of course referring to his parents only 10 years older. :)

Here is a photo that 11 year old boy recently took of a nearby pond.

Here is some recent art I hope to put on Etsy soon.

I want to make something more useful with my art. I like bags, and would like to make more of them, but for some reason I'm having trouble getting started. I haven't hit that 'just right' yet.

Making Sense Of It All

2008-11-10T09:19:00.007-06:00

It isn't unusual for me to get distracted on the way to the store or anywhere for that matter. On a recent diversion, my oldest son and I stopped at the cemetary. The fall colors were beautiful; and we had fun looking at the different names.

Sents would be a nice name. We could all use a little more sense. :)

Anyway... moving on.. This lead to when things don't make sense, and I remembered a dream I had some years ago. (Hang with me.)

It was one of those trapped dreams. It was dark room, isolated, with no way out. There were three doors. The door through which I had come, had a wall built over it, so there was no going back the same way I came. The second door I didn't even want to look at, because it was so scary. Then the third door was not really a way out, but another entrance. It was locked from my side, so I could only look out.

After trying frantically to find a way out, I became exhausted and gave up. As I looked around the dreary room I noticed the lamp was a beautiful shade of green. My favorite color. How or why could something so beautiful be in there?It became a lovely distraction. Later, God would provide a way out.

Lamaze teaches to find a focal point during the most intense and painful moments of labor.

I also recall a story about man who had been kept in solitary in prison and tortured for years. He said that he survived by building a house from foundation to finishing touches in his mind. He had been a contractor prior to this time, so this is what he knew. Board by board, nail by nail, piece by piece. The details brought distraction and enabled him to have a place where things made sense.

What is your distraction?

School House

2008-10-28T21:54:00.006-05:00

Yesterday, on the way home from picking my children up from school, we took a detour. There used to be what looked like an old church. They took it down and replaced it with a newer, safer shed. I stopped and thought I'd like to take a few photos. Fortunate for me the owner happened by.

These are a few of the photos I took. There are more on my flickr site. It turns out that the barn used to be an old school house. It is fun to imagine what went on there. Childrens coat hooks still remained in the small three room place. Waynes coating was along the bottom of the walls; not typical of your average barn. My kids enjoyed the detour too, especially the older ones.

I'm not sure why I like this coffee can shot, but I do.

I've always liked these old milk cans. And what is it about rust that is so appealing? I think it is the combination of colors and texture.

I did not get very good pics of the inside. The lighting was not so good. You can see the front door, and a window below that. I wanted to check out the ladder going up, but didn't want my children to follow me.

It seems odd the things we have no problem with ourselves, but do not wish our children to do. Motorcycles are a perfect example. I've always loved them, but am still a bit skidish about my kids on them.

Pastels

2008-10-18T10:56:00.005-05:00

This is a recent pastel painting I just added to Etsy. Soft pastels are so fun.

This is an abstract that I don't think I'm quite done with. Watercolor pencils and pastels have been used so far.

Last night was the fiber show artist reception at the gallery. It looked like a pretty decent turnout. I enjoy meeting other artists and hearing about their work and processes.

Overhaul

2008-10-03T08:21:00.005-05:00

'Extreme Makeover' home edition on Sunday night is my family's favorite t.v. show. This last Sunday was a show about a woman raising 14 children. Four of them are her own, and ten of them were her sister's who died. She promised her sister that she would care for them and not seperate them. They all lived in a three room motel for a short period of time. The state was going to take the children, because lack of adaquate placement. The city gave the family some land with a house on it that needed work. Then Extreme Makeover came in and built them a new one.
This has stuck with me, because I am deeply passionate about these situations. First of all what a woman! To take care of ten children not her own- in addition to her own. Second of all I began thinking that wouldn't if the state could pay the various places that would take these children in. Why couldn't they use those funds to improve there living conditions instead? I realize that would have to go on an individual basis, but it makes sense to me. O.k., when I'm president I'll overhaul the Social Rehabilitation System. :) Which by the way, I have never heard of in a presidential debate.
Oh, here is a link to my Etsy mini on Interior Design Team.
http://interiordesignteam.blogspot.com/search/label/Wallhangings

Hand picked bouquets

2008-09-14T00:27:00.005-05:00

These are some lovely flowers that my children picked for me. I would so much rather have hand picked than boughten flowers. Dandilions, when hand picked, often break my heart.

