Cafe'...Art

It's Not a Mountain...It's Just Life

Life has a way of "getting in the way" of what you truly want to do...sigh...heavily.  But that is what life does, it goes on each day whether I am ready for it or not. Doesn't matter if I feel like I can't keep up, or process all the events of the day, that quickly turns into a week.  Work, people, events, you try to "squeeze" in you, meaning something you would enjoy.  I try, I do, but doesn't seem to be enough for me.  Like sitting outside in the evening, which I am doing right now.  The sounds of nature fill the air,  the breeze picks up,  all right the bugs are getting a little annoying now. Time is short, fleeting, I'm getting older, we all are, and do.  I can fight it. But how do you fight it?  I'm thinking instead to go with the flow, has much as I can...to let go of the things that I have no control over. Take the load I carry off and lay it down, let it go. I can do that with God, should be enough, sometimes it is, sometimes....it's not. That's hard.  But I find I just need to sit, ponder upon His word, pray, let Him speak to me, and remember....in quietness and peace will be my strength, when I am weak, He is strong.  He will never give me anymore than I can handle.  Take that Lord which I can't put into words, that I carry, that burdens me so. You know, you know all things, You know me, where I am, where I'm going, and where I've been.  And you care, you know how to make it work together for my good, to make sense of my life and make it into something of worth.  Equip me to do the hard things that seem to be in my life. That take ME, use me up, and seem to leave me lay....Bring the blessings, the good, I pray to drink the cup that is not bitter, but sweet.  I know we must have trials and hard things to make us into that person of worth, having character, value, and to be able to help others who are traversing there own path.  We all have one, good, bad, bitter, sweet,  let it not be in vain, and help me, us, to not miss what we were created to be and do, and let it not miss us....thank you Lord, I love you....Amen 

So, have a great week, take time for something you enjoy, that is just for you.  I did a pedi tonight and a great food massage, yes! Myself...

Heart Ramblings.....

Why do we have to keep things to ourselves.  The stuff, emotions, cuz that's what's correct.  When we hurt, why is it not ok....to say so.  You'll offend, mostly they don't see, to absorbed in their life and stuff.   And rightly so, it takes alot to get thru your days, your stuff.  My point exactly.   So why can't we GIVE the space of respect, forgiveness, understanding.  love... To know it's ok...one can't do everything, or be everything, or...get it all...right. Maybe never....we sure remember our mistakes, screw ups if you will.  Those are reminded to us if not by others, certainly by ourselves, the old records that play, that weigh us down...hard to not let it...sigh...I will endeavor to give it to God, holding onto Him, who knows, remembering He is ultimately the only one I have to please and answer to....Just some heart ramblings......

Spring is in the air.....

Time for changes...can you feel it...it's in the air . After all the calender says Spring....the air smells of Spring.  I did see some lovely green showing itself bright, against the brown of old season going out.  It makes you think of all things possible again.  Hope revealing itself against the covering winter gave.  Your hidden then, warmed under woolens and a fire in the hearth...or corn stove!  I love winter too, warm soups, crusted bread...holidays.  But then winter becomes to lengthened, that even your soul wants to come out, breathe in new.  Your hands wanting to touch the earth, plant, and again glean a harvest of garden goodness...such is the seasons of life.  Has we circle around it once again.   Getting older, I must remind myself to enjoy each part, each piece again.  Like I am sure that I have missed something the last time around...

Creating, painting, I miss it!  My life consisting of work, getting the "have" to done.  Like many who must traverse the world of 40 or so hours, and what greets you at home...it's all right.  I know that I will be painting again, creating whatever God ordains in me to do.  Like a fountain welling up on the inside and finally spilling over...must it come out.  It too must speak and have voice...it will.... 

I have been knitting, a shawl, lots of hand warmers, even selling some... sigh..I do feel there is JUST so much creativeness to come out...waiting....speaking to me...only someone creative can even begin to know what I am saying...feeling....Please Lord ...move in my life, that open place that needs to be to let out all that you have put within me...don't let it be shut up any longer...it has waited so...all those days when I was young...small...I know you will...for....you know the plans you have for me....plans to prosper me(that which you have put within me) to give me a hope and a future...God is faithful to accomplish ALL that He has put within...for His praise and glory! 

