Happy 1st Birthday Jorden!

Today is our granddaughter Jorden's first birthday. What a difference a year makes! A year ago, Jorden arrived almost 6 weeks early - I remembering crying and being so scared and worried for her... but today, a year later I am still crying, but for joy at how blessed we are to have such a beautiful, healthy and happy granddaughter!

Here are some photos of her birthday party (Dr. Seuss theme) that was held yesterday in Plymouth for family and freinds.



God bless you Jorden, today and always, in ALL ways!! We love you!!

Rejections... or at the least, lack of acceptance...

So, I've entered a few Calls to Artists in the past few months, and have not been accepted by any of them... from what I've heard, this is very common in emerging artists of many venues... when I looked online for some inspiration or consoling I found this which I thought would be good to share...
From Karen Wynn...

"To combat the frustration of rejection I have come up with a simple plan which is the A.R.T. of rejection. A.R.T. stands for Analyze, Revitalize, and Target. I hope this will help anyone in the writing or art world and also in every day life rejections.

Analyze: Okay, you have had your project rejected. Analyze why it was rejected. Make an attempt to figure out why. Is your grammar or style right, is this the right market, did the editors just have bad days. If you have been rejected over three times start to analyze the situation. You may come up with an excellent explanation.

Revitalize: Rejection leads to low self esteem, self doubt, and self pity. It can destroy you if you allow yourself to fall pray. So when you feel really down and disgusted about the form (B.S.) letters take a break. Relax and enjoy yourself, life is to short to worry and fret. Give yourself some time to get back on your feet. It may take two days or two years to continue with your project. Do not let rejection bring you down. Take time to heal.

Target: The last point to rejection is to target your project. Know your market, explore all avenues to getting your piece of work out in the public. Network, meet people who can help you acheive your dream, find an art professor or writers group, and so on. It is important to Target your work to an interesting customer. "


So, guess I continue from here with those good points... I am using some of my assemblages in a prayer station chapel on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday at our Church, and I am thankful that I can use the gifts God has given me in ways that I hope will glorify Him....and I guess I just keep on keeping on...

Dia dhuit. (God be with you)

"Here's wishing you the top o' life without a single tumble. Here's wishing you the smiles o' life and not a single grumble. Here's wishing you the best o' life and not a claw about it. Here's wishing you the joy in life and not a day without it."
~ Irish Blessing ~

Happy St. Patrick's Day to all! Today was a good one.. worked a few hours, then the staff went for our annual corned beef and cabbage and green beer lunch at Popeye's in Lake Geneva... it's by far the BEST corned beef and cabbage meal I've had, and it's only $3.99!! I didn't even have to pay that, Fr. Bill treated us! Thanks Fr. Bill!!

After lunch, back to work for 4 hours, a fast trip to Good Will, (did I find a COOL thing, hope to show it when I use it in some assemblage - if I EVER get to do my art again?? *sigh*), then home for a short break before Vestry tonite... I'll be glad to crash after that meeting!

As the Irish saying goes.. Agus cuid eile an lae dhuit fein. (and the rest of the day to yourself)

Hospital Waiting Rooms, Prayers and Photo Editing...

Today I was up early to get to Milwaukee because my Mom is having knee replacement surgery. This will be her second one, my dad has had FIVE knee replacements...guess my parents are hard on their knees... comes from being active people, despite the pain they've had. Hope I am as active when I am almost 78 years old too.

So, after arriving here by 7:30, and missing seeing Mom before she went into surgery by 15 minutes..(dang rush hour traffic!), I headed to the family waiting room where my Dad and my younger sister Erica were waiting. Erica had to leave for work, and Dad fell asleep, so I am working on editing photos for the newsletter, between praying and checking email (they have wireless here), and listening to the crowd of others around me who are also waiting for loved ones in surgery. Based on how many people are here, they must have a TON of surgery rooms!

Every family gets one of those electronic beepers that go off in an annoying buzz with flashing lights... like they have at restaurants too... it's almost like we are waiting for our table to get ready. *L*

Anyway... been praying for Mom, hoping she does really well and that her recovery is speedy, and for Dad, for patience and peace for him as he helps Mom in her recovery.

I found this on the net when I was surfing.... odd little poem, but true as well..

