Lost Poetry

Occasionally things don't always turn out in my studio.  This week's epic Fail came while working on my Found Poetry canvas for an upcoming swap at Paper Traders.

I have seen this technique gaining popularity and was anxious to try it myself.  I had read online that another artist used MasquePen to block out her words so she could paint over the rest of the page and then remove the masque when she was done.  Sounded perfect!

The paper I was using was quite old so I tested the MasquePen in several methods: straight paper, over clear gesso, over clear acrylic sealant, and over clear gesso covered with clear sealant.  The last seemed to work wonderfully so I prepped my pages and went to work.

Below is what happened to me when I tried to remove the masque...  Two section of masque pulled the paper right off the page and my words with it.  So sad!

I decided I will salvage this piece by reprinting my poem and gluing new words over the top.  But will have to start from scratch on a new piece for this particular swap.  Live and learn.  (For my next piece, I'm going to try using Post-It Notes to cover my words...  I'll let you know how it turns out.)

mourning

love,

thrown aside,

and

Haunted forever by

all

which is not to be

Live Life to the Fullest

I wanted to play with my new bottle of Goosebumps spray some more so I used it to make the background for this pretty little ATC.  Such a simple card with a not-so-simple saying...

If you're like me, there's never enough time to do all the things I need to do much less try to squeeze in more of the things I want to do.  I realize that I'm becoming somewhat of a recluse and am letting life bog me down.  I'm trying to take baby steps to change this - not staying at work so late, cutting down on my Facebook usage, scheduling time to work on my art, etc.

This weekend I took a huge step and am spending most of my holiday weekend at a church Single Adult Conference.  It's been very uplifting and I've even made a few new friends.  Yesterday was a tour of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography followed by an amazing keynote speaker, Robert O'Brien.  Then we had some terrific workshops and I even learned how to play Bunco  =)

Today, I'm looking forward to more spiritual edification with church services and a fireside.

Everyday Creativity

http://mypanera.panerabread.com

I recently read this article from Panera Bread about creativity and I thought it was worth sharing:
http://mypanera.panerabread.com/storiestips-view.php?id=100

Sometimes we feel stuck and that we can't create anything because our muse is gone.  But the author here shares five easy ways to spark your imagination instead of wasting time waiting around for an idea to develop.  Worth a read  =)

A Holiday Letter, of sorts

This week I've received several letters and emails from friends and family - annual updates in the tradition of the Holiday Letter.  I've never been very good about writing those, much less getting them sent out and I suppose this year is no different.  I think it's because my life seems quite simple and, well, somewhat boring.  I don't have any exciting news to share or poignant photos to show off.  Mostly, I'm just glad to have made it through another year in relatively safe and sane fashion.  But, to bow to tradition and to appease those who complain that I don't share enough about my life, here's an update for the past year...

After my scary auto accident last winter, I purchased a new vehicle in late December 2010.  I am grateful to have a reliable car that gets good mileage and runs in perfect condition... it's also nice to have a few extra bells and whistles - automatic windows and door locks are an appreciated luxury!

My health hasn't been the greatest this year - I've struggled with my weight and a pervasive tiredness that had my doctor concerned.  After several blood tests, we discovered my Vitamin D levels were "dangerously low" (to quote my doctor) and the supplements that followed have gone a long way to helping me feel less like a walking zombie.  I recently joined back up on Weight Watchers and am hoping, once again, to find some success at the scales (after the holiday treats are finished off, of course!).

Work has been extremely busy for me.  I'm still working for State Farm (almost 16 years now) but splitting my time between two offices.  I'm grateful for the job and benefits - especially in this struggling economy - but working part time at each location makes me feel perpetually behind the game, always trying to catch up, never quite getting there, and feeling stressed out most of the time.  Thankfully, I work for two wonderful women whom I love and respect and who genuinely appreciate the effort I put into my work.

