Saturday, January 30, 2010

Lord Have Mercy....


My inspiration for this latest assemblage piece, "Lord Have Mercy", came from a photo that a Facebook friend, and wonderful assemblage artist, Terry Ray Flowers, had shared. We don't know where it came from or who took it, I tried to google it, and found it at several websites/blogs, but didn't see where anyone gave credit to the photographer.

This photo just touched me so deeply... as an assemblage artist I love to find "junk" that others toss away to have fun with, to make art with and experiment with... but this photo shows that what we toss away, our junk, has become a necessity of life, and although hardly comfortable as we know sandals to be, these sandals made from leftover plastic bottles are surely much more comfortable than bare feet, esp. when one has to walk through the ruins of what folks in Haiti have had to live in and walk around in every day since the massive earthquake and aftershocks.

If you look closely, there are a few screaming rocks buried in the pile of rubble that the sandaled foot is walking on too. The hands at the top hold a handmade rosary.



This could be dedicated to many places where horrible disasters and living conditions are daily ways of living for many people... I dedicate this one, at this time, to Haiti, and aid for the people of Haiti, for the victims, the survivors, the aid workers and the rebuilding.

There are many good agencies for donating money for the support of the people of Haiti, one that I recommend is Episcopal Relief and Development, please prayerfully consider a gift....and keep praying too...Lord, in Your Mercy, hear our prayers. Amen.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Busy, Busy, Busy... what more can I say?

Most of my week so far has been taken up with work things... both home work and work work... I am hoping by the weekend I can have time to do some creative things...

Until then... at least work is keeping me out of trouble..*G*

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Grandson Jake's Hockey Game and the Rink Rats.

It's been a helluva busy week here... but thankfully I have gotten a lot accomplished for the Annual Parish Meeting on Sunday, and all the bookkeeping for both businesses that needs to be finished before the end of January...ALMOST finished with it all! YaY!!

This morning I took a break from it all, and we headed to our oldest grandson, Jake's, hockey game. The Beloit Blades did GREAT! They won their game 6 - 1!!
Jake (8 yrs. old) is one of the younger players, and smaller ones... he was up against some kids on the other team who looked like they were 8th graders! *L* But he did great, hustled a lot and played good!



But, sometimes that hustle gets you in the penalty box. Jake's mom, Janel, took this photo ... she said, "A minute and 30 seconds seems like an eternity when you're sitting in a penalty box!! You should've seen these mammoth size players on ther Madison Patriots! We still beat em 6 to 1. Those big guys must tire out quicker than us little guys!"

I was video taping parts of the game with my camera video ... here's Jake hustling, when he got the penalty.



Janel said that they affectionately call the younger boys (grandsons Jeff and Josh), "Rink Rats", as they scurry around playing with other kids at the rink while their brother plays his game..*L* Here's Jeff the "rink rat" and more of Jake as he hustles... GREAT GAME BLADES!! - and JAKE!! xoxoxx It was fun watching you play!

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Haiti Aid ...


Episcopal Relief & Development is one of many great organizations collecting money for Haiti relief. Please prayerfully consider giving a gift of any size to help relief efforts. And please keep praying for the victims who are suffering greatly, and experiencing more suffering each day.

Lord in your mercy... hear our prayers.

Friday, January 15, 2010

January, UGH!! - flurries abound... not necessarily snow flurries...


Over on Facebook, there is a feature where you can put down "what's on my mind". Some people update that hourly it seems...*L* I have sometimes updated a few times per day, and could surely do that a LOT this month. January's have been, for me, a flurry of activity ...mostly work activity...mostly the previous year's finish up stuff.

I have a flurry of things that, if I let them, would surely bury me deep into a snow drift. Ever read that short story, "Silent Snow, Secret Snow"? I could SOOO get into letting myself fall into that peaceful, quiet, snow, especially in January... letting it cover me, forgetting about all the outside world, muffling it all out.

