Using stencils

I'm taking a weeklong classes from Julie Fei-Fan Balzer on using her great stencils that she has designed. Today I learned about using products with too much liquid and those that provide crisp edges. I was so enthusiastic that I just had to try it out. I used a 12 X 12 Dalia stencil in my weekly art journal. I used Pumice Stone Distress ink for the stencil and then used Jenni Bowlin's Chicken Feed ink with a blending tool over the rest of the page. I then dropped some ink blots of Maya Mists Earl gray and Sunflower Yellow over the page. I LOVE how it turned out.

Teacher of Piano

Some time in the past couple of months, while trying to 'declutter' my scrap space, I found a business card that was my mother's. When I looked at it, I knew I wanted to tell her story of being a teacher of piano. Recently, I found these two photos when going through another stack of 'stuff' in my scrap space. So, this layout was born. The most recent number stencil that was an add-on for my monthly Cocoa Daisy kit provided the perfect background. As any musician knows, numbers are an important part of being able to play music.

The journaling recounts her college education in the heart of the depression and how her dream of being a concert pianist, or a school music teacher had to be put on hold. She taught piano many years to help support herself until she married. Several years later, she again took piano students into our home to add to our income, never forgetting her dream. She again returned to college to get her teaching certificate, but my father's move for a new job ended that just when she was to start her student teaching. She didn't have the energy to start all over in a new state, so continued to teach piano students until her 70's. Her dream was totally broken.

Looking back, I'm so sad for her that circumstances stopped her from realizing her goal. And I'm sad my father was so selfish that his job could not have been put on hold for my mother's dream.

Farewell to Dena and Zoe

My sweet neighbors Dena and her daughter Zoe will be moving to Texas in just a couple short weeks. I met Dena through the local scrapbook store and we found we lived only a few blocks apart. Zoe was only about 3 or 4 years old at the time. They visited me frequently and we scrapped together with another friend, Tina.

Dena is very talented and has been on several high profile design teams in the scrapbooking industry. I remember when she was struggling to be published. She's come a long way since then.

Zoe is precocious. Having a conversation with her at 10 years old is like talking to an adult. She loves to cook and bake. How many 10 year olds know what cream of tartar is? Zoe does. When I first met her she was terrified of my dog, Freckles. Now she loves all dogs. It's been quite an adventure watching her grow up.

We had a farewell luncheon and visit at our mutual friend's house yesterday. Delicious salad, bread, iced tea and cupcakes were on the menu. We had such a good visit.

I will miss my young friends and wish them well in the new adventure they have ahead of them.

Grammy

One of my favorite roles in life is Grammy to little Eli who is two. Recently she and her mama came to visit me and we got this photo of the two of us. Usually I'm behind the camera when I see her and realized that I hadn't gotten a photo of us together in a LONG time. Note to self: hand the camera off more often.

Eli is a beautiful and very smart two year old. She has been bi-lingual since she started talking. So, there are times I don't understand what she is saying. She and her mother converse in Spanish most of the time. I think with time, she will realize that she needs to speak English when she is with me. But she gets her wants and needs across very well in either language.

She's on vacation with her parents for a couple more weeks, so I'm counting the days until they come back and I can see my sweet grand-daughter again. Love you little Eli.

Mixed media canvas

I've never done a canvas before, so this was a new experience. This past weekend Cocoa Daisy had their Spring Crop with challenges, classes, and just plain fun. One of the classes was on how to create a canvas project. Lisa one of the Cocoa Daisy Design Team members showed us step by step how to make a canvas using a handcut heart for a mask. While it was very pretty, I decided to use the techniques to create one with my OLS for 2011. It was really easy to do and fun to play with all the techniques. I like how it turned out and will definitely do this again. Thank you Lisa and Cocoa Daisy.

Farewell, my little friend

I couldn't even think of doing this post until today. It's been a week since I received the phone call from Sara letting me know that you had gotten out of the house and into the path of a utility truck. Your death was instanteous, so you did not suffer. You craved freedom, digging under the fence or waiting for that moment of inattention when the front door was open. It was really just a matter of time until this happened. But I'm so sad that it has.

Sara rescued you about 6 years ago when you were about 6 years old. You had been neglected and closed in a bathroom for hours at a time when your owners were gone. You had serious anxiety issues. Sara worked with you and loved on you until your anxiety lessened and you became a friendly, loving, bouncy furry friend.

When Eli was born two years ago, you became her guardian and patient pal. You never growled or became unpleasant when she pulled your hair or crawled in your bed with you, or gave you hugs. You learned early that you could discourage her by licking her hands and face. She loved to feed you and learned to give you gentle pats and hugs.

You usually spent a couple months with me each year when your family took vacations or were gone on business trips. You made yourself right at home with Freckles and me. Freckles seemed to enjoy your company and would run to find you when it was time to come in from the yard. You dug holes under my fences, too and got away a couple times. You would come prancing home after you had a chance to investigate the neighborhood (you could have been run over here just as easily as home). I loved your affectionate and bouncy personality. And will always remember how you walked with your tail in the air like a pom-pom or a flag. You loved to go on walks and were a perfect walking companion - just my speed with no pulling. And you never barked, but just made a growling sound deep in your throat.

So, farewell, my little friend. You are missed.

Quilt Guild

Today was the last regular meeting for this year of the guild that I have belonged to for 3 years. Since I'm somewhat quiet, it has taken me this long to really get to know some of the ladies. I love this group....they are so helpful and encouraging. The next meeting witl be a potluck in June to vote on the next year's officers. I won't be able to go as I'll be recuperating from my surgery, but my name is on the ballot for secretary. There are two of us, so it's not a sure thing. I would look forward to being an officer and getting more involved and becoming even more acquainted with members. We'll see.

And since no post is complete without a photo, here's my layout for LOAD for today. The prompt is to use emphasis. And the whole subject of LOAD is 'back to the basics'. So my layout seems rather plain, but it is basic and speaks to Eli's growing sense of independence.