Priti Studio

Haiku my Heart♥ & painting progress

2012-01-27T09:58:00.001-05:00

Journal page

When gray turns to black
I meet with The Consultant
and his ruby bliss.

The Consultant is a handsome Shiraz.

He has been giving me advice

on my painting...

and on surviving the bleak winter.

For more Haiku

visit recuerda mi corazon.

Love,

Lisa♥

Butterfly

2012-01-21T20:17:00.002-05:00

This week the art challenge was hosted by Hettienne,

and as is usual, she gave a great prompt...

Butterflies.

I am immersed in a huge undertaking...

a commission, The Last Supper.

Working on it or thinking about the puzzle of it all

has been my life for the past 2 weeks.

And I still have a long way to go.

So, I hope you will forgive me for sharing something old.

I painted this table a few years ago,

and no one bought it.

So I have been happily using it myself.

As a place to set my wine whilst I recline in bed,

reading or watching TV.

I want for nothing, I fear nothing, I am free.

Look for more butterflies Sunday afternoon here.

43 x 24" on a birch canvas.

♥♥♥

Haiku my Heart♥

2012-01-20T09:26:00.000-05:00

Love one another.

Life's holiest sacrament.

And the soul's yearning.

For more Haiku click recuerda mi corazon.

♥♥♥

Paper Dolls...free to a good home

2012-01-15T07:50:00.000-05:00

Paper Dolls.

This is the theme...and a great theme...

from Maggie at Magpie's Nest.

I have always loved paper dolls.

I am old enough to remember them fondly.

More than fondly.

I lived for the paper dolls I could cut from my Nani's Housekeeping magazines.

I also imagined better clothes for them,

and tried to make them myself.

And there began my first art anxiety.

The clothing never matched up to the bodies.

And were never as glamorous and sparkly as I saw them in my head.

But,I still have a love for paper dolls,

which is why I have these saved sheets.

They are from Mary Engelbreit's magazine, Home.

Years and years ago.

I got rid of the mags this past spring, but saved the paper dolls.

For now they are a give-away!

If anyone would like these...they are yours.

Just let me know in the comments.

I would be happy, so happy to mail them to you.

Let me know.

I HAVE been playing with paper dolls of my own...

Or you could call it a puzzle.

Or a thought process.

I am working on a commission.

And I think I am in over my head.

The Last Supper.

Have a happy week everyone,

I'll be visiting you....

Love, Lisa

Haiku my Heart♥

2012-01-13T10:03:00.000-05:00

I have perfected

the art of losing my mind.

It was quite simple.

For more Haiku

please visit

recuerda mi corazon

♥♥♥

Lisa

Haiku my Heart♥

2012-01-06T09:01:00.001-05:00

when I paint a face

you see a glimpse of my soul

sacred diary

For more Haiku...

visit Rebecca's blog

recuerda mi corazon

♥♥♥

Old, New, Borrowed, Blue Challenge

2012-01-01T10:07:00.001-05:00

Here is my offering for the Inspiration Avenue challenge;

Old, New, Borrowed Blue.

A Santos Mannequin Doll.

I have been wanting a Santos Doll for forever.

So I borrowed the idea

and made my own with things old and new.

His arms are pose-able so he can hold things,

like this bleeding heart ornament.

He was a lot more difficult to make than I thought he would be...

Here is a picture of a 'real' Santos

and a link to their shop.

Santos Cage Doll

I actually have 2 more started, because clay takes sooo looong to dry.

I want one to be a cage doll...we'll see.

I don't have sculpting tools, but that isn't an excuse,

I think I am impatient and inept in this art form.

It's a good thing they are primitive looking.

And,

Happy New Year!

Let's pray this New Year brings positive changes to the world and the human race.

L♥ve, Lisa

Haiku my Heart♥

2011-12-30T09:53:00.001-05:00

full of gratitude

yet, for a holy woman

she complains a lot.

Join Haiku my Heart

at recuerda mi corazon

hosted by Rebecca.

This is a spread in my art journal.

Remember the stained glass window?

When I held it up to the light it looked like this...

I wasn't feeling the best yesterday,

and so I was drawing pictures for me to color.

I'll prolly do the same today.

Even though I should go to the store.

We are out of stupid things that I always forget to buy.

Like foil and dish soap.

Can you wash dishes with shampoo???

Anyway...

There is still time to join the challenge I am hosting at

Inspiration Avenue

You have until New Year's Day.

And yes,

you can be a grateful complainer.

I am a pro at it :D

Love, Lisa

Jill Sobule "Merry Christmas from the Family"

2011-12-26T00:21:00.000-05:00

At least once every year....Jill Sobule "Merry Christmas from the Family"

Winter Solstice

2011-12-21T18:21:00.001-05:00

Today, a page in my art journal

The poem is my very favorite poem by my very favorite poet...e.e. cummings

i am a little church(no great cathedral)
far from the splendor and squalor of hurrying cities
-i do not worry if briefer days grow briefest,
i am not sorry when sun and rain make april

my life is the life of the reaper and the sower;

my prayers are prayers of earth's own clumsily striving
(finding and losing and laughing and crying)children
whose any sadness or joy is my grief or gladness

around me surges a miracle of unceasing
birth and glory and death and resurrection:
over my sleeping self float flaming symbols
of hope, and i wake to a perfect patience of mountains

i am a little church(far from the frantic
world with its rapture and anguish)at peace with nature
-i do not worry of longer nights growing longest;
i am not sorry when silence becomes singing

winter by spring, i lift my diminutive spire to
merciful Him Whose only now is forever:
standing erect in the deathless truth of his presence
(welcoming humbly His light and proudly His darkness)
.............................................................................................................................................................

