Ahhhhhhhh, ART!

The internet has opened up a whole new world for many of us. I visit blogs, read thoughts, see the work of many, many artists from around the world. In the "old" world (before internet) I wouldn't have this amazing kind of access.

There are many art retreats going on around the US. I have not been able to make one yet. Most of the time, they are just too far away. I would love to attend one, though. First, I think that being surrounded by like minded people is a must. Second, I want to be able to see, firsthand, how to do a technique. And third, I want to soak up the experience and lessons that the teacher and fellow students can offer.

Along this same line, there is a lot of art out there that I would love to own. And for the most part, good art ain't cheap. Each piece is priceless to the artist, and worth the investment. It's just not in the cards for me at the moment. So, I'll let you in on a little secret that could benefit me in a HUGE way, like a $300 of art way... By posting this information, and adding a few little links, I will be in the running for some wonderful art.

KC Willis, of Lipstick Ranch, has a schedule of classes (some online ones too) at her sweet new Studio Retreats. She found this amazing cottage, and is going to fill it up with art and artists like Joanna Pierotti and Sarah Fishburn. All workshops paid in full up front get 20% off!! And until the drawing is held September 5th (for the cool $300) those same paid workshops get one night of their hotel free here in lovely Longmont, CO!! EVEN BETTER!!

JoAnnA is going to teach an awesome workshop in May 2010 at KC Willis Studio Retreats. Her "Sacred Pockets" class will be a two-day workshop here in Colorado where she will unearth the Art-chaeologist in you. She has never taught this class before, so 10 very lucky students will be in for an incredible treat.

KC will be having a 2-day class right after JoAnnA's so you can get 2 workshops in one trip if you want to. VERY COOL.

I sincerely wish I could go. I really do. But for me, and other east coast and international gals who jsut can't make it, the online KC Willis Collage Camp is an option. You can even buy the DVDs.

So, go check all of this out. And of course I want to you post about this, I just don't want you to win the $300 in art!

hugs- Lee

Pretty Shiny Things

I'm digging into my stash and listing some of these mercury beads on etsy and Lollishops.com. I also have small red, gold and silver beads, as well as some even smaller aqua blue beads. Get crafting!

Go to the sidebar and click to be linked.

hugs- Lee

Godspeed, Senator Kennedy

"The hope rises again, and the dream lives on..."

Thank you Sen. Kennedy, for your tireless work in the Senate. You left some very large shoes to fill. I hope someone rises to the challenge.

Six Years Flew By

My oldest child turned 6 about a week ago. It's amazing to think that so much time has flown by. I remember the pregnancy, his birth, the first birthday party like it was yesterday. I remember holding him whenever I could, looking at his sweet face and trying to figure out who he looked like.

I still love to watch him sleeping. His face is so relaxed, and his skin is soft and smooth. He's beautiful that way. I love his sturdy little body, all angles and bones. He eats like a horse and is still skinny. I love his feet, and wonder how big they'll actually get. I love his hands. I love the back of his hair, so soft and the perfect kissy spot.

his birthday, 2 years ago

I'm lucky enough to have 2 children. Many couples have trouble conceiving. But being a parent is not necessarily about having biological children. Many people adopt, foster, or contribute to children's lives in other ways. We are all so important. We are all the Village.

Jason has grown up so much in the past summer. He grew almost an inch in the past 2 months. He now wears glasses, in an attempt to wake up an lazy eye. He writes his name, is a daredevil on his bike, and is "this close" to be able to swim.

blurry, but out playing in the rain.
hanging with Uncle Rich

Like most parents, I'm sure, I am amazed at the little person he is. I am thankful each and every day for the gift of this child. God chose me as his mom for a reason. I hope I do well.

pool party at the YMCA

Hugs- Lee

And we have a winner!

Karen won the blog giveaway. Her blog is Sadies Silken Threads. Karen, please contact me via my email (on my profile) and let me know what you're interested in. And don't forget your mailing address!



Thank you to all who visited. It means a lot to me and Julie. The internet and blogging has provided an amazing way for women to network and become friends. If I ever get to Kansas, Julie will be my first stop!


Hugs- Lee

Go Leave Some Blog Love- and Win Some Goodies

One of my favorite things to do in the mornings is catch up on all of my favorite blogs. One blog I really enjoy is Prairie Thistle Life, by Julie Pishny. I first "met" Julie through an online art group.

Julie lives in Kansas- for real- and has an amazing shop Gardenology KC with a few gal pals. This shop is all about women artists- and you gotta love that!

I am a mixed media jewelry artist, painter, photographer,

woodworker, gardener, fiber artist - former farmgirl,

now city girl, who wants to be a farmgirl again with

a chickens, a burro, and maybe a few goats!

Julie is a part of my Lyrical Interpretations swap, and I just love her style.

Julie has an etsy shop too, and she makes amazing handstamped metal stuff- and you all know how I feel about metal.

Please go and leave her some lovely comments. Then come back and tell me you've done so and I'll enter you in a little blog love giveaway. You'll have your choice from my stash- either scrapbook goodies or vintage goodies.

hugs- Lee

PS. I'll draw the name Sunday night, OK?

Feeling Creative

Despite the fact that my stomach is upset, and my youngest has a fever, I am feeling quite creative today. Perhaps it is due to the fact that the newest Halloween-inspired Somerset Studio arrived! It is packed full of wonderful, inspiring art. (Not to mention that the advertisement for Somerset Home has Tammy's art splashed across the middle of it!)

I am not normally a Halloween type of person. It's a fun holiday for the kids, but aside from carving pumpkins, I don't really decorate too much for it. I did not like the fall, Halloween themed Somerset Studio from last year. But this year, I love it.

Right now, I have 4 wooden houses painted and drying. I bought and printed out some Halloween collages from Etsy. These will be used to turn some old tart tins into something fabulous. Maybe a little candy cup, with a surprise in the bottom?

Go treat yourself to the latest Somerset Studio, and see what your inspired to create.

Hugs- Lee

Fabulous Friend

Last week, I came home to find I had received a package FULL of goodies from my friend Luz. We met two years ago this fall, at a scrapbooking weekend at the OBX. She and Tammy met first, as Tammy beat me to the OBX. Then, we hung out on and off all weekend, getting to know each other. We kept in touch via emails and blogs, but the thing is, we didn't really know each other yet. We just knew that we connected.

Fast forward to this spring and Girls Weekend at Tammy's house in Georgia. Luz flew in, as did myself and Natalea. And new friendships were forged. This wonderful fabric book is a reminder of the weekend (and gets me off the hook for making myself a mini-album!)

Luz also sent me some handmade tags and a cool, glittered spoon.

Thanks Luz, my lovely friend! Lee

HELP!

I need some inspiration. The days have been stressful, and my poor brain is fried.

Anyone know of some good crafting suggestions? Any challenges out there? Anyone want to do a swap?

Tell me what you're up to. Leave me a link and I'll feature your blog here.

xoxo Lee

Summer Nights

It's been a strange summer. Lots of rain, coming down is sheets. Like dimes and nickles, pelting the earth, the grass, the flowers. And it doesn't cool off, it stays humid. It's like backwards rain- steaming from the ground up.

Last night, before the thunder rolled in and the heavens opened up, me and the boys played with some sparklers. It was magical. Two little sprites, running in the dark, golden sparks flying. They squealed and laughed.

It was over too soon. Goodnight, my sweet boys. Love you.