It's in the mail.....!!!!!!!!!!!

I did it!  I'm proud of myself.  I finished my book for The Fiction Project, and I sent it back in the mail yesterday. 

This may not seem like an accomplishment but for me it was huge.  Not only did I write a fiction story which was something out of my comfort zone, but I completed the book while under huge duress. (I must admit creating the book was a wonderful diversion from my worries about my Dad.)  And, I got it done on time. That only happened because I decided it was more important to get the book done than to have it perfect.  (It worked.)

Next, letting it go...That was a little tough. I wanted to keep it so I could show all my friends. The copies I made are pretty good.  However, they don't have the same tactile feel of the book.  You can't touch the handmade paper, or feel the fabric collage, or open the interactive page.  It's just different. 

Below is a picture of the inside of the Brooklyn Art Library that I took off the internet. I wish the library was here in Boston.

Any one up for doing the Sketch Book Project of 2012? 
Here is a link to The Art House Co-op


The Brooklyn Art Library

New Beginnings

I suppose I've had a re-awakening of sorts.
Perhaps, that's what a death of a loved one will do to you.


I read a great quote that has stuck with me:
"Death is the celebration that teaches us how to live"
Not sure who wrote it, but for me it's true in that I'm making some changes in my life.


1)  I've decided to eat healthier - within reason.


2)  I'm going to sketch every morning while I sip my (decaf)coffee.


3)  OK...I'm getting back to walking.  No excuses, I now have time for myself.

4)  I've begun a "one line" night time journal


This morning I tried a new recipe.
Not sure if I did it right - it took me way longer to cook the Quinoa than the recipe called for.

I added dried cranberries, walnuts and a few cut up plums.
I used the coconut milk to cook it instead of water, and I liked that.


Hot Quinoa Breakfast Cereal


Ingredients:
1 cup quinoa
2 cups water
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
coconut milk
Stevia or honey


Directions:
Soak the quinoa in cold water for 5 minutes
Drain and rinse - (I couldn't drain it because the grain was too small) I simply added coconut milk to the water
to cook it.  Also, It needed more liquid as it cooked.


In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa, the cranberries, walnuts and plums with the water (and coconut milk if you choose

Simmer until the water is absorbed.  It took my quinoa 15 min, but the recipe called for 5 minutes.


Serve with milk and sweeten with Stevia or honey or sugar


Note:
I cooked mine in the coconut milk, but I think this adds too many calories.  Next time I'll cook it in water, and add the coconut milk when I eat it.  You could use soy milk or milk instead.


I know this is a healthy breakfast, but I wasn't crazy about it.
Maybe, I'll get used to it?


Let me know if you try it or have a better recipe for quinoa
Thanks

A few pages from my Fiction Project book

This page is interactive. 

I'm a little afraid the stick will get lost.

Below is the cover I chose.  The shells tie into the story.  The cover is from one of my watercolors.  I had to cut it down to make the cover so I scanned the painting, printed it out on photo paper in matte.  Then, I cut it to fit. Only after I glued it on the book did I realize the ink isn't permanent. 

The cover looks a bit worn and I like that effect.  I sprayed it with fixitive, and I'm hoping it will stand up to handling.

Throughout the book the mischievous muse shows up.  These pictures are really me in differnt outfits. 

Only my family, friends and blog readers will know who the muse really is.  Actually, she is named after my Mom who was a wonderful muse though she didn't know it.

a changed world

It's a different world now for me. 
I'm not sure it has all hit home yet. 

 

I don't want to keep talking about my saddness on my blog. At the same time, I don't want anyone to ever think I'm being disrespectful to my Father as I go back to my usual posts.

Two weeks ago today my life changed forever when my Dad passed from this earth. I think I made my Dad proud by dealing with everything involved with his passing. It's amazing how many details needed to be handled - and right away! My family has been extremely supportive, too. Perhaps, being so busy helps you get by...but it's at night when it all hits you.

It's difficult to move on....but I think this is a healthy step.
One of the things I need to do for myself is send in my Fiction Project book before the deadline. My Dad knew about the book and kept asking me how it was coming along. Unfortunately, he never saw the finished book. I think he would like it.

Anyway, tomorrow the book goes in the mail. A creation I don't really want to part with! I wonder if my fellow Fiction Project creators feel the same way. I want to share my book, but it's my baby, and it's hard to let it go.  

Some photos of flowers sent in honor of my Dad...

Thoughts about my Dad...

Here is the saying I picked for my Dad's prayer cards for people to take with them from the funeral home. It seemed like something he would want us to know.  It's also, the message I would want my loved ones and friends to hold in their hearts when I pass:

I'd like the memory of me
to be a happy one,
I'd like to leave an afterglow of smiles
when life is done.

I'd like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways,
of happy times and laughing times
and bright and sunny days.

