Through My Looking Glass

Books, Books, Books!!!

2010-04-24T21:10:00.000-04:00

Today, I finished another book and it hit me, I read about 7 books within the past three weeks. As my work schedule slows down, I am finding more time to work on art projects as well as catching up on my reading list.

Some of the books I read are:

“Belle” by Cameron Dokey
“Fairytale Weddings” By Debbie Macomber
“The Crimson Thread” by Suzanne Weyn
“Rose Daughter” by Robin McKinley
“North and South” By Elizabeth Gaskell

As well as 2 Graphic Novels:

“Pride and Prejudice”
“Coraline”

I am starting on the book “Beastly” by Alex Flinn. While at the movies yesterday, I saw the coming attractions for the Motion Picture version of the book. I remembered seeing the book during my many trips to Amazon.com and my local bookstore; so I decided to pick up a copy and get familiar with the story before I go and see the movie this summer.

I am a big fan of the fairy tale “Beauty and the Beast”. three of the titles I recently read, were revisions of that fairy tale; and now I am starting on the fourth version with “Beastly”.

Happy New Year!

2009-12-31T19:28:00.002-05:00

So it is 2010..at least it will be in a few hours. If you are one of those who believe that the world will end in 2012, then we are getting closser. :-) Personally I don't believe in it, But I don't want to waste your time with talking about my feelings on the subject.

I would just like to wish you and yours a blessed and happy New Year. May 2010 be a good year for you and may you reach for the stars.

Art & Visual Thinking Project #2- "The Dead Tree"

2009-02-26T20:00:00.002-05:00

My secound big project is done for Art & Visual Thinking. We had to make a landscape out of paper with nothing drawn. I created a scene of the seashore at sunset. On the cliff above the water is a dead tree.

I used cardstock, tissue paper, and a scrap of artist paper from Stampington & Co.

Art & Visual Thinking Project #1- "PhantomBeauty"

2009-02-12T22:37:00.000-05:00

My first big project for Art and Visual Thinking was an abstract painting that represents me. It was a very interesting piece to do.

The steps I had to take in this project:
#1- Create 6 thumbnail abstract designs that represent me. I created an image of a woman reaching for a star over a mountain.
#2- Create 6 thumbnail designs with my name. I used an image of my name in block letters.
#3- Pick one of the abstract images and one of the name images. Enlarge them to the desired size.
#4- Cut the images into 9 equal-sized pieces and mix it up!
#5- Transfer these new images onto a piece of matte board. overlap the images as you desire.
#6-Paint the final image using one color family. I choose to use my favorite color family, Cold Colors. My name is in shades of blue with a green boarder, and my abstract image is in shades of purple.

When I had to cut up my images and re-arrange them I thought my teacher was mad. I also did not enjoy trying to mix my paints to get the desired colors. But I have to say that I really like how the project came out in the end, even if I dug my heals in during the process.

Potato-Greg

2009-01-26T19:46:00.002-05:00

This semester at NCC (Northampton Community College), Iam taking an art class. I take any and all chances to take an art class of any sorts. This class is "Art and Visual Thinking" and offers a variety of projects that using a range of art supplies. Today at our second day of class, we made veggie people. Our project was to create a profile of a person using fruits and veggies that we brought from home. I created this guy from 2 red potatos, 2 peppercorns, and a few toothpicks.

On closser inspection, I noticed that he looked just like my older brother Greg, so I named him Potato-Greg. The only downside to creating art from food, is when it spoils, thank God for digital cameras, so Potato-Greg can live on.

"Make a wish for your fairy jar" Swap Finally Recieved

2008-12-24T22:26:00.000-05:00

I finally recieved a fairy jar. My original partner flaked on me but as you can see an angel stepped in and "angelled" this swap. I love the jar and book she sent, they inspire me to create a wonderful jar the next time I go to make one. Really the possiblities are endless.

My WireTree

2008-12-15T10:42:00.000-05:00

Not too long ago I took a class on twisting wire into trees. I decided to make a willow tree, now the completed tree is currently in the center of my Christmas village.

Making this tree took a lot of time and arm strength, but I am pleased with the results and I hope to make another one when I have the wire again.

Photoshop Fun

2008-12-13T23:21:00.002-05:00

I decided to have a little fun on Photoshop. I had two projects in mind when I started. For the first one, I wanted to do a tribute to the Frog Prince. When I read the Brothers Grimm version, there was a line that the frog used several times before he was admitted to the castle. I wanted to use that line and this is what I came up with, blending photos and illustrations done by other people.

The second project I had in mind was for a tribute to "The Nutcracker" more specifically the production done by the Royal Ballet in London. I had seen the show on BBC and fell in love with it. Once again the photos used was not my own, also the wording in the background came from BBC/PBS to describe the storyline of the ballet.I had a lot of fun making these and I love how they came out.

Why Vixen?

2008-12-08T19:35:00.001-05:00

Just for fun I did this quiz and this is what I had gotten, though I don't think it is right because I am not sexy and Sultry.

You Are Vixen

Sexy and sultry, you're the one all the other reindeer dream about.