The weather is changing, and with it the landscape. Soon leaves will be turning. Children change as quickly and often as the seasons. I pray God will help me relax from my own busyness to enjoy and savor the time with them. They're babies, you blink, and they grow up. It's amazing that God allows such imperfect people to raise them. What an awesome responsability, and an incredible blessing. There are so many things I wish I did better, but all you can do is your best. My children are good kids, and this is the grace of God, as is anything else good that comes from me. This is fact.

2 Cor 12:9, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."

New small quilts

2008-08-29T01:01:00.003-05:00

These are a couple of recently finished quilts. Well actually, the one still needs a binding. I hope to do that tomarrow.

The one that still needs a binding is a recycled quilt.

More sunflowers

2008-08-27T22:45:00.002-05:00

This sunflower pic was taken in a nearby field. We pulled over on the way to take one of my kids to school. That was a few days ago. Today the van broke down in the same place. It was funner the other day taking pictures. :) The good news is that apparently, the gas gauge got stuck and we just ran out of gas. Weird.

End of summer

2008-08-18T21:27:00.003-05:00

Four out of six are now in school. They are all mostly happy to be back. I have so much respect for homeschooling moms. I wish I could do it, but I'm just not cut out for it.
Art wise I've had a pretty good last couple weeks. I sold a small quilt at the gallery, and then a few days later sold one on Etsy. Saturday I got a call from a real estate agency, United Country, in Wichita wanting to show some of my things. They will be showing different artists to bring in clients. I am excited about it.
I tried to upload pictures, but they don't seem to want to go today. A few of my children have been doing wire sculptures lately, and I hope to share some soon. I have several works in progress, and I'll have to take some pics of them soon. I'm not always sure what to share as many times I go back and forth between works and it may be awhile till the piece is really finished. It is amazing to me to see artists stay with the same work from start to finish.

Summer evening walk

2008-08-05T01:00:00.004-05:00

It's been awhile since I've posted. It has been hot and humid the past couple weeks. The weather man is saying the temps should begin coming down a bit tomarrow from the low 100s to the 90s. During the day not much gets done. In the evenings we get outside and enjoy. Last night we found these berries up the road nearby. I think they are sand hill plums. Sand hill plums make the best jelly.
There have been very few sunflowers near our house this year. One of my sons found this one and picked it for me.
Last year there were not many thistles, but this year they are plentiful. How beautiful these simple sticky blooms can be.
This gate to a nearby pasture isn't too far up the road. I enjoy the rusticness of the fence behind.

The children are now officially enrolled in school. Time really does go faster the older we get. It was strange to walk through and enroll my child in a school I once went to (some time ago). The memories were mixed. It's amazing how we relive pieces of our lives through our children, unintentional or not.

Summer visitor

2008-07-21T23:26:00.006-05:00

The kids were all excited about this snake they seen in a tree. It's not uncommon to see them on the ground, but in the tree? It was pretty cool and yet..? Well, I think I'll be looking up more when I'm outside.
These are a couple of pieces that I recently got done. I used liquitex acrylics and prismacolor markers. I really enjoyed making them. I don't know if they're any good to anyone but me. Still, I had a lot of fun.
Today, was very stressful. I think the heat magnifies it. We don't use our air conditioning. It costs too much. After the kids had been fighting and antagonizing each other for awhile, and I had to repeat myself umpteen times I was getting seriously crabby. Later in the day, my oldest son helped clean the kitchen and made supper all by himself (with minimal assistance). I was able to work on a bit of art. I immediately felt some relief. Art is very healing. Thank God for art!!!!!

Work picnic

2008-07-14T00:00:00.005-05:00

This weekend at my husband's work picnic this man entertained the children (and some of us adults) with his balloon creations. They were so cool.
He calls himself the 'Balloonatic' =). I would highly recommend. It was fun.
At one of my son's request he made this red eyed cow.
Another son holding a blue bird. My other children had a flying horse, an airplane, a spider, and a giraffe. This bluebird survived the longest.

