Sunday, December 31, 2006

The End Is But The Beginning


As 2006 ends memories are formed
Memories of happy times,
Sad times,
Times that are forever past.

As 2007 begins Dreams are formed
Dreams filled with hope, wishes, plans,
Thoughts of fun with family and friends.

The years end too quickly,
But always start with thoughts
That there will be enough time
To fulfill all those Dreams


Oh, but that this year will
be the year where Dreams are fulfilled
And the memories are forever cherished.

Tuesday, December 26, 2006

TEA FOR ME


Well, for the first time in 3 months I am able to take some time for me. I decided that I should sit down and enjoy a slow cup of wonderful raspberry-apricot tea. I bought the beautiful creamer and sugar bowl along with the cup at a little store in Seattle. This was last year when Tracie, our friend Lori, and I went to our annual retreat at ArtFest. We always start and finish the trip with a little shopping at the market. It is so much fun!

When I spotted this lovely creation by Muzeum I knew I had to have it. I took it to work and when I need a few minutes alone to gather my thoughts I brew a cup of tea, shut my door and let my mind drift to the adventures at ArtFest. It is so relaxing to think about the laughter and artistic creating that happens at ArtFest. Teesha, Tracey and their crew work so hard to make the experience top notch.

Then, teachers like Nina Bagley, Leslie Riley, Pam Garrison, Traci Bautista (to name a few) give the best classes. I remember Nina's class last year-"Sheer Beauty, Mica Wallhanging", it was a blast. I had never worked with mica before but when I finished I had a beautiful wall hanging that now hangs proudly in my art room. I absolutely love Nina! She not only is fun but has a terrific amount of patience.

Oh, I must take another sip of tea! Delicious! MMM!

Memories! How grand!

Each of the last six years we have gone to Art Fest I come home planning to attend the next!

I think this year - I will go to the little tea shop at the market and buy the pitcher and more cups to match this set. I love the pattern so much because it reminds me of all the artistic talent flowing around Fort Warden when 500+ artists show up to create!

Wonder what the past Generals of Fort Warden would think about all the creativity. Definitely not a "Yes,Sir. No,Sir" environment now! Do you suppose the spirits are still around?

Well, time to get back to work! More time for tea later and more time for dreaming!

Sunday, December 17, 2006

Invitation to Valley Ridge


I would like to invite you to join my daughter-in-law, Tracie Lyn, and I for a FANASTIC! Fiber Fusion class that we will be giving at Valley Ridge Art Studio on April 21 & 22, 2007.

Kathy Malkasian operates this enchanting studio located in the rural countryside near Madison, Wisconsin. She and her husband, Bill, host wonderful artist workshops from spring thru the fall. It is a marvelous way to enjoy the beauty of nature while learning new techniques from a variety of talented artists.

Tracie and I will be the guest artists for the April 21/22 weekend, and we are absolutely thrilled to be part of the Valley Ridge Experience! Our workshop, Fused Fragments Extended Journal , will enable you to use the smallest scraps of paper, ribbon, fabric, yarn and many other fibers. In addition, we will show you how to incorporate a wide variety of materials such as pictures, photos, and natural elements to create an INCREDIBLE journal. The surrounding Wisconsin landscape will serve as our inspiration.

We will also explore the use of silk flowers and leaves, thread, yarns, fabric, feathers, sequins, buttons, small flat ephemera, and any special objects as our surface continues to transform into a beautiful unique piece of art with great depth and dimension. Finally, we will show you how to make plain paper or cardstock, paper folders, fabric, canvas and much more into vibrant, multidimensional collage art!

Tracie and I have been busy gathering, drying, and pressing beautiful botanicals from the Midwest to give to our students for incorporation into their work.

We are just so excited about sharing this fiber technique with all of you. So, if you are looking for a fun filled weekend, where you can enjoy the company of others who love art as much as you, please COME and JOIN US! You will see for yourself that Valley Ridge Art Studio is truly a PERFECT getaway!

Saturday, December 09, 2006

Mother


As many of you already know I said the final goodbye to my mom on Sunday, November 26, at 4:29AM. I was by her side. During the final months,weeks and days of mom's illness I saw a side of her I had never seen before. She was very brave and displayed a strength beyond words. When visitors came she would be her old self laughing and joking. She was especially happy when the children came to see her. She always loved children so much. My heart would ache as I knew that when they all left the pain would dominate her time. I guess the part that touched me most is that not one time did I see my mom cry. Even when the pain was so bad she couldn't move she never shed a tear - perhaps the pain was beyond tears, I don't know.

I want to say thank you to all my dear friends and family that supported me during this difficult time. Without the love and support of all of you I am not sure I could have found the strength to be there with mom day after day.

Thank you for the emails, cards and phone calls where you let me know you were thinking of me.

Thank you for continuing to check my sites for what little news I was able to get posted.

As I go into the Christmas holiday it will be difficult without mom but my family and I have a lot of fond memories of holidays gone by. These memories will be cherished. A friend shared this message " They live forever who are loved in memory". How true!

Thank you again dear friends and family.

Marylin