In May, I took a trip to Wyoming and South Dakota.  I was blessed to attend my oldest nephew's high school graduation as well as visit with my aging grandparents.  I often wish I had the time and money to travel to see them more often.  I am truly blessed with a wonderful and loving family.  In November, I flew to Cody WY to spend Thanksgiving with my parents, sisters, and their families.  They have such amazing and beautiful children and I'm a very proud aunt!

Christmas this year is spent here in San Diego, home alone... and appreciatively so.  I was lucky enough to get a four day weekend and it's been wonderfully relaxing - a welcome change to my normally hectic pace.  I've barely made a dent in my "to-do" list and am already thinking about when I can plan a little "stay-cation" in the near future to finally spend some real productive time at home for some cleaning and organizing that's long overdue.

When I'm not working and sleeping, I'm usually doing art or planning art projects for our Paper Traders group.  Moderating takes a lot of time and effort... even more so this past year as our membership has expanded and we took on the challenge of creating a group blog as well.  If you follow my posts here, you've seen some of the projects we've done this year.  I just wish I had more time to spend on the creative aspects as it's a nice counterbalance to my normal OCD tendencies  =)

In July, I was invited to be a guest artist on the popular Gingersnap Creations blog.  I was very honored by the recognition.  I was asked to create four original pieces - each one based on a different challenge.  It was a growing experience for me as an artist and I hope that I can continue to expand creatively.

I am really looking forward to the New Year - even though I know it's just another mark on the calendar, it always feels like a fresh start.  I am truly grateful for my wonderful friends and family and am blessed to have their influence in my life.  I wish each of you the very best this Christmas Day and I hope the year to come brings you many wonderful blessings!

With love,
Beckie

P.S.  Here's a favorite Christmas short I'd like to share with you:

Blast from the Past

Several of my friends (especially the long-distance ones) have commented that even though they enjoy seeing my art on the blog, they would like to hear more about what is happening in my life.  The truth of the matter is... not much.  I work full-time (and then some!) and spend most of my spare time working on my art and moderating our Paper Traders group.

The art group is continuing to grow and expand and we created a blog this year - which is terrific, but also a lot of work.  I think we get a pretty decent level of participation in our group swaps but it's often hard to get people to host projects so that task generally falls to us moderators.  Not that hosting is difficult, but when you do it regularly, it doesn't leave much time to fit in other things.

One of the "other things" I keep telling myself I need to do is to participate in more Single Adult activities with my church.  I am perfectly happy staying in and doing the art thing but I'm never going to meet anybody at home in my pj's  =)   I did recently break out my old gypsy costume and put in an appearance at the annual Halloween dance.  It was nice to see a few old friends but I didn't really meet anybody new (it's hard to interact with people in a dark room with loud music) so my goal this next year is to get out of the house a little more before I turn into a complete recluse!

This past week, I actually did get out of the house to spend time with an old friend who was here for business.  Tim was my very best friend in high school and I haven't seen him since before graduation - 25 years ago!  Sometimes when you reconnect with old acquaintances, it's nice but a bit awkward; but this was not like that at all... instead, we were immediately able to start up a conversation almost as if no time had passed at all.  It was great to catch up and rediscover our friendship again.  Below is a picture we took when we were in high school... the other photo is (a grainy cell phone picture taken in the dark) from our meet-up this week:

It's hard to believe I've been back in San Diego for more than a year now.  Time has really flown.  I recently added more shelves to my art studio but it's STILL not clean and organized enough to unveil to the rest of the world.  I went "home" to Wyoming this summer and got to see my oldest nephew graduate from high school.  I am so proud of him and excited to see him starting college now.  I'm planning another trip for Thanksgiving this year and am really looking forward to seeing my family again.  I love being in San Diego but it's awfully far from them.