Why You're Naughty: That fur pulling spat you got into with Dancer over Santa.

Why You're Nice: Because even when you're nice, you're still delightfully naughty!

http://www.blogthings.com/whichofsantasreindeerareyouquiz

Matchbox Drawers Swap - Free Themed

2008-11-21T21:37:00.000-05:00

I recieved this swap from Kerrlousie22. She was kind enough to resend when I failed to recieve the first one she sent. This was the first time I recieved a altered matchbox that was made to be a set of drawers. As you can see I recieved alot of wonderful goodies in this swap. Thanks Kerrlousie22!

"Christmas Goodies" Swap Recieved

2008-11-16T21:19:00.000-05:00

You can tell that Christmas is in the air when you start recieving Christmas goodies in the mail from your swap-buddies. I recieved these Christmas goodies from one of the fine ladies in Sincere_Swappers_and_Pals Yahoo group.

Good Mail Day

2008-11-11T20:21:00.000-05:00

Today I recieved two swaps in the mail. The first was a homemade monster for the "Monsters" Swap on Swap-bot. I wish I had taken a picture of the monster that I had made for this swap but unfourtunetly I had forgotten. Anyway, I love this little guy.
The second swap I recieved was a wishlist swap from Luneria. I love altered matchboxes filled with goodies I can use for my artwork.

Next Day

2008-10-29T12:40:00.000-04:00

The Next day dawned bright and beautiful, yet there is still snow on the ground. In the middle of October!I snapped this photo of my rose bushes, now slumbering untill spring. I amplanning on planting more flowers in my little garden, but I don't know yet what I want. My finger still hurts!!!!! I had to put it in a finger brace.

In other news, I recieved this wonderful swap from one of the gals in the Sincere_Swappers_and_Pals Yahoo group. thanks girlie!

Snow Trouble

2008-10-28T19:23:00.000-04:00

Why did it have to snow in the middle of October? Thankfully the roads were not that bad, but s I was cleaning off my car to go out to see my sister, I closed my finger in the car door. These pictures show my poor finger a few hours later. Unfourtunetly you can't really tell how swollen that finger is, my sister called it my Alien finger, because it looked like E.T.'s finger minus the glowing effect.

"As The Deer . . ."

2008-10-05T18:00:00.002-04:00

I saw this beautiful scene as I stood at my kitchen sink. So I grabbed my camera and quickly and quietly snuck out to take this picture. As I looked at them it reminded me of my favorite church hymn.

" As the deer pantith for the waters,

oh my soul longth after Thee,

You alone are my heart's desire,

and I long to worship Thee."

Matchbox-drawers swap - Sent

2008-10-05T13:00:00.000-04:00

This is the set of matchbox drawers that I made for my partner. It is the first time that I have made a set of drawers our of 32 count matchboxes. I hope she likes it. it will be mailed out in the morning.

What the?!? Corn?

2008-10-04T23:00:00.001-04:00

I attened the "Cover Bridge Festival" at Kenobles park. As I was wandering around my nose caught the unmistakeable smell of roasted ears of corn. I headed over to the stall to get one for myself and saw this strange sight.

Neat huh?!

Ransome Note Postcard Swap -Sent

2008-09-16T17:30:00.000-04:00

"Give me $100,000,000 dollars or the bunny gets it, No Police!" My partner for this swap had mentioned that hse had a bunny doll that she loved, so I used that idea for this fake ransome note postcard. I took a photo of one of my own bunny dolls tied up and mailed it to her.

Altered "Paper" Doll swap - recieved

2008-09-16T16:02:00.000-04:00

This is the outrageous altered paper doll I recieved from Charrley. Purple and Fabulous, I love it!

Welcome Back Party at NCC

2008-09-09T17:00:00.001-04:00

We had our welcome back party at college today. I hung out at the film society's booth to help promote our 2nd annual Rocky Horror Picture Show event. Last week my fellow film clubbers voted me in as the VP of the group.

Our Fearless Leader/Advisor John Tindell!

Club Advisor of the Year!

A really, really great mail day.

2008-09-02T19:00:00.001-04:00

I came home today to find not one but five wonderful packages waiting for me, needless to say my family couldn't believe it and neither could I. The first package I opened was this one: "Matchbox-oracle" from Basilika in Sweden. I especially love the postcard that she sent since I find the Scandinavian troll lore fascinating. As you can see she made a wonderful matchbox for me and included a Chinese good luck charm.

The next package I opened was this letter in a bottle reply from my partner for the "Ghost Pen Pal" swap. I had written to her and sent a letter in a bottle (The same bottle that has returned to me), in the letter I was a young woman named Lavender who was stranded on a desert island after her ship had been attack by pirates. Lavender's message was recieved by this young man (my partner's creation) who also finds himself in a simular position. I will be sending out a reply soon (also in the bottle) from a new character who intercepted the message.

This next package I recieved from EmJayBe for the "My Favorite Magazine #2" swap. she was kind enough to send me information about some local lore and legends.

