Windows Into Time…

My husband’s mother has dementia and her memory is declining quickly.

It is difficult to visit her at the facility where she lives but she is always happy to see us.

I did this grid in my art journal using some of the blue-toned printed paper I showed you yesterday:

And as I was photographing the pieces of paper where I had punched out my squares, they reminded me of windows:

The book page I gelli-printed on and used in my grid was about flowering plants from an old botany book. My MIL loved planting flowers.

I wrote this haiku with her on my mind –

Windows into time…

Squares of golden moments shine,

Fading with memory.

Cheers! 🙂

Is Your Glue Bottle Half Full?

I’ve been working on my postcard art over the weekend that I told you about in my last post.  (Hint:  There is still time to participate in my free drawing… Just add a comment in my previous post!)

I used both positive and negative shapes in my design for this postcard:

It got me thinking about glue… I use a LOT of glue in collage.

Sometimes I get “stuck” on the negative of life, perhaps this is when my glue bottle is half empty?

Yet, I do try to focus on the positive… even when life is extra “sticky” and the glue makes my fingers stick together.  I’ve heard some people won’t do collage just for this reason alone!  😉

I don’t mind when the glue sticks to my fingers as it reminds me of my childhood when my glue bottle was ALWAYS half full!  And so was my imagination!

How about YOU?

Cheers! 🙂

Holiday Traditions

I often find myself thinking about holiday traditions this time of year and remembering times from my childhood…

This drawing of a sweet girl recently appeared in my sketchbook and I was reminded of the faux hand muffs that my sis and I had as young children, anyone else remember them?

I don’t remember wearing them very much as they weren’t the most practical in keeping my hands warm.  😉

One of my holiday traditions that I started several years ago was making this easy and yummy, Caramel Snack mix:

I thought you might enjoy making it apart of your holiday tradition!

Cheers! 🙂

P.S.  Do you have a favorite childhood memory or holiday tradition?  I hope you share it with me.

Summer Clouds Reflect

Summer clouds reflect,

Another season ending…

Autumn’s chill arrives.

My hubby and I went kayaking Saturday before the big chill arrived at the lake.  The early morning rain shower on Sunday brought a new layer of cool autumn air.

We close up at the lake soon.  I always feel a little sad to see another summer season end…

We feel blessed to have so many wonderful memories and seasons with our friends at the lake!

Cheers to good memories! 🙂

P.S. What memories do you cherish with friends?  I hope you share them with me! ❤️

Sending You Holiday Cheer

Dear Friends,

Sending YOU some holiday cheer…

I’ve decided to take a blogging break until the New Year…

I’m not feeling my best and need some rest,

I will keep creating and hope you will too –

Your blogs I love and friendships true,

Toasting you a glass of holiday cheer…

One that will last ALL through next year!

Cheers! 🙂

See you in 2018!! 🎉

Jill

Nature’s Confetti

I took these photos, last Saturday when I took A Walk In The Park

I hope to paint some of these trees in watercolor but work has been extra busy this week …

So for now, I wrote a haiku to share with these photos:

Things are looking up!

Fall leaves scatter unaware…

Nature’s confetti

Isn’t it wonderful how nature helps us notice the simple pleasures in life and celebrate its beauty?!

Cheers! 🙂

Life’s Path

Some days I wonder where life is leading me…

I wish it was as easy as “following the yellow brick road!”

Yet, when I feel cloudy on the inside…

 

I know that God’s Son-shine will always give me hope for a new day!

Cheers Friends! 🙂

Lighting A Candle Of Peace

I was saddened yesterday by another senseless high school shooting near me at Freeman High School in Rockford, Washington.  One student was killed and 3 more injured but should survive.  The shooter is in custody – a student.

I am thinking about the teachers, families and children who were affected by this terrible violence when creating this drawing and lighting a candle of peace.

I do not know the people who were shot but I think a tragedy such as this touches us all.  Hug those you love today…

Peace Friends! 💜

Dear Friend…

Have you ever written a letter to yourself?  In your own handwriting?

I have been updating my MIL’s address book on my computer.  (A great gift idea BTW for a family member!) And it got me thinking about writing a letter to myself.

Have YOU ever done this?

I wonder what my letters would say if I addressed myself as a friend?  Would I be more kind to myself?  Would I show the same kindness I do to others?

And then I wonder, what seems so important now… would it still be… a year from now?

I have decided to write a letter to myself today and treat myself as I would a friend.  In one year, I will mail it.

I encourage you to do the same!

Cheers Friends! 🙂

P.S. I used purchased stationary here but it might be fun to create a border with your own artwork for your letter.

Soothing Colors

I was rear ended in my vehicle yesterday… this will be the second time in less than two years by people NOT paying attention.  It makes me very upset.

I do not feel well to create art so I’m sharing these photos from the lake last weekend:

I find the colors soothing and the memories of this place, healing…

What colors do you find soothing when you are upset?  I hope you share it with me.

Cheers! 🙂