Friday-Shop the night away

2008-07-13T23:17:00.004-05:00

Friday night McPherson had it's annual 'shop the night away'. Here are some of the tables we had set up at the gallery. It was a bit windy.
I didn't see any ugly art, just low prices. We also had art books and supplies that we did not use.
The McPherson trolley is now giving regular rides two days a week. I think it's a pretty cool addition.
This gazebo is the checkout at the Buttonhole. We are blessed to have one of the finest quilting stores in the nation.
The Buttonhole also sells some great Pfaff machines, besides just beautiful fabrics. No, I don't actually need another machine. I have a Singer quantum, which is great, but I still like to look at the latest.

Independence Day

2008-07-06T16:52:00.004-05:00

We went to Galva's 'Empire Days' for the fourth. They have nice little celebration for a small
town. A kiddy tractor pull, tricycle race, hopped up mower pull, antique fire truck rides, food, and
of course fireworks in the evening are some of the festivities.

This is the cool old firetruck. My littlest one didn't think too much of the siren on it. =( I was
surprised that later he loved the fireworks. The sound didn't bother him, but it did the three year old. He got in the truck with his ears covered, but later decided he'd hang out with the rest of us to watch. You can click on my flickr to see more fireworks photos.

I took this flower pic at a friend of my husband's house. They had a lovely garden. There are more pics of it too on flickr. I'm only allowed to download five photos at a time to my blog.

Harvest

2008-06-25T22:51:00.004-05:00

This is a recent mini quilt. The colors are actually a bit darker. Not much art has been done here lately. I wish I could be focused and motivated all the time, but life gets in the way and distracts me. I have always liked houses and their symbolism. Trees are also a favorite.
It is harvest time. Look at the beautiful golden color of this wheat. This is the same field - before...
and after. This field is in our own backyard. I enjoy watching the growth cycles. Farmers nearby work hard this time of year. Our own garden is doing well. We're getting lots of squash and zucchini, and waiting for the other things to ripen. I am thankful for our garden. My children are all good eaters.

Weekend

2008-06-17T20:09:00.002-05:00

This pic was taken out at Maxwell lake and wildlife refuge. No fish were harmed in this filming. We caught nothing, however we did still get invited to a fish fry later.

There's been bunches of turtles out this year. This is one we pulled out of the road. Sometimes we bring them home and set them free out here.

Today we had a doctor's appt. for my littlest one. We're still working on getting his leg healed. I put one of his casts on ebay today. It has been a month and a half since he broke it. The story of how it got broke is on here.

http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZmelicia620

Coronado Heights

2008-06-05T22:10:00.003-05:00

These were taken on a day out at Coronado Heights. (Or 'Corn on the Heights', as my three year old says.) The kids and I had a picnic and explored. My seven year old found a small mouse. I made him put the mouse back only to find out later that he caught it again and brought it home in his pocket. As you can see, Kansas is not all flat and is quite beautiful. I did not appreciate the state so much until I got older.

I have enjoyed the time with my children. It has been busy and stressful at times, but they are a hoot.
This is one of the pieces I have been working on recently. Some of the detail is lost in the pic and the color is a bit deeper. I am learning that when I think of adding something, but am not sure - don't. It just doesn't ever seem to work out.

Memorial Day

2008-05-26T22:21:00.005-05:00

. I'm still pondering the message on this bench.

I wonder how those of the past would feel today, about the country they died for. Our society is much different.

This is my step dad's site. I miss him alot. He was a good man, and every bit a real dad to me. He married my mom at a time when I was just in the begining of being a major pain in the butt. He was very laid back, and a bit silly. He listened to me when few did, and he always loved my mom.
He was also a bit pokey, and terrified me with his driving more than once:) I've been told that I am more like him than his own children. I'm sure that doesn't include the driving thing:) My youngest did not get to meet him, but does have a middle name after him.

School's Out!

