~Taste Review on Savory Creations International Concentrated Broths~

Savory Creations Concentrated Broths

No MSG* Gluten Free* Natural Flavor *Non GMO

I was given the opportunity to test out these liquid concentrated broths. The flavors were Chicken, Vegtable, and Beef. They're not your average run of the mill boullion cubes or granulated broth bits. These my friends are a concentrated liquid broth in a pre-measured pouch. All you have to do is add one cup hot water, and add the concentrated broth package of your choice and stir.
I am IN LOVE with these! I could never get the granualted bits or cubes to not have floaty bits in them no matter how hot my water was. With these it's quick and easy.

I used the chicken flavor and made the following dishes.

Gluten Free Chicken Soup

Do you know how long I've wanted Chicken Noodle Soup and couldn't have any because of the Gluten? TOO LONG! I immediately got excited and started singing a lil diddy "I'm gonna have chicken noodle soup! Oh Yes!" Now Lil Love isn't one to let me have anything, without her first tasting her fair share of what I'm having.
I gave her a bowl of it and all I could hear was "MMMMM, this is delightful, Mmmmm Scrumptious" I had to giggle because she uses the most descriptive words when she's the happiest. She asked me for another bowl after she gobbled her first bowl down.

When her Da came home he asked her what she was eating. Her reply was "Nina's Gluten Free Chicken Noodle Soup Da and it's sooooooo goood!" Her Da's reply was I thought I smelt something good when I walked in.

So if you don't want to take my word for how tasty my Chicken Noodle soup with the Savory Concentrated Broth was, then maybe ya'll take the word of Lil Love.

Then I made Baked Chicken with the Chicken Concentrated Liquid Broth.

I won't torture you with what I served with this, since I know your mouth is watering just looking at my tasty chicken. lol

I will say this for the Concentrated Liquid Broth. Cleaning my roasting pan afterwards was a breeze! Usually I have to use an sos pad because it clings to the pan and it's greasy feeling. I have to say I made the comment to Mr. that cleaning up after dinner was quite easy.

I fed the family which consists of the following

Mrs. JavaGal

Mr. Java
Mr.

Poetic (me)

They had no idea I was serving them Gluten Free Concentrated Liquid Broth. For all they knew it was just baked chicken to them like I usually make.

That is until Mr. Java bit into the chicken and then asked me what I did differently. lol

I asked him why and his reply was "This have extra flavor then you normally add"

Hmmm Good point I told him.

Mrs. JavaGal went on to say (and for the record is not a meat on the bone type chicken eater) She asked if she could have more.

Mr and Mrs Java then had seconds of the chicken because they enjoyed the taste, it was flavorable and not salty like the other stuff I had used.

Mr came home and devoured his chicken with delight. He too asked if there were more chicken left over. He even asked if he could take some to work for his lunch.

Now for me, Like I said with my Chicken Noodle Soup. I am IN LOVE with these concentrated liquid broths! Honestly I wish this was the only way to sell this product. You have no mess with little papers you have to take off a cube. You don't have to measure with the granulated bits. Just a little pre-measured pouch and one cup hot water and stir. It mixes in no time without floaties and bits hanging around. It comes in an easy to store box which takes up less room then those round glass containers of cubes. The shelf life on them is longer. If you have the chance to purchase this product I say "Go for it, You won't be dissappointed."

I also want to say thanks for letting test this product.

~Art Journal Challenge Blog My Doodlebugs Entry~

~Crow, Witch & Spider~

http://gesso-dragon.blogspot.com/2010/10/doodlebugs.html

This picture is two fold.

One I wanted to do my Halloween picture I dreamed of, and this fits both Willowings & Ky's Challenges.

Ky's was to do an entry on a dream ya've had and add a zendoodle to it.

Willowings was do a Halloween picture.

I think she came out quite lovely. I really like my crow and spider. Trying to paint her in different shades of black was quite a challenge, but I think I accomplished it.

If ya'd like to join in on Ky's Challenges please click the link above and join us!

~Wishcasting Wednesday:What do you wish to shed?~

~Wishcasting Wednesday:What do you wish to shed?~

http://jamieridlerstudios.ca/wishcasting-wednesday-what-do-you-wish-to-shed?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+JamieRidlerStudios+%28Jamie+Ridler+Studios%29

I wish to shed the insecurities I feel about desires in life. I have these unfufilled dreams and desires and wish to see them come true.

I wish I could pimp out my artwork like I can my friends. I have no trouble posting Blogs, Twittering or even Facebooking what my friends are doing with their artwork or classes they're teaching.

When it comes to me, I feel so insecure, like who would ever want to take a class from me, or what would I even teach that hasn't been done before? Who would even want to purchase any of my work? I get so weighed down with the insecurity of my talent.
I have no problem sharing my creative ideas with friends. Yet I can't seem to come up with anything I could possibly see someone else paying for me to teach. How can I even move forward with making these dreams come true if I can't even promote myself?

How do I shed these insecurities?

I wish to be more confident in sharing what I know with the world.

The question is... How do I begin?