This package I recieved from Grinch for the "Book of the month -August" swap

The Last package I recieved from a gal in Canada, It was a wishlist gift and as you can see she was very kind and granted my big wish of recieveing a Bento box.

Swaps ready to go out.

2008-08-28T18:00:00.000-04:00

These swaps are ready to be sent out. These ATC's are for "Fairy ATC" Swap. I love the 1st one "Fairy Tea", as you can see they both are very vintage in style since I used some vintage images I had in my stash.

I made this paper doll for the "Altered 'Paper' doll swap. I named her the "Wise Old Woman" and made her head out of clay. I wish I could honestly say that I sculpted that face, but i am not that talented. I found a great mold and used that. I like how she came out.

"Oricle Matchbox" Swap - sent

2008-08-22T20:52:00.000-04:00

I created this matchbox filled with 10 fourtune-cookie-like scrolls for my partner. I hope she likes it.

The scrolls are nestled in a bed of fun fibers, brads, and beads.

"Vintage Eupheria Matchbox" Swap - Recieved

2008-08-21T20:46:00.001-04:00

I have recieved this wonderful package from Sewhappy. Lots of wonderful vinage images to use in my artwork. I just realized that I didn't take any photos of the box I made before I sent it out. ::Slaps forehead::

Milford Cemetary

2008-08-17T18:00:00.000-04:00

I went to the old cemetary in Milford for my first letterboxing experiance. While I was there I thought that I would take some photos. I would have taken more, but it was kind of creepy, even in daylight.

"For The Girls" Swap - Sent

2008-08-16T20:00:00.000-04:00

I sent this matchbox and goodie bag out to my partner. I hope she likes it.

"Writing Challenge #1" Swap-Crime Scene-Sent

2008-08-14T21:57:00.003-04:00

This is a writing challenge swap that I participated in. I had fun with it. I had to write about a crime scene. So I decorated the letter and envelope with hand-drawn police tape. I even included a sketch of the crime scene that my made up detective drew of the scene. I have to admit that Detective Kent is not a very good artist. :-) Here is what I have written so everyone can enjoy it. I hope you like it, granted it is not my best piece I have ever written. :-)

Rookie detective Charlie Kent pulled up to the crime scene. He had been a police officer for many years and he had seen nearly everything that crime had to offer. The forensics team had yet to arrive; Kent hoped that it would not take to long for them to get there. Time was their worse enemy; valuable evidence would be swept away by the coming storm. As Kent and his partner stepped out of their car, he felt his adrenaline start flowing; this was his first case as a detective. His partner Detective Albert Baxley, was a seasoned vet and would have to take the lead on this investigation, at least until Kent could handle it.
They crossed under the crime scene tape and located the officer who had responded to the scene.
“Neighbor called 911 to report shots fired. According to the witness, she heard 3 shots and then screeching tires. She looked out her window and saw a dark van disappear around the corner. She is over there with my partner, Officer Garrison.” He said.
“What did you see when you pulled up?” Kent asked.
“Pretty much what you are seeing, nothing changed. We checked the victims for a pulse. Of course when we pulled up the caller ran out to us and started babbling like a lunatic.”
“Thanks” Said Baxley, moving toward the witness. Halfway there, Baxley stopped and looked at his partner. “Charlie, why don’t you walk the scene? Write down everything that you see and draw a sketch of the scene. I will talk to the witness. We don’t have a lot of time till that storm breaks. I will be with you in a minute.”
Kent nodded and walked away.
The crime scene was a parking lot of a local convenience store, it was 3 in the morning and the shop had long since closed for the night. The two bodies lay in a heap in the middle of the lot. They had to have been standing very close to each other when the shots fired. He opened his notebook and began to sketch what he saw. He marked where the bullet casings were and the position of the bodies.
Every once in a while he glanced toward his partner. The witness was indeed babbling. Kent recalled the officer mentioning squealing tires so he searched the ground for any tire treads; nothing. Things were not adding up. 3 shots fired? Then why were there 6 gun casings lying nearby.
He looked around and spotted an ATM near the entrance of the store. He walked towards it. The ATM camera was pointed in the direction of the bodies. He jotted this down in his notebook to help him remember to mention this to Baxley.
“What do you have?” Baxley said.
Kent jumped and turned. “Baxley, you gave me a heart attack.”
“Sorry, anything you want to share. Like why you are over here at the ATM when the crime happened over there?”
“Look at this, the shootings happened within the camera’s range, perhaps it caught the action.”
“Not bad rookie, what else do you got?”
Kent explained about the number of casings and the lack of evidence that a car was involved. Over head there was a clap of thunder. “About time that the forensics team showed up, this storm won’t hold back much longer.” Kent said pointing to the forensics van that pulled in.
“The witness might just be the perp, or else not a witness at all.” Baxley said as they headed toward the team.
“Why do you say that?”
“She kept changing the story. First there were 3 shots and tires screeching, and then there were 5 shots and a car driving slowly by. So my thought is either she is the perp or she really saw nothing and is trying to get attention. You do know that sometimes the perp returns to the scene of the crime. Perhaps the perp never left.”
While the forensics team got to work, the two detectives began to compare notes. It would just be a matter of time till they solved this one, but for now it was time to sort out the facts.

