~Poe FINALLY Listens~

 

The above picture was taken if me by my daughter Tashena in January of this year. As ya can see I wasn't the best me I could be. Having injured myself back in 2005, and being laid up for almost a year I gained some weight. Ok, Ok, not some, a ton in my eyes. I have to be honest here, I've always been small. For instance when I was 16, I only weighed 96 lbs. That's not because I was a diet junkie it's just how I was. Then I married that year, had a child the following year and totally ruined my body.

 

Oh, don't panic I'm not saying I was ruined because I had a child. I'm saying I was stupid and didn't listen to my body. Ya see when I was pregnant I was extremely sick to the point of being down to 65 lbs. The doctors thought I was trying to starve my baby and didn't want to "get fat." But that wasn't the case I assured them. The one thing I feared was what the doctor believeing such foolishness. This doctor (was a fill-in for my doctor) threatened to have me put in the hospital and forced fed. I told him that was unnecessary and I would do my best to gain some weight.

 

HUGE MISTAKE! Because that fear inside me drove me to abuse my body. I wish I had a Mother who could've guided me on my pregnancy. But those who follow me know my mother wasn't truly a decent mother she was abusive. She was definately out of the question for guidance! So I had to go it alone. I forced myself to consume the fattest foods I could for the calories. Eating three tuna fish sandwhiches with tons of mayo, fast food, etc.. just being reckless.

 

Even if I got sick (Which I did every time I ate) I would go back and consume more food. What I didn't realize was my body was doing it's job even though I was sick. What I did was send my body into a tailspin. I ended up going from someone who weighed 96 lbs (or 65 lbs if we go by my lowest) to someone who weighed 165 lbs before giving birth.

 

I did the worst thing I could ever do and that was ignore what my gut was telling me. So I gained weight and when I gave birth I ended up weighing 126 lbs. This was NOT GOOD! I never got back down to a good weight even with breastfeeding. AGAIN, I listened to the doctors who said I had to eat like I was pregnant to help my child.

 

The following year I gave birth to my daughter Tashena (She's the Photographer & also known here in my blog as Java Girl). I was sick with her as well but not to the extreme as it was with my son. I ended up weighing 123 lbs after her birth. In 1987 I gave birth to my final child and my final weight was 123 lbs. Now I know ya thinking 123 lbs isn't so bad. If I told ya I was only 4 foot 11 and a quarter then ya'd know it's an epic fail! I could've been heavier but I was running when I was pregnant with my youngest, so I often wonder if some of that was muscle mass.

 

Over the years I gained weight. The one thing I SWORE I would never be is big like my mother. She weighed 600 lbs when I was lil she managed to get down to 300 lbs. I hated the fact she was big, I thought that's what made her evil. Because she was so big she couldn't play games with us. I refused to be that type of mother no matter how big I got.

 

Well life did what it did & moved quickly. So much so I put myself on the back burner.I put my husband and children first and foremost. HUGE MISTAKE!  Don't get me wrong it's perfectly fine to put ya family first. BUT, not at the expense of YOU! I didn't realize this till way later in life. Yes, I know I'm not THAT old. I just wished I had known what I know now, back then.

 

You have to realize you only have one body, you need to take care of it. Put yaself at the top of the list. Get up every day and be the best YOU, you can be. Take a walk, write poetry, read a book, anything which makes ya spirit soar. LISTEN to ya inner voice which tells ya that they need ya. I wish I did that.

 

When my Tashena was pregnant and asked me for advice, here's what I told her. " Ya can listen to the doctors to a point. DO NOT let them bully ya into anything. Because at the end of the day it's you and your body not theirs!" If told her I wanted to share with her what I wish someone had given me. The knowledge to know that doctors are not always right. Had I listened to my inner voice and body, I would not be suffering the effects of what I did to my body so long ago.

 

I have to say she listened to me and most importantly her body.I was one proud Mama. She didn't have to worry about getting rid of extra weight after the baby (Lil Love)  was born. She was so healthy after having Lil Love that when I tried to do the belly regression pics I only managed one week. UGH! I was jealous!!! Jealous, but proud she took my advice.

 

Ya probably wondering why I'm rambling on this subject and not my art work. Like I said my artwork is now on http://poception.blogspot.com This is for the more personal and reflective entries. I did post something last night on Poeception if ya want to take a peak at it.

 

The reason why I'm writing about my weight is this. I weighed 253 lbs in that picture. That's right, 253! I swear, I didn't realize I was that huge. See it sneaks up on ya. Today I can say I'm not at my goal weight, but I'm a whole lot better. I'm not dieting, I'm listening to my body FINALLY! I don't allow people to dictate when or how I should eat. Every time I do, I get sick. It's not a mental thing it's a disease type thing. So I've grown up since I was 16 and I listen to me and what my body needs.