There are w-2's, w-3's, 1099's, 1096's, 940's, 941's, treasurer's reports, annual meeting reports, youth ministry reports, sunday school lessons, visiting an aunt upnorth recovering from back surgery, making stuffed mushrooms for a friend's gathering on Sunday after church, worrying about medical bills that seem to be piling up, calling insurance company reps about not covering those bills, not to mention the work crew for hubby's business is laid off this week - and probably next week too, John's appointment for his 6 week checkup at the surgeon next week, and art ideas, and more! ... just a few things on my mind here...



But, I have a snow shovel, of sorts, which I cling to, that helps me out of those flurries that can turn into overwhelming drifts, that helps me keep rolling along.

I thank GOD for God, ...for being with me, for helping me shovel out from under these flurries, and listening to my rants as I do so. *L*

Okay ... my rant is done, my path is clearing up, and work is actually getting done, off to finish more... Thank you Lord!!

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

EvEn ThE StOnEs WiLL CrY OuT ...


Here's a photo showing part of a recent assemblage I sent into ECVA for a recent Call for Entries.

Even the Stones Will Cry Out, will, I hope, be part of the winning entries. But, even if it's not, I'm sure I'll be using it in some upcoming Prayer Station Exhibitions here.

I'll publish more of this piece, along with my artist statement on it, after I find out (in a few weeks) if it was accepted into the exhibit with ECVA.

Sunday, January 10, 2010

A work in progress... the stones were even screaming for a Packer win... but alas, it was not to be...*sigh*


Here is what was keeping me half-way sane, and from saying too many bad words as I watched the Packer game this afternoon... man, what a good game, great come back, but rotten ending for the Pack... we lost... *mutters*

But, I did get some of my latest pieces, for an assemblage I am in the process of making, for a Jan. 15th deadline, finished... and I like how they turned out!


Screaming stones... cool eh?

MORE TO COME on how I use these in a day or two... *Hint - see Luke 19:40.

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Need a GREAT Photographer??



I know a talented, wonderful photographer who is available for weddings, portrait sessions for babies, children, adults, families, groups, special events, graduations, portfolios and more! Here is one of her latest photos from a recent photoshoot...

Contact Kasey K Photo for more info... or check out her blog site with current photos too!

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

On the 12th Day of Christmas....

Here is the final assemblage for the 12 Days of Christmas series. It's been a challenge doing them, while working and tending to everyday things,... but it's been fun too!

So, for your viewing pleasure... I present the 12th of 12 Assemblages on the 12 Days of Christmas song... Please DO scroll back and see them all! I have taken some liberties with the lyrics... as you will see.

ON THE 12TH DAY OF CHRISTMAS MY TRUE LOVE GAVE TO ME....




TWELVE DRUMMERS DRUMMING ... (and the beat goes on, and the beat goes on...)



Eleven Pipers Piping.... (see previous photo)

Ten Lords a Leaping... (see previous photo)

Nine Ladies Dancing ... (check out the short video at my blog as well to see the ladies dance - some "shake it" more than others do..*L*)

Eight Maids a Milking .... (I think these maids were found at the same place those French Hens were found! *L*)(check out the previous photo for this one.)

Seven Pawns a Swimming .... (in a pool of chessboards...and at least it's only ONE letter off from the word S-W-A-N-S... *lol*) (see photo on previous day)

Six He's a Laying ..... (get it?? - I'm gonna hate this if I have to explain it.. it helps if you pronounce HE'S like geese *lol*) (see prior photo)

Five Gold Rings ... (and assorted baubles)..(see prior photo)

Four Calling Birds... (see previous photo) (Hello, can you hear me now?) *G*

Three French Hens.... (see previous photo)

Two Turtles 'n Doves .... (see previous photo) ...

and a Partridge with Pears and a Tree.. (see previous photo).

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

On the 11th Day of Christmas ....

Continuing with my assemblages based on the song "The 12 Days of Christmas", I present, for your viewing pleasure the 11th of 12 assemblages... (Whew! Almost done! *S*).... scroll back to see the other Days of Christmas..thanks!

