Thursday, July 31, 2008

Soul Journal: What is hidden

Today I did a little playing with the family for the home page in the journal. Dang...it's nice but I'm still not done. Pictures at a later date, but it made me happy seeing us all crowded together in my little paper house, with sweet Ada cuddled in among (amongst?) us!

I prepped my next 6 pages, in between driving boys to the pool and fetching them home, shopping and spending time with my Mom, making dinner for my brother Mike who's in town working on his rig.

Here's my blank page in the composition journal.



I glued in old ripped file folders and some dictionary pages...

and some Canadiana ephemera. (I told you those pressed maple leafs made me feel patriotic!)

Then I brushed a light coat of paint over it all. I would have liked to play more, but other duties called. Daniel is picking up a shift tomorrow, so I will have something to keep myself amused.
Now I guess I'll show you the pages from Day 7 and 8. Without joy. Or excitement. Just sayin'.


This is the page after prepping, journaling and taping over the words.

Then I sanded it down...
and painted over it all.


I didn't like this exercise at all! I am not the type of person to want to hold on to past hurts and go over them, or examine them to death or to confront my old demons.
Of course I have things that make me sad; things I wish I could change, but hey, they're in the past and there is nothing I can do about them. I have no desire to hurt people who have hurt me in the past. I know I've caused hurts too, and I can't do anything about that except learn and grow, so I prefer to let bygones be sleeping dogs.... or whatever. So though I did this exercise I felt yucky doing it. And slightly pissed off, because up till that point I was having a great time and feeling all happy and shiney and the birds were singing and life was pretty.
Then the bad memories and the tape and the feeling of covering it up and blah, blah, blah.
Not so nice.

So now I'm thinking...is that a good thing to know about myself? And is that what this whole journey is about?

Knowing?

Or playing?

Hmmmm....I guess I'll move on and find out. ( Today I prefer the happy).

I'll be back tomorrow. No more griping.

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

More Soul Journaling

I'm having a great time playing with this. I liked the next page a lot. I started with a background spread prepared in much the same way as the others...ephemera glued down and then dry brushed over with white. I aged the pages with a watered down burnt umber, and then wiped it when it was still damp. I loved the look! I'm kind of sad I covered it up, and I forgot to take a photo! Oh well, I will be using this technique again. Thanks Sarah!

I then dug in my bin of magazines that lives behind my couch. I needed to make room in there to store Liam's toys anyway. The pile is growing and the toys need a home. All those trucks and barnyard animals have been wandering the house at will between visits. (He was here today, along with his Mommy and little sister, who had a Dr check up in town. He was most taken with his Uncles, and his Uncles fish....don't tell but they're buying him a fish for his birthday!)

So..where was I? Oh yes, magazines....



Look what else I found in the pile! My seester Cheryl brought these to me last Thanksgiving when she visited from Ottawa. They make me feel very patriotic.


So...magazines...scissors....and a list. I loved this part! I snipped the 1" squares and arranged them on my beautiful background and used gel medium to stick everything down. I don't really like gel medium. It makes everything rough and a bit sticky, but I decided I wanted a bit more texture this time.




I later went back to this page (after completing the next spread) and dry brushed a pretty blue around and a bit over the squares.





I then added some words, scribbles, lines and dots in black ink over the blue. I like the way it looks.

That's all for today. Thanks for taking the time to peek. Now I'm off to check out some other Journals from Sarah's list. I'll be sure to say hi!

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Soul Journaling

Get ready for some colour!



Isn't this pretty? It's my palette with paint on it from many projects, including "The Chair". I'm going to be using it a lot today as I jump in with both feet!

So, Sarah Whitmire has a beautiful blog called Caspiana, and she invited artists everywhere to join her in her Soul Journaling. She is on day 17 or so, and I began this morning at Day 1, thinking I'd do as much as felt right.

I am using a journal I began a couple years ago, because that's what I had and that made it easier for me to jump in.


This is the cover of my compsosition book journal I'll be using. I'd covered it with pictures ripped from a magazine.

I had a block of free pages in my journal. I've worked in it so far in a non-linear way, not front-to-back, so jumping into this work in progress made perfect sense to me. Step one was a prep.

First I glued some old dictionary pages in the book,


and then I wrote a bit with the prompt "Today I feel...". I wrote it in black marker directly over the glued down dictionary pages. This is not something I normally use as a background. Left to my own devices I would have painted the pages first.

After journaling, I painted over what I'd just written with off-white paint. Some of the letters show through, and some of the dictionary pages. I really like that, but again, it's something I wouldn't have thought to do on my own. Fun!


Next, on top of it all, I wrote my name in different inks , and stamps, all over the page. Instead of following the prompt and writing "This journal belongs to...", I instead wrote "My Journey" on the top of the page with stamps. It seemed right. I like that there are words and bits peeking through the paint.