~Art, Heart & Healing Class~Week One~

~She Creates~

~She Creates~

http://willowing.ning.com/

~Art, Heart & Healing Class~
Week One

I worked on my first weeks lesson and here's the results. I was excited to do this class because Willowing is a wonderful gal. She's always willing to help anyone who might have questions or fears of creating.

I must admit I was a lil nervous on working on this. I'm not too good with lips (just yet) But I think she came out great. In fact the poem I wrote a few days ago, I used a verse from it and added it to my page.

I'm learning to use stamps which I've not done a whole lot of. I'm also using up my moleskine which I started last year. In fact this was the moleskine I used to make my Willowing Challenge in. It was on ya favorite childrens book. Of course that would be "Where The Wild Things Are"

This book now contains six pieces of artwork counting the one above. I plan to use this for all my latest creations from this class. I did take pictures as I went along working on my lesson. This way I can see how I've grown while learning.

I really can't wait to see what she has in store for us this week.

Stay tuned I'll keep posting my new creations.

~Art Journal Challenge Blog~My Spoooky Entry~

~Spoooky Challenge~

http://gesso-dragon.blogspot.com/2010/10/spoooky.html

Ky's challenge this week was to capture something about this season. We could make it Autumn, Halloween, or past memory, it was our choice.

All I could think of with this challenge was this picture above.

It's actually one I've been putting off finishing. I really wanted it complete and it fits this challenge.

I drew this on August 25,2009 during the Summer. It's hard to believe that while working the pool last Summer Lil Love and I found these leaves. They had fallen from the trees there. So wanted to incorporate them into my art, I placed the leaves into a plastic holder and added it to the side of the page. Ya can flip it over to see the other leaves we collected. I drew thethat day and I wrote a poem into her hair it reads...

~Feels Like Fall~

Skies of pale blue, Clouds fluffy white.

Leaves dance with the breeze,

A fall lovers delight.

©Poetic Dreams 8-25-2009

I finally colored her in and used colored pencils and watercolor crayons. I think she came out beautifully. I am happy to have her finished. I plan on filling up this moleskine with my art work and I have one other page to finish before I move on.

~My Full Harvest Moon Dreamboard~

~My Full Harvest Moon Dreamboard~

http://jamieridlerstudios.ca/my-full-harvest-moon-dreamboard-2?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+JamieRidlerStudios+%28Jamie+Ridler+Studios%29

Jaime explained what the Full Harvest Moon represents.

Balance, Luxury, and Grace.

She asked us what would we dream of as a luxury. She also said a luxury doesn't mean it's something expensive or out of reach. Just something we desire just for the delight of it.

On my last entry I had written what my soft animal wished for. When I realized it was exactly what my dreamboard spoke to me about. I also realized part of my writing was in fact a poem, which I'm calling "She Longs For". With that I decided to add it to the back of my dreamboard and share it again here.

~She Longs For~

She longs for tranquil moment, soothing and relaxing days to make lasting memories.

To absorb the sun on her face and the wind in her hair.

She is in love with beauty, music and color.

To create carefree to a tune she carries in her heart.

She is strong, determined, a dreamer.

She believes in fairies, dancing in the dust particles which shine through her window daily.

The smell of babies, a cool rainy day, splashing in mud puddles.

A sunny day to draw pictures on the sidewalk with chalk.

The feel of paint on her skin and make wishes on bubbles.

She puts her feelings to paper and they become Poetry.

She is a divine creature who encompasses so many hidden desires.

She is the deepest part of my soul, and she is slowly emerging as I grow.

She is who I wish to see more often.

©Poetic Dreams 2010

~Wishcasting Wednesday:What does the “soft animal of your body” wish for?~

~Wishcasting Wednesday:What Does The "Soft Animal Of Your Body" Wish For?"

http://jamieridlerstudios.ca/

What does my soft animal of my body wish for? Good Question!

She dreams of not being filled with anxiety and fear.

To be able to just be free to come and go, in any given moment of her day.

She desires to overcome the confines of her body betraying her time and time again.

She longs for tranquil moments, soothing and relaxing days to make lasting memories. To absorb the sun on her face and the wind in her hair.

She is in love with beauty, music and color. To create carefree to a tune she carries in her heart. She is strong, determined, a dreamer.

She believes in fairies, dancing in the dust particles which shine through her window daily.
The smell of babies, a cool rainy day, splashing in mud puddles. A sunny day to draw pictures on the sidewalk with chalk. The feel of paint on her skin and make wishes on bubbles. She puts her feelings to paper and they become Poetry.

She is a divine creature who encompasses so many hidden desires.

She is the deepest part of my soul, and she is slowly emerging as I grow.

She is who I wish to see more often.

~Art Journal Challenge Blog~My Squish'em Entry~

~My Squish'em Entry~

http://gesso-dragon.blogspot.com/2010/10/squish-em.html

This weeks challenge was to honor Breast Cancer Month.

Having been diagnosed at the age of 26. I can totally relate to this topic. When I seen the Challenge I wanted to take a picture of the reality of Breast Cancer. Unfortunately every picture we tried to take refused to show the massive scar.

So I improvised and used a model of where my scar is.

