Redbird Wishes

How I love summer!  There is a bird in a tree in front of our bedroom window that starts chirping at 5am every morning.  Now I really admire this bird, as she (has to be) on schedule with her job every summer day and reminds me that the sun is out! I appreciate this tiny miracle of nature and treasure my beautiful backyard and fish pond too! 

We have one large Koi in the pond named Harley, who jumps up to greet us.  There is a plastic owl to ward off a crane that also wants to have Harley, but the owl senses movement and turns his head to scare the crane.  I like to watch the owl watch me!  Okay- so I'm getting a bit daft....

On the way to my GD graduation (pic above) a redbird flew in front of our car-quite close, but safely.  A redbird is an oriental sign of good luck, and I took it as such, both for us and our GD.

I am wishing you all redbird wishes for this summer! ~Lou

Ella Doll Head Looking for Herself

My doll 'Ella' has her head done, but can't find her body as yet.  Actually, I have to redo the neck area, as the old body I purchased needs reinforcement in that area.  The doll head was made from old sacking, stuffed with organic wool, then face applied with the watercolor pencils, sprayed with matte varnish, then a clear matte liquid added over (the one Keith Lobue uses- forget name now.)  I wanted a primitive look- like the old oil cloth dolls I can't afford. 

 Ella, my maternal GM, loved to paint ANYTHING.  She once painted over a wallpaper big scene, because she didn't like the trees.  Also, painted walls, milkcans, furniture- in a style ala GM Moses.  My favorite memory of her was to take the bus to the dime store and eat hotdogs. ~Lou



More Journaling, I Promise, Maybe....

I am hoping to be more personal on my posting, as I believe I am at a point in my life that is trying to simplify.  I seem to be narrowing interests and not looking for pats on my back anymore.  Thus I am done with submissions and trying to get a book published.  Better to appreciate every day and the blessings I have now.  And what blessings I have!

Will be doing artwork that I want to do and not be stressed that something is not finished.  I currently am working on a cloth doll to be made to look old.  Actually the body is old and antique, with fabulous individually sewn fingers.It was purchased for $15 at a doll show and has been patiently waiting for a head for over a year.  I just made her face last week- very primitive looking- and painted with Derwent watercolor pencils on an old 'fly-specked' piece of cotton.  I am pleased with both the pencils (thank you, Kelly!) and her look.  Her name is 'Ella' after my grandmother, and I will try to post some photos of her soon.
Photo is of our daughter and our GG child- the best blessing ever........Lou