2008-05-22T22:57:00.002-05:00

The summer break has officially begun. Where did the year go? I could swear school just got started. This year seems to have been even more of a blur than past years.
I recently came across some old journals that I had put away. They go back nearly twenty years. It has been a very dark and chaotic painting with many blessings scattered throughout. God has been faithful, even when I have not. God has never left me, but at times has carried me. I will let Him. Depression has been an ongoing struggle through the years. This is something I don't like admitting a lot.

Spring flowers

2008-05-05T23:52:00.002-05:00

I haven't put any art on here for a while, so here is a recent piece. It is in the gallery right now. It was just fun. I will take more pics soon of some other works. Java-Johns in Mcpherson is showing some of my work. I sold one last week.
We are nearing the end of the school year. I hope I will be able to get some work done this summer. We'll see.

The country

2008-05-05T23:04:00.003-05:00

I love living in the country. Yesterday my children woke me up all excited about a plane flying right over our house. It was pretty cool. He was spraying our neighbor's fields and flying very low. It was my littlest one's first time seeing a moving plane. His eyes grew as big as saucers. He did not want me to take him back in the house; then when I did, he kept pointing toward the door.
Focus on the Family, (http://www.focusonthefamily.com/ ), responded to my inquiry about the Texas camp. They assure me that the state of Texas is doing all they can for these children, and that they were forced to do this due to multiple complaints of abuse. Well, I certainly don't want these children to live in a harmful environment, still it is heartbreaking. I'm still not sure what I think about this whole thing. There is too much abuse, permissiveness, and government involvement in this society.

Texas polygamist camp

2008-04-25T08:39:00.002-05:00

The situation of more than 400 children being taken from their Texas homes has been heartbreaking. It is distressing to see this happening in America on this great a scale. I may not agree with the lifestyles of these individuals, but that is not a reason to remove them from their homes. If an abuse has taken place then deal with that situation. A whole community of children should not be removed, however, due to one anonymous phone call.
As a child I was in state custody, and later worked as a nurse in one of the facilities I had been in. I can garantee that this was not in the best interest of the children.
In the past I have let a few things go by and not said anything about them. What can I do I am only one person? I can't live with myself any longer and say or do nothing. I do pray and that is significant, but sometimes God uses the hands of his people to answer prayers. I know what it is to need help and have none. Just thinking 'that is too bad' is not a help. I am including a link to the dept. of family and protective services of Texas. I know I may not have many readers, but I hope some will let them know that this is unacceptable.
http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/Contact_Us/Inquiries_and_Complaints/default.asp
Here are also some phone numbers :
1-800-252-5400
1-512-438-4800
1-800-770-7777

Warm spring day

2008-04-21T00:31:00.003-05:00

This pic was taken while geocaching. It was a beautiful sunshiney day. It stayed in the 70s.
After we got home we took the training wheels off of my daughter's bicycle. She took off riding like an old pro right away. The training wheels had just been decoration for sometime.
I found another interesting looking pod. I don't know what I'll do with them. I'm thinking probably a nature collage.

Earthy pottery

2008-04-19T23:10:00.003-05:00

Just thought I'd share some of the lovely pottery made by a visiting artist to the gallery, Ron Michael. I just love the natural earthy quality. I am particularly fond of the platter with the shell swirls on it. He regularly shows at the Sandzen gallery in Lindsburg. I'll have to go check out more of his work.

Fairy tales

2008-04-04T21:47:00.000-05:00

I hate fairy tales. The kids and I watched 'Enchanted' tonight. Parts of this movie was funny, however for me, laughter turns to nausea quickly and sometimes anger. It does not seem right to me how we set up our young girls with this impossible fantasy. As we watched, I wondered what kind of ideas my daughter was getting. I don't want her to be cynical (like I can be at times), but I don't want her to see things unrealisticaly either. She's only five now, so I just tell her little bits and pieces now. Then I pray for God's protection over her, as well as the others.
One time when I was talking to my older boys, I was telling them that it is hard being a parent. As I told them it is the knowing what to say and do, they said, "How hard can it be? You just tell them what to do, and make them your slaves." Had I been drinking anything, it would have been coming out my nose.

2008 04 03 008.JPG

2008-04-03T16:09:00.001-05:00

2008 04 03 008.JPG
Originally uploaded by meliciae

This is a late addition at request of my 5 yr old daughter. It is a baby cheetah.