I am a 20 year survivor! Now that comes as a shock to me, because I've never really counted my Surviving Anniversary before. Having this challenge brought back the memories of that incident.

I was a Wife, Mother, and I was a daycare provider. It wasn't even me who found the lump, it was my husband. This was in November and it was the size of a pea. I was just gonna keep an eye on it for a month before I spazed and called the doctor. Life went on and I forgot all about it, that was until I kept getting pains in my breast. It got to be hard to hug my children ages 3,5 and 6. It hurt to even wear a bra.

I called the doctor and was seen in January. She said she didn't think it was any big deal because CANCER DOESN'T HURT! Hmmm, I felt kind of put off so I asked for a second opinion.

I was sent in February, right before my birthday. He was very kind and he was Greek. So speaking to him was kind of hard with my having an accent & him having one as well.

Before he checked me he kept asking me "How do you feel about your breast" I simply said "If I woke up without them, I wouldn't care. I'd save tons of money on not having to buy bras!" He kept saying no and repeating the question. Finally after the third time of us going at it, the nurse asked if I did breast exams and found it. I laughed and told him "That's not how ya asked me" lol

Come to find out that I didn't even have to tell him which breast it was in, because the moment he felt my left breast he ran from the room. He forgot to shut the door all the way and I could hear him yelling on the phone. He told someone that they should've done a better exam because there was a huge lump there now. He came into my room and apologized for leaving. He then re-examined me and showed me how huge my lump was. To compare my lump it was the size of a fat smoked sausage.

I was gonna have to have surgery. He said if he could remove enough tissue surrounding the lump I wouldn't need any Radiation or Chemo. He asked me If I came to the office alone. I told him Mr was waiting outside the room for me. He asked for Mr to come in. He explained to him the situation and reassured him that he would treat me as if I were his own wife or daughter.

Now I have to explain I wasn't in the least bit worried, I wasn't crying, I wasn't in shock. I was just matter a fact about the whole situation. NEVER once did death enter my mind. I can't explain why I felt this way except to say I knew God has his way in all situations.

I was truly blessed with a great doctor, he made sure Mr was at ease about all of the procedure. I got to do it as an out patient because he was able to take a huge amount of surrounding tissue.
Funny thing was I had to do MRI's the morning of my surgery so they could place the markers. They found more suspicious lumps on the MRI's but when Dr. Tomescu went in there was nothing but that one huge lump. Amazing isn't it?

Ever since that surgery I've been having a mamogram yearly. So far it's all been good results. I just want everyone to know Cancer has no specific rules. For me my cancer was painful, so don't let anyone tell ya that it's not a sign of cancer. Not saying all cancer hurts as a sign but for me it was. I also want everyone to know cancer has no age limit, it can strike anyone.
Please do ya self exams and make the males in your life do one as well. Make them check their breasts and their testicals. Because even men get breast cancer, not just testicalar.

Just thought I share my story.

Now my entry is left blank for a reason. I want to write my story on it, I didn't want to do that just yet. But it reads, SURVIVOR because that's who I am.

I used Metallic Champagne for my background because I find that a hard color to use. I used Pink Because it's my favorite color and represents Breast Cancer. The dark pink scar on the left breast represents where my scar is. Although my original idea didn't come to light I am quite proud of this one.

If ya'd like to join us in the challenges please feel free to click the link above and join us!

~Wishcasting Wednesday:What do you wish to fly free from?~

~Wishcasting Wednesday:What Do You Wish To Fly Free From?~

http://jamieridlerstudios.ca/

The above picture is of Mama when she was lil. Today October 13th, 2010 makes 3 years that Mama passed away. No one in my family mentioned this fact. I alone with my many thoughts knew this day was coming. To me it's as if it just happened. I put on my happy face and pretended that this was just any other day. Little does my family know that I'm still in pieces over the fact she's gone. I have many questions on how I can still be in this much pain over a woman who isn't my biological Mama, but technically my Mother In Law. How the woman who did give birth to me died April 3rd, 2010 and I don't have tears for her.

Does this make me a hateful person? Does this make me odd?

Trust me there's plenty more questions.

Don't get me wrong, I shed some tears for my birth mother, But it wasn't but for a couple of days. Sounds sick doesn't it? The tears for my Mama flow freely even now. Every time I think of her I tear up and the hurt is present. Mama was a sweet, loving lady, who showed me daily how much she loved me. I think it's the hugs and kisses I miss, How she could hug me so hard that I could feel it long after the hug has ended. When she hugged me I would inhale the scent of her.

She smelled of her favorite perfume Shalimar.

Mr. knowing how much I loved the scent bought me some. A beautiful gesture on his part. But I long to have the smell on Mama and not me. My one wish to fly free from is the deep grief I feel even after three years. To accept that she's gone from me physically but she's definately apart of me. To remember the love she lavished on me, was her way of letting me know she loved me. To recall with ever deep bear hug she gave me how she told me over & over how much she loved me. To know that her final words to me were, I prayed for a daughter and God gave me you. Remember this and never forget, My daughter you'll always be. I Love You"

Doesn't make it easier on me, the pain is truly deep inside. But I want to try and find some time for me, to really face all of my emotions that I'm still feeling with her being gone. She was and will ALWAYS be MY MAMA, the one who loved me beyond the fact I wasn't her biological child.