Happy Spring everyone....Praise God for His son, who He sent, to die on that cross for me...He took it all..every last drop of sin.....for me....for YOU....and He rose again...conquoring Hell...that we might live eternally....and have life anew everyday here...on earth ......

La Bella Vita Shop

Here are the pictures I promised!  The Bella Vita is the shop I was talking about where my art can have a home, short lived I hope.  Molly is wonderful!  Talented, creative and gorgeous!  I hope to get to know her more.

 

 
 

Here is a sampling.  I know there will be more to come. Fall, beautiful, colorful leaves, pumpkins...whoops.. I am so ready for that time of the year.  Between the rain, the rain, and oh, the rain....then hot hot hot...

I am a FALL girl by far. I just feel more alive, have more motivation...etc...not that I am standing still very often, if I am, I'm knitting!  Have a wonderful weekend.   

 

It's a Whole New World!!!

I am so excited!  A wonderful shop has opened its arms to me to show my art and sell it.  I will post pictures soon. It's in Mineral Point, which is a picturesque artful town.  Filled with creativeness, shops, wonderful sights and good food.  A feast for the senses on every level.  And...if you park and walk, some good exercise as well!!!    Molly is having a Christmas themed open house at her shop...La Bella Vita this weekend!   Like I said, I will be posting pictures soon...

In other news, summer has been interesting at best.  My garden is a  total FLOP.  Having no veggies to speak of except some cucumbers, which I am enjoying.  I THOUGHT I planted bush beans.  But have vining beans instead, that look like topiarys now!  With NO blossoms at all!!! What's up with that!  Had some lettuces, but no way near the 4-5 rows I planted. sigh, better next year?   

These are pictures from last year of painting at the school where I work..

 

I had to "conquer" the Genie and going up about 25'.  Ugh!

 

Had to do in sections.

  

From the book by Jan Brett, The Mitten.  On the wall in the Elementary girls bathroom.

Also in the Elementary, in the Boys bathroom.

That updates a little!  I will get pictures uploaded of my painting adventures this year!

This is really only a small portion.  There is a whole school of just regular painting, touch up, cleaning...it really does take a village!  And our maintenance dept. only includes a wonderful Supervisor, Phillip and 2 other gals...Rose and Julie...we all work extremely hard to make our school a place where the teachers, staff, and children  experience a clean, creative and colorful environment.  Organized and in place for a full school year!!!  WHEW!!

  

Beautiful Days

Time to update all my paintings that I have been working on for sometime.  Not to mention all the painting I have done and am doing at the school where I work!!   

Here is a slue of paintings to sip a glass of wine to or a cup of joe...your preference.  I am going to be doing a lot of updating in the coming weeks.  Wanting to change some of the layouts and things that have been on this blog for a long time.  I'm not much of a "same o'le gal!  The paintings below showcase some of my techniques of layering washes, applying textures with backgrounds that have depth and interest.  I even used raw sugar sprinkled over a wet canvas of color for "something different".  That would be the chickadee one.  Enjoy and if you have any questions, please ask. We all have our techniques and giftings.  There is room for everyone and I love to share and learn just like everyone else...besides you hang on to tight to what you feel is YOURS and you just become stagnant, stuffy, and you show you are not secure or confident in who you are and what your art reveals about you. No one can copy another exactly....so a saying I learned fits the bill....get over yourself!!!  I try to everyday.....Ha!

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Coming back for another try...

I will see if this is going to work on my system.  It has been a long time away, and I have to say that I have missed blogging.  A way to pour out ones thoughts and heart.  Whether anyone reads it or even cares. HA!

Well it did download the picture.  Allbut taking forever to do...sigh.This is my grandaughter Carlee, this is an older picture, and the sweater I knitted for her....cutie petutie...!

New Year, New Beginnings? Let's hope!!

I have been busy, such a lovely operative word that gets used too much. Sigh, but is never the less, true.  MY husband lost his job in September, I started a job in October.  Good timing, I know.  For me it is a lot of adjustment from having your own business, setting your own hours, to going on the clock again.  Having hubby home, when his hours from work, he has been a truck driver for 30 some years,  varied, but I could have a good amount of free time.  I love to paint, knit, just create, and then add in the kids, and grandchildren.  Makes life full right there.