I had this little church window for forever and now I have finally made use of it. It is transparent, so I cut a window in my journal and now I can do another page on the back. So that's all I did today, besides the boring chores and tasks like the post office and then I spent some time giving my blog a make over...do you like it? Oh, I also made chili and cornbread, but that was at 5am...seems like a different day ago. Now it's just about time to fill the wine glasses...Cheers! And wishing you a peaceful and happy mid-winter. Love, Lisa♥

PS: I am hosting the last challenge of the year at Inspiration Avenue...pop over and read all about it!

Inspiration Avenue

Haiku my Heart

2011-12-15T23:37:00.003-05:00

In the barber shop

on an ordinary day.

A dancer poses.

Recuerda mi Corazon

But.

If you have the time...

A few days ago,

Mia and I went to our family business for a photo shoot.

The Barber Shop!

Just me and my cheap camera,

Mia in her costume,

and the barbers,

my partner and my son,

on break.

I have been wanting to share these pictures...

Stringing perfectly chosen words together

is an art.

There is poetry in motion.

And poetry in stillness.

And poetry in love

between a brother and sister.

I didn't take a picture of Deb.

My partner, the barber, the other mom.

But I wrote a haiku for her too...

A mother's focus

Omits all others sometimes

Purely accidental.

It's fun being me.

That's God's poetry.

Abstract Fish

2011-12-14T10:17:00.001-05:00

I had a commission for an abstract painting.

I have never done an abstract before...

at least not on purpose ;-)

I made a wood canvas 24x32"

And gesso-ed it.

Val had sent me a picture...

Hmmm...pretty monochromatic....

I knew I wanted lots of texture,

so I made an omelet

and dried the eggshells in the oven.

I used modeling paste and a knife

to "paint' a picture and pushed the crushed eggshells

in the bottom border.

Next, I waited.

And waited...it took 2 days in our

rainy, cold weather to dry.

The gesso again.

Then I hauled it outside for the messy part.

Black paint over everything.

And then rinse it off...

and let it dry again.

Then paint, sand, paper, paint, scrub...

over and over until...

That's it!

Try the eggshells...

♥♥♥

Lisa

Virgin a Day 12

2011-12-12T11:13:00.001-05:00

today…just Madonna…

She is all over my house,

in my art,

and forever in my heart.

Someone wanted to see a picture of me…

and one more of Mia…

I love this picture of her

Thank you all

for your posts

and your comments.

This past 12 days have been a complete joy.

Love, Lisa

Thank you Rebecca…

Christmas Ball and Virgin a Day 11

2011-12-11T09:53:00.001-05:00

Today I am sharing a page

in my art journal

for the weekly challenge

at Inspiration Avenue.

Christmas Ball.

Please visit IA this afternoon.

And today is the eleventh day in our

12 days of Mary.

For me, it is a journey that has no end.

I have met many kindred souls

with whom I will continue to connect.

This is a new addition to my family…

I found this chalk ware bust

in a fun shop in Lancaster, PA

last week while we were waiting for a dress rehearsal to end.

You know what a fun shop is…

one full of vintage treasures

and art from local artists

a place were you must touch everything.

In the end,

I couldn’t leave her behind.

Does anyone know more about these busts?

Please take the time to visit

"here the door is a heart always open"

Remember my Heart

(recuerda mi corazon)

Have a peaceful Sunday.

Love, Lisa

Virgin a Day 10

2011-12-10T09:34:00.001-05:00

This is a picture of the Nativity Scene at the Good Shepherd Church

in Lebanon, PA.

Last night, Mia and her Dance Troupe performed dances from the Nut Cracker

as part of their Christmas Program.

They do it every year for Charity.

This year, the Church leaders decided they could not include the

Arabian Dance.

The reasons were political...

I am flabbergasted (and incensed) at this decision.

The Ballet was first performed Dec. 18, 1892.

I never thought of it as having any religious connotations.

If anything, I feel it honors other lands and cultures.

Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Danish and Arabian

cultures are represented as the flavors of Christmas.

Chocolate, Tea, Candy-cane, Marzipan, Coffee.

I am not sure what sect this Church is,

but its narrow-minded and absurd discrimination

and censorship

is exactly why I am leery of organized religious groups.

Nevertheless, the Nativity was beautiful,

and I made my sweaty ballerina pose in front of it.

May Love conquer All.

Remember my Heart
Recuerda mi Corazon.

Day 9 Virgin & Haiku

2011-12-09T09:31:00.001-05:00

Today is the ninth day in our 12 day journey.

A journal page…

A little envelope to hide my transgressions.

I also will share a Haiku…this is the first I’ve written since highschool (30 yrs ago)

I let fear inside

yesterday - I lost my way.

This morning is new.

Click either link to be transported to a place of beauty.

Love, Lisa

Virgin a Day 8

2011-12-08T09:40:00.001-05:00

A little Madonna icon I made

from reclaimed wood.

Join us at Rebecca's blog.

I have never used the word beautiful

more than I have these past 8 days.

I should dig out my thesaurus.

Click Mary’s Heart.

♥♥♥

Virgin a Day 7

2011-12-07T09:01:00.001-05:00

My shining Daughter, Mia.