2008 04 03 009.JPG

2008-04-03T16:02:00.001-05:00

2008 04 03 009.JPG
Originally uploaded by meliciae

This was inspired by a song his dad likes. (10 yr old son)

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2008-04-03T16:00:00.001-05:00

2008 04 03 014.JPG
Originally uploaded by meliciae

This composition is from my 10 yr old.

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2008-04-03T15:59:00.001-05:00

2008 04 03 011.JPG
Originally uploaded by meliciae

2008 04 03 012.JPG

2008-04-03T15:58:00.001-05:00

2008 04 03 012.JPG
Originally uploaded by meliciae

I'm glad we don't really have this many storms in a day. Cool!

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2008-04-03T15:56:00.001-05:00

2008 04 03 013.JPG
Originally uploaded by meliciae

6 yr old Abe Lincoln art.

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2008-04-03T15:55:00.001-05:00

2008 04 03 010.JPG
Originally uploaded by meliciae

This beautiful cat is from my 6 yr old son.

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2008-04-03T15:53:00.001-05:00

2008 04 03 007.JPG
Originally uploaded by meliciae

More 3 yr old art.

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2008-04-03T15:52:00.001-05:00

2008 04 03 006.JPG
Originally uploaded by meliciae

This is from my 3 yr old son. He has just begun making more people.

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2008-04-03T15:50:00.001-05:00

2008 04 03 004.JPG
Originally uploaded by meliciae

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2008-04-03T15:48:00.001-05:00

2008 04 03 003.JPG
Originally uploaded by meliciae

This is from my 5 year old daughter's series : 'girls' :) I have permission from this artist to incorporate some into my own art. Fabulous!

Photoshop

2008-03-29T21:56:00.000-05:00

I've been playing with my new Adobe Photoshop. Fun. Fun. Fun. I'm like a kid with a new toy. I've been taking photos, saving them, and just waiting. Now I can play, play, play. It's new, never used, and I got it for $5.00 on swap shop. God provides deals like that for me over and over. He is so good to me even though I do not deserve it.
It's ever so quiet now. The kids have finally gone to sleep. They were a little wound up tonight. It would be nice to have all that energy, and love of life, without having to grow up again. Growing up was painful for me, so I guess I'd rather be old and tired. Still, there is something about having children that gives one that second glance into childhood. We remember moments that we otherwise may not. When my children bring me flowers and pretty weeds :) I remember sitting in the grass as a child and braiding these small white blooming weeds into necklaces, bracelets, and crowns. Those were sweet moments.

Spring break

2008-03-19T23:21:00.000-05:00

The kids are out of school this week for spring break. This year the weather has actually been spring-like. The past few years it has been cold and/or rainy. We went to the park in Lindsborg, and I drove them crazy stopping to look at and pick these strange pods on the way. Then on the way home we had to go to the grocery store. I had all of them with me and they were doing pretty good, but one of the boys kept asking for something, and not taking no for an answer. When he asked why for the hundredth time, I just told him that I couldn't because I hadn't yet filled my mean mom quota for the day. We really had a pretty good time. I sometimes get looks or comments about having all these children. It is busy and can be hard work, but I am so blessed. They are a joy.

Winter ills

2008-03-06T09:20:00.001-06:00

Life happens and plans get put on hold. I've been feeling rather cruddy lately. I'm begining to feel better today. Last night my husband and children made supper. A real one! I was impressed and amazed. I thought my husband had forgot how to cook since we've been married. Now the truth is out. He did say that should do it for the year. :) He does cook breakfast occasionally, as I don't very often. I think cereal, toast, fruit, or yogurt is good.

Hearts of fire

2008-03-06T09:17:00.001-06:00

P2031403.JPG
Originally uploaded by meliciae

Here is the completed version of the piece I showed you. I like the way the canvas came out behind it. I used a sponge that made a brick like design.