Changes.   I choose to believe are for the good, for my good, and for our good.  We will see what comes, what life brings.  Some day's I feel as though I am just hanging on for dear life. Praying, crying, or just choking them back...I do find joy, have joy, peace, you bet.  God IS in control no matter how my life seems to spiral out of control, my control that is.  Either I believe He is for me, or not, that He is real and therefore involved in my life, or not.  I choose to believe against all hope, hope that I feel has been deferred in my life over and over.  Dreams that have been crushed beyond measure...but the flame still flickers.  Which means there is life in them, those things, dreams, hopes.  So...I will continue, doing what I know to do, learning as I go.  Believing....

Here is some more paintings, and I wlll get some more pictures of knitting on from Christmas, yikes, I know.  It is a step for me, to pour out, and put ME out here again....I choose, I am strong, I will make it....this IS for a season, and this too shall pass...

Well, 45 minutes later, no pictures.  won't upload...will try later... back to the helps ticket.

Paintings of Fall!

I am finally getting a collection going where my paintings are concerned.  How can I not paint the most beautiful season of all...Autumn.  

 

I love this one with trees and color...I used acrylic with misted water as I went, it is also painted on a "watercolor" canvas.  I found I really liked this material.

 

This one I just finished this week, inspired by pumpkins, and my favorite mums!

 

I am surprised I was able to get anything done, creatively speaking.  I just took a job at our school in town here.  We live right across from it, so is great on gas milage..ha ha...my husband is out of work so will be working as custodian on the 3-11 shift.  They have great benefits, so am thankful to God for getting the position.  The work is very physical and alot of walking is involved....among other things.  I have decided to look at as my excercise program... So was glad that I finally felt like painting still since that is my first love.  Here is one finished today.

 

More views....

 

 

This one is not so much fall, painted on an applied texture to canvas technique.  Then painted with acrylic, washes, and layering.

 

 

This last one is NOT fall, but shows the "pureness" of summer, simple, and fresh.

Moments of Art

Sharing some artful moments to kind of catch up on so many things....here is a sign that Ruth wanted painted for above her kitchen sink area.

 

My friend, Helene had a birthday in September, so I painted a rendition of her home, and gardens.

 

A hydrangea picture that went to my sister Wendy for her birthday!

There will be more pictures, but for now my compose editor is telling me enough by all the noises and slowness....

 

September uproar!

Seems like September arrived with a bang, I'm hear, like me or not!  It makes people think of last winter and how much snow we had, and the cold.  Seems like it's coming on quickly, what with the Farmers Almanac saying we are to have 150" of snow, what IS that about...really??!  And cold, hey we expect cold, it's winter...in Wisconsin, and snow, yea we have snow....but 150"?  Last year they said we had like 100", and let me tell you living in town, there was no place left to put any snow.  I had left out my Adirondack chairs, and they were literally buried!! That's snow. Like when I was a kid snow!   

Well enough of that! I have tons to update here, and it's time to get crack-a-lac-kin!

I seem  to be able to blissfully type away, as I was not previously able to before what with all the changes they have been making with Typepad!  So am quite excited about that, I will see when I upload my images what that will or won't do.

Now...to fall...my favorite time of year. I am knitting....always knitting.  We have a delightful new addition to our family, a girl.  Olivia Jade, she is the daughter to my son, Jeremy and wife, and favorite daughter in-law, Jessie.

                      She is a button for sure!!!

Also have been painting, a lot, house and my canvas work.  We also, are working on family things, mixed in with a wedding, birthdays, and a funeral.  So life is as life is.  You just keep picking yourself up, praying, and going on.  Taking the joys that come, and the buffering of sadness, and changes.   We are either strengthened by them or, they will crumble us.  I find I must have some me time.  Some quiet, some comfort food, and yarn, knitting, and maybe just a bit of wine!

I will post more has I am trying this new stuff out, and will get my photos from my camera uploaded and organized...later people's!