On the 11th Day of Christmas my true love gave to me....



ELEVEN PIPERS PIPING....


Ten Lords a Leaping... (see previous photo)

Nine Ladies Dancing ... (check out the short video at my blog as well to see the ladies dance - some "shake it" more than others do..*L*)

Eight Maids a Milking .... (I think these maids were found at the same place those French Hens were found! *L*)(check out the previous photo for this one.)

Seven Pawns a Swimming .... (in a pool of chessboards...and at least it's only ONE letter off from the word S-W-A-N-S... *lol*) (see photo on previous day)

Six He's a Laying ..... (get it?? - I'm gonna hate this if I have to explain it.. it helps if you pronounce HE'S like geese *lol*) (see prior photo)

Five Gold Rings ... (and assorted baubles)..(see prior photo)

Four Calling Birds... (see previous photo) (Hello, can you hear me now?) *G*

Three French Hens.... (see previous photo)

Two Turtles 'n Doves .... (see previous photo) ...

and a Partridge with Pears and a Tree.. (see previous photo).

Monday, January 4, 2010

A Tribute to Brad....

Bradley R. Germata, born December 23, 1982, lost his heroic fight against cancer on October 12, 2009.

Brad loved art. Whether it was making art, going to see art, learning about it – he was there, and he was excited. Brad graduated in 2005 from the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) and pursued his artistic dream working as a graphic designer at the advertising firm Marx McClellan Thrun, in Milwaukee’s Third Ward – having once said, “I can’t believe I’m getting paid to do something I love.”
You may have known him as family, as a close friend, a classmate, student or coworker. A thoughtful and all-around nice guy, Brad went out of his way to help those he cared about in any way he could. As a talented artist and supporter of the community, he touched the lives of many people he met through professional events and art benefits.



My daughter, Kasey, knew Brad as a great friend, as did many of their friends, she spoke of him often, we had Brad on our prayer chain as well as he went through his cancer treatments, and continue to hold his family and friends in our prayers.

Many friends are donating great items in memory of Brad. Kasey K Photo has a great photo session package she is donating, which includes a FREE Outdoor Individual PORTRAIT SESSION & Free Print Portrait Package A: which includes, 1-8x10, 1-5x7, 2-4x6's & 8 wallets.

A Tribute to Brad, by his friends and family, is being held on Friday, Feb. 19th, at Flux Design 811 E. Vienna Avenue – Milwaukee. Check out their website for more info...there will be wonderful items for auction, art, gifts from area businesses, family & friends, food, music and more.



Kasey told me about Brad's love for music, so I've donated the "Guitar Heroes" assemblage, and another one pictured here (Buddha Vane) as a donation to Brad's tribute, which will go towards establishing the Brad Germata Scholarship Fund at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design, and supporting cancer research.

Please check out their website, and if you are in the Milwaukee area consider coming to the event as well!! Thanks.

Sunday, January 3, 2010

On the 10th Day of Christmas...

I have saved, as some of my favorite sites, one where a person posted an assemblage per day for a whole YEAR... and they were really great ones! I've been doing the 12 Days of Christmas and find it to be a fun project, thought provoking, but also more of a challenge than I thought it would be. I admire the people who take on a year's worth or more than at least the 12 days that I've tried to take on (it's not done yet for me.)

So, here, for your viewing pleasure .. is the tenth of the 12 Days of Christmas assemblages...


On the 10th Day of Christmas my true love gave to me....




TEN LORDS A LEAPING...




Nine Ladies Dancing ... (check out the short video at my blog from yesterday & the photo as well to see the ladies dance - some "shake it" more than others do..*L*)


Eight Maids a Milking .... (I think these maids were found at the same place those French Hens were found! *L*)(check out the previous photo for this one.)