Ebay strike

2008-02-20T22:02:00.000-06:00

I just learned of an Ebay strike conserning recent policy changes. Here is a place to read a great article about it. http://mousewords.wordpress.com/2008/02/19/strike-that-ebay-sellers-protest-unfair-new-policies/#comment-1386 I too was surprised and disappointed about Ebays new changes.

good chocolate chip cookies

2008-02-17T15:37:00.000-06:00

Eliyah (3 yr old son) and I are making chocolate chip cookies today. This is a favorite recipe:

2 1/2 c flour , 1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp baking soda , 1/2 tsp water
1 tsp salt, 2 eggs
1 c shortening, 1 c chocolate chips
3/4 c granulated sugar, 1 c chopped nuts (optional)
3/4 c brown sugar

Preheat oven to 375. Sift flour, soda and salt. Blend until creamy the remaining ingred. Add flour mixture and blend well. Stir in 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips and nuts. Drop on greased cookie sheet. Bake 10 to 12 min.
I do not grease sheet, but use parchment paper. Take out after 9 or 10 min if you prefer soft cookies. If butter or marg is substituted for shortening, it will cause cookies to spread out too thin.

Doodling in stitches

2008-02-10T23:02:00.000-06:00

I have several works in progress right now. This is one I am enjoying. I enjoy the process of doodling in stitches. It is a wonderful wondering, to be able to leave this place, one doodle, one daydream at a time.

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2008-02-10T22:59:00.001-06:00

P1151392
Originally uploaded by meliciae

work in progress

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2008-02-10T22:50:00.001-06:00

P1141386
Originally uploaded by meliciae

These darling sweet faces are about three weeks old. Don't you just want to gobble them up? They are german short hair and brittney.

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2008-02-10T22:46:00.001-06:00

P1141389
Originally uploaded by meliciae

My son holding a very round female pup.

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2008-02-10T22:43:00.001-06:00

P1141382
Originally uploaded by meliciae

This is the male of the two.

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2008-02-10T22:42:00.001-06:00

P1141381
Originally uploaded by meliciae

My six year old with one of the puppies.

dolls

2008-01-25T08:58:00.000-06:00

I have fallen behind. What's new. I don't often have much opportunity to explore and search out new blogs on my own. Many great blogs are brought to my attention through groups and individuals. I love to see what others are doing to make the world a better place. Here is the latest. What a great idea. http://comfortdolls.blogspot.com/ I am inspired, and have a new idea of my own that I will share after I get one going.

gel pen

2008-01-12T22:59:00.000-06:00

This has been a perfectly peaceful day. I got to work at the gallery today. Since my little one is scooting wherever he wants to go, I took the playpen. He did great. I even got a whee bit of work done.
The other day I got a pentel gel pen meant for fabric. It works much better than the others I have tried. I am always looking for the perfect writing instrument for fabric. Still looking.

January gallery hanging

2008-01-06T21:25:00.000-06:00

Here are some pictures of the new hanging at the gallery.

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2008-01-06T21:19:00.001-06:00

P1011300
Originally uploaded by meliciae

Watercolor and painted china.

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2008-01-06T21:18:00.001-06:00

P1011299
Originally uploaded by meliciae

This is some of the pottery found at the gallery.

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2008-01-06T20:56:00.001-06:00

P1011296
Originally uploaded by meliciae

This is momma's littlest helper. He doesn't crawl yet, but he scoots on his bottom everywhere he wants to go. He was on his way here, and was looking back at me to give me an awnry look.

2008-01-06T20:37:00.000-06:00

I really enjoyed this set of three made by fellow artist, Susan Shepard.

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2008-01-06T20:36:00.001-06:00

P1011298
Originally uploaded by meliciae

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2008-01-06T18:44:00.001-06:00

P1011304
Originally uploaded by meliciae

This piece called "Peace", is not real true to color in photo.

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2008-01-06T18:41:00.001-06:00

P1011303
Originally uploaded by meliciae

rust and lace

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2008-01-06T18:38:00.001-06:00

P1011291
Originally uploaded by meliciae

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2008-01-06T18:09:00.001-06:00

P1011295
Originally uploaded by meliciae

new gallery hanging

Visual Arts Alliance of McPherson: Holiday Display in the V.A.A.M. gallery

2007-12-28T18:41:00.000-06:00

Visual Arts Alliance of McPherson: Holiday Display in the V.A.A.M. gallery

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2007-12-27T23:14:00.001-06:00

P1011078
Originally uploaded by meliciae

Thought this made a nice contrast. It reminds me of warmer days.