So, that should get me caught up for awhile... I promise to try to be better about keeping everyone updated  =)

Burt's Bees

I'm a BzzAgent and I recently received a free sample of Burt's Bees Natural Skin Solutions for Sensitive Skin cleanser and moisturizer and I've been using it for a few weeks now. I think this is an excellent product for sensitive skin. It's very mild and does the job - fresh, clean skin that is soft and not greasy. The only detractor for me is that it does not include sunscreen protection (like most of the Burt's Bees products)... but then I suppose sunscreen might not be good for those who have extremely sensitive skin.  If you want to give this stuff a try, you can get a $2 off coupon from their Facebook page here: http://www.facebook.com/burtsbees?sk=app_137656902971961

Carnivals and Fairs

It's time for another fun blog challenge over at Paper Traders.  The theme this time is "Carnivals & Fairs" and I just had to make something using my new MyMemories digital scrapbooking software!

These photos were taken a few years ago when we went to Medieval Times for my friend Carolynn's birthday.  Fun times... Love you CC!!


P.S. Only one more day left to enter my software giveaway and have your chance to win a free copy of the MyMemories Suite for yourself...

Let's Go Traveling... to Balboa Park

For our Round Robin Journal project on Paper Traders, I'm working in Janne Ryan's book this month.  Her theme is "Let's Go Traveling" and I chose to feature San Diego's own world-famous Balboa Park, which is one of my very favorite places.  I love the beautiful gardens and breathtaking architecture, the wonderful concerts and plays, and all the fascinating things to see and learn about in the multitude of museums.  Located in the heart of San Diego, it is a treasure of the city with many free attractions and free parking, too.  You can learn more about the numerous things to see and do here by checking out their website: http://www.balboapark.org/

Remembering Danny

I received word this weekend that a dear childhood friend passed away last week and although I have not seen him in over 20 years, I have found myself spontaneously bursting into tears ever since I got the news.

I have known Danny Gatten almost my entire life, since we were toddlers; and he was my best friend when we were young children.  I followed him around everywhere... we often walked to and from school together, sometimes walking backwards in the snow so that no one would know that we were coming instead of going; we would play kick-the-can in the street with the other neighborhood kids; we went to the movies, rode bikes, played board games, jumped on the trampoline.  Every Sunday night, our family would go over to their house and the kids would all head downstairs to fight over whether we should watch "Swiss Family Robinson" (the Gatten's choice) or "The Wonderful World of Disney" (the Holso's choice)... usually agreeing to trade off every other week; our parents would be up in the kitchen - our Dads making milkshakes for everyone and our Moms chatting at the kitchen table as women tend to do.

Danny was a fun, popular, and kind person.  When other kids would tease me on the playground, he always stood up for me and would invite me to hang out with him and his friends or let me sit on the sidelines while he played ball with his buddies.  And, honestly, that's all I really wanted to do because I worshiped that boy!  I thought he was the cutest, coolest guy in the world and he was MY friend.  Oh, how I dreamed that someday he would be more!

Eventually, our family moved away and time & distance did their thing.  Although our parents kept touch, Danny and I didn't for very long and we each grew up and went on with our lives.  Once, shortly after high school, I was able to see him again.  He had grown into a very handsome young man and was still so kind and friendly to me.  Funny how no matter the years that had passed, he still made me feel all giddy inside.

I guess I share all this because I, like most girls, have never forgotten my first love.  And I am feeling sad that although I remember the boy, I never really got to know the man... and now he's gone and I will never have that chance.  And it's such a shame that someone so young (only a year older than me) should pass away.  I also feel sympathy for his family who was almost like a part of my own.  Nearly every childhood memory has the Gattens in it - they played such an important role in our lives.

"Mourning is one of the deepest expressions of pure love...  'Thou shalt live together in love, insomuch that thou shalt weep for the loss of them that die.' (D&C 42:45)  Moreover, we can’t fully appreciate joyful reunions later without tearful separations now. The only way to take sorrow out of death is to take love out of life."