I miss ya Mama.

I love ya Mama.

Always & Forever,

Ya Daughter.

~Art Journal Challenge Blog~My Feeling Chipper Entry~

~Feeling Chipper~

http://gesso-dragon.blogspot.com/2010/10/feeling-chipper.html

This weeks Challenge was to use Chipboard, Blue & Copper.

With my daughter away on her honeymoon, and me being on Lil Love duty. I was hard pressed to work on it earlier in the week. I kind of knew what direction I was gonna go in, so it was just a matter of putting it together.

I love my Sequins for added bling, and the roses are chipboard. Was waiting for an opportunity to use them. Of course ya recognize my famous Poe Picture. lol

If ya'd like to be challenged please click the link above and see the other entries. Ky does a wonderful job giving us inspirational ideas.

She's making us think outside the norm which I truly enjoy.

~Art Journal Challenge Blog~My Transfer It Entry~

~Transfer It~

http://gesso-dragon.blogspot.com/

I wasn't sure I was gonna be able to do this weeks Challenge, with my daughters wedding this weekend. But I managed to do it and I'm quite happy with it.
This weeks Challenge was to do a Image Transfer. I used my trusty tape and covered an image I liked with it. Rubbed the tape into the image with strong pressure. Once I was satisfied it was pressed down firmly. I used very warm water and soaked the image for a few minutes. I then removed the image and rubbed the paper side off the tape and Viola! My image was transfered.

I didn't want to add a whole lot to my background because I'd like to journal some thoughts on it later. My title says "Time 2 Live Your Best Life" it was my way of adding my twist on journaling about time, calendar, schedule, etc... That was something else we needed to add. It's easy to add a watch or clock but I wanted to expand my vision of what time was. Everyone needs to remember, we all should be living our best life each every moment of the day we're given.

If ya'd like to join in on our Challenges, please click the link above.

We'd love to see ya artwork.

~Free Art Class~The Heart Of Art~

http://willowing.ning.com/

Just wanted everyone to know, that the Beautiful Willowing aka Tam is blessing everyone with a free art class on her Ning group. She understands times are tough, And she took it upon herself to make a four week art class for us at no charge.

Being the Poe that I am, I want to pimp this out for others to join in on this generous offer!

Please click on the link above and join in on what I know will be a wonderful art adventure.

If ya new to Willowing's Ning group take some time to look around she is a delight and we have some wonderful, talented artists there. Willing to welcome ya and help ya with any questions ya might have. Hope ya see ya there!

~Art Journal Challenge Blog~My Little Big Things Entry~

~Little Big Things Challenge~

http://gesso-dragon.blogspot.com/

This weeks Challeneg was to use at least 3 inches, In case ya don't know what an inche is it's a square that's one inch. Having never used them before I thought this might be cool. She also gave us a quote to use as inspiration.

"Enjoy the little things, for one day, you may realize they were BIG."~Robert Brault

I love quotes and when I read this one it reminded me of what I say at the end of my You Tube Videos. "Enjoy the lil moments" So I wrote those words on my inches. My challenge is what I've been facinated with for a while now, That's clouds. I call it CLOUDSERVATIONS. Lil Love and I started last year at the pool watching clouds float by and describing what we see. When Lil Love would point out one she thought was a castle or a heart, etc.. I would snap a picture of it with my camera. To me that was enjoying the lil moments, but making a huge memory which is a BIG Moment later to think about. I'll have those memories of lying back with Lil Love and watching clouds drift by. She'll grow up one day, and hopefully remember her and Nina watched clouds and dreamed of castles in the sky, puppies chasing flowers and so on. For me I've captured a moment in time with my challenge.

If ya would like to join in on our challenges it's never too late. Ky puts up a new one every Sunday. Just click on the link above. I hope ya join us!

~Full Moon Dreamboards:The Full Corn Moon~

~Full Moon Dreamboards:The Full Corn Moon~

http://jamieridlerstudios.ca/full-moon-dreamboards-the-full-corn-moon?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+JamieRidlerStudios+%28Jamie+Ridler+Studios%29

Here's my dreamboard for September 23,2010 Full Corn Moon. I gathered images and words that spoke to me, by using Jaime's following questions...

Consider where would you like to direct your energy?

What would you like to build, tend, grow?

What are you ready to get started and make happen?

As ya can see I placed my images in collage form on a background poster. This helps me see what my focus is. Now that I have it put together Jamie has us answer the following questions...

Looking at your dreamboard what is it inviting me to do?

What actions can I take to honour what I see?

To me the images and words speak tons to me. I'm looking for Peace of Mind & Body. Having my body betray me as it has I'm looking for healing. To live the fearless life I once had. To make it to my daughter's wedding on October 2nd and not get sick because of anxiety. To learn to find tranquil and peaceful places to relax. To find my inner peace.