Tis The Season

2007-12-26T10:27:00.000-06:00

Bracing myself for the after Christmas clean up. The children are out of school for the next week. Right now they are testing out their new toys in the snow. It was good to see family. It is now good to be home and on with the day to day. I am so anxious to get back to creating, but I have to get some necessary things done first. All I want for Christmas is a housekeeper and world peace. Is that too much to ask? Maybe a bit.

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2007-12-18T23:45:00.001-06:00

P2141164
Originally uploaded by meliciae

How pretty.

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2007-12-18T23:42:00.001-06:00

P2151186
Originally uploaded by meliciae

Many roads were flooded.

electricity on

2007-12-18T23:25:00.000-06:00

Our power was returned yesterday; six days without electricity. My children enjoyed it for the first couple days. Then not so much. We went to the laundry mat Sunday. I think we took up twelve top washers and two front washers. That was for just five days worth. It was nice to get it all done at once, but I'm thankful I don't have to do that all the time.

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2007-12-18T23:24:00.001-06:00

P2141166
Originally uploaded by meliciae

I enjoyed how each individual needle on this pine was covered with ice.

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2007-12-18T23:22:00.001-06:00

P2171195
Originally uploaded by meliciae

An iced evergreen in town.

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2007-12-18T23:17:00.001-06:00

P2151175
Originally uploaded by meliciae

This is our mailbox. The kids couldn't get it open.

2007-12-14T12:41:00.000-06:00

This is day four without electricity. The generator has not panned out so far. The one we barrowed is nine years old, but has never been used. Now our water pressure is going down, because the water tower uses electricity to pump the water. It hasn't been too bad really, however the water issue may change some things. Posting this from the library.

ice

2007-12-12T17:53:00.000-06:00

We have had a huge ice storm with power out all over. The kids have been out of school yesterday and today. It is beautiful, and still destructive. Branches and whole trees are down. Many power lines are down. We live in the country where fields are flooded as well and roads closed. Today we barrowed a generator. I am hopeful. I have taken pictures which I hope to get on soon. I am using a friends computer now. Even when ours is up, it is testy.
Oh, sold another quilt this week. delighted.

freezing rain

2007-12-09T07:04:00.000-06:00

With the freezing rain we have all been stuck inside. In a small house filled with six children this can be nice and crowded. It seems sometimes that I can be busy working all day and get very little accomplished. It can be frustrating. Still, I am so blessed, and that is more important. My children are responsible for my return to art. God uses children to bring about much in our lives.

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2007-11-25T21:08:00.001-06:00

P1010740
Originally uploaded by meliciae

This is a piece that i started on, put away, and now am taking back out. I have several others in progress at this time, but haven't yet photographed them. I like sunshines. They are fun. Today i listed a few things on ebay. It's been quite some time since i've done that. I'm still thinking on etsy.

work weekend

2007-11-09T22:56:00.000-06:00

All is quiet, and i am soaking it up. The boys got out of school early, and stayed up a bit late. I am really looking forward to tomarrow. It is my day to work in the gallery. I love it. It is a quiet, peaceful environment. I hope to get some work done on some of my projects. My youngest still accompanies me though. For now he is an appendage (still being nursed) with a cheerful disposition.

sunday

2007-10-14T13:34:00.002-05:00

it isn't too quiet today. three children are playing like they are wild cheetahs, the older two are watching football and the baby is happy being held. i had hoped to get some quilting done this weekend, but alas it was not to be. my older son had a friend over friday after school, and then last night we had family pizza-movie night. this week i painted some heavy stabilizer for some quilts. i like the texture it gives. i will be putting some of my quilts on ebay soon. it has been awhile since i have done that. this past year i have been showing my art in the mcpherson gallery, but exposure is limited. i will be showing more pieces on my blog soon.

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2007-10-14T13:34:00.001-05:00

P1010665
Originally uploaded by meliciae

"Grace", this quilt was donated and sold at the "Donate Life" auction, Sept. '07.