Dance is her Art.

Her Prayer.

We are all meant to shine,
As children do.
We were born to make manifest
The glory of God that is within us.

It's not just in some of us;
It's in everyone.

And as we let our own light shine,
We unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we're liberated from our own fear,
Our presence automatically liberates others. ~Marianne Williamson

Shine on.

I have to thank everyone who has been a part of

Rebecca’s quest.

For me, it has been the week that changed me.

I have prayed more,

been more grateful,

and

have seen the world and everyone in it

more clearly.

I thought I was on the path before.

Now I am sure.

You have all helped me in my journey.

And!

We are not finished yet!!!

Won’t you join us?

Love, Lisa

Virgin a Day 6

2011-12-06T09:42:00.001-05:00

My Lady of Guadalupe

Holy Mary, Mother of God,

Pray for us sinners…

Join us…

Take her hand

She will lead you to Rebecca.

Love, Lisa

Virgin a Day 5

2011-12-05T10:24:00.001-05:00

Queen of Heaven and Earth.

won’t you join us?

click the heart

♥♥♥

A Virgin a Day 4

2011-12-04T09:38:00.001-05:00

Remember, most loving Virgin Mary,
never was it heard
that anyone who turned to you for help
was left unaided.

Inspired by this confidence,
though burdened by my sins,
I run to your protection
for you are my mother.

Mother of the Word of God,
do not despise my words of pleading
but be merciful and hear my prayer.
Amen.

Holy Mary Shrine
Priti Studio Art

Click the Heart
to see more.

A Virgin a Day 3

2011-12-03T00:12:00.000-05:00

Today I will share a painting I did inspired

by a Master, Lucas Cranach, the Elder.

A German Renaissance painter.

This painting is from my series of Tarot cards.

I believe Mary takes many forms

to appeal to all.

The Empress suits her, for me.

I was raised Catholic,

but I honor all religions and beliefs

that stem from Love.

This is the painting that inspired me,

Virgin and Child under the Apple Tree.

I used pears, because I like them better.

The shape of a woman.

And none of that guilt associated with poor Eve.

Thank you to all who visit.

I am really enjoying this vigil for Mary,

and want to thank Rebecca especially.

If you have the time…join us.

At Rebecca's blog.

Love, Lisa

Broken Pieces

2011-12-02T11:34:00.001-05:00

Pick up the pieces of your broken heart.

And Shine.

I made this piece for the art challenge

at the butterfly effect.

I am in the middle of a commission piece,

and this was a test piece.

The broken pieces are eggshell.

I will show you the step by step

on the commission.

As soon as I get it finished.

♥♥♥

A Virgin a Day

2011-12-02T10:32:00.001-05:00

Day 2

A wee little book came in the mail yesterday.

I had almost forgotten that I bought it for myself.

It came all the way from the Czech Republic.

Can you see the rust?

it opens to an accordion of holy cards,

and has a tiny rosary inside.

Please visit recuerda mi corazon

see more Mary.

Everyone is welcome to join

as we honor Mary for 12 days.

♥♥♥

Daily, Daily Sing to Mary

2011-12-01T02:19:00.001-05:00

a virgin a day

For the next 12 days I will be posting an image of Mary.

One of my own, or one that I own.

Hosted by Rebecca,

a vigil leading to her holy day,

December12.

Hail Mary

Full of Grace

If you want to join the celebration

HERE is the link to Rebecca.

♥♥♥

Aged Beauty

2011-11-26T20:07:00.001-05:00

The theme is Aged Beauty this week at IA.

A perfect theme from a perfect host Luthien.

I was afraid I would not be able to participate...

nothing I am working on fit the theme.

BUT!

You won't believe what I found at the Humane Society Thrift Store.

A perfectly chippy, vintage Mary!!!

She lights up and everything.

And she was $15.

I know.

Almost as good as a kitty cat.

But not quite.

I have given up on Bear coming back,

and I am kitty shopping.

I am pretty sure I want at least 2.

Don't forget to visit Inspiration Avenue

on Sunday afternoon.

And while you are at the computer...

pop over to The Butterfly Effect

I was the guest host this week for their challenge.

It should be posted Sunday too.

Love, Lisa

2011-11-23T21:13:00.001-05:00

Remember to be grateful.

Enjoy what you have...you are blessed.

I am just going to show 2 spreads in my Art Journal.

I used my handy-dandy wood burner.

Just trying things.

It's fun.

I hope your Thanksgiving Day is happy.

And tastes yummy.

We are celebrating on Friday.

Join the Dance

2011-11-18T21:52:00.001-05:00

November is the month of remembrance.

And thanks.

And harlequin (at IA)

Harlequin is my favorite pattern.

But it takes a lot of measuring and exact-ness.

It isn't just a checkerboard set on end.

Harlequin isn't square at all.

When I saw this week's Challenge

I thought I was ready...

I had just finished a project,

and I thought it happenstance...it fit the theme!

But when I looked closer

that's not harlequin,

that's checkerboard.

Back to the drawing board I went.

And I am glad.

It's always great fun to work in my art journal.

And then I couldn't stop...

I'll show the others later...I am in the weeds again.

It seems the more free time I have

the more quickly I can't account for it.

Except in exceptional ideas.

And poetry.

And pictures.

And surreal dreams.

Bliss.

Tomorrow I will be busy and accounted for.

It's Nutcracker season.