I've taken one major step this week before I even put my dreamboard together. I went to the doctors to help me find out why I'm getting so sick. I explained that whenever I have to go or do something new, I have to wake up hours before to settle my stomach and nerves. Gave her the example how my appointment was at 11:30am but I was up at 7am getting sick right up to leaving the house. How nauseous, sweaty and panicky I feel just to name a few symptoms. She diagnosed me with Panic anxiety Disorder. She gave me two medicines and refilled my asthma & migraine meds. Now I have to admit going to the doctors is a HUGE step for me. I dislike going. I started my new meds on Monday, and I'm praying they work so I can enjoy myself at my daughters wedding without fearing I'll be in the restroom getting sick.

My dreamboard is a reflection of finding a healther and happier me. To be able to just get up, spur of the moment leave my home and go somewhere without fear of being sick. To be able to surprise my hubby with a night out with no worries. Just plan FREEDOM! This is what I'm asking for. To have my old life back again before I got so sick 13 years ago. People take for granted the freedom they have to just leave their home on a whim. For me it's not easy, and I dislike living like this.

The bed represents a wonderful retreat to rest and sleep. To push away all the outside world and delve into peaceful slumber. The girl jumping and the one running is excitement of the new life I'm going to. Just knowing I'm on the right path is truly wonderful.

If you'd like to join in on making dreamboards click on the link above. It's quite easy and Jamie is truly wonderful. Hope ya join us.

~I'm Gonna Try This Again~

http://www.dirtyfootprints-studio.com/

Connie picked a Winner for her 21 Secrets. The winner was Sam Johnson at http://www.gollywobbles.blogspot.com/

She's giving everyone a chance to win their spot in 21 Secrets. Ya KNOW I'm in for that!

Winner will be announce 7:00pm September 27th.

If ya don't know what 21 Secrets is about, let me tell ya.

It's a workshop where 21 Fabulous artists teach ya their lil secrets on creating art. Ya won't believe how awesome these teachers are! If ya interested in checking it out click the Dirtyfootprints link. Ya can sign up now and classes begin October 1st, 2010.

Take ya chance and see if ya win. If ya do come back & let me know.

~Art Journal Challenge Blog~My All Time Favorite Movie Entry~

~All Time Favorite Movie Challenge~

http://gesso-dragon.blogspot.com/

When Ky announced this challenge I had no hesitation as to what movie I was gonna do. Anyone who knows me, Knows ROCKY is my all time favorite movie. I will watch this movie over and over again. In fact I have to admit there are actually 6 Rocky Movies so I'm claiming all 6 in this challenge. Why? Because I can't choose just one Rocky movie. That's like saying pick only one part of ya body, ya don't need the rest. I will warn ya I can go on and on about Rocky. But here's what I will say about it being my favorite. Each Rocky has a life lesson in them. Such as... Go for it, Nothing is Real if you don't believe in who you are, It ain't over 'till it's over, Just to name a few.

I also enjoy knowing how each movie was made. The first Rocky was on a very limited budget, So much so that Sylvester Stallone asked his first wife to take the pictures as they were filming. He used mostly family such as his brother Frank Stallone who plays the street singer. He had to sell his dog Buckus because he couldn't afford to feed him. Once Rocky made money Stallone went and retrieved Buckus. The turkey seen was extremely funny knowing that Sylvester only had enough money to buy one turkey. Which meant they had to have someone in the alley to catch the turkey "Pauley" the character tosses out the door. Luckily they got it in one take.

Sylvester Stallone also made film history with Rocky. He found it easier to start at the end of the fight and work backwards. This way the brusies and swelling was consistant. Going from 1st fight to the last, required perfect palcement of bruises and such and he couldn't be sure they would be consistent.

Like I said I could go on and on with Rocky because it's my fave. I might one day write a behind the Rocky tid-bit entry one day.

I hope ya will join Ky and us on these wonderful Challenges. Just click the link above and see what juicy challenge Ky has planned for us tomorrow.

~21 Secrets~

http://www.dirtyfootprintsworkshops.com/2008/09/21-secrets-art-journal-playground.html

Seems the beautiful Connie Hozvicka is doing a VERY GENEROUS give-away. She decided she would like to give away not one, but TWO registrations to this AWESOME and AMAZING Workshop. Connie has 21 artists who will each being sharing one of their secrets of creating art with us. This workshop is only $59.00, but with Connie's huge heart she's going to be giving away two of them. One for the winner and one for the winner to give away on their blog.

How wonderful is that?

She has so many wonderful artists already lined up, and waiting to share their artful goodness with us.

We have the following...

Andrea Schroeder

Angelia Thompson

Connie Hozvicka ~herself!

Dawn Sokol

Effy Wild

Emma Peabody

Hanna Anderson

Heidi Newstrand-Dilley

Jonathan "Blade" Manning

Kelly Warren

Less Herger

Lis Hofmann

Lisa Wilson

Mariza

Natalie Malik

Paula Phillips

Samantha Kira Harding

Sarah Whitmire

Spooky

Tami Chacon

Traci Hanson

Tell me, How can ya NOT want to try and win a chance at taking this class? NOT ME for SURE!!!

