AEDM Day 13: "Naturalist"

Art Every Day Month, Day 13: "Naturalist"

Being under a tree and gazing up through the limbs often gives me a feeling of flying....A green-limbed ascension in which all things seem possible.

AEDM 2014 Day 12: "Letting Go Of"

Art Every Day Month Day 12: "Letting Go Of"

AEDM Day 8: "Green"

Art Every Day Month Day 8: "Green"

Sometimes one or two images says all I want to say in a journal spread. Being outside in the garden or lying on my back under our oak -- with my white cat by my side -- is all I have to do to restore my sense of well being and give me a bit of breathing space in my busy world.

AEDM Day 4: "Will Take Flight"

Art Every Day Month Day 4: "Will Take Flight"

AEDM Day 2: "Spiritual Activist"

Art Every Day Month Day 2: "Spiritual Activist"

I wondered how it would be today, it being Day 2 of the AEDM Challenge. I had an Open Studio today so worked on my journal page on and off when people weren't visiting. I created a whole other page but it wasn't falling together. I couldn't find the right images in the moment. So I stopped and started again. I've done enough of this type of work to know that if something isn't clicking then wait and take it up again another time. I don't sweat it, just leave it until another day. I like the page that came after, this one. It fell together pretty easily and I like how it's "me" all over the page -- my spiritual self -- the one that journeys the path, the nature lover, the beast that calls to me and is part of me. This is what I love most about intuitive or soul collage -- it speaks to you in the moment and for ever.

AEDM Day 1: "Just Be"

"Just Be"

This is the first day of Leah Piken Kolidas Art Every Day Challenge for the month of November! I participated in this wonderful challenge a number of years back and highly encourage any one who is struggling with their creative side to join in or consider joining her Creative Every Day Challenge for the year.

Back in 2008/09 I had been seen her challenges and other artists' challenges on the web and being unsure of myself creatively (and shy to show my art work) I thought heck I'll just do one for myself. Which I did same time as I was doing my own personal, year long Journal Page a Day Challenge (you can scroll back through the old posts of my blog and see all of the artwork starting here if you wish.) Without a doubt doing challenges help build creative habits and provide all sorts of wonderful psychological perks!

What I especially love about Leah's challenges is that they are community driven -- you get feedback, positive reinforcement, and a TON of creative inspiration by viewing what all the other participants are sharing

So it's great fun to participate again. This year I am again doing a page a day in my little journal books...I look forward to seeing what emerges this time from my daily commitment -- and visiting all the other creatives' blogs!

2009 Daily Journal Page Challenge...Day 240

2009 Daily Journal Page Challenge -- Day 240: Built to Care

Built to care -- I think the human heart is made this way -- or maybe it's the human spirit, meant to care and to love the people and animals and life around it. I also find that animals throughout my life have been an enormous gift in teaching me about caring and love. There is a quietness with animals (and nature) that is like no other thing. It's where the best of us lay, I think. I am so much bigger, wider, softer, after I have spent time with animals or walked in the woods, or ridden down a trail. I am much easier to love and it's easier to give love.

This was the last day of the AEDM -- Art Every Day for a Month -- challenge hosted by Leah Pinkas Golidas of Creative Everyday blog. I found this challenge very stimulating and a boost to my creative explorations. Even though I was already creating a journal page a day as part of my own personal challenge, I found I ventured out and expanded my use of materials and pretty much met my goals. It was a very supportive community and I found some really interesting artists out there. All in all I had a good time, and recommend this challenge to anyone who is interested.

2009 Daily Journal Page Challenge...Day 239

2009 Daily Journal Page Challenge -- Day 239: Well, What if Stuff Happens Again?

Yes, what if it does? Will I use it to stop forward motion? Will I use it to put myself down (once again)? Or will I just put my party dress on, grab my shoes and keep on moving down the road?

2009 Daily Journal Page Challenge...Day 237

2009 Daily Journal Page Challenge -- Day 237: What Would You Believe

Dreaming is a powerful tool for us creative types. The world usually does not reflect the poetry within, so we create the stories and the music to go with them. There is a powerful seduction in that process, one that can either liberate or bring one to the knees. I have found it healthier to question my beliefs, while holding on to the dreams. Less scraped knees that way.