I devote Sundays to blogging...

so I'll be 'seeing' you then.

Assuredly.

Love,

Lisa♥

Sew Challenge

2011-11-13T06:38:00.001-05:00

This week the challenge was SEW.

I remember sewing in school...

it was the only class I failed...the only thing that saved me

was the second semester...baking.

I made a Baked Alaska that didn't melt in the oven

and passed home-ec.

Hettiene did such a beautiful post about the art of needle crafts

that I had to be a part.

I love cross-stitch.

To me it isn't sewing...it's like painting a picture with thread.

I am excited this week's results.

It is always fun to see artwork I would never do.

Visit Inspiration Avenue Sunday afternoon

to see the gallery this week.

While I am here,

I thought I would show you what I made for myself.

A necklace made from broken rosaries

and medals and chain.

I found this picture locket in a clearance bin a few months ago.

I finally found the perfect pictures for it.

It is fun to wear, it make a little tinkling sound when I move.

Happy Sunday ♥♥♥

2011-11-09T12:36:00.004-05:00

Thank you All

for the Birthday wishes!

I bought the sheep today,

and I will be sending the cards as soon as I get them.

Some of you expressed concern about the sheep being eaten.

As a vegetarian myself, I had the same concerns.

The reason I chose the sheep

(besides her obvious cuteness)

is because these animals are raised for their wool.

The owners are trained also trained by Heifer International

to shear sheep and make wool clothing and blankets

for themselves and for profit.

They also learn how to use the poop for fertilizer.

So.

I feel really good about it.

And if someone does eat the sheep...

I can be thankful that I am not starving,

and can choose what I would like to eat.

Now.

I want to show off some of my busy-ness.

5 new Prayer Boxes.

The perfect place for prayer beads or written prayers/ affirmations.

I also made some greeting cards...

And I have made all of these treasures available in my shop.

The weather has been so perfect!!!

What a great month so far!

I don't even mind the time change too much,

since I am up with the birds.

I will be visiting you all really soon ♥♥♥

a Gift-Away for my Birftday!

2011-11-06T21:42:00.000-05:00

(it kinda rhymes)

I am 47 today!

And instead of the usual give-away,

I decided to do something different.

This year I want to buy a sheep.

A sheep for a family in need.

I have been wanting to do this for a few years,

and since I sold 5 things in the Gallery,

I want to share my blessings.

Heifer International

is an organization whose mission is

to end poverty and hunger and care for the Earth.

A sheep costs $120.

So.

For the first 12 people who comment on this post,

I will donate $10 in your name.

If you email me your address,

I will send you a card thanking you.

(my email is on the sidebar at the top)

You can read more about this project HERE.

If you like it,

I would love if you would spread the word.

Speaking of animals...

this was me my last birthday when HE showed up...
Bear.

Man, I was so happy then...

Maybe he will re-appear like magic on this birthday.

Miracles do happen.

I'm gonna stand on the porch and wait.

♥♥♥

PS: I also bought myself the boots I wanted...I love Earth shoes!

You can find Earth Shoes HERE.

another post about me...

2011-11-02T01:24:00.000-04:00

I've been making things...

they aren't done yet.

Maybe tomorrow. Everything takes sooo loong.

I am never happy until...

well until I am.

Which seem to take no less than 16 hours.

Here is a couple of peeks:

And

just in case you are bored

by what seems like redundancy...

Gloria this time a different Gloria.

A Gloria from New End Studio

has bestowed an award on me.

I must tell you 7 things about myself.

And pass it to 15 other people.

Hummmph!

So. I will. Because Gloria is nice.

(aren't all Gloria named people the best?)

1. I can never say no. Actually, since I was 45 I have been saying no, but no one hears me.

2. I wear pajamas all day. Unless I have to go food shopping.

3. I think that I am 32. But sometimes I think I am timeless.

4. I think ALL of the time about heavy-ish shit. I can't stop thinking about things. I think there must be an answer if I keep thinking...

5. I talk to my paintings/art the whole time I am at it...I want them to be happy with who I make them to be. Maybe that's why it takes so long. But I wouldn't be happy if they were just "okay" with themselves.

6. I am afraid that I will never be good enough. At anything. But, I am! And so are you ♥♥♥

7. I hate talking about myself. I feel like I am bragging when it's good, or complaining when it's a gripe. But here I am ...talking about me again.

8. I am an over-achiever. Had to do #8 just to see if you would give me an A+.

So there it is.

And if you want this award, you deserve it.

Take it.

I will happily read about you.

It's on my list of favorite things to do.

Love one another.

♥♥♥

With Reverence...

2011-11-01T10:22:00.001-04:00

A Prayer for All Saints Day

In times of need we turn for strength
To those who have come before our days
That their unseen presence might
come to us as guiding rays.

We need the voice of bygone times
In our present plight for peace
May the saints who lived for all
Bless us each in their outreach.

Continue to embrace our world
Hold us in your constant love
Dear holy one's in heaven's sight
Emblazon our hearts from above.

Remind us in your quiet ways
That we can reach the worthwhile goal
World peace will reign forever on
With kindness shown to one and all.

~Susan Helene Kramer

On Wings of Inspiration

2011-10-22T16:30:00.001-04:00

This week Inspiration Avenue is asking

"What inspires You?"

"What fuels your inspiration’s wings so that they can lift your ideas into creative being?"

All leading up to the big blog party Sunday.