Hospital Waiting Rooms
Hospital waiting rooms
Interesting places
Expressions on faces

Old, young, rich, poor
Illness can descend at anyone’s door

Homeless or not
Bedecked in jewels or poorly clad

Side by side they sit
And wait, and wait, and wait

Time to hesitate
And reflect

Thankful for what’s not
Regretful about what is

A loss of control
Soul next to soul

Good health not a given
Recovery a game of chance

Some rally
Others dally

Support helps
Not being there alone

Some speak
Others too weak

There are those who make it
And those who fake it

A humbling experience
And wake-up

Something that effects all
Short or tall

Take a number
And wait till you’re called.

Playing with Photoshop instead of doing my tax stuff...

Here are some fun elements on photoshop that I applied to one of my granddaughter's photo's that her Aunt Kasey took. I like the abstract look that some of them have... had Photoshop been invented a hundred years ago, perhaps some of the abstract artists wouldn't have been so popular, but then again, Photoshop probably made their elements such that we could all be Picasso's..*L*

DEGENERATIVE SPINE DISEASE

This x-ray shows John's back, the rods and screws he had put in after a fall he had in July 2007, one he is still recovering from. The last few months, especially, he has had numbness and tingling, weakness and lots of pain (some days are better than others with the pain)in his hip and down one leg. He had told the surgeon about it at his check up last July, but at that time it wasn't as severe as it has become, and it occurred only at times. So, last week, after calling to let the surgeon know what was happening, he went in for a scheduled MRI, and on Tuesday of this week, we went to the surgeon to find out the results.... Degenerative Spine Disease is what he has. The surgeon said he most likely had it to some degree before his fall and surgery, but that the injury has accelerated it by perhaps 5 - 7 years.
The part that is affected is below where his rods and screws are, the fluid is not there to cushion things as much and so there is inflammation and the nerves are pinched.. the sciatic nerve in this case which runs down his leg.

The surgeon has prescribed therapy for a month, if that works, great - continue with it...if not, there are some kind of shots he will get that may help as well. And if that doesn't work, then surgery will be next... several options we'd have to talk with the surgeon about, if and when it comes to that. Some people have been able to put off any surgical measures by the therapy and shots for 10 - 15 years or more.. hopefully John can fall into that category too.

His surgeon said the idea isn't just to limit the pain by limiting activities, etc... but the goal is to allow him to do the things he can do now, but without the pain. Sounds like a plan to us! Prayers are always appreciated, and we thank you for them. Sooo, on to therapy for John.... and we go from there....

Happy Shrovetide!!

Today's Sunday School Lesson included pancake treats & juice, costumes, beads, masks, pancake races and learning about Shrovetide, Mardi Gras & Lent... and also WHY PANCAKES??

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, forty days before Easter. The four day period before Ash Wednesday is known as "Shrovetide," from an old English word "shrive," meaning "to confess," a name gotten from the tradition of going to Confession in the days before Lent started. Shrovetide is traditionally the time for "spring cleaning," just as we clean our houses in these days in prepation for Lent, we also "clean our souls" through confession so we can enter the penitential season fresh.
Lent was a period of fasting, with meat, eggs, dairy produce & wine forbidden. Shrovetide was a time for a last fling before Lent - a time to play games & use up the meat, eggs & butter.

The Tuesday of Shrovetide is a particularly big party day known as "Mardi Gras" (French for "Fat Tuesday") or "Pancake Tuesday" because fats, eggs & butter in the house had to be used up before Lent began, making pancakes or waffles was a good way to do it.

In many places, especially in England, pancake races became popular & remain popular today. In these races, women must run while flipping a pancake so many times, whoever crosses the finish line first wins. The largest pancake race in England is in Olney, in Buckinghamshire. There, the women must wear a dress, apron & bonnet, and flip the pancake three times -- while ensuring it is intact after they cross the finish line.

The story told to explain the origins of this race is that in 1445, a homemaker heard the shriving bell (rung to summon people to confession) as she was busy working in her kitchen. Not wanting to be late, she rushed & ran off with her skillet still in hand.

Our Church is having it's Annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper on Feb. 24th from 5 - 7 p.m. All you can eat pancakes, sausage, applesauce, juice or coffee or milk. Freewill donation goes toward a planned Youth Event open to the community this summer. ALL ARE WELCOME, please join us! (Contact me for more info.)

Campout with the Grandsons, Eaten by SHARKS & more fun, fun, fun!

This weekend we have two of our grandsons... and last night was campout time in the living room... So we shoved all the stuff over, put in a couple of mattresses, blankets, pillows and had a campout, complete with candles (battery ones).