Good mail day

2008-08-14T21:52:00.003-04:00

Today I recieved 2 wonderful swaps in the mail. I recieved these from Tami in the "Disney Trading Pin" Swap.

I recieved this swap from Saline in the "Purple ATC" Swap.

"Fairy ATC" Swap - recieved

2008-08-13T21:45:00.000-04:00

I recieved these lovely ATCs and goodies from Craftylicious. I love the ATC's they are beautiful.

My First Fairy Jar

2008-08-11T21:34:00.000-04:00

I made this Fairy jar for the "Make a whish for your fairy jar" Swap. This is the first fairy jar that I have ever made. I had alot of fun with it and I hope that my partner likes it.

This is the information I included about my fairy. In't she cute? I love how she came out.

Fairy’s Name: Rosebud Pollywiggle Age: Unknown
Power/Talent: Invisibility, flight, causing confusion and slight mischief.
Further Information: While you have your back turned Rosebud will sneak up and take your beads, buttons, thread, ribbons, thimbles, needles, and any other little trinket she can get her hands on. She enjoys watching the confused look on her victim’s face when they turn back around and can’t find the object they were just about to use. It is believed that she will one day grow out of this habit and develop more beneficial habits and powers.

R.I.P. My Dear Onyx

2008-08-09T22:00:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, I had to do one of the hardest things ever. I had to watch my best friend pass away. Onyx was our family's dog, we adopted her when she was 2 years old. She was 14 years old and had given us 12 wonderful years of companionship. I was about 10 or 11 when she came to live with us.
She was always so sweet and loving, almost human-like. I can imagine her as one of those warm old women you love to be with, like Mrs. Potts from Disney's Beauty and the Beast. I can see her greeting you with wide open arms and a cup of tea. I imagine that if she was a human she would have jet black hair with white streaks (in her old age of course) and those same warm brown eyes she had as a dog.

This was the last photo I took with Onyx. It was about 2 hours before Lisa(my sister) and I had to take her to the vet and put her down, her health had finally failed her. She could not breath properly, she couldn't eat, and she was very weak. Watching her go and then having to leave her body at the vet was unbearable. She passed away at 12:30 PM, thankfully everyone in our family had a chance to say their good byes. I will miss her everyday.

The following poem was given to me today by a dear friend who had also gone through such a tragedy. I thought it would be fitting to include it as well.

From Onyx
You're giving me a special gift,
So sorrowfully endowed,
And through these last few cherished days,
Your courage makes me proud.
But really, love is knowing
When your best friend is in pain,
And understanding earthly acts
Will only be in vain.
So looking deep into your eyes,
Beyond, into your soul,
I see in you the magic that will
Once more make me whole.
The strength that you possess,
Is why I look to you today,
To do this thing that must be done,
For it's the only way.
That strength is why I've followed you,
And chose you as my friend,
And why I've loved you all these years...
My partner till the end.
Please, understand just what this gift
You're giving, means to me,
It gives me back the strength I've lost,
And all my dignity.
You take a stand on my behalf,
For that is what friends do.
And know that what you do is right,
For I believe it, too.
So one last time, I breathe your scent,
And through your hand I feel,
The courage that's within you,
To grant me this appeal.
Cut the leash that holds me here,
Dear friend, and let me run,
Once more a strong and steady dog,
My pain and struggle done.
And don't despair my passing,
For I won't be far away,
Forever here, within your heart,
And memory I'll stay.
I'll be there watching over you,
Your ever-faithful friend,
... a young dog once again.

"If you ever want to see..." Ransom Note-Recieved

2008-08-06T21:23:00.000-04:00

I recieved this Ransom note from the "captor" of my chicks. Cute isn't it? :-)

"Photo of your Rubber Ducky" Swap

2008-08-04T22:00:00.000-04:00

This was a fun swap, we had to take a photo of our rubber ducky doing something cute or funny and turn it into a postcard to send to our swap partners. This is my only ducky, my best friends got it for me on one of there trips to Disney world.
So here is the photo I sent out, my pirate ducky is on my dad's laptop. my ducky claims that he was searching for music for his iPod, but I have reason to believe that he was plotting world domination.

PTK-Hershey Park Day

2008-08-02T00:00:00.001-04:00

I went to Hershey Park with my Region of PTK (Honors society). It was the first time in 10 years that I rode a roller coaster; in fact I rode 5 different rollar coasters (Comet, SuperDuperLooper, Side Winder, Trailblazer, and Great Bear). I have yet to get photos of me on these rides uploaded into my computer. I had a great time with my fellow PTK'ers.
After spending time in the park we (My mother and myself) said good bye to my friends and stopped by Hershey's Chocolate World, where we discovered a trolley tour. We had time to kill so we hoped on. It was alot of fun and I learned alot about Milton Hershey that I didn't know. Here are 2 pictures that I took on the tour:
This one is of Hershey Manor. Milton and his wife lived in this house. Plus it was within walking distance from the factory.