It's been 2 years since I joined this extraordinary group of artists,

and they have inspired me.

But it has been so much more than inspiration.

Their humor and encouragement have done more than inspire me,

they have given me a place in the art world

and a family in cyberspace.

We are all very different and unique,

but our spirits all shine with the same light.

I am grateful to have them all in my life.

AND

all of you kindred souls that read my blog

and flatter me with your comments.

The art work I am sharing this week is 3 paintings.

I've been working on all 3 the entire month.

Each portrait is a person I have drawn inspiration from

in my life and my art.

16x16 acrylic on birch/vintage frame

11x14 acrylic on canvas/antique frame

Thank you for reading...Love, Lisa

♥♥♥

Masked

2011-10-21T14:26:00.003-04:00

This week I am joining the butterfly effect

(not because I don't have enough to do,

but because they are really cool artists and I want to be like them)

and their theme this week is Mask.

I am showing this painting...

I am still a secret.

I sold this painting last year, and I want to

recreate it for my journal.

The more I reveal about myself,

the more I realize

how much there is that is still a secret,

even to me.

If you find yourself with nothing to do,

or if you just want to hang out where the cool people do,

check out the butterfly effect.

And don't forget the Blog Party...

there is still time to enter the challenge

and maybe even win one of the beautiful prizes.

♥♥♥

Blog Party Prize

2011-10-19T11:31:00.000-04:00

I hope everyone is joining the party

at Inspiration Avenue this week.

I am giving prize #7,

This fancy, dancy, jumbo book marker

I made especially for the Party.

It is made from a print of my artwork,

heavily laminated and adorned

with fibers and medals.

To see all of the prizes

and to grab some freebies right now,

visit our give away page HERE.

Just participate in our art challenge this week

for a chance to win one of 8 prizes!!!

Go HERE for details.

And if you aren't lucky enough to win this jumbo book marker,

pop over to Priti Art Studio...

I have many styles to choose from for sale there.

I hope your week is happy and productive!

♥♥♥

Look at my swelled head :)

2011-10-17T12:40:00.002-04:00

Many of you know Gloria from Viva La Vida

But just in case you missed it,

I am about to show you her masterpiece...

How Priti is she???

When Gloria asked if she could paint my portrait,

of course I agreed.

I love her work.

She reminds me of my favorite Mexican Art.

You can see more here.

Last September, another artist friend Eva from to be determined

did me the honor of a drawing of my face in graphite.

You can see more of Eva's faces here.

This makes me so happy.

I love the kinder artistic versions of me so much more

than photographs.

So.

If anyone else wants to do me,

here are a couple mug shots...

one with teeth

and one without.

Please let me know if you do me...

sometimes I miss things :D

Love, Lisa

Fear

2011-10-16T11:30:00.001-04:00

Fear. What am I afraid of?

Besides riding in a car on the highway,

I couldn’t think of a fear…

worries and insecurities???

I am riddled with them, but fear.

Since I was the mastermind who came up with this theme for Inspiration Avenue,

I knew I had to be honest,

and admit to my big dark looming fear…

GLOOM.

I am afraid of losing control

and letting the cloud of despair

take over my whole essence.

Faking my way through it has worked

to some degree so far.

But I am in constant battle with it.

I know I have a blessed life

and I would call myself a happy person.

And as long as I don’t think too much,

I am okay.

But I am a thinker.

Please travel to IA…there is so much to see!

Fear and Faith cannot exist in the same place at the same time. Choose one. ~Easa

♥♥♥

Everything you never asked…

2011-10-11T07:59:00.001-04:00

Amy (click on her)

is interviewing her readers

and I am one

here you go…

1. what is your name and stuff? and any other good information. like bank account details.

My name is Lisa. Just like the majority of people my age. (46) All through school

and at every job,

I’ve been Lisa D.

And I have always hated it.

Not the Lisa part. The D. part.

Now I am priti.lisa.

After my Art Studio. Priti is a Sanskrit word

for the feeling of joy

you get from spreading love.

I am a mother, an artist and a wife.

I am a vegetarian and a humanitarian.

I am a lapsed Catholic with immense spiritualism.

And although I don’t call myself gay,

I love having a wife.

We’ve been together 11 years.

2. what is super hot about you? <--- don't you Dare skip this one. answer it.

I think my loyalty.

Unless you meant physically.

Then I would say my eyes.

3. don't lie or cheat: what is under your couch right now?

The leaf to my dining room table.

4. when was the last time you shaved your legs?

Monday.

But I prolly won’t shave them all winter long.

5. what did you have for breakfast?

So far 3 cups of coffee.

But I will eat granola like I do every day at 9am.

6. if you could choose a new name, what would you name yourself?

I think I kinda did that.

But Merry is also cool.

7. have you ever had plastic surgery?

No.

8. are you afraid of the dark?

No. But I am afraid of falling down the stairs in the dark.

9. are you a hermit?

A lot of the time. It’s when I am happiest.

10. why do you blog?

To prove I am “normal-ish”

I mean, I’m not that crazy. Am I?

The End.

Thanks for asking Amy.

What I have been working on…

What I am thinking about…

these guys I got from my neighbor.

They need a Priti make-over.

The moon last night…

Don’t those clouds look like Angel wings?

I gotta go…

but I have to remind you to go HERE

And I am hosting the challenge this week…

HERE

“See” you soon! ♥♥♥

Special Invite

2011-10-05T14:03:00.001-04:00

You are invited!