Then this morning... it was up before the dawn, and after eating breakfast, watching cartoons and pulling out toys, the boys wanted the shark tent put up... after which Jeff, Kasey and Josh all were promptly eaten!! Tasty morsels! *L*

Kasey even made it more realistic with her photoshopped version of one of the photos..*L*

Soooo, here it is, a snow day, but the snow has stopped for now anyway.. and it's almost 11 a.m...time for gramma to get dressed... then out to do errands.

The Absence of Art.....

Empty art...empty frame, empty pedestal...empty, empty, empty...
Absence makes the art......

How like a winter hath my absence been
From thee, the pleasure of the fleeting year!
What freezings have I felt, what dark days seen!
What old December's bareness every where!
And yet this time removed was summer's time,
The teeming autumn, big with rich increase,
Bearing the wanton burden of the prime,
Like widow'd wombs after their lords' decease:
Yet this abundant issue seem'd to me
But hope of orphans and unfather'd fruit;
For summer and his pleasures wait on thee,
And, thou away, the very birds are mute;
Or, if they sing, 'tis with so dull a cheer
That leaves look pale, dreading the winter's near.
(William Shakespeare Sonnet 97)

I miss doing my art..........*sigh*
Soon, my love....SOON

Be Mine Valentine...

Happy Valentine's Day to everyone.

I was surprised this morning, when John, who usually doesn't "do" Valentine's Day (and neither do I really), fixed a delicious breakfast for us ...He is turning into QUITE the culinary chef!!

It was DEEEELICIOUS too.. yum!! And besides that, he gifted me with chocolate, a card and a lottery ticket for tonite's drawing! Hope we get lucky..ha! *S*

Now, I wonder if I can talk him into fixing dinner tonite too? *G* Better not push my luck.

Every Girl Needs A Good Bubble Bath Time...

Jorden needed to have a luxury bubble bath... so Gramma accommodated..*L* Complete with candle, book, bubbles and fun.



But even that gets old for babies... Jorden had enough bubble bath fun after about 20 minutes......

Granddaughter time....

We are blessed to be able to have our granddaughter Jorden here for a visit for a few days. So of COURSE we have to take photos! More will be coming today and tomorrow... Jorden is about 10 1/2 months old now... almost crawling, but she seems to want to try to walk more than crawl..*L* Here is one where she's attempting it while hanging on to my fingers. She's such a doll!! and so good!! So much fun to play with too, I don't get much time to do anything else around here... but that's part of the fun of being a gramma!


ADDED MORE PHOTOS - BY KASEY K PHOTO!!

I have a STALKER!! (And she has a camera - eek!)

Evidently, while I was at work the other day, a secret stalker with a camera roamed my house and in particular, my bedroom! *shudder* I found evidence of the camera stalker at facebook when photos of my bedroom showed up there...





Good thing I happen to know this stalker...*S* ... Love how she captures the things she photographs and makes them look cool.

(photos by Kasey K Photo - check out her website sometime!)

Hawaiian Luau Night

Trying to beat some cabin fever, we attended a Hawaiian Luau at our Church tonite. It was a fun night, good food, and a great way to beat some winter doldrums. Here are a few photos of the fun...









Hawaiian garments were sported by all....some went a bit overboard..*L*

Hula hoop competitions and pineapple games were part of the entertainment.



John and my mom were chosen through a fun game to be the King and Queen of the Luau, and given appropriate clothing for royalty..*L*

ARTslant Juried Showcase Competition - Call to Artists

ArtSlant is your spot for the most up-to-date news on art exhibitions and events in your city and the great art cities of the world. Check them out here.
BASIC MEMBERSHIP FOR ARTISTS & OTHERS
The Basic Free Membership is available to all artists and arts professionals (note: ArtSlant Terms & Conditions apply). Simply Register on ArtSlant and return our verifying email to create or claim your Professional Profile.
Artists, curators, writers, arts professionals, art lovers, and art organizations are all encouraged to open profiles.

I am a member of ArtSlant, Chicago ...check out my profile and gallery photos here.
COMMENT ADDED: The contest has started and my juried entry is pictured on my profile site, scroll down at the profile site and under the juried entry of "Archangel" is a link that says VOTE, click on it and register to vote, it's free, no strings attached. I would very much appreciate your vote on Archangel. Thanks!

Once you register you can find info on the Juried Showcase Competition starting soon. More details on entry procedures, selection, and prizes will be announced in the next week. Each artist will be allowed to select ONE artwork from their Profile slideshow for entry. You will be judged on the quality of your Profile, and the artwork you submit.