This picture is of The Hershey Family Homestead, It was in this house that Milton Hershey was born. I had a great time and would love to do it again soon.

Ransom Note - Sent

2008-07-31T19:03:00.000-04:00

This was for one of the swaps I hosted. I thought it would be fun if we created silly ransom notes to send to our partners. Here is the one I created for my partner. She is into crocheting so I thought that I could hold her crochet supplies for ransome (I silly ransome I might add).

It says:
I have you crochet supplies. You want proff? Here it is!!!
Don't call the police if you know what is good for you. If you want your supplies back then you must stand on your head and recite the pledge of alligence in pig latin. Then you must bring $100 to the far corner of main street. Place the money under the mailbox and leave.
Remember, if the police are involved you will say farewell to your stuff forever.
This is fair warning!

"My Favorite Bible Story" Swap

2008-07-30T20:50:00.005-04:00

My favorite bible story is the story of Ruth. So the story goes that Ruth had married one of the sons of a woman named Naomi. Naomi’s husband had moved his family from Bethlehem to the land of Moab to escape a famine. While in Moab their two sons marry local girls named Oprah and Ruth. Unfortunately father and sons die soon after leaving behind leaving the three women as widows. News soon reaches Naomi that the famine is over, so she decides to return home to Bethlehem. Oprah and Ruth follow Naomi until she turns and urges the girls to return home to their parents and remarry men from their own land. Oprah obeys and bids farewell, but Ruth refuses and in my favorite bible speech declares: “Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.”
Upon reaching Bethlehem they are greeted by Naomi’s old friends, at which point she announces that she is changing her name from Naomi (pleasant or amiable) to Mara (bitter or bitterness). Ruth and “Mara” set up home again and Ruth embraces Namoi's culture and religon. Ruth goes to look for work so they can eat. She finds work gathering wheat left behind by the sewers in a field belonging to a man named Boaz.
Boaz who is a relative of Naomi's husband, sees Ruth and admires her for her hard work and the kindness she shows to her mother-in-law. He offers her protection in his fields and arranges for her to bring home more wheat. Naomi upon hearing who has been so kind to Ruth starts planning for her Daughter-in-law. To make a long story short: Ruth follows along with her plans and asks Boaz to be her Kinsman Redeemer. Boaz falls in love with her and arranges to purchase her father-in-laws land and marries Ruth. Ruth gives birth to a son who later becomes the grandfather of King David. The moabess Ruth, an outsider, becomes one of the women in the family tree of Jesus Christ.

I love this story, there is so much in here about obedience, having faith, taking chances, and most of all God’s amazing grace. It encourages me to think that maybe one day I will find my Boaz.

Private swap with Agonysdecay

2008-07-27T18:58:00.000-04:00

This is the pin and box that I made for Agonysdecay. I sent her a few more surprises, and she was the one to send me that cool Labyrinth Matchbox in return. I always have fun swapping with her since we have simular intrests.

Labyrinth Match Box

2008-07-26T09:10:00.002-04:00

I recieved this matchbox from Agonysdecay in our private swap, she did a wonderful job (as you can see). This is by far the coolest matchbox in my collection.

"Postcards from Jane Austin's World"

2008-07-14T21:54:00.000-04:00

This is the postcard I created to send out to my partners. The two are nearly the same with just the images flipped. To Kgeslab I wrote a letter from Emma Talking about her latest need to "Match" a young aquantiance of hers.
To Heatherlayne I wrote as Lizzy Bennet (Darcy) complaining about Darcy's horrible aunt. I really enjoyed making these and writing the notes.

"Just for Girls" Swap- recieved

2008-07-12T21:49:00.000-04:00

I recieved this swap from Kristie and she was kind enough to send me another matchbox since I mentioned that the matchbox was not packed tight. She didn't need to but she was very genreous with me. Unfortunetly I forgot to take a picture of the second matchbox and it's contents before putting it away.
Thanks Kristie

Childish Playing

2008-07-09T21:03:00.001-04:00

Having fun at work with my happy meal toy. She holds the ear plugs for my iPod perfectly.

Mr. Pita-face

2008-07-04T21:00:00.000-04:00

My Nephew at the 4th of July picnic, Have you seen this face?

Newbie Whimsey Jar - Recieved

2008-07-03T18:17:00.000-04:00

I recieved this wonderful Whimsey Jar from Suzmoon. As you can see it was filled with all this wonderful stuff for me to use in my altered artwork. It really brightened my day. All these wonderful things for me, Just ME!!! ::Evil laugh::

More good mail

2008-07-01T17:54:00.000-04:00

The next day I had even more wonderful things in the mail.

This wonderful Altered Bottle cap and book thong came from Dandelion in Swap-bot's Wishlist Group.

This is my pick 5 swap from Doris on Kooohkiestopia swap group. Lots of wonderful goodies.

Good mail day.

2008-06-30T17:37:00.000-04:00

2 days after my birthday I recieved a wonderful surprise 3 packages in the mail for me. I just had to show pictures of what I recieved.