 

I will share my weight here with ya. I only started listening to my body in July. I started by drinking water (which I hate because I was forced fed tap water so it was a huge mental block to overcome) I managed to get my pop (soda for those who don't understand what pop is) from 6 two liters a day to maybe if i'm lucky one glass a day. These were the two biggest hurdles I had to overcome. Plus eating when I knew my body couldn't handle the food.

 

Are ya ready to know how much I weigh?

 

 I now weigh 196 lbs. That's not a huge drop in weight but it feels like a ton to me. 57 lbs isn't nothing to some people, it is a huge deal for me. I'm finally putting myself first! Finally listening to my body and the signals it's sending.

 

My whole reason for sharing this entry is to enlighten even one soul. That it's ok to put yaself first. I'm not saying shirk ya responsibilities. But take care of the one thing you only have one of.

THAT IS YA BODY!

 

If this helps even one person, then I'm happy for exposing myself in this way.

 

 

 

Full Snow Moon~Dreamboard~

 

 

 

~Full Snow Moon Dreamboard~

 

 

Page 2

Page 1

 

I have to admit I LOVE Jaime Ridler!

 

She's such an inspiration to me. She's never at a loss to sharing her heart. Jaime creates dreamboards and she encourages others to join in. I find making them to relaxing & get excited when I see my dreams come true, after I've created one.

 

If you'd like to see what I'm speaking about please visit Jaime here...

http://jamieridlerstudios.ca/full-moon-dreamboard-the-full-snow-moon

 

FIRST! let me explain why my dreamboard is in two pictures.

I decided to keep all my dreamboards in a journal. I didn't want the chance to lose one of them once the month is over. I can also go back & see how much I've grown & what dreams & goals came true.

 

My dreamboard this month is special to me. February being my birthday month, I had a lot to discover about myself.

We were asked to think outside the box for dreams that we were keeping deep within.

 

Sheesh! Did this hurt or what? I mean I've blogged about my dream of getting my Poetry published & selling my art & also teaching my art for the longest time. Each time I always put it off.

What is I'm keeping deep within myself? EXACTLY all of that!

 

I journaled about getting my studio set up. God knows I've been trying to unpack boxes since my move in 2008. I know, I know procrastnation. But, I think I've overcome this stalemate. I've come to understand as much as I love my Mama. This isn't her home anymore. Her home is in Heaven & this is my home & I need to make it such. Thus the motive for not unpacking my last room. I didn't need a therapist to know I was keeping my grief deep within me.

 

I am looking forward to creating my art studio & creating more art!

I want to blog more, & create more videos, & keep my creative juices going.

Plans to finish the artwork to my Poetry & see about getting that published. This is a childhood dream I'd love to see come true. I want to be able to donate funds to a Child Abuse Fund from the sales of this book.

I also journaled to keep track of my wonderful ideas, because relying on my memory isn't gonna work. So I have a Art Portfolio Journal just for those kinds of things.

These are all what I added to my dreamboard.

I plan on keeping this in mind, (and I wrote it on the lightbulb on the dreamboard)

 

DREAMING IS IMPORTANT. MY DREAMS ARE IMPORTANT!

 

With this in mind I know it's ok to put myself first. It's ok to keep pimping out my art friends and their art classes & such. But it's just as important for me to get myself out there too. I know these are what have been lying dormant deep within me, and now it's time to push through the earth and spring forth and grow!

 

 

 

~Where to find my Artwork~

Hi all, Just wanted you to know I'll be posting my art images here...

http://poeception.blogspot.com/2012/03/mary-serene-beauty.html

This blog will be for my more personal goings on, like the welcoming of my new Grandson coming in April of not sooner.

Also for any reviews I need to do on Gluten-Free items & such.

Please join me on Poeception for the latest Poe's Point Of View.

I just posted a new piece I worked on (thus the link to it) I hope ya enjoy it.

Wishing you...

ICAD Summer 2011 Challenge

ICAD Summer 2011 Challenge

First let me apologise to everyone who reads my blog. I've not posted in the longest time, due to health issues. In fact it's been just as long since I've done any artwork. I am also far behind on putting my Gluten Product Opinions here. I will be doing them soon, I promise. To letcah know what my health issue is, I've been seeing a doctor for a year now to help me with why I sleep so much. He said I had a vitamin deficency on Vitamin D. I was in the low 18's which ya supposed to be in the 35 range. I started taking 2000mg a day of vitamin D & this still hasn't changed my sleeping habits. I am constantly exhausted, & sleep is my best friend now. So please forgive me for not posting.

Now onto ICAD. ICAD stands for Index Card A Day. It's a Summer Challenge by Daisy Yellow at http://daisyyellow.squarespace.com/ It's a great way to create some art when ya've no time to sit and do a big project. This challenge had my name all over it since I'm lucky if I can stay away an hour much less create anything. The above ICAD I created was to celebrate the half way mark of our journey. Now even if ya don't join in on this challenge it's a great place to grab some inspiration for when ya stuck. I hope ya stop by and visit Daisy Yellow and see what other artists have created so far. It's NEVER too late to join in on the fun.

Wishing everyone,

~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.