Bunnies and Children

These are the little bunnies that have been hanging around my yard this summer!  Apparently we have a lot of clover in our yard...yea.

Here are my "budding" artists!

Carlee! She is 1.

Then there is Carson, he is 3.

And sister, Kaeyla, who is 10!

They were just having a ball!

The weather was beautiful that day.  We had a cookout with my middle daughter, Angie and her family, my son Jeremy and his wife, who will soon be delivering their first baby and our 6th grandchild!  Whew!  Time does fly!

BYEEE!

More paintings

So far so good with the posting, there is still some gliches!  Hopefully they  n will get worked out soon!

This painting was a commisioned one.  Her wedding was in a castle with this tower.  Her wedding flowers, bird of paridise, lillys, were the main flowers. Again lots of texture and laying in of colors and design.

There is also lace added to the picture and some beading.

Well it's screwing up now so I guess this post is done!

                                                                                                                                                           

Lots of stuff to catch up on! Jessie's baby shower!

I will try to catch up on everything that has been going on!  This is the baby quilt I had been working on. Jessie, my daughter in-law and I, had gone shopping to pick out the colors and prints that she would like.

Of course, this was done the week of the shower!

 

 

 

Here is the finished quilt, it is roughly crib size. It is machine pieced and machine quilted.

 

                  

                   I used variegated thread for the quilting and I think it turned out very nice. Most of all Jessie was thrilled!  The shower was a hot hot humid day, with severe storms and tornado's sirens going off!  We had a houseful, and were able to enjoy ourselves even when many had headed downstairs! The shower cake depicted a pond theme like the baby's room, with lilypads, dragen flys, and a frog of course! Chocolate cake with home made raspberry filling, and butter creme frosting.  It was a huge YUM!!! Which what I went through to make it I found it to be astonishing that it even resembled a cake!

 

 

              

Here is the haul of presents!!! She got so many useful and just beautiful things for the new baby! She, Olivia Jade will be so excited!  I am sure she enjoyed the day through Moms excitement!

                                               

Here is Jessie opening up presents. Her sister, Becky, sitting next to her, and their Mom. and I  put on the shower for her. It was a good collaboration!   Well done girls!     

                            Honey, you look absolutely radiant, and beautiful!  I am so proud of you!

 

Paintings

Update on my painting.

Psalm 91 is depicted.  She is being held, safe, under the shadow of His wings.   Healing.  Peaceful.  In the midst of  the hard road of treatments.  She comes thru.....

 

Swapland ME info

Let's Get to Know Each Other And Play 20 Questions!



1. What is your favorite Summer Drink(s)? Iced chocoalte mint tea, I make my own

2. What is your favorite Summer Activity? Gardening!

3. If you could spend a lazy afternoon reading, what would be in your hands? Decorating magazines/Country Living, Victoria, Home Companion...

4. What is your favorite type of craft/art medium?Painting, oils, acrylic, watercolors, knitting

5. What is one art/craft supply you absolutely have been dying to have or try?stained glass window making

6. What are your favorite colors in our 'rainbow sherbet' theme? Pink, lime green, yellow, orange, aqua (or blue) Lime green, pink, lavender
7. What is your favorite sweet treat?chocolate with lavender in it

8. Are there any craft or art supplies you would NOT be interested in receiving????????

9. What is your favorite song today?Staying alive...ah ah ah ah Staying aliveeeeeee....just kidding!

10. How do you 'pamper' yourself during the hot summer days?lots of showers, body masks, face masks, cool drinks.....AC

11. Do you have any kidlets or pets? kids all married, soon 6 grandchildren, 1 Humphrey, a pug

12. What is your best potluck dish for summer get togethers?Taco dip and lime tastados

13. If you could take a summer vacation anywhere, where would it be?PARIS!!!!!

14. Describe your decorating style. Does that say anything about your personality?cottage, garden, whimiscal, artsi.....

15. What are your initials?CAG

16. Why do you like to join swaps?gooooood question.....I love to give fun surprises....and hey I love to receive tooo....just being honest!  It's just plain fun!  But I do love getting to know new people and what they are like and where they live.  I really think that's the very best part!!!