This was a Whislist Surprise from Lunaria on Swap-bot. All this womderful Victorian images to use in my artwork.

Granted this picture may be a bit blurry but I recieved this ATC from Ladydy5 in the "Newspaper ATC" Swap.

I recieved this wonderful package from Scuslidge for the "Book of the month" Swap. SHe also sent me a copy of Natalie Grant's Awaken CD. I was playing it when I took the picture so it does not appear in the picture. Scuslidge is the only person on Swap-bot who admited to me that she read my blog outside of any blog swaps. Thanks bunches girl!!! :-)

Newbie Whimsey Jar - Sent

2008-06-27T17:31:00.000-04:00

This is the first ever Whimsey Jar I made. This is going out to Cat in NY! I hope she likes it. I also included a cute notepad.

"Who is with the family of 11?"

2008-06-22T09:54:00.005-04:00

Friday night and all day Saturday, I attended "The Woman Of Faith's Infinite Grace 2008" conference in E. Rutherford, New Jersey. We signed up to vollunteer at the World Vision booths. I didn't realize till I got to my Godmother's house, that not only will it be my mom, sister, godmother, 3 cusins, and our friend fanny. Also we would be joined by 2 more cusins and their mother. We had informed the World Vision staff that we would like to remain together if at all possible.
When we got there and signed in, we had to undergo a quick training. When they were breaking us off into teams they said, "Ok who is with the family of 11?" 11 hands shot up and the woman smiled and asked if we were Italian. Proudly I stated that we were Greek.

The conference was amazing. It was the first time in my life I saw Natile Grant and Nicole C. Mullens live on stage. I was saddened to learn that Barbra Johnson had died last year. She was one of my favorite speakers when I was younger. But the highlight of the day was when my mother had the chance to meet Marlyn Meberg. She was like a teenager meeting her favorite star. I was blessed to recieve one of her warm hugs. Right before she hugged me she held my face in her hands and looked me strait in the eyes with a grandmother-like look, that spoke of her warmth and kindness.

Thank you gift

2008-06-20T11:35:00.002-04:00

I am sending out this jar as a thank you gift to XXKarenXX. SHe was one of three people on Swap-bot who were so kind as to send me "Get Well Soon" Gifts when I had my surgery. I am going to be sending it out as soon as I can. I hope she likes it, I know she loves beading.

"List The Stickers III"

2008-06-19T21:00:00.001-04:00

I recieved this wonderful swap from Kungnang in Thailand. I especially like the cat pouch. It was a pleasent surprise to recieve it in the mail. I was just expecting 3 sheets of stickers.

Button Fairy Ready to fly.

2008-06-17T21:02:00.004-04:00

I made this button fairy in order to grant the wish of LadyB on Swap-bot. I hope she likes it.

Letter to my younger self

2008-06-14T15:08:00.005-04:00

One of the swaps that I am participating in. is a challenge to write a letter to yourself in high school. I choose to write to myself at the age of 15 (Sophmore year). I decided to copy it hear and past it so that others can read it as well.

To: Me at age 15
This has to be the hardest letter that I would ever write. There are things that I wish I could change about the past but I am afraid too. If I warn you to change one thing, will it change who you become in the end; who I turn out to be? Of course I wish that I could have spared myself some of the pain of growing up.
I know you are reading this in surprise. Well I don’t blame you (me). Yes! This is you 7 years from now. I don’t know how this is possible but it is. Another thing that shocks you is the warning that things are not going to be easy over the next 7 years. But take comfort in the fact that during all this time you never lose the love of your family or the LORD.
So what should I tell you? What warning should I give? You should not be afraid to take chances. I know that it is hard, after all you like things as they are and safe. Why take a risk? At this time in your life you are a foster sister; Sharing your home and family with kids who are going through tough times. Your family is taking a risk with each of the kids that they open their home too.
DO you know that the little 2 year old girl your family is taking care of right now will be with you for 2 years? That she will share your room? Capture your heart? There will be a moment in those years, when you will walk around the mall with her and a man would comment about your daughter. I know that you get upset when people do that, when they assume you are the kind of girl to have a baby during your teen years. But don’t get upset about that, remember that you know enough people who had kids during their teen years and they are wonderful parents.
It is hard to tell you this but after those two years; your parents will choose to adopt her. You will be thrilled to have her as your little sister. You will plan sister things that you will do with her. But suddenly some distant relatives will show up and take her from you. They will promise that they will stay in touch but all you will get is one phone call, and then all ties will be severed. You will nurse those wounds for a while but then you will get over it.
You will graduate high school on your 18th birthday; it will be a lot of fun. That summer between high school and college will change your life and start off a series of events that will change you. Grow you into the woman I am now. I can’t say that you should not go through these things, because if you don’t then who knows how you will turn out. There already is something going on in your life that you don’t know is happening. You don’t know that you are suffering from depression. You think that this is normal and part of life. You make excuses for yourself but trust me it is not normal. It is not how life should be.
During that summer you will meet a young man. He is nothing to look at but you like him anyway. You date for one month. A week before your one month anniversary, he tells you that his ex called and wants to see him. He tells you that he will go and see her. That if she wants him back he will go to her and leave you. It won’t hit you just then, but the next day you will cry in your mother’s arms when the reality of what he said hits you. You know that he means that you are not worth keeping, even though you have been a wonderful girlfriend and you parents have taken care of him and helped him in the hard times. You will slip even further down that path of depression.
In college you will hide the hurt and pretend that all is well in the world, but inside you are being eaten alive by the pain of depression. You will leave college halfway through your 3rd semester. You will spend the next two years bouncing from job to job and trying to fight depression. You will take medication and seek counseling, the fight will be hard but you will preserver. You will finally find the strength to return to college, you will attended a local community college and excel beyond your imagination. You will be respected by your peers and you will grow into a confident woman.
So don’t be afraid during the next 7 years. Things will work out but you just have to stay the course. If there really is something that needs to be changed, then don’t fall for that guy. Don’t give him the chance to fill your head with that lie. Remember you are totally worth it. You will one day find that guy who will fight for you, who will love you (Though even at 22 you will still be waiting for him to show up). There is a phrase that you will use many times over the years as your friends get married and you are still alone. You will smile, tilt your head and say “Someday my prince will come, but right now he is lost and too stubborn to ask for directions.”
I have to end this letter now, but remember to stand tall Leah. All will end right as it should be and even at 22 you will still have a lot of growing to do, you will still face hard times, but you will be able to pull through. Take care of yourself and enjoy chocolate while you still can, because at 22 you will undergo a surgery that will change what you can and can’t eat. Chocolate will be something that you can handle in small amounts. I am talking one M&M at a time.
All my love,
ME (a few days before my 23rd birthday)