I'd like the tears, of those who grieve,
to dry before the sun of happy memories
that I leave when life is done.
***

Friends of my Father have told me that even though they really miss him they find themselves smiling when they remember the times with my Dad.  To me, that is a most wonderful legacy to leave behind. - My Dad touched other peoples lives in a true and positive way.

my heart is broken...

 
My Father went in the hospital in January and since then he was in and out of the hospital four times.  He also, spent two weeks in a rehab facility where he was doing great until he got hit with the Flu.

In between hospital stays I was taking care of him.  He put up an amazing battle to get better, but on Thursday, April 14, 2011 he slipped from this world while I had left the hospital to go home for dinner.

I was stunned because the Doctor told me my Dad had improved so much he would be moved to a regular room the next day.  I never expected the phone call saying he had taken a turn for the worse!  By the time I rushed back to the hospital he was gone.

Now, I'm playing games in my head.  -  Perhaps, I should have taken him to the Dr. sooner.  I should have asked this question or that question...I shouldn't have left the hospital to go home when I did.  I know I need to give it rest, but I just wanted him to get better so badly. 

 Leo was a World War II Veteran, and a kind, sweet person.  He never complained about anything ever.  He was mentally with it, too; and he loved baseball.

The funeral is the end of this week. 

The funeral is this Friday, Good Friday.

My Dad was well loved and will be truly missed.

cover hesitation...

Oh Gosh, I'm amazed at how difficult it is to figure out a cover for the book I wrote for The Fiction Project.  I want to make the cover memorable...or at least nice enough to get someone to open my book!  So far, I'm NOT doing very well.  I really had hoped a few people would want to read my book while it's on the journey across America. So far, I haven't come up with the right cover design.  Nothing seems right.   

I've thought about using one or two prints from my watercolors, for the cover, but they don't seem to fit the title.  It should be something fun, bright - and I'm just not there yet.  

I started painting a background for the cover.  It turned out too muddy.  Yikes. I was hoping to send my  book in soon.  I'm going to have to solve this problem quickly!


Now, I'm thinking I might print out one of  my beach scenes and use a photo on the cover instead of a painting or print.  This might work since I talk about the beach in the story.



I'll have to play with this idea.

The Fiction Project

I've been working on The Art House Co-op's - The Fiction Project for a while now.  Actually, I'm almost finished.  I'm please with the story I wrote, but I know I rushed to get the book done.  I was so sure I wouldn't finish it in time I hurried it along. 

Even though I rushed it - I loved every minute of the books creation.  It was fun.  I went to bed late quite a few nights because I just didn't want to stop working on the book.  Part of the suggestions for writing the book were to hand write the story!  Well, I think my book would  look a lot better if I could have printed it out.  No matter how hard I try, my handwriting just isn't the best. 


Now, I've come to the part that is holding me back - the cover.  I can't seem to decide how to tackle this problem.  Should it be a collage?  Should I use one of my paintings?  Just not sure what I'm going to do yet.  Perhaps, I should consult with Melanie.  After all, she would probably have an opinion or some magical recipe that would work.

My story is about a mischievous muse named Melanie.  She finds a blank, abandoned book and decides to give it a home.  She drops it in the lap of a blocked artist and works her magic.
Because of Melanie's mentoring the artist finds her creative voice and the blank, boring book gets completed.  The artist then sends the book on to the Art House Co-op to become part of The Fiction Project.  It's a simple story, but it has a good message.


Here's a collage of some of the pages in the book.

farewell to a tree...

I'm always sad to see a tree being cut down.  I love trees.  

 

A few months ago, a tremendous, very cool tree at the apartment building where my Dad lives was taken down.  This tree used to take my breath away!  We were told it was diseased and it had to come down for safety reasons. I think everyone was wishing this wasn't the case.  The only saving grace was that parts of the tree were taken to make into furniture by a local craftsman.

The Maple was 200 years old!  I felt sick to see it go, but it's a done deal now.

One afternoon, while waiting for the elevator at the apartment I looked out and there below me was the base of the 200 year old tree. To me it looks like an unusual flower.

I had to take pictures of it.  This tree is still beautiful even in it's death. 

 This view is Ipswich, MA looking out from Central Street.

Video by Jan Phillips

I couldn't begin to put into words the way Jan describes creativity.
She nails it. This is a wonderful video. I had to share it you.

www.janphillips.com

I like this quote...

Whatever you dream 
or dare to
dream,
begin it."

Goethe

Fear of the blank page....

What is it about a blank canvas or a blank book page that is so daunting? There's an idea blooming in our heads...yet, the page stays blank and scary for days.  We look at it, but nothing happens.

I finally gulped down my feelings of intimidation.  I decided I would start my Fiction Project book yesterday no matter what.  I guess, it won't be the most perfect book ever created.  It won't even be a stellar example of an altered book because this is my very first project of this sort.  That's a fact I will live with.  I set my goal as just getting the book completed!  To realize my goal I had to start...