Seven Pawns a Swimming .... (in a pool of chessboards...and at least it's only ONE letter off from the word S-W-A-N-S... *lol*) (see photo on previous day)

Six He's a Laying ..... (get it?? - I'm gonna hate this if I have to explain it.. it helps if you pronounce HE'S like geese *lol*) (see prior photo)

Five Gold Rings ... (and assorted baubles)..(see prior photo)

Four Calling Birds... (see previous photo) (Hello, can you hear me now?) *G*

Three French Hens.... (see previous photo)

Two Turtles 'n Doves .... (see previous photo) ...

and a Partridge with Pears and a Tree.. (see previous photo).

Saturday, January 2, 2010

On the 9th Day of Christmas....

I really like this latest assemblage for the 9th Day of Christmas, and I can't wait to post it, so here it is a bit early...there are both a photograph AND a short video clip for this assemblage depicting the 9th Day of Christmas... Check them both out! *G*

On the 9th Day of Christmas my true love gave to me....



NINE LADIES DANCING ... (check out the short video as well to see the ladies dance - some "shake it" more than others do..*L*)





Eight Maids a Milking .... (I think these maids were found at the same place those French Hens were found! *L*)(check out the previous photo for this one.)

Seven Pawns a Swimming .... (in a pool of chessboards...and at least it's only ONE letter off from the word S-W-A-N-S... *lol*) (see photo on previous day)

Six He's a Laying ..... (get it?? - I'm gonna hate this if I have to explain it.. it helps if you pronounce HE'S like geese *lol*) (see prior photo)

Five Gold Rings ... (and assorted baubles)..(see prior photo)

Four Calling Birds... (see previous photo) (Hello, can you hear me now?) *G*

Three French Hens.... (see previous photo)

Two Turtles 'n Doves .... (see previous photo) ...

and a Partridge with Pears and a Tree.. (see previous photo).

On the 8th Day of Christmas....

I'm continuing with my attempt to make an assemblage for each day of the song mentioned in "The Twelve Days of Christmas". (Warning: I do take liberties with the lyrics and assemblages. *S*)

On the 8th Day of Christmas my true love gave to me....



EIGHT MAIDS A MILKING ....
(I think these maids were found at the same place those French Hens were found! *L*)




Seven Pawns a Swimming .... (in a pool of chessboards...and at least it's only ONE letter off from the word S-W-A-N-S... *lol*) (see photo on previous day)

Six He's a laying ..... (get it?? - I'm gonna hate this if I have to explain it.. it helps if you pronounce HE'S like geese *lol*) (see prior photo)

Five Gold Rings ... (and assorted baubles)..(see prior photo)

Four Calling Birds... (see previous photo)
(Hello, can you hear me now?) *G*

Three French Hens.... (see previous photo)

Two Turtles 'n Doves .... (see previous photo)

... and a Partridge with Pears and a Tree.. (see previous photo).

Friday, January 1, 2010

Happy New Year!!


Grow Old Along With Me, The Best Is Yet To Come...

I hope that wherever life takes me in this new year 2010, that I'll take time to live it fully and enjoy my walk on the journey, and I pray that we (all my dearly loved family and friends) can grow old together ...for the best IS yet to come!

A happy & blessed New Year dear ones!

On the 7th Day of Christmas...

REMINDER: I take liberties with the words to this song!

On the 7th Day of Christmas my true love gave to me....



SEVEN PAWNS A SWIMMING ....
(in a pool of chessboards)....
(hey, it's only ONE letter off from the word S-W-A-N-S ... *lol*)...


Six He's a laying ..... (get it?? - I'm gonna hate this if I have to explain it.. it helps if you pronounce HE'S like geese *lol*) (see prior photo)

Five Gold Rings ... (and assorted baubles)..(see prior photo)

Four Calling Birds... (see previous photo)
(Hello, can you hear me now?) *G*

Three French Hens.... (see previous photo)

Two Turtles 'n Doves .... (see previous photo)

... and a Partridge with Pears and a Tree.. (see previous photo).