I wish that you are real

Playing with strong colors in my journal.

I went into my room yesterday with the intention to clean it up (because there is no place to step in, not less create). Instead I saw my journal, glanced at the watch and decided that I have 20 minutes to play. So that's what I did. Then I put some more stuff IN the room and closed the door behind. I don't like it that way. I'll have to find a way to put some things away....
But not today. Today I am playing with my new Total Gym. I tried it last night and felt so good after it that I can't wait to work out more and be in pain tomorrow. I'll also visit the lovely Borders bookstore to buy another book for Hana. I'm so happy that she finally found books that she likes and is actually enjoying reading them.
And then there's weekend! Happy days!
I hope you'll have a great weekend.

Hope. Change.

It has been a while since I made little ACEOs (ATCs). I forgot that it takes a lot of time to put all the details on a relatively small piece of paper. On the pinkish card you can see a stitching detail. I planned to do more... but my last needle broke and flew all across the room. I decided that it looks interesting enough so I didn't cover it. I also played with the 'amber colored' raised frame. I'll have to take pictures when I make the next one and show it. I think it frames the card nicely and it's easy to do.

-available on etsy-

Hold on to your dream

- available on etsy-

"Do I detect a little Suzi here? Is it painted on wood?" - asked Suze while commenting here.

Yes. And yes. Suze was right.
I never painted on untreated wood before. It's a completely different experience than when there is a layer of gesso or primer. I also never used a wood burner. I loved it! The smell is wonderful! In my mind I was in cabin surrounded by snow, while sipping wine in front of a fire place.
The painting looks like an orange blob on the photo, but up close it's different. There are layers upon layers, it's very textured and colorful. I hope some of it shows on the close up photos. I was in heaven pulling out all the supplies, painting and making a huge mess in my studio.
The easel is a gift from my mother. I'm not very comfortable painting on it yet. But I am getting used to it. There is another piece of wood on it right now. I'm off to play...

I dare you

That was the title of Sharon's post. So I tried... and didn't like the result. What happens when you create a page in your journal that you don't like? Either gesso over it and start again. Or decide to live with it and write on the page how you feel about it. That was my choice for this page. You can't even see how ugly it is. Among many poor choices, I used interference green (which is usually subtle and pretty), but here it is simply hideous... I tried to hide it, but it is still peeking through layers. The more I look at the page, the more it makes me smile. Creating is definitely a great stress release... even when the results are far from what we wanted.

Savoring serenity

This is exactly how I'm feeling today.
I woke up before 6 this morning. At first I was disappointed that I didn't sleep longer on a non-work day, but then remembered that I have a room of my own and smiled. I slipped into my cozy robe, went to my studio and started reading a poetry book that I recently bought. These words captured me, so I quickly painted in my journal (yes, I found it.... day after I wrote the post about loosing it. It was exactly where I left it, but someone (dh) put a heavy thing that holds dvd-s on it and hid it...). These are words by Peggy Warren. Try repeating them several times... I think they feel good.

Family = love

I lived without computer and internet for almost three weeks! That has to be a record! I had a happy reason. My parents were visiting and I wanted to enjoy every free moment that I had. Some of you may remember that my Mom was a 'broken ballerina' and that I travelled home to Europe last year to help her after her surgery. I was so happy to see her back in full force and I couldn't get enough of her smile and kisses. As you can see there were tons of hugs and kisses going on. Happy times.

No one can visit me and not try a green smoothie. I admit that I torture people with them. Some of them accept it with a smile and dignity. Others (my Dad) not so much.

When I returned from work one day I was thrilled to see that my Mom painted on my big canvas. The one that I said I will paint whatever feels right and just be "loose and free" and never touched it after that... This is what she painted:
The words mean that love & pain. It sounds a bit different in our language, but the message is universal - our hearts feel love and hurt and very often it's both at the same time.
I wanted to show my painting, but don't have time for it now. It will wait for the next post.