Inspiration Avenue

You are invited to the most fabulous Blog Party ever! We, the team members of Inspiration Avenue is having a party for three weeks non-stop and you are invited! We were so excited to have 500+ followers who every week participate in our creative challenges, that we decided to throw a party and to celebrate them : our friends and followers!!
You can grab the badge from my blog here and go over there as fast as you can!!
We are gifting FREEBIES, such as digital images, and other wonderful downloadable goodies!
AND two and sometimes three, art giveaways a week!!
These gifts will be posted on the Inspiration Avenue FREEBIES page :

IA Freebies page

During the week of 16 - 23 October we will have a special party creative challenge! Do not miss out as 7 lucky names will be drawn from all these entrants and they will each receive a creation in the mail!!

Viva La Espana

2011-10-02T08:24:00.001-04:00

The weekly challenge at Inspiration Avenue this week

really had me stumped. I know I would love Spain if I ever get to visit, in fact it’s on my list of things to in my next life.

So for this life time the closest I’m gonna get is…

A bottle of red

imported from Spain.

With a cute little Toro dangling from the neck.

Label and bull in my journal.

Wine in my belly.

Be sure to visit today,

be inspired…be surprised.

There’s a moral here somewhere…

2011-09-30T11:08:00.001-04:00

When I used to be a bartender,

Friday nights were naturally super busy.

After making drinks for the waitresses’ guests,

I would turn to face a full bar,

everyone with empty glasses,

pushed to the very edge.

Then everyone was ready to strap on the feed bag.

I was taking orders, money and a whole lotta

“witty” remarks.

Every Friday at about 8pm,

I was always in the weeds, scrambling.

And every Friday at 8pm,

I would go back into the kitchen and scream

“I am so flippin’ busy, I don’t know whether to shit or go blind!!!”

And every Friday all of the people I worked with

would laugh as if they were hearing it for the first time.

They were such supportive friends.

Anyway.

My point.

I kinda feel that way now.

To a milder degree

and without the big stack of tips at the finish line.

But it is a good busy.

And possibly, if I was better organized,

I wouldn’t be so far behind.

But that is a theory that will never be proven.

I am going to put up some pictures now…

I was at Grace Manor to put my art in the new

Art Gallery.

We stayed in the Mexican Room.

The biggest rosary…love.

Joanne, the owner is a lover of the Arts.

guess who made this table☺

This painting is one of my favorites.

It reminds me of Gloria’s work.

The artist is Pat Thomas and her art is all over the Manor.

Her work is being featured in the Gallery too.

I think our paintings will become friends

and talk to each other at night.

I am going back to York in the beginning of November, I’ll have more pictures then.

This is a painting I finished right before I left.

I wish the picture was not so shiny.

or blurry…

I have to get to work on my piece for

Inspiration Avenue

Spain is the challenge…

Oh! my journal pages

♥♥♥

Autumn

2011-09-18T12:27:00.001-04:00

This week…Autumn Splendor was the prompt at Inspiration Avenue. I know this is the favorite season for many people, but for me it is melancholy.

Jane Kenyon describes my feelings about Autumn and childhood perfectly and soulfully in this poem.

A white indifferent morning sky,

and a crow, hectoring from its nest

high in the hemlock, a nest as big

as a laundry basket…

In my childhood

I stood under a dripping oak,

while autumnal fog eddied around my feet,

waiting for the school bus

with a dread that took my breath away.

The damp dirt road gave off

this same complex organic scent.

I had the new books-words, numbers,

and operations with numbers I did not

comprehend-and crayons, unspoiled

by use, in a blue canvas satchel

with red leather straps.

Spruce, inadequate, and alien

I stood at the side of the road.

It was the only life I had.

~Jane Kenyon

Just a page in my art journal.

Don’t you love the way she refers to herself as spruce,

grouping herself with the hemlock and the oak, standing alone in the subtle way of a wonderful wordsmith…

I have the book of her collected poems, and I would recommend the book to everyone…even if you think you don’t like poetry.

I am too late for the challenge, but a lot of people

were not…visit the results at Inspiration Avenue

♥♥♥

Everyone loves pictures of art…right?

2011-09-16T12:37:00.001-04:00

Hi everyone ☺

First, Thank you, Thank you

for your comments…some funny, some empathetic,

some encouraging, some full of praise…I love and appreciate them all.

So Thank you.

This is just another post full of pictures

to show you what I have been up to.

So busy in my studio…

I finished the Saints.

They all wanted to be a Madonna.

3 faces of Mary.

They are pretty tall, over 2 and a half feet.

And this painting

I never really felt it was finished.

I finally figured out the puzzle.

See the change?

The heart needed a little protection.

And a little blue from heaven.

Then this painting…

I have been looking for a frame for it.

I finally made my own by cutting an old frame down to size.

That was hard work!

Angles, or anything involving math…Bleh.

But she looks more majestic now, I think.

I have one more piece to share.

A box.

A ~~cigar~~ box.

Featuring…

Frida!!!

I l♥ve this box!

I am still at working away…

Next Saturday I will be schlepping everything to the Art Gallery.

Happy Weekend to everyone!

♥♥♥

Patterns

2011-09-09T15:19:00.001-04:00

This week Maggie chose Patterns

for the challenge at Inspiration Avenue.

And since we are having our 4th

natural disaster this summer,

this time a flood,

I didn’t bother even trying paints.

I just did a page in my art journal

with markers.