17. You have 25 dollars to spend just on you for a little treat. What do you buy? ((you can list more than one thing) A tall iced soy latte with whip cream!  A book, I love to read travel essays of Paris or Italy!

18. What's one craft supply or art supply you absolutely can not live without?Beads, and it's components, I have time and time again had to come up with a gift and wha-la made either earrings or necklaces.....

19. Who's the last person you hugged?My children, daughter inlaw, grandchildren....family...We just had a baby shower with like everyone there....it was a hug fest!!!

20. What's your favorite number and why?2 for unknown reasons...whenever I am shopping I seem to like to buy things that way!  Go figure!

Just to let you know....that would be my family....I was made to do this.....hog tied......gagged....only fingers were used here......

A Quick Note!

I will try again to post!   Typepads updating is a slow process, with many bumps, and I for one am not happy with them....I know that I just need have patience though!!   I have been very busy,  getting both my decks stained.  They now look very rich and nice.   The garden is mostly in, and even growing.   Soon I will be having some lovely lettuces, and my wheat grass for juicing again!!!  Very excited about that!   I am still painting, and finishing up things,  knitting, a baby quilt, etc, for an up and  coming baby shower for my son and daughter in-law.  SHE, will be coming end of August.  Very exciting, as the coming birth of all my grandchildren has been!  I will post more pictures has Typepad enables me, still is slow, and scary has things freeze up and DISAPPEAR!  Which is frustrating having to type out the "blah blah" for the 100th time!!!!! Till then, keep breathing, keep creating!.....

Paintings and Shower prizes!

I have been busy painting on canvas, I am using acrylic, instead of oil, which I have always used in the past and enjoyed.  I also apply texture, and do alot of layering.  The other addition is words, or the word!  I am going where I feel led with these.  It is great fun, and a release in myself as I am doing it!

These will have to be framed yet.

I love the colors, how they blend into depth, and texture!

This one I really love and feel moved when I look at it.  Angel wings, as He covers you, hides you, protects you, gathers you.....

There is some scripture peaking out of his wing.

I have also finished my prizes for a baby shower for my daughter  in-law!  I hope they will like!

I made 4 necklaces and the knitted Chip Bag from Stitch Poet!  I also want to make the Hobo Bag!

The inside has lots of pockets...one wants cool, but needs practical!

I know the right person will get it at the shower!

Mothers Day!

Mothers day was very special this year.  My daughters had me meet them at the Olive Garden to eat!  We had a great time, and enjoyed the meal much, laughed, and relaxed.  I'm sure it was a gift for them as well!  I received cards from all my children and daughter in-law!  Grandchildren as well.  Found myself very "full" of being loved indeed!  Thank you all for your special part in my day!

After I got home, I just spent the time finishing up a few touches for Sunday,  I was having my Mother, sisters and family come for lunch.

I lit my newfound candle holder, enjoyed my picked before the rains came, tulips, and was thankful in my heart for the showers of goodness of my Lord and savior Jesus! 

May all Mothers be strengthened, blessed, and know their worth and place that is upon them as we nurture, give and do everyday many times with no thanks, or no one to cheer them on!

Paris Swap! Birthday Party and Painting!

Sweet Goodness Swaps had another good swap, I just had to be a part of!  Paris in the Springtime!  My partner was Julie, from California!  A very sweet gal, mother, wife.  Very creative and special!  Her blog spot and shop is here.  Joy's Hope!  This is what she sent me...I just loved it all!  A box, chock full of Joy's goodness!  Paris themed sign, stickers, chocolate! Milk glass vase, yarn, cards, a beaded ornament of my last name initial!  Wonderful...thank you again Julie!

I had the pleasure of meeting some new women has we celebrated a mutual friend of ours...Marsha!  She is also my kineseologist!  My "health doctor".   God has really used her in my life and in many lives as well!  May she continue to be blessed with all that she needs in every way!

We all had a great afternoon of sharing in her day!  Love you Marsha!

On another note!  I have felt that...being led, again, to paint!  So I am, different than before.

Love it!

Very layered, textured, with a message that is only known in the interpretation of the viewer!  I have to say the photo's don't do it justice.  I will try to take some more!

Be Blessed!