greenpepperpressblog

Tag: lucky girl

  • yesterday’s mail

    MWajssjuly11 

    Before this year I think it had been 2007 since I wrote for Stampington.  There was the article in February (here), which led to a piece in Art Journaling, then one for Somerset Studio….which evolved into a column!  

    MWsomersetjuly11 

    MWsomersetjuly11b 

    When I showed you the detail from one of the memorials I created, I never dreamed it would end up on the July/August cover.  It has a special layer of sentimental significance…since July 10th is the third anniversary of Shannon's departure.  It feels like an awfully big stage to express a sister's love, but only you and I will *get* it.  The other two memorial boxes are for my Grandma & Grandpa Campbell, and my Grandpa (Bumpa) Kelly.

    Both of these new issues are terrific.  I'm a huge fan of AJ – love seeing the artform celebrated with so many juicy pages.  I think Christen has really made her mark since taking over SS – launching some fresh and fun changes that are a pleasure to see…have you noticed?  Also in this issue are friends Anne, Lynne, Teesha, and Seth too!

  • fathers and forefathers

    On Father's Day ~  a call to my Dad, some gifts for my husband.  Feeling like a lucky girl for the men in my life.  A hug for my brother as we met him and his family for a few days in Washington, D.C.  In the land of our forefathers, stacked with history….we walked past the White House, the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, and here….where we have been before, but not quite like this.  At first I was stunned by the quantity of roses and remembrances, written letters and lilies….standing at attention, beautiful and proud…..then I recalled, it was Father's Day.  Like Memorial Day, and Veteran's Day, THIS was another occasion to visit the wall, offer a prayer, give thanks, and nod in respect.

    MWfathersdayindc1 

    MWfathersdayindc2 

    The next day we visited Arlington National Cemetery and the nearby Marine Corps War Memorial.  More nods of respect.  Honor.  Gratitude.  So much history to learn and relearn as we visited many locations in the city.  So many reasons to return another time.

     

    MWarlington 

     

    MWIwoJima 

  • fathers and forefathers

    On Father's Day ~  a call to my Dad, some gifts for my husband.  Feeling like a lucky girl for the men in my life.  A hug for my brother as we met him and his family for a few days in Washington, D.C.  In the land of our forefathers, stacked with history….we walked past the White House, the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, and here….where we have been before, but not quite like this.  At first I was stunned by the quantity of roses and remembrances, written letters and lilies….standing at attention, beautiful and proud…..then I recalled, it was Father's Day.  Like Memorial Day, and Veteran's Day, THIS was another occasion to visit the wall, offer a prayer, give thanks, and nod in respect.

    MWfathersdayindc1 

    MWfathersdayindc2 

    The next day we visited Arlington National Cemetery and the nearby Marine Corps War Memorial.  More nods of respect.  Honor.  Gratitude.  So much history to learn and relearn as we visited many locations in the city.  So many reasons to return another time.

     

    MWarlington 

     

    MWIwoJima 

  • check it out

    I'm always on the lookout for unconventional tools to use in artmaking.  Do you do that too?  Keep an open eye and open mind with every visual that you encounter…wondering how to take an item and use it to make a texture or pattern.  Like when you drive by a yard sale and you spy a cheesy-plastic-cut-lace tablecover, and you slam on the brakes because you see the potential of spending 25 cents for a new spray paint stencil! 

    I'm not hip to the latest products but when I pop into Michael's I will do a quick scout around to see if there is something new I might need.  Yesterday I stumbled upon these embossing folders for Cuttlebug.  I don't even know what that device is or does, but I was attracted to the pattern.  If you could see the conversation bubble over my head it would have said "Squeee!  Love this….could be used for rubbing, casting paper, pressing into clay, maybe even monoprinting….grab it!"  And I did.  *note to self – go back for more*

    MWoldtoolnewtoy 

    So I tried a few things with my new toy ($4.99).  Since it is meant as an embossing tool I thought "a-ha!  pull out the pasta machine!"  Originally used to roll out polymer clay, it now doubles as an embosser when adjusted for the plastic folders.

    MWcircles1 

    MWcircles2 

    I'm in full blown circle mode now.  Grabbed some of my new stamps.  Next, I will drag out my circle punches.  I feel some circle art coming on.

    MWcircles3 

    MWRoseReportBanner 
    MWreachingup 

    MWreachingup2 

    Lots of rain only means lots of roses…..look at all those buds!  I've already been cutting full roses off the bushes.  Don't forget, the more you cut the more you will get.  The bush below is the first one we planted in July 2008.  It is a glorious monstrosity!  It's crazy how big it is.  I was worried about the six new ones from last year because I never covered them – but they are back, fuller and thicker, and oozing with enthusiasm.  To think I might have missed the rewards of keeping a rose garden….

    MWreachingup3 

     

  • check it out

    I'm always on the lookout for unconventional tools to use in artmaking.  Do you do that too?  Keep an open eye and open mind with every visual that you encounter…wondering how to take an item and use it to make a texture or pattern.  Like when you drive by a yard sale and you spy a cheesy-plastic-cut-lace tablecover, and you slam on the brakes because you see the potential of spending 25 cents for a new spray paint stencil! 