I've had the pleasure of taking Less Herger's Old Skool Art 101, Poe Pressuring Paula Phillips & Jonathan "Blade" Manning. And taking Connie Hozvicka's Big Love class. I've been Blessed to get to know a few of the artists on this list through Twitter , You Tube and UStream. A few are new to me, but are no less worthy of Poe Pimping them out for all to read, and have the chance to learn from them. If I had to choose from this list who I'd take a class from I would be hard pressed to say. Each are unique artists and I'm a sucker for knowledge and growth where art is concerned.

They all have a very unique take on art. How could ya not want to experience 21 artists sharing what they know in ONE Workshop? Where else can ya find something this Awesome?

NO WHERE!

But since Connie asked that we pick at least 3 artists, I'm gonna do just that.

Natalie Malik~ She's going to be teaching "Typobolic (Typography 101)"

Now anything that has to do with perfecting my handwritting has my attention. I'm ambidextrious so I can use all the help on writing in my journal I can get. lol

Dawn Sokol~She's teaching "Get Carded" She's going to show ways to use up the old credit cards, hotel cards and such. Who couldn't use a niffty way to use up those promotional credit cards that come in the mail?

Connie Hozvicka~ "Get It Out, Get It Down" I know I REALLY need this class. Not because I'm trying to suck up and win her giveaway. That's not how it works. lol But because I've been dealing with so much stress lately that my creativeness is kind of dried up. I could use some creative mojo to help me snap back into my art.

We have Connie to thank for getting these artists together willing to share what they know with us. I for one, am Praying I win this generous giveaway. Do ya want a chance to win or even take the class? Then follow the link above and tell Connie Poe sentcha.

And just so ya know I don't get paid for every time someone tells Connie "Poe sent me" lol

And if ya win come back and let me know that too! Would love to let others know ya won.

Good Luck!

~Art Journal Challenge Blog~My Share The Love, Grow The Learning Entry~

~Share The Love, Grow The Learning~

Challenge at http://gesso-dragon.blogspot.com/

~Connie Hozvicka~

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBZS6h76sFY

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dirtyfootprints/

http://www.dirtyfootprints-studio.com/

The Challenge for this week was to

Go Forth
Discover

Create

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We were to go and search for an artist who spoke to our muse. Checking out You Tube, Blogs, Ustream etc... Well it wasn't hard to choose who was speaking to my muse.

That was Connie from Dirty Footprints Studio. Her links are above. She's been an artist I've following for some time. She has a way about her that just draws me to her.

Connie always encourages others with her words, art, yoga and belly love. One thing that had me facinated with Connie was her Fearless class. Now I wasn't able to take her class but her You Tube video was inspiring.

She speaks of how we need to just ignore the negative gremlin who tells us we can't be an artist, that we shouldn't create.

So I took it upon myself to listen to Connie when it came to painting. She paints so beautifully and freely. I've always drawn what I wanted to paint in. This time I went FEARLESS and did it free hand. I can tell ya there were many times I wanted to just toss it. I kept starting & stopping. But I pushed through listening to Connie's words. BE FEARLESS!

So here's my girl throwing her hand in the air, telling fear to back off!

She's FEARLESS NOW!

~Wishcasting Wednesday:What do you wish for less of?~

~Wishcasting Wednesday: What do you wish for less of?~

http://jamieridlerstudios.ca/

Jamie, Jamie, Jamie! How is it ya know exactly what to ask me on Wishcasting Wednesdays? It's like ya have a glimpse into my life and pop the question for me to answer.

With being jobless now that the pool closed I am able to concentrate on one thing that's been bothering me. That is to unpack my room from a 2008 move. That's right I moved into this home in February 2008. I managed to get everyone settled in nice and cozy. I myself am living out of boxes. My wish is for less of clutter, Boxes be gone! My goal when I was packing up the home to make the move was de-clutter as I packed. I managed really well up until it came time for me to do my room, I ran out of time. Now may I remind ya I was packing up two homes and renovating at the same time. One was Mama's because passed away and the other was our home.

I was pretty much on my own.

I wish to be less of needless items. I want to be able to go through my belongings and rid myself of items I don't love anymore. To donate it so others can find joy in them. As I go through my quilting & art supplies to see if any of my friends can be of use to them. I don't plan on purchasing anything that isn't required for me to continue to create my artwork. Thus the fact I haven't purchased any fabric since 2003. I have enough to keep me happy for awhile. I don't need the latest and most popular fabric to quilt. I only need some fabric and a needle & thread.

I wish for less of anxiety in my life. having dealt with a serious parasite for ten years. I have a hard time leaving the house spur of the moment. I have to really plan any ventures I might want to do. This is putting me into panic attacks and emotional distress. Now I'm trying to write this without being too graphic. Let's just say I need to know where EVERY restroom is located. To help me with this I plan to take the next step and make a doctor visit.

I wish for less pain with my RSD. Again a dr. visit is in order to see what can be done.

I wish for less of putting things off that I would like to do in order to make others happy. When I do this I make myself sad and miserable. I need to be able to have my time to create and do as I please sometimes.

I wish for less stress of finding another job. To find one where I can be happy and not on my ankle all day. I don't want to be rich, I just want to be comfortable. That's all my job needs to do for me.

I'm sure I have plenty more wishes I could make concerning "less of" but that'll do for now. Then I'll make another list.