It was fun to draw patterns

and color them in…

Much more fun than shoveling water

out of the basement.

Look at this picture of

Front Street in Harrisburg.

I was just there on Labor Day

for the Art Fest,

it was drizzling on and off all day,

we left just before the skies opened up.

It didn’t stop raining until last night.

So much damage.

But I don’t want to dwell on that.

I prepared some wood posts

for sainthood.

The knots I like, the cracks not so much.

That’s better.

I sketched some ideas for faces.

And today,

I think I will get out the paint…

(it might have a chance at drying)

And ignore the last three inches of water

in the basement.

♥♥♥

Lotsa New Art and Tomato Sauce

2011-09-02T16:21:00.001-04:00

Picasso said to be a good artist,

never copy yourself.

Well, I’ve been breaking that rule.

My friend Joanne who owns

Grace Manor Bed&Breakfast,

(click on the link to see the fabulous-ness)

is opening an Art Gallery and I get to be a part of it!

I first met Joanne when she bought

this painting from me.

It’s hanging in the Mexican themed room.

So, I have been busy copying myself…

making boxes

and boxes

and more boxes

my prayer cards fit perfectly inside

these boxes take me about 16 hrs to make.

And some icons…

and then…something a wee bit different,

Prayer Shrines…

And I will be able to show (sell)

some bigger pieces, that I can’t sell through etsy.

And I am not done yet.

I am so excited for people to see my art,

and touch it…

It is so much glow-ier

in real life.

Besides all of that artfulness,

I made tomato sauce an easy way.

I will quick tell you whether you are interested or not.

I got a crate of tomatoes from the Farmer’s Market

a couple green peppers

a few onions

and 4 bulbs of garlic (bulbs, not cloves)

wash and cut in chunks,

toss in olive oil, salt, pepper.

Bake at 350 for an hour and half.

(I made 4 baking dishes)

Then just pinch the tomatoes and their skin comes right off.

I put it all in a big pot on the stove on low,

added a can of tomato paste,

and stirred it every time I walked by.

Here’s what it looks like chunky (the way we like it)

If you are a no chunk family,

you can run it through the food processer.

This sauce almost cooked itself,

and roasting the veggies makes the sauce so naturally sweet…MMMmmmm.

Try it, you’ll like it!

♥X♥Lisa

Sunflower Challenge

2011-08-28T08:48:00.001-04:00

Inspiration Avenue challenge…

Sunflower.

This is a project Mia and I have been working on.

Making my old car

funky-fun for her.

Of course it is raining.

We are almost through the hurricane…

A tornado, an earthquake and a hurricane this year.

Not so good for my nerves.

Here are my pages for Kathy’s

Sisterhood Art Journal.

My computer is finally fixed!

Everything is new and different…

learning new technology was not

on my agenda…

I have a lot of new things to share…

And catch up with everyone…

I feel like I’ve been behind forever.

I hope you all are well

and counting your blessings.

I will make another post super soon-ly.

♥☺♥

Look at the willow dance!

Living the Art of Life

2011-08-08T10:49:00.001-04:00

I have finally chained myself to this chair

until I write a post, it has been too long.

The usual anti-social me has been in a whirl wind…

traveling to Pittsburgh seemed to open the gates.

Between meeting friends, we have been trying

to repair the ever needy house before wintertime.

So this post will be a pile of pictures…

In Pittsburgh, I had the pleasure of meeting Maggie.

She is just as I imagined from being bloggie-buddies for years.

In fact, I was so comfortable around her that

I think I didn’t make the most of our visit.

Naturally, I found a bookstore that I couldn’t get out of.

Next, some pictures of Pittsburgh…

Tunnels through the mountains.

Pittsburgh is very hilly!

The Dance Concert was the best I have ever seen.

Mia and her BFF.

I have managed to be creative…

AND I cleaned up my mess when I was done!

It is possible to change habits!

I have them in my etsy shop.

That in itself is impressive for me.

I also did my Sisterhood Art Journal swap.

Now I have tons of other projects that I would love to get to.

In between other engagements

and chauffeuring

and plugging my ears.

I didn’t realize how loud 16 year old girls can be.

Yesterday Leo turned 21.

Beard-Boy and his GF.

These 4 kids grew up together and have been friends forever.

Cute, right?

Ok. that’s all for now.

Watch for me…I’ll be popping in for a visit at your spot.

♥♥♥

Wings

2011-07-24T09:15:00.001-04:00

This week’ s IA Art Challenge is Wings

chosen by the creative Kat.

Sadly, my is just a page in my journal.

I really wanted to do a beautiful Angel Painting,

but I have some projects that really need attention.

I am excited to see everyone else’s Wings

at Inspiration Avenue.

I have some serious blog visiting to do.

I swear tonight is the night.

It has been so incredibly warm here that

I just can’t bear the thought of sitting with the

hot laptop.

Thank you for all of your encouraging, sweet comments

I really do read them…

I promise to return the favor, even if I have to do it naked!

We are picking Mia up this weekend!

I just can’t wait to squeeze her and give her lots of kisses.

(I hope she didn’t lose her tolerance for me)

No news on Bear, but I haven’t given up hope.

♥♥♥

Inspired by Picasso

2011-07-17T10:47:00.001-04:00

I was so caught up in my painting this week

that I almost forgot to take the challenge at Inspiration Avenue.