Often "Start" is the most important step to a creative adventure even if it's a scary step.  Without "Start"....there is never an ending....so I'm excited now.  I'm on my way.

The Title of my book is:

It will be fun.  I swear

*
The Adventures of a

Mischievous Muse

Art House Co-op - The Fiction Project 2011

My blank book arrived a few days ago from The Art House Co-op in Brooklyn, New York.  

This truly will be a challenge for me, but I'm looking forward to combining writing and art to create my story.  The Fiction Project sets its sights on literature and creating a narrative book that fuses writing with art!  I believe I need to have the project completed and back in the mail by May 1st so it can join the other books in a tour of the country.

The books will be included in an exhibition visiting galleries and museums in the following cities:

Brooklyn, NY San Francisco, CA Chicago, IL Seattle, WAWinter Park, FL

After the tour of the country these books will return to the Brooklyn Art Library and become part of the permanent collection in New York.  How neat is that?

Free Teleclass tonight...

 

Since, I've taken part in many of the Artella programs I thought this would be a worthy blog post.  Artella Land opens up an entire world to those of us who are creative and need a little boost.  Check it out.  

Just click on the picture to find out more about the teleclass.  
You won't be sorry.

Early Evening Moon

Early Evening Moon  

Where was my camera

as I drove down the road

watching in disbelief 

as the moon rose

huge and golden before my eyes?

It shown in great majesty

rising in the sky

like a knight guarding

my world.

Where was my camera

as the moon glowed warm,

dancing behind trees,

copper light 

glistening off windows?
 

The moon, so large

became in an instant

brilliant bright...

suddenly a jewel.

Suddenly a jewel

***
Penned by Linda Lamore

The "Super Moon," and the comment made by Flyingbeader sent me searching for an old poem I wrote years ago.  It seemed  to fit the beautiful scene we were treated to last night.

Super Moon...

It's Supermoon! A Rare Lunar Event Tonight

http://laist.com/2011/03/19/its_a_bird_its_a_plane_its_supermoo.php
Photo by Sundogg via LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr


Each time I listened to the news the past few days I heard about the "Super Moon."
 
The reporters said that scientists estimated the moon rising in the east at sunset this Saturday would appear 14 percent bigger than usual, and 30 percent brighter at its peak tonight.  

I was excited to attempt to take a few photos.  At first, I was disappointed because I saw no sign of the moon at sunset.  I thought my only chance of getting a shot of the moon would be at sunset when there was still some light in the sky.

Around 10:00 pm I spied that bright old moon.  

I had expected it to seem larger, but it was still beautiful.  I grabbed my camera, experimented with a few settings, and I was pleased with the results.  

 I have a new respect for my camera.  The setting I used for these pictures is called "scenery."

Paints paint flower!

Some of you know my dad has been seriously ill. 

 It's been a long haul from Jan 25th when he first entered the  hospital. He's since been in and out of the hospital 3 times! 

In between the hospital stays there was a tragic fire in the apartment building where my father lives.  Luckily, his apartment was not harmed. Unfortunately, the fire sent him out into the pouring rain where he got a chill...this happened just after he returned home from having pneumonia! Not surprising a few days later he ended up back in the hospital.

The great news is my dad has improved. He's in a rehab facility now and may be going home soon. I'm thrilled and relieved. Now, I can almost catch my breath.

I haven't painted in ages so when I opened a watercolor tray recently I discovered something just so neat. I had placed a paper towel in the container to keep the paint from leaking. To my delight an abstract flower painting emerged. 

My paints created a painting on the paper towel!

Magic does happen!!!

When has creativity rescued you?

 "Leo Scarf"

Has there ever been a time in your life when bad experiences, stress, medical emergencies, or family troubles totally overwhelmed you?  But - then, you discovered a few creative moments helped to lessen your pain?  I would really like to hear how "creative salve" helped you at certain troublesome times in your life.

This was my recent experience:

The One World One Heart 2011 event was an amazing glimpse into the creative world of over 800 bloggers.  It began Jan 31st and ended on Feb. 17th, 2011.

I learned a lot through this journey. Creative people are extremely willing to share the wonder of their discoveries and talents. They are a delightful group. 

Just before OWOH began my father became seriously ill.  He was hospitalized twice before coming home again on Valentines Day.  (Our special gift.)  He's in delicate health, but holding his own right now.  He's 93!

I'm blessed to have my dad in my life.  I cherish all the moments I spend with him.  While he was in the hospital I spent many late evenings (since I was too worried to sleep) visiting the OWOH creative blogs. I found diving into the world of other creatives helped keep my mind from my worries.  Now, I feel even closer to all who participated in the OWOH event. Thank you!

Also, I discovered keeping my hands busy helped calm my mind during the hours spent with my father in the hospital. ...Well, one scarf turned into 4, and I dubbed them "Leo Scarves!" They are very special.

I developed quite a reputation at the hospital.  A nurse I had never seen before asked me if I was the woman who crochets!