Jamie also wanted to know "What Wishcasting had meant to me" Having finally the courage to participate in my blog publically. I can say Wishcasting has made me more aware of what I want and need in my life. Jamie asks some deep and meaningful questions. The questions give me a chance to really look at my life and see if it's going in the right direction. I love being able to be accountable in such a way. Wishcasting Wednesdays also gives me a chance to encourage and wish others well in their journey.

Please if ya haven't stopped by Jamie's blog please do so. The link is above and ya'll be amazed as to how enlightening and wonderful Jamie is. Join us in making Dreamboards and Wishcasting Wednesdays. Trust me, Ya'll love it!

~Art Journal Challenge Blog~My Like A Hurricane Entry~

~Like A Hurricane Challenge~
http://gesso-dragon.blogspot.com/

Our challenge this week was to use wind as our medium. We were to find ways to spread our paint around using wind. I used a straw, air spray dust remover, and dripped paint then used my dryer to help it drip along the canvas.

I used trash (ok it wasn't trash it was junk mail) I used it to represent the debris which blows during a strong storm.

This was a good challenge for me, I needed an outlet for expressing myself with Hurricane Earl paying me a visit. Needless to say he whimped out and just gave me a TINY bit of rain. This summer was one of very lil rain, so I was looking forward to what rain would come with Earl.

I used Life as my muse, because of the fact we all seem to realize the strength a Hurricane can have. I believe we all should enjoy the lil moments life has to offer us each day. The flowers represent how fragile life is and what beauty is around us if we only take the time to look around.

Please feel free to join us in the weekly challenges. Ky works hard to provide us some unique and interesting challenges. Doesn't matter if ya a seasoned artist or just starting out. The deal is to have fun.

~Art Journal Challenge Blog~ My Childhood Memory Entry~

~Childhood MemoryChallenge~

http://gesso-dragon.blogspot.com/

This weeks Challenge was to take a childhood memory, and add a quote that would help describe the memory. It wasn't hard for me to come up with the quote or really the memory for that matter. I couldn't do my artwork justice of what my memory really was. Before I married Mr at age 16 I spent alot of time in my bedroom. I would do alot of artwork, write poetry and read. It was my way to keep out of harms way from my parents.

I loved my room! I had this amazing view of a river (or at least that's what I called it) This river amazed me in many ways. When the tide would go out, ya could see all kinds of debris in it. Anything from a shopping cart to an old crab cage. It facinated me because I could never tell which way the river would go. One day it would be flowing toward the bridge to the right of my window. Other times it was to the left where the cementary was.

Across the other side of the river was a huge baseball field. I would watch games from my window when they played late night games.

The water would never rise to our property because it had a brick retaining wall and we had steps that led down to the water. I used to watch my cat Babe meet his true love "Orange Kitty" on the brick wall, and they would sit together grooming each other in the moonlight. Babe loved Orange Kitty and when he died I buried him under the peach tree by the waters edge. Orange Kitty would sit there everyday after Babe died. The trees on our property also helped my facination with the river. We had so many Pecan, Peach, Apple trees surrounding the property that when the wind blew ya could hear them move.

I made many wishes on the river. Being lil I thought if ya could toss a penny in a wishing well and they came true, Then why not wish on a river? I often think of the many nights I kept my window open to listen to the trees rustle and pass a soft breeze and scents of the water into my room. I slept and dreamt many wonderful nights in that room.

When I first heard Robert Frosts poem "Nothing Gold Can Stay" I instantly thought of my room. I know most people associate it with trees. But I truly think of my room where I watched that river. It held so many wonderful wishes and kept all my secrets too.

But like Robert Frost's poem says..."Nothing Gold Can Stay"

It's kind of sad when I think about it, But then again we can always remember to be thankful for what and who we have in our lives.

~Wishcasting Wednesday: How do you wish to spend some time?~

~Wishcasting Wednesday: How do you wish to spend some time?~

http://jamieridlerstudios.ca/

Good question which seemed to follow up on my dreamboard entry the day before. Time is such a demanding thing for us. We all have responsibilties that need tending to, such as jobs, children , spouses, etc... We all wish for more time in a day, time with those we love, time to fufill our dreams. Show me one person in this world who hasn't wished for more time,I don't believe one exsists. With working like I have this Summer (every day with no days off Monday-Sunday) I know what it is to really wish for time. I wished for rain so I would have more time to create art. I wished for more time with Lil Love, because she's growing up so fast and I know her Nina will not be around forever. And I want her to have good memories to reflect on when I'm gone. I wish for days of long ago when I was younger, and knew life seemed to never run outta time.

But here I am at the age I am ( I'm 46) still wishing, praying, and hoping for time to do as I demand.

Time doesn't obey, Time runs the way it sees fit.

If I'm gonna enjoy what time I have I need to do it in the NOW!

I wish to enjoy every moment time allows me on this earth.

As I always say in my You Tube videos.

Take Time To Enjoy The Lil Moments In Life!

That is my Wednesday Wish.