I then prepped another spread in much the same way, with torn papers and ephemera on the bottom, and white paint dry-brushed over that. This time I added a little turquoise blue.

Next, Sarah's instructions, or prompts, said to find an image of a suit of armor, something that would protect us from the critics in our lives, critics that prevent us from being free and authentic in our art. She explains this very well. Check out her blog.
But I decided I wanted to use something symbolic to my own life and journey, right where I am today, so I chose a bridge.
I altered an image that I took in San Fransisco in May, of the Golden Gate Bridge , and I printed it off. It has a lot of personal significance, which I journaled about on the page. I felt it fit my journal much better. I like the way it looks in negative tones.

I show the bridge spanning the chaos that I feel has been such a part of my experience over the past year or two. There have been many bright moments too, but the chaos has really been hard for me to deal with.




That's all I'm going to show you tonight. I actually did a few more spreads. I was playing with it all day, and the time just flew! I'd like to know if anyone else is inspired by Sarah's blog. If you are, and if you decide to play along, please leave me a comment and let me know. I'd love to see what you do.

Monday, July 28, 2008

New Project

Tonight I went to our PHAP meeting, and as always was very inspired. I haven't gone for one reason or another for many months, and Josh and I really enjoyed ourselves. (We have even forgiven the CEO for forgetting about the meeting entirely till she got a call from phapboy.)

Yesterday I found an amazing blog that has prompts for something called "Soul Journaling". I was looking at Lisa and Bev's journals tonight at PHAP, and they just returned from a week long Creative Journaling camp in BC (who wants to bother to try to spell Shuschwap??) and their journals were so exciting and inspirational.

I want to continue with the kind of journaling I started in my composition book. I haven't looked at it in a while and I took it with me tonight and remembered how much I enjoy playing in it.

I want to start arting right away. Sarah Whitmire has a journal prompt for each day and plans on sharing about a months worth of daily exercises. She started on July 13th, so I'm behind the group but I am right on time for my schedule!

Anyone want to join me? Follow the link above, and let me know if you decide to play along. I'll try to post updates here.

In other news, Nialle and Nessa came over so my Mom could meet Ada this afternoon. It's always so nice to have them over; Liam is so much fun!!
Ada is such a little doll. I know that sounds cliche', but it's so true! Liam is all boy, and Ada is all girl! I had such a peaceful, full heart as I sat and held her as she slept. I am so blessed to have them living so close!

The princess.


My mom and her little great-grand daughter.


Liam and his big, goofy, heart melting grin!



Saturday, July 26, 2008

Phap Farm 2008

Hmmmmm......



Why is this suspiciously cheerful looking fellow hiding in the trees in front of my house?

He's announcing the long awaited, much anticipated 1st Annual PHAP Farm!


(It's a wonder the neighbours didn't call the cops! Oh wait, they were too hung over form their big LOUD party last night.)


Have you ever wanted to just get away from the real world and get into shape? Get rid of your phlab and tighten up your muscles, (which you just know are hiding under that layer of lethargy and fear)? That same fear that holds you back from being your most creative, from being that best made-in-the-image-of-your-Creator creative that you could possibly be?

We have, and as such we came up with this idea:

Please Join us on
Saturday, July 26th 2008
Noon ~ until the cows come home or the lights go out
at the
PHAP Farm 2008
In LA (Leduc, Alberta)
At Arlene's house ~ backyard to be exact
(we will have shelter if it rains)

Lose some Phlab! Stretch your Imagination! Discover Artistic Muscles you didn't
even know you had!


Some of the activities will include:
Finding your Inner Doodler with Vincent Van Gogh
Think like Leonardo DaVinci and more!
~ PHAPulous prizes ~ What to Bring: Acrylics & Brushes Clothes to Alter &/or Swap Pointy Hat Chunky Stamps Lawn Chairs Picnic Potlucky-type grub

A friend, if you wish
Come dressed in your best ART wear
Please RSVP to Arlene

Yes, today was the day! (Well technically yesterday was the day).


And the day turned out sublime, and we had a wonderful turn out at our PHAP Farm. There was no shortage of fun, and everyone was courageously creative, outrageously generous, and absolutely involved!


Who wouldn't love sitting in the sun, crating a one-of-a-kind painted T while these bubbles floated around you in a gentle breeze?

It felts SO GOOD to break out the scissors, pens and glue and make some ATC's!


No one else in the world will have a shirt like Sam's! Brilliant! He's off to a birthday party, proudly wearing his own brand. I'm so proud!