Episcopal Church & Visual Arts - New Call to Artists

ECVA Exhibition: Gifts, An Open Studio Call For Art:
"Gifts" is an ECVA open-studio exhibition. We invite artists to submit your best or favorite work that has not been previously exhibited at ECVA.
Exhibition Publication Date: March 15, 2009
Submissions Deadline: March 3, 2009
See the complete Call here.

When I was 55, it was a very good year....

Today reminded me of this song, sung by Frank Sinatra... the words go as follows:

When I was seventeen, it was a very good year
It was a very good year for small town girls
And soft summer nights, we'd hide from the lights
On the village green, when I was seventeen

When I was twentyone, it was a very good year
It was a very good year for city girls
Who lived up the stair, with all that crazy hair
And it came undone, when I was twentyone

When I was thirtyfive, it was a very good year
It was a very good year for blue-blooded girls
Of independent means, we'd ride in limousines
Their chauffeur would drive, when I was thirtyfive

But when the days are short in the autumn of
the year
I will think of my life as vintage wine
From fine old kegs, from the brim to the dregs
Pouring sweet and clear, it was a very good year.
==========================================

So, today, I am in my fifty-fifth year (plus), I actually turned 55 back in September, but today was when I experienced, for the first time, the SENIOR DISCOUNT because of being 55!

I've reached a milestone... an age stone.... I am in the autumn of my years... I am old vintage wine, pouring sweet and clear.... ahhh yes, it was a very good year..*L*

All because I received a SENIOR DISCOUNT at the grocery store today...I guess I've never shopped on a Tuesday there before (at Piggly Wiggly), but today I was asked as I checked out, whether I was eligible for the senior discount... I hesitated and said, "No, I don't think so?? But WAIT, what age is the discount?" They said, "55". I said, "Well, what do you know I guess I AM eligible!"
So, I saved $4.56 today being 55... at least it's good for SOMETHING, eh? *L*

I SURVIVED THE MONTH FROM HELL...

Hurrah for it being FEBRUARY!! This last month has been the month from HELL... no time for art... barely time for getting the load of year end bookkeeping stuff done... throw in an Annual Parish Meeting, with a ton of bookkeeping things, and other parish reports for the packets... and of course all the W-2's, 1099's etc... and then moving the daughter home here .... I don't even have my Christmas decorations down yet.. BUT, I AM A SURVIVOR... and I am thankful for that!!

Maybe February will be a better month for art... I sure hope so, I miss being creative in that way...number crunching just doesn't do it for me.

Reports, Bookkeeping, W-2's, 1099's, Moving, Poster Making & More...

This has been a busy week... Mon. thru Fri. it was the week from bookkeeping HELL.. and next week will be more HELL, I'm afraid. Tons of bookkeeping to do for two businesses... and the Annual Parish Meeting at Church this Sunday added to it made my work week add up to about 65 hours.... ugghhh!!

Then today we headed down to Chicago area to move my daughter's apartment stuff back home... a large trailer, my van full and Kasey's jeep filled, we made it home. Well, actually, John and my BIL, Mark made it home a few hours before Kasey and I did. We stayed and cleaned up the apartment after everything was out.




I wish we had those furniture movers that the Obama's had, they moved all their stuff into the White House in just hours, and it was all nice and organized for them... the stuff we moved home here from Kasey's is in the living room, dining room, hallway, front porch, and a ton more still out in the huge trailer to be moved in and up to the attic tomorrow afternoon.

So, Kasey is officially home ... it's kind of a bittersweet thing.. having to move home because of the job layoff, yet it's the start of her new venture in trying to start up her own business too ... so, we are thanking God for new starts, new adventures, and it's nice to have Kasey home too... hopefully even months from now, Kasey will think it's nice to be home too..*L*


But, our work day wasn't over ...As soon as we arrived home and unloaded the van and the jeep, Kasey got busy burning some CD's of photos she had taken to give away as a promotional thing for Kasey K Photo from a kids Hockey League game she and John had attended on Thursday night (our grandson, Jake plays on that league). They were going to be handed out to parents by our older son, John, tomorrow. I made up posters advertising Kasey K Photo that John was going to post at the Hockey Rink too. So, now we're kind of crashing and glad for a rest......

Tomorrow's another day.... wish it wasn't going to be such a busy one however...

All The World Watches Washington DC Today

History in the making... a hope for many...a new start, a time to rebuild and renew. A time to come together, to unite, a time for building peace with all nations & peoples.

Lord God, bless & protect our new president-elect, his family, his staff and cabinet. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.