250Ct. Matchbox Surprise swap recieved.

2008-06-09T20:37:00.003-04:00

I recieved this wonderful matchbox from Agonysdecay. A Rocky Horror Matchbox, how cool is that? It was filled with all these wonderful goodies. I love it.

Tin Man

2008-06-08T12:50:00.005-04:00

When this movie (Mini-series) aired on Sci Fi I was unable to see it. I wanted to. I had seen the commercials for it and planned to watchit, yet right before it aired my family had to cancel our t.v. service for a while to save money. I was bummed since I missed my favorite shows and the chance to see this movie. After months of living without television, we finally got it back. But even though it didn't bother me any more that I had missed this movie, in the back of my mind I still wanted to see it.

Well, I was in Wal-mart yesterday and felt like looking through the movie section to see what was there and on sale. To my vast surprise I found a 2-Disc Edition of Sci Fi's Tin Man! SO I snatched a copy and hurried to the regester to pay for it. 8 hours later, I finally had the time to watch it. I watched 4 hours last night and the last 2 hours this morning. I really enjoyed this movie. I have to admit that at first I worried that I would be stuck with a movie I didn't like after all that. but I was hooked from the first moment. I think that the story and characters are wonderful. I love the look of it. It really was better than I imagined. Thankfully I now own the DVD and did not have to wait a week between each of the parts just to see what would happen next.

I have to say that my favorite character is Glitch, yet I love all of the guys. I love the whole idea of the zipper on his head, it is really creative. Ok I guess I will stop here. (This is the longest post I have done yet :-))

250CT. Matchbox Surprise Swap

2008-06-07T21:10:00.003-04:00

I mailed this swap out today. There is a lot of stuff stuffed into this matchbox. I hope the gal who recieves it will like it.

Local Ghost Story Swap

2008-06-04T20:59:00.004-04:00

I recieved this neat package from Leahsimone in the "Local Ghost Story" swap. I loved it. I can't wait to read the book and I love the cute little notebooks.

It's in your blood

2008-05-27T21:23:00.003-04:00

As much as I pride myself on being of Greek decent. I can't deny that I am also of Scottish decent. I think that it is cool being a mutt (Mixed nationalities). I can claim the best of both worlds. Ok, I admit, the best of three worlds, since I am also French Canadian. But in honor of my scottish heritage I placed the tartan and creast of my clan here in this post.

More Journals

2008-05-25T21:03:00.001-04:00

This is the last of it.

So Many Journals...

2008-05-25T20:58:00.001-04:00

SO Little Time!
I had 8 journals to work on for 1001Journals.com. So here is what I did, granted they are just collage work but they are alot of fun to make.

The Art History Project (pt.1)

2008-05-21T03:19:00.005-04:00

I had an elective, so I looked down the lists of the classes that I can use to fill this elective. I really wanted an art class of some sort. My eyes fell on ARTA101 A.K.A Art History. SO I signed up. I did not realize at the time that I would actually enjoy that class. Now don't get me wrong, I love art! I wanted to get a better idea of the different types of art out there (maybe that would make me a better artist or inspire me to create a masterpiece).
I learned alot in that class and my teacher is a very agreeable woman. The final project was a Gallery/Museuem critique. So I set out to visit the Met (Among the other topics I placed in the book). Here are some photos of art that I critiqued for this project.

