Thursday, February 26, 2009

sad day

Yesterday Ben and Chelsea miscarried and lost their baby. They are so young and I was worried about how they would handle two children. I am sad deep down because they were really happy with this new life and I can't say or do anything to fix it for them. I love all my children and grandchildren beyond words, it is painful to watch them hurt.
dana

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Fellow Journal Artist

Wow - as I have said - the journaling 101 online class really was an artisitc eye opener. This morning I was able to finally view some other participants work! It is soooooooo inspiring to see what others create. Check out http://goldbettyboop.blogspot.com/ I will be following her blog - talented and looks like fun!

Back to my pages - it is a day to get out the paint and pencils!
Dana

Saturday, February 21, 2009

new job

Okay - my first week at RX Optical. I was, of course, just in the way mainly but can tell that I will like it! The patients are nice, the staff is nice and the training program looks thorough. The best part - I was able to work out in the morning and tackle some housework each day - go to work - come home and not feel pressured because I had already gotten things done. Then the biggest deal - I had yesterday OFF.
News of the week - my friend Nancy became a grandma to a bouncing baby boy! "Boy" is her world going to change!!! She will be the perfect Nana!
MAKE A GREAT DAY!
Dana

Sunday, February 15, 2009

mini portraits


I have wanted to do this painting for 3 years and NOW have time. It is Cloee in her Halloween costume at 2. It is my first attempt - and I over worked it but I'm proud of it just the same. I want to do a color series with my grandkids - CLOEE IS THE ESSENCE OF PINK !!!
More to come.
Dana

Friday, February 13, 2009

NEW BEGINNING - AGAIN

Okay - today I turn 52 !!! I have once again decided to change direction! My family, friends and growing art experiences are my priority. When down in Key West, Sanford stated "Treat yourself with respect and importance - treat your art with respect and importance. Don't tolerate disrespectful behavior from others, move on". SO TODAY IS MY DAY TO DO JUST THAT !!! I am OFFICIALLY OUT OF THE CAR BUSINESS!!! I will have time to enjoy family, friends and art again. I have taken a position with RX Optical in Okemos. I will be working in a pleasant professional and positive environment! As I learn and have more to share I will do so. I am very anxious to get started. I will be working 40 hours - haven't done that in about 10 years! Mark is hoping that I get a handle on all my piles with this extra time on my hands. I hope I get my piles under control, have time to get back in shape and definitely have time to create!
This year I want to experience more times like:
All our kids and grandkids hanging out - water splashing, laughter, chalk drawings and lots of hugs - I did mention by the end of summer we will have seven - holy smokes!
this past fall when friends all got together with Chef Francesca and drank wine, laughed and hugged all while Francesca showed us how to put on a great Italian dinner - check her out: http://www.casadicesca.com/
More times like hanging out with friends on the deck with Mark at the grill and Sophie playing fetch.
More time to experience art classes and retreat trips like Key West!
Definitely want to train to run the 1/2 marathon in Key West again for January 2010 - wow that looks weird.
I hope I can fit it all in!
This is going to be a great year!
Dana

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

journaling 101

What an eye opener. I have several pages with watercolor washes - haven't had much time for cut and paste work soooooooooooo have really gotten into the doodle work and words! Scribbled, wiggly, large, small - letters - word triggers to go back to when more time. What I am so amazed at is how much that free's me up!!! I go to work without garbage on my brain - I look at the pages throughout my work day and get refreshed! I can't wait to work on them at home without interruption - my journey back into art has taken a huge turn with this experience!
Please check out the workshops offered at the Shabby Cottage!
Check out the two blogs I currently follow for more inspiration!

"INSPIRED !"
Dana