~Russell M. Nelson

I'm grateful for my knowledge of the plan of salvation.  My testimony of God's eternal plan of happiness brings me a measure of comfort and I hope his family feels that too.

I'm a Gingersnap Creations Visiting Artist for July

I am very flattered and excited to be asked to be a visiting artist on the Gingersnap Creations blog this month.  I'm not sure why they picked me but maybe it's because the overreaching theme this month is machines with a focus on the steampunk style and I did get a lot of positive feedback on my steampunk valentines awhile back.  Whatever the reason, I am really very honored to have been asked!  So now you'll all get to see what I've been doing with all that swap meet junk I've been collecting  =)

The challenges will be announced weekly on Wednesdays so be sure to check back each week to see my newest creation.  And don't be afraid to jump in and join the fun!

Saturday Swap Meet

It was time for another scavenging trip to find more steampunk playthings.  Above is a photo of what I found today.  Stay tuned to (hopefully) see these items featured in some new art soon!

Scavengering for Art Supplies

Yesterday, I spent the morning at the swap meet and then checked out some of the local thrift stores... all in my search for cool stuff to use in my art.  I'm trying to come up with something for a Valentine Steampunk Assemblage swap we're doing on Paper Traders.  I found this store called Architectural Salvage that is awesome!  Most of their stuff is too pricey for my pocketbook but it sure was fun to browse  =)

Catching up on the past six months...

Moving back to San Diego has been terrific although I still feel like I'm in my adjustment period.  It took me several weeks to find a new home and even longer to get unpacked... I still am not completely settled in but I'm getting there.  I found a cute duplex in the suburbs and am blessed to have a nice landlord, a friendly neighbor, my own laundry room, a garage, a yard, and the best part - a whole room to dedicate to my art studio/office!

I used my birthday gift cards to buy shelving for the studio and I am almost done getting everything put in its place.  I would have been done ages ago if I didn't keep hauling stuff out and making messes (along with art) along the way.

Shortly after moving into my new home, I discovered this nest of baby birds right outside my window.

I've really enjoyed catching up with old friends and making new ones since coming back to San Diego. 

Sadly, my best friends relocated to the Monterey Bay area shortly after I arrived.  I was lucky enough to get to spend a long weekend with them over Halloween.  On the way home, I took the scenic route down the famous Highway 1...

Being back in Southern California gave me the opportunity to attend one of my online artist friend's art showing... and to finally meet her in person.  Kate Carvellas was as sweet in person as I'd come to know her online and a talented artist too!

Although I went home for Thanksgiving, I spent a lovely quiet Christmas at home this year.

I'm looking forward to the new year and good things  =)

Out with the old... In with the new...

On the day before leaving town to visit my family for Thanksgiving, I managed to total my car.  The accident was my fault and an embarrassingly stupid move on my part.  Thankfully, no one was seriously injured - it could have been so much worse - but my subcompact 2004 Hyundai Accent didn't fare too well against a Dodge Ram pickup!  I finally got out of my rental and into a new (at least new to me) car - a 2010 Hyundai Elantra with power, cruise, and lots of nice little amenities I had been doing without.  Alas, they came with a car payment attached but at least I have something nice, newer, and reliable to get around in.

On a lighter note, I had a wonderful time visiting my family in Wyoming over the Thanksgiving holiday.  I arrived just in time for the traditional dinner, sacrificed sleep for some Black Friday shopping deals, had a Harry Potter movie marathon with my nieces, went to kindergarten with my youngest niece, watched another niece perform admirably at her swim meet, helped my mom rearrange her art studio, and managed to read a novel and complete an art piece in the process.  Not a very restful vacation but definitely a fun and special one!

This is the art piece I completed on my vacation.  It was my birdhouse-themed contribution for the Fifth Anniversary swap on Paper Traders.  The couples featured are my grandparents and great aunt & uncle  =)

San Diego, here I come!

