Fabric Book

I found a blog that had a tutorial for a fabric book. Not a fabric covered book. Or not a book with fabric in it, but a FABRIC BOOK!!! Originally, I went there for the house ornaments, even though I had already declared to the universe that I was not ever, ever, ever going to spend time making stuff I couldn't justify. (But really, what have I made lately that I can justify??? And let's not talk about dishcloths.) Anyway, over to the side is a list of tutorials and the fabric valentine book intrigued me. The directions were clear and I decided to make a book about the issue of trusting I am working with.
So here's some pictures of what I made. I am thinking of doing another one actually for Valentine's day.
The tutorial is here: http://belleandburger.blogspot.com

Christmas Eve 2010

Yesterday I went to church to prepare for Christmas Eve service. I carried the Baby Jesus from the sacristy where he was "hiding out" to the back of the church. Then tonight one of the children will carry him and his manger to the altar. I keep thinking we need a more "culturally sensitive" Baby Jesus, since this one has bright blue eyes and blond hair. Although we really don't know what Jesus looked like, I suspect, he did not have blonde hair and blue eyes. While I was preparing for the service, I got a brilliant idea: When I put the banners up I always get confused on which banner goes on which side of the sanctuary. So I got my Sharpie and wrote a G on the back at the top of the banner for Gospel side and E for epistle side. That way I will be able to see and I don't have to remember! Working for God is hard! I know God will be understanding if I make a mistake but I am not always sure about his underlings.

This morning the meditation was about Christ (or God) coming to us in human form. God had appeared to others in visions, dreams, and physical manifestations like a burning bush (or a blonde hair blue eyed baby?). But...(the author of the meditation said) we didn't recognize Him. So God sent his son. I wonder how many times I didn't recognize God or his tapping me on the shoulder or sending a burning bush or a dove or a dream about a ladder?
The good thing about retirement is that you can hear your thoughts. The bad thing about retirement is that you can hear your thoughts. And what I've been thinking is that I have not been open hearted and loving as I should have. My heart was damaged not by a physical illness but by cruelty brought about by sickness on someone else's part. And I have yet to allow God to heal me. And yet God has shown himself to me. And just like everyone else, I didn't recognize him.
So, Christ is the manifestation of God in the flesh. "This is me," God is saying. "And this is how I want you to be. I was a baby. Then a boy. Then a man. And I died. And I live again."

Recognizing God. That's the challenge.

Lavender Cottage update

Here at Lavender Cottage, we have made some necessary improvements to the old place. Although it was very hot here, the repairs were done on time and well. My goal for Lavender Cottage is to be a real haven of serenity and peace where I can create. So the noisy toilet was fixed. The leaky bathtub faucet was replaced. And the hot water heater was replaced. It is quiet here now since these repairs were completed and I love the improvements.
I also bought some new curtains for all the rooms except the office. However, now that I have the curtains up I am craving plantation shutters. I would like them to be on the west facing windows at the front of the house. I think it would also make it quieter here.
The heat got to all my plants, but I think I can save the roses. I got through another weird and hectic week and will reward myself with a rose bush. However, I think I will order online this time and see what that's like.
Keeping my goal and mission about Lavender Cottage always in the forefront is important as I make these changes. I want to have a quiet serene and spiritual atmosphere to retreat to.

Day of the Dead

It's never too early for Day of the Dead! I found a book that was just the right canvas for a Day of the Dead skulls book. Here's the first page. It is a black gesso foundation with white acrylic paint and then (what else?) Sharpie markers!
This one is called "Flower Girl."

The Flea Circus

I guess a long time ago you could go to someplace and watch fleas (?). This was obviously before television. And I guess the fleas did tricks (?). Well...We have been inundated with fleas and the only trick they seem to have is to pretty much dare me to spray them or the bedding or the yard or the carpet or the furniture. They thumb their noses at the spray, powder, bomb I use. I have become obsessed with killing them and I think I may be winning the war. I had hoped to be out of the flea combat by August 31 (this is a news reference, related to Iraq, and I probably won't be making a lot of news references--ever). But it appears I may have to have peace keeping force in place for a while. I do think we have turned the corner in the flea battles, but I am not ready to put up a sign that reads "Mission Accomplished." (another news reference, which I just promised I wouldn't do).
Besides fleas and their killing and prevention of another infestation, I have been doing some work. I cleaned the art room (a little) and found I have tons of blank ATC's. So I painted some and then glued them like a mosaic on a piece of cardboard. I am thinking about Christmas, so I used Christmas colors. Over the whole collage I did a wash of quin gold. Which one do you like?
On an entirely different subject: I watched the movie "Men who stare at Goats," with my honey, George Clooney. I always said that when I retired I would have a film class that would show how men think (or don't, as the case may be). And this film is definitely in! Others are: Hunt for Red October, The Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and the classic Tarantino film, Pulp Fiction. Okay a lot of Tarantino films fit this film class. Kill Bill (both volumes) is a good example of how men think women think. Well, I am retired now so anyone want to join me in a film class?

Still hot!

Working with greens and yellows because my sister came down to look for stuff for her new home. Her colors? Green and Yellow! I did an homage to her new home.
And...some time ago at one of my favorite thrift stores, I came across some carefully sliced/sawed black walnut shells in a plastic bag for $1.00. I kept them and used one on a shrine. But I thought of using them for printing. So the "designs" on this background are black walnut shell prints. What we find to use creatively!

More boxes

Working in the art room this morning. Can't seem to get away from the boxes! More later! Hot! Hot! Hot!