    I'm not hip to the latest products but when I pop into Michael's I will do a quick scout around to see if there is something new I might need.  Yesterday I stumbled upon these embossing folders for Cuttlebug.  I don't even know what that device is or does, but I was attracted to the pattern.  If you could see the conversation bubble over my head it would have said "Squeee!  Love this….could be used for rubbing, casting paper, pressing into clay, maybe even monoprinting….grab it!"  And I did.  *note to self – go back for more*

    MWoldtoolnewtoy 

    So I tried a few things with my new toy ($4.99).  Since it is meant as an embossing tool I thought "a-ha!  pull out the pasta machine!"  Originally used to roll out polymer clay, it now doubles as an embosser when adjusted for the plastic folders.

    MWcircles1 

    MWcircles2 

    I'm in full blown circle mode now.  Grabbed some of my new stamps.  Next, I will drag out my circle punches.  I feel some circle art coming on.

    MWcircles3 

    MWRoseReportBanner 
    MWreachingup 

    MWreachingup2 

    Lots of rain only means lots of roses…..look at all those buds!  I've already been cutting full roses off the bushes.  Don't forget, the more you cut the more you will get.  The bush below is the first one we planted in July 2008.  It is a glorious monstrosity!  It's crazy how big it is.  I was worried about the six new ones from last year because I never covered them – but they are back, fuller and thicker, and oozing with enthusiasm.  To think I might have missed the rewards of keeping a rose garden….

    MWreachingup3 

     

  • still learning….at 47

    MWmay172011 

    Reflecting today….this date, this birthday.  For forty years Shannon and I shared this number, 5/17.  This is my third one without her and it still feels so different.  We are all learning to navigate a landscape that continues to change, aren't we?  Of course we shared alot more than a calendar date.  We shared a room, a wedding gown, a family….and very special connection that some sisters are lucky to have. 

    This art shows a partial peek at an assemblage box I made in her memory.  The small deer is a gift from Laure because she knows it's one of my signs for Shannon.  It's set inside a matchbox; that's how small it is.  Raised above the trees, to symbolize heaven.  Set over a paper wing.  And there's the pink rose, of course.  The red wire  – did you spy it?  An "x", a secret kiss from me.  Another sign we have for Shannon is a snowflake, added in digitally because I couldn't resist. 

    In the last post Pat shared some wisdom, which I was so happy to learn.  It was a perfect thing to focus on right now as I work in my sister journal today.  Doesn't it amaze you when that happens?  Something is dropped in your path just when you need it.  Like this:  "The Japanese have a concept "aware" that can't really be translated into English but means something like "the heartbreak of beauty of the moment"–the idea that something so beautiful just hits you in the heart when you realize it will be gone soon."  That is new to me.  I love that there is a word that captures the ephemeral beauty that is fleeting.  Like a snowflake.  Like a rose.  Like a deer in the woods.  Like a little sister who is dearly missed. 

     

  • still learning….at 47

    MWmay172011 

    Reflecting today….this date, this birthday.  For forty years Shannon and I shared this number, 5/17.  This is my third one without her and it still feels so different.  We are all learning to navigate a landscape that continues to change, aren't we?  Of course we shared alot more than a calendar date.  We shared a room, a wedding gown, a family….and very special connection that some sisters are lucky to have. 

    This art shows a partial peek at an assemblage box I made in her memory.  The small deer is a gift from Laure because she knows it's one of my signs for Shannon.  It's set inside a matchbox; that's how small it is.  Raised above the trees, to symbolize heaven.  Set over a paper wing.  And there's the pink rose, of course.  The red wire  – did you spy it?  An "x", a secret kiss from me.  Another sign we have for Shannon is a snowflake, added in digitally because I couldn't resist. 

    In the last post Pat shared some wisdom, which I was so happy to learn.  It was a perfect thing to focus on right now as I work in my sister journal today.  Doesn't it amaze you when that happens?  Something is dropped in your path just when you need it.  Like this:  "The Japanese have a concept "aware" that can't really be translated into English but means something like "the heartbreak of beauty of the moment"–the idea that something so beautiful just hits you in the heart when you realize it will be gone soon."  That is new to me.  I love that there is a word that captures the ephemeral beauty that is fleeting.  Like a snowflake.  Like a rose.  Like a deer in the woods.  Like a little sister who is dearly missed. 

     

  • celebrating you, her, them, and me

    Mwmothersday2011 

    We are blessed.  xo

  • celebrating you, her, them, and me

    Mwmothersday2011 

    We are blessed.  xo

  • may day

    What a glorious day.  I am feeling grateful for the sun.  I am feeling grateful for the green grass, the growing roses, and the fresh blooms.  With so much destruction due to storms in parts of our country I can't help but appreciate a simple walk across the lawn….and walking through the door to our home, and our family gathered around the table.

    I am remembering childhood days making construction paper baskets and cones, filled with cut tulips or lilacs, or handfuls of candy, left on a front porch with a push of a doorbell and a dash into the shrubs to avoid getting caught on a sunny first day of May.  Did you do that too? 

    Mwmayday2011 

    Some of our roses are entering their second season, some their third, and a few their fourth.  Every year they grow back fuller and more enthusiastic.  Hundred of buds like the one below are about to show off.  Mother's Day tends to be the grand unveiling….as if they hold a group secret and cannot contain themselves any longer, bursting open in full glory one week from now.

    MWmayday2011b 

    What a grand party we witnessed this weekend.  England does it so well.  At first the ringing of the bells and the gathered crowds reminded me of the Diana memorial.  How wonderful to now associate that sound with a beautiful, young, handsome couple….couldn't have been more perfect, don't you think?  Loved watching with my dear friends.  Cheers, tears, and applause.  Loved the RED uniform.  Loved peeking into the day, the pagentry, the history. 

    MWmichellejudilynne2011