Illustration Friday: Lesson

Raven taught her lessons she could never learn from people.

Raven is her totem. Her spirit guide. Her connection to the natural world.

acrylic and colored pencil on a paper bag, pulled from my archives

Animal Wednesday: Journal Journey

I've been a bit quiet on the blogs lately because I'm trying to instill some self-discipline towards working. Today I painted this journal for Etsy.

I scooped up a couple of these at Michael's Craft Store knowing right away what I would add. I think any one of you could have guessed!

Yes indeed, my raven friend! I painted him with an acrylic paint base and then detailed him with colored pencils.

And then I added this to the back. So true, don't you think?

So here's my Animal Wednesday post for this week, a journaling journey!

xo♥

Six Word Saturday # 14

Waving,

Acknowledging.

Feeling your visit.

~Namaste~

I've been in the mood to create powerful collages lately. This one seems fitting for Memorial Day weekend as we remember those we have loved and lost.

For those of you who have experienced 'visits' as I have, lucky us. ♥

For more six words, click here <

Open to interpretation

Some of you know I spent the weekend with my dear friend KJ and her partner JB.

It was a magical time of good food, nature walks, taking pictures and making art. The three of us sat silently making collages, occasionally peeking to see what the others were doing and exclaiming with an ooh or aah as we watched the progress.

This is mine. I know what it says to me but I'd love to hear what it says to you.

Look at each element. What do they symbolize? How does this image make you feel?

I'd love to know your thoughts ;)

And if you haven't already see it, here is KJ's amazing collage. Her very first one!

I'll see if we can get her to show JB's as well.

Happy Monday!

xo

Skywatch Friday: Phoenix Rising

I was just closing the door when I spotted this cloud formation out of the corner of my eye over my neighbor's roof. To me, it looks like a spirit rising , possibly Phoenix or someone's beloved pet. It could be.

For other wonderful glimpses of clouds, go here.

Happy Skywatch Friday!

Healthy Spirit ~ 5 Things A Day

I was tagged by Laurel Neustadter to list five things I do every day to keep my spirit happy and healthy. Funny thing is I haven't been doing enough! I've fallen off the wagon of self-care and my resolution is to get back on. Here's what I try to do every day.

1) I wake up with gratitude and carry it through the day even if I have challenges ahead. I believe each day is a gift and each obstacle is a learning tool.

2) I like being the only one awake when I have my coffee. I sit and check email and get caught up on my blogs. Even the dog is still under the covers! I love the quiet and solitude of that hour or so.

3) One of the best ways for me to connect with my spirit is to be outdoors. Usually I try to go for a long walk sometime in the morning. It's best if I go without the dog so I get some momentum and make it exercise. Emma likes to stop and sniff every 2 feet, so either I take her out first or my husband walks her.

Another thing that restores me is just being at the ocean. It's right down the street from me and I can hear the waves from my house. When I sit there I can often feel my troubles slip away.

4) I try to help others every day. It's the nature of my job anyway, but even if it wasn't I'd be doing things for people and animals. I'm working on finding a balance so I don't always feel so depleted.

5) Finally, the last thing I'll list is that I'm trying to be kinder to myself. I used to play "old tapes" that told me I'm not good enough, but now when I disappoint myself I just say "do better tomorrow." So now that it's tomorrow, I'm ready to do better in every way! I'm hoping 2009 is the year I meet my health goals. If I can do it then I know everything else will fall into place.

I'm tagging a few friends for this one...hmmmm, let's see. Okay, here they are!

KJ

Soulbrush

Mim

Suki

Teri C

And ladies, only if you want to!! XX

IF : Multiple Posts

Such an appropriate word for me this week because this entry makes my 100th post!

This blog has served me well in multiple ways this past year. I've found an art community I'm comfortable in and I've made multiple friends. I've shared multiple images and stories. I've used some subjects many times ( Ravens, for example) and I've been given multiple awards by some pretty special blogging friends. The joy in my life has multiplied by being a part of this experience.

Today I've chosen to post "The Spirit Of Raven" because of the multiple times his image appears in the sketch. Also, for those of you who recall my dream series, this represents after the pears were harvested, yet Raven's presence is still known.

Thanks for being with me for the first one hundred posts! I'm looking forward to many, many more.

acrylic and Prismacolor pencils on bristol paper

for Illustration Friday's prompt: multiple