~Full Moon Dreamboards: The Full Sturgeon Moon~

~Full Moon Dreamboards: The Full Sturgeon Moon~

http://jamieridlerstudios.ca/

I've been following Jamie for a long time now, and each time I promise myself I would make a dreamboard. I FINALLY did it! This is my first dreamboard and I'm excited to say the least. Noticed my Bold word there? That was a word I chosen for the new year. Why? Because I was determined to make it about FINALLY getting things resolved in my life.

I was FNALLY able to do the following before the New Year started:

Ended an 18 year friendship, because it was toxic to my emotional health.

(don't get me wrong it was a hard decision, but I've noticed my health improved since then)

Renovated & moved into a new home.

Made some new friends and found some old from childhood.

I could go on but ya get the gest of why I chose FINALLY as my word.

With keeping to my word this year I decided it was FINALLY MY TIME!

To create Art.

To write Poetry.

To find myself.

I resolved to not allow myself to be dropped from the to-do list. Too long I put everyone in front of my hearts desires. I thought one day it'll be my time to shine. Well Year after year passed and I wasn't getting any closer to my hearts desires. When Mama passed away I was faced with the realization of how I put everyone in front of my own needs. I pushed my grief aside and made sure everyone else was dealing with the loss of Mama. I've yet to sit and deal with to this day. The one thing I did however do was see how much I was hurting myself. Don't get me wrong it's ok to be there for ya family, I mean after all we are sisters,daughters,wives, friends, moms, etc... But no where in the handbook of life does it say WE are not allowed to follow our dreams? NO WHERE!

This is why I chose this year to be the year I, Poetic Dreams will see to it that I FINALLY do what makes her heart shine.

When I chose my images for my dreamboard I had tons I wanted to use. If I had used them all my dreamboard would be bigger than Poster size. lol

My images are those of allowing myself to come first.

To allow myself time to worship, relax, to immerse myself into my creative self.

The center image I used the spirals to write the many dreams I wish to accomplish.

Teach Art Classes

Make a flower garden in my new home.

Get My book "Her Secret No More" Published

Be Pain free from my RSD, with that my dream to walk along the beach with my Mr. & learn Yoga.

I also put unpack my room.

(That's an example of putting others first, my room still isn't unpacked.)

I would also like to get my Tattoo I've been wanting for ages. It's my Native American name She Who Wanders with an image I've had for just as long. I've also been thinking of a new piercing for some time which is also on the dreamboard.

I also have a image of a lil girl which represents my Lil Love. She is my heart and loves to create art with me. My getting my room settled has a bit to do with her as well. I'd like to set her up an area so she can create art with me.

At the bottom of Embrace The Dream sentence is a row of fishes to keep with the Full Sturgeon Moon.

The gazebo is a place of Tranquil, Peaceful and serene moments for me. I thought I might add some glitter to represent shiny, glittery, but had second thoughts knowing I had to scan this. lol

With creating this dreamboard, I have FINALLY made good on a promise to myself.

A great step in the right direction for me and one of many more to come!

If ya'd like to join in on the fun Please visit Jamie at her site through the link I left above.

~Art Journal Challenge Blog~My Song Entry~

~Art Journal Challenge Blog~My Song Entry~

http://gesso-dragon.blogspot.com/2010/08/sing-sing-song.html

This weeks Challenge was to take a favorite song and put our creative spin on it. This was a hard challenge for me. Ya think ti would be simple since EVERYONE has a favorite song right? UH NOPE! I have quite a few. I love music because it can transport ya back to a time when ya first heard it playing.

I adore many artists for one reason or another. Nina Simone, Billie Holiday, Boston, Dido, Anathema, Paramore, Metallica, Reba McEntire just to name a few. But one lady has really spoken to me at a time I thought I was beyond anyone understanding my feelings. It was when I lost Mama (in technical terms Mother In Law) I was feeling so lost, abandoned, alone, and most of all frustrated. Having to deal everyone elses emotinons about her death while mine were pushed to the back burner. I still haven't dealt with my feelings about her death, too much going and everyone needing me still. Anyways I digressed, I was really down one night and I happened to be checking out some music videos on my You Tube channel. One popped up and I was intriqued. It was a song by Jann Arden "Where No One Knows Me"

Ya wouldn't believe how MANY times I played that song. Let's just say I learned the words quickly. She spoke what I was truly feeling and I couldn't express to anyone. I so wanted to be able to just run away from it all and never look back. I didn't want anyone to know me or about me. Jann really spoke my heart. Of course by my entry here I never did run away although the desire was really intense. Just listening to her sing these words kept me going.

Now this isn't the only reason I chose this song. I chose it because I play this song EVERYDAY on my way to work with Lil Love. She LOVES this song. It gets played over & over. When I was thinking about what song to pick. I decided to go with Lil Loves song because she's near & dear to my heart. She has the same musical taste as her Nina and Mama.

I instantly thought of a steering wheel and a road, because that's what I imagine myself doing before I heard Jann Arden's song. I added her lyrics to the side as a reminder of how much her words mirrored what I was feeling.

I'll end this with her You Tube Video Ya can enjoy Johhny Depp and Jerry Lewis.

Ya can also follow her on Twitter (I AM!) lol She's a hoot.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_BPgUCQ0EM