This little person with the huge heart (represented on this hand printed T) was perhaps the most prolific artiste of the day...she set her hand to journal binding, T shirt painting, ATC creation and a lot more. She is inspiration personified. Whew!


One of the highlights of the day was the unveiling of the "Faux Gogh" chair that Dawn "Gogh" Supina has spent the last several months working on.

The chair exceeded all my wildest expectations, and Dawn's gift of time and talent is truly a wonder to me! How can I ever thank her?





Here is the last, never-before-revealed panel. It's a portrait of the artist who inspired it all. I like to think he would approve!


Could you ever be unhappy with this chair in your home?


What a great group of fearless freinds and wonderful co-conspirators!

Thursday, July 24, 2008

It's a Masterpiece!

Dawn completed the 5th panel of "The Chair" today, working diligently in my garage while I cracked the whip and did *ahem*, "research and development" on my laptop nearby.

It is stupendous! It's beautiful and gorgeous and I cannot tell you how much I LOVE it!! This is one talented lady folks, and the chair is a testament to her gifts.

I can't wait to show you!

But I will....the "Official" unveiling is on Saturday at the Phabulous PHAP Farm...a day long play date with our wonderful Arty friends of the Pointy Hat Art Posse. And maybe some members of the local press?

It's front page worthy folks! Check back on Saturday, and I promise more pictures!

Here's a little teaser....




The artist signs her name.

In progress...


In the beginning...

Faux Gogh....

Today we are going to finish "The Chair". The chair that has been in a process of Faux Gogh for many months. It's SO exciting! I say "we" meaning Dawn will paint, I will fetch tea and goodies and make the appropriate noises, like...."Oooooooh....Aaahhhhhhh"

Stay tuned....Saturday is the big "PHAP Farm" party, at which there will be an unveiling. And perhaps champagne...or at least Canada Dry Ginger Ale, and goodies and photo ops and artists walking around looking cool and making sage comments about the "quality of light" and "temperature of the shadows", and "luminosity ".

It will be WAY too fancy for the likes of me.

I might post a sneak peek later today, but the real unveiling isn't till Saturday.

See you then!

Monday, July 21, 2008

Poisoning ourselves.

Look at this list...

"Dr. Benjamin Asher provided the following information regarding products that contain formaldehyde or FRP's which can cause eczematoid-type dermatitis, headache, or symptoms of asthma. He pointed out that aspartame converts to formaldehyde and children are particularly sensitive to this compound. Some products that were listed in an article from Pediatric Annals 36:1, January 2007 were:
These contain formaldehyde:

Shampoo: Avon Kids 2-in-1 Super Gentle Shampoo for Normal Hair, Avon, Dove Shampoo, Extra Volume, Unilver, Johnson's Baby Shampoo, Softwash Baby Shampoo, Kissably Baby Soft, Johnson & Johnson

Conditioner:
Avon Kids Super Gentle Conditioner, Detangler, Avon, Dove conditioner, Intense Moisture, Unilever, Nizoral A-D Non-medicated Daily Conditioner, Janssen Pharmaceutica

Hair Gel:
Avon Kids Super Gentle 2-in-1 Soft Styling Gel, all hair types, Avon, Dove Shape & Lift Volumizing Gel, Unilever so multiplicity discipline smoothing gel, Innovative Styling Options

Baby Wipes:
Huggies Natural Care Baby Wipes, Unscented Kimberly-Clark Huggies Newborn Baby Wipes, Fragrance Free, Kimberly-Clark Pampers One-ups, Baby Wipes with Aloe, Alchohol Free, Proctor & Gamble

Vitamins:
Flintstones Children's Complete Multivitamin Chewable Tablets, Bayer; Centrum Kids Complete Vitamins, Chewable Tablets, Wyeth, One-a-Day Kids Scooby-Doo Multivitamin plus Calcium, Chewable Tablets, Bayer."



I have not checked the accuracy of this list. If you have any information on formaldehyde in products marketed for children, please forward it to me in the comments section. This seems straight up criminal to me!


Happily, I found Creations From Eden, a local mom who sells wonderful, natural products, cleaners and shampoos. I really like the shampoo and conditioner.

Birthdays are so much fun!


Ada and Nialle again...sharing a birthday!

Seth and his mommy Kath. The Huthinson clan do there part in keeping birthday cake on the menu MOST days in July. This was Lana's BD party.


Liam (on the right) and his new buddy Luca.


Grandpa Town and baby Ada.

Kaden and SherriLynn.

Vanessa checks out Ada's new wardrobe.

Birthday cake! Grandma, can I have a bite?



Mmmmmmm....I LOVE cake! Thanks for inviting us to your birthday Elizabeth!


Birthday parties = camera happy Grandmas....Cheese!!

Keltie and Lana relaxing.

Summer Garden pictures