Party Dress

I can't believe the weather here today -- mid-70's and sunshine gorgeous. I needed to take some photos today for my Art Every Day Challenge. This species rose we planted about 9 years ago, caught my eye (how could it not?). It's on the edge of the driveway at the beginning of the walkway to our house. I've never ID'd this rose. We purchased it in an unmarked gallon container at a Norther California nursery back in 2000. It has grown at least six feet tall and at least six feet wide. Prodigious bloomer pretty much all year. Old stock -- it seems to be a species rose. It has the most lovely delicate rose scent that lingers in your nose. I think I'll call it "My Party Dress". More photos here.

2009 Daily Journal Page Challenge...Day 236

2009 Daily Journal Page Challenge -- Day 236: Not All Luxuries Are This Difficult

It is a luxury to think about what other lives you might have lived. What other roads you might have taken. What makes it difficult is the temptation to stay in that dreamlike, storybook world. For me, it is a constant challenge to reaffirm that I made the right choices on this journey called life -- to acknowledge that some internal guidance system coaxed me, prodded me, pushed me, (and whacked me over the head when I wasn't paying attention) down a path that hasn't always been spelled out. Is it every spelled out if you stay in the question? Nah. Yet at this point in my life, I'm wondering just how many opportunities are left to learn who I really am. I am sure there's still a whole bunch of them, and -- I have this feeling they are going to get pretty creative!

Finally...A Moment to Be Creative!

Got my camera back after dropping it last week right smack on the zoom lens, wickedly jamming it. Was very doubtful it could be fixed, but Canon Powershot SD1100 is a sturdy work animal and the magic man at Seawood Photo, Carl, patched her together. Dance performances all over (successfully) and Thanksgiving Day prep mostly done -- so I had time to take some photos in the California morning light. Beautiful. I am the luckiest girl in the world to be living here, right now, at this time. Here is a slide show of the rest of the photos I took this morning yard, garden, and Deer Island -- enjoy (slow it down or speed it up under "Options")!

Happy Thanksgiving or Happy Autumn to everyone!

2009 Daily Journal Page...Day 232

2009 Daily Journal Page Challenge -- Day 232: Journey

2009 Daily Journal Page Challenge...Day 230

2009 Daily Journal Page Challenge...Day 230: Which Came First

Oh boy -- what a question. It gets exhausting when I linger in the dramatic. Yet sparklers and fireworks and longing and gnashing of teeth certainly keep one entertained. Stark reality sucks. Drama is a great way to not see what's there in front of you...and what's not. And you know us arteests...we love weaving stories...and drama can be very much part of the territory. Sheesh...I am going to go fix myself some popcorn. Pass the anchovy salt.

Collage: A Boy's Dream Travels

Collage: A Boy's Dream Travels

Found some time today to do another collage. I never know what's going to emerge. Four things that I keep in the back of my mind: Cover the whole page. Strive for balance. Don't try to figure out what the image selections mean. Just cut and paste.

I like all of the mystical elements that emerged in this -- a Mexican shaman, a cavern lit with golden light, the Buddha. Galileo's workshop in the background, animals. The boy stands next to a pole (missing a STOP sign?) in front of a village street. He's facing the future (as is the Buddha); travel, self-knowledge, growth, earning his stripes. When consulting Stephen Farmer's Power Animal oracle cards, giraffe represents foresight "the ability to see what's in store for the future".

Art Every Day for a Month (November Day 14)

Worry Proof

Day 14 entry for Art Ever Day for a Month Challenge. How to keep cool and your head clear under pressure!

2009 Daily Journal Page Challenge...Day 223

2009 Daily Journal Page Challenge -- Day 223: Celebrate Their Odyssey

Nothing is guaranteed in relationships. Love between two people is a constant willingness to step off into space and force yourself to go beyond your preconceived definitions of what a relationship is. Hopefully you'll be with someone who also has the courage to jump over that same cliff.

Jezebel's Scarves

Jezebel's Scarves, originally uploaded by beautiful my mane.

Day 11 entry in the Art Every Day For a Month Challenge sponsored by Leah Piken Kolidas of Creative Every Day blog. Here's what I said:

"I'm in the mood for love....well, maybe pinks and reds! A collection of scarves hanging on a bedroom wall. They incarnate various aspects and interests in my life...belly dance, burlesque, and pole dance! "

Collage: Flotsom and Jetsam

Collage: Flotsom and Jetsam 11.11.2009, originally uploaded by beautiful my mane.

Started out as a random, closed eye drawing (with dominant right hand today), then started coloring in with iridescent chalks, added watercolors, added images, used some cat's eyes ink pads. Very humorous one for me cause I don't understand it, but enjoyed doing it.

2009 Daily Journal Page Challenge...Day 220

2009 Daily Journal Page Challenge -- Day 220: I Belong Here