 (photo from www.vroomvroomvroom.com)

Lately, my posts have been infrequent at best.  I wish I had some new art to show you but I've been spending what little spare time I have sorting things to give away...  You see, I've decided to move back to San Diego this summer!

I am super excited to be going back - I miss all my friends so much and I will even be returning to my old job.  My bosses and coworkers in San Diego are awesome people and dear friends so it's going to be really nice to get to work with them again.

In the meantime, I am trying to pare down all my stuff to the bare minimum.  I'm getting rid of all my "big" clothes - so I won't even be tempted to let any of those old pounds climb back on!  Lots of extra shoes, videos, old computer equipment, linens, craft supplies, and most of my furniture.  I still have tons to do and I know the next two months will fly by - I'm planning to move over Memorial Day Weekend at the end of May.

The most important thing still to do is find an apartment! For those of you who are in the area, let me know if you've got any good leads  =)

Apologies

For all my dear friends and those of you who have been kind and generous with your time... I realize that I have lately been slow to acknowledge and respond to your posts. After reading Rice's post on etiquette today, this really was brought to my attention:

"...Respond to correspondence in a timely manner. RSVP, for [goodness] sake. They sent you an invitation; the least you can do is let them know whether or not you plan to attend. Answer your emails, return the phone calls, respond to the texts. If you don’t have time to do these things, you must let people know ahead of time, as in, “Here’s my email address, Sally, and you may use it at your will, but you’re not important enough to me to make it likely that I’ll respond any time in the foreseeable future. Just so you know.” Like that. This is one of the toughest for me, as I always leave The Fun Email, the personal correspondence, for last. Like cake. I do all the work stuff first. So sometimes the wonderful personal emails languish in the inbox for days and days while I take care of work. And that’s a shame. And I’m going to try to do better. Really I am. Am I too stuck in my ways to learn to, at least sometimes, go ahead and eat dessert first? Or, sheesh: to even begin to eat dessert at all?"

This blog - and all of the people I have connected with through it - are my candy, the sweet treat that I save to give it the time to formulate a well thought out reply. And I look at my inbox and realize that I am very far behind! I am sorry. Life has been very busy for me lately but I will try to do better. Please know that I truly do appreciate every single comment I receive and I hope you will continue to come and visit me here =)

Cool Clip

The other day, while taking out the trash, I noticed this clip laying on the ground near the dumpster. I don't know exactly what it is for but I thought it was cool so I snagged it. If you have any clever ideas for what I should do with it, I'm open to suggestions... otherwise I'll just add it to my art stash until some future date when the perfect project presents itself =)

A Second (Medical?) Opinion

This morning I had my annual exam and since my GYN has started her own practice, I had to fill out a whole new patient profile including some pretty personal questions about my history.

I thought it was funny how my doctor seemed to think it was strange that I am not currently "active" in an intimate way (apparently no one is expected to uphold any kind of standards these days) and she even went so far as to suggest I try some internet dating in order to find someone with whom I can have a relationship. I told her I'd been down that road and was scared off by all the weirdos!

Any way, I read on Rice Freeman-Zachery's website today about some other internet dating fiascos that seemed to echo my own experiences... I laughed my butt off because it's just so sad and so true! You can read about them here: http://voodoonotes.blogspot.com/2009/12/internet-dating.html

Second Base (A "girls only" kind of post)

Today was a milestone for me: my first mammogram. I have been putting this off for two years (much to the frustration of my GYN) because - let's face it - I was scared! I had heard so many horror stories of pain and "pancakes" - you ladies know what I'm talking about - and, as a full-figured kinda gal, I was really dreading the experience. Thanks to new digital equipment and the gentle Lucinda at the radiology lab, I would like to say that it was No. Big. Deal. And such a relief to finally have it done. Ladies, take care of your boobies - get your mammograms!!

Fuzzy Chicks

A few of you wondered what those fuzzy yellow things were in the middle of my stash... well, here they are - aren't they the cutest?