New Year Resolution

2008-01-06T21:37:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year!
At this point in my life, I don't like to make resoultions, mostly because I don't always keep them. Yet this year one of my main goals is to tap into my creativity. I get all these great ideas and fail to bring them to life. I will try to learn new techniques and practice them. I will try to make great art this year.
ME

Gimme Your Stuff

2007-12-30T18:27:00.001-05:00

I am involve with swaping on swap-bot.com and now on Gimme Your Stuff. Here is a list of items I swap:
Things I can send:stickers, stationery, homemade and local postcards, blank greeting cards, FB's, Friendship Sheets, Decos, Slams, Crams, bookmarks, candy, tea bags, Artist trading cards, drawings, art supplies, magazine pages, journals, and other things.I am pretty much open to swapping anything. If there is something apecific you want let me know and I will try to help you.
Things I would like to recieve:Stickers, Stationary, Homemade postcards, homemade journals, craft supplies, Artist Trading cards, Artwork, Local items (Things I can't get in the US)We can work out through e-mail what I would like to recieve

What a load!!!

2007-12-19T15:23:00.001-05:00

Today I recieved one of my Christmas Tea swaps. THis load came from a charming woman in Australia. I was shocked to see such a big package waiting for me since there was not alot that was required to send. And yet she went above and beyond to make a wonderful christmas package for me, so it defenetly deserves a mentioning.

Comp Graphics class strikes again!!

2007-12-12T16:13:00.001-05:00

I made this in computer graphics class. We had to design the cover of a greeting card.

Dali2

2007-12-03T16:26:00.001-05:00

Here is the rest.

Dali

2007-12-03T16:24:00.001-05:00

For my computer graphics class. i had to design ads for a gallery showing. I choose Salvador Dali. These were fun to do.

The Queen Ink Blot

2007-11-27T10:42:00.001-05:00

This is the first Ink Blot Character that I have made. I like her and I know that I will make many more fun creations in the future. I am also hopeful about the swap I am setting up.

My Button Fairies are ready to fly

2007-11-23T10:26:00.002-05:00

These are button fairies I made for a swap I am participating in. I love how they look, even though my camera did not do a good job of capturing them. They are Beautiful and fun to make.

Greek Independence Day Posters

2007-11-18T16:16:00.001-05:00

In my computer Graphics class, we had to make three posters that portrayed some event in history. I chose Greek Independence Day. In honor of my heritage. I love how these posters came out.

A Good Mail day

2007-11-16T15:41:00.001-05:00

My pen pal and fellow Good Mail Gal, Lynda sent me this sweet treat as well as some fun stickers, Thanks Lynda :-)

Woman

2007-11-04T17:29:00.001-05:00

A man was wondering alone one day.
Upon a lonely willow tree he came,
And thought to rest beneath its branches.
He spied a lovely creature gazing into the pool.
He approached in awe, afraid to speak, least he frighten this thing away.
Clear eyes fell upon him and he dared to speak,
“Tell me, I pray, what are thee?”
Upon the wind a sweet sound came,
And he knew an answer he was to receive.
“I am thy dream, thy peace, thy heart.
In my weakness thou shall be my strength,
When thou grows weary, I shall be thy rest.
Thy fortress and safe haven rest within my being.
Thou shall be the head of thy house, and I shall be the heart of thou home.
I shall laugh and cry with thee, for this path is long and hard.
I am thy encouragement and joy.
I am thy greatest unknown dream.
Thy heart has asked for me and I was made,
To give thee comfort, rest, and joy.
I am woman, your love, your wife.”
The man rejoiced in this companion for the journey,
And with Woman, he found his rest.

The Color Purple

2007-10-29T13:45:00.002-04:00

"God gets pissed off if you pass a field and don't notice the color purple."

Last night, I had the chance to go and see the musical, "The Color Purple". The story was very touching and I was wraped up in it. When I looked at the world through Celie's eyes, forget I was a white girl from 2007. Today i was telling a friend of mine about seeing this show. I told him how for once in my life I was the minority, while I was at that theater.
If any of you want a good story to "experience", I recomend that you see this. I really wanted to cry for joy and sorrow during it.

Look up in NYC

2007-10-17T16:30:00.001-04:00

I tend to go to NYC every once and a while. I decided to go and take photos of some of the buildings and stuff. Folks should stop walking with their heads down. Look up and see many of the wonders of the city. Here are my favorite photos from that trip.

In A Bubble

2007-10-15T12:19:00.001-04:00

So many times within this past year I have felt like someone stepping out of a bubble. Things that I thought I knew, I don't. People I used to know better than myself, have changed. How does one adjust to this rude awaking? How do I react to these changes? I just want to step back into my bubble and not leave.

Beginnings

2007-10-11T15:38:00.001-04:00

This is the first time in my life, I have stepped up and said that I would keep a blog. I am not the type of person who writes about any little detail in my life. But I will write that which needs to be written about. I will share my thoughts and creativity.
So this is a new beginning, and it is my hope that this will work out well.