So I quickly did a spread in my Art Journal

titled ‘Visual Illusion’

When I say quickly,

I mean almost 2 hours.

Am I the slowest Artist in the world?

Thank you Tammy for the inspiration.

Be sure to visit IA later today!

I begin with an idea and then it becomes something else.

~Pablo Picasso

♥♥♥

Mary Magdalene and more Priti Tour

2011-07-15T21:13:00.001-04:00

The beginning of this was it was hot (which I like)

and so incredibly humid it was hard to do anything

mostly because my thighs were glued together

and my breasts were glued to my ribcage.

I don’t really mind sweating

(we don’t use AC)

Because it is the perfect excuse to lay down

and READ!

(my inner book worm was so happy)

I read one book and started another…

Oh man, I judged this book by the cover this winter.

And I am so glad I did…this book led me on an art study

and finally to this…

As soon as the humidity went down-ish,

I then let my inner paint worm have some fun.

It was hard not to get stuck in painting what was in my head,

and just paint what was in my heart

and with my capabilities.

But she is something else and I love her.

Moving on to the

Priti Studio wrap-it-up-already Tour.

Last time we left off at the entrance….

So, again moving counter clock-wise…

My rack of boxes and wood and books…

all for cutting and painting and gluing!

A comfy chair for thinking or reading.

or drinking coffee or wine and looking at my wall of friends.

(I have another one just like it Maggie, come pick it up)

I have more bare wall above.

Then comes a window…

My Mary window.

Do you see someone named Alice?

It is a little Tascha doll…just for fun.

There is a Mary painting by Maggie that I stuck into a cigar box

(I stepped on the box and broke the lid)

But now it holds this beautiful gift, and my incense burner.

And don’t you love the bleeding heart from Donna the Woodwife?

Underneath the window…

a cool box crammed with more books.

And then the bed without a mattress.

I will buy a mattress soon.

I only need 49 more bucks.

This was my childhood bed…half of the bunk set.

I think I want to paint it.

Then I think…don’t you dare Lisa.

I do dare, but I have so many other things to do.

Like buy a mattress and bedding.

OK. That’s all for now.

♥♥♥, Lisa

Here is a Treasury from Mary’s Graces

2011-07-13T20:07:00.001-04:00

Queen of Heaven - Vignette...

Devata

$50.00 USD
Assemblage Art Collage in ...

blackforestr...

$42.00 USD
Mary of the Flowers Cross

DissyB

$14.00 USD
My Devotional to Saint The...

TheRecycledCathol...

Sold
La Madonna art print 5 x 7

SacredYolisd...

$10.00 USD
Angel by my Side Pendant /...

AngelosTreas...

$24.00 USD
Early 1900s Vintage Europe...

MoxieAntique...

$62.00 USD
Our Lady's Heart Box

thewoodwife

$20.00 USD
Saint Therese of Lisieux C...

craftymule

$37.00 USD
Sacred Heart Necklace 1 Pu...

mariesegal

$30.00 USD
Mary, Our Lady Original Pa...

win0forever0

$125.00 USD

I’m so happy to be a part of this group…feels like home.

Tomorrow I will continue the Priti Tour! xox

Poetry Challenge and a Priti Tour

2011-07-10T14:03:00.002-04:00

I hosted the challenge at IA this week

and I love the theme ;-)

However, I had myself on ‘art lock-down’

Because I was determined to finish organizing my studio.

Finally I allowed myself to work in Lori’s art journal,

part of the Sisterhood Tour.

I used heavy gel medium and stamped and smeared.

It was fun, kinda minimal for me tho.

Of course the words are part of a poem by my

#1 man, ee cummings.

Now, on with the tour…

Last week we left off at my clean desk and bookshelves.

Now we are moving around the room counter clock-wise…

Inspiration Alley!

Just look at all of these treasures, would you.

I know you recognize a lot of these creative Artists.

There’s a pretty garden painting by Maggie.

Prints from Terri and Pam.

Cards and ATC’s and book markers and tags.

All from very important people…

Gemma and Lisa D. and Stephanie and Darla.

Sandy Mastroni and Cheryl and ImGirl.

Charlie and Tammy Sprinkle.

Michele Lynch and Queen of Arts.

Bea and Bleubeard and Elizabeth.

Below is my collection of

‘useful crap’

Back up the wall

A lion by Leo.

Parrot Tulips that I coveted and loved so much

finally Stephanie broke and now it’s all mine!

The print is a very cool piece of art by Barb (no blog)

And there is a Mary Shrine I won at the Oaxaca Art Auction.

She is a ‘new to me’ artist

Natty Moss Bonds

Now, believe it or not, some bare wall

and then around the corner…

There is another Shrine from the same Auction.

This one by Lisa Jones-Moore.

Lets peek inside

Unbelievable, right?

Next a trio of Mary Statues.

And then a painting by Julie

3 little framed prints by Hot Tamale Studio

and little Spooky is hiding until Halloween.

Finally we are at the door

(which is maybe where I should have started)

The ornament was created by Angie.

It’s beautiful and punny. A Door…get it?

Do you want to see the rest or do you need a rest?

I think I will give you a break.

The tour will continue…

♥♥♥

Studio Update

2011-07-03T20:59:00.001-04:00

I began by organizing and sorting my collection

of art/inspirational/poetry books.

Then I cleared the desk and moved it.

I felt a sense of accomplishment,

but you know how it is…

as soon as something looks better,

you begin to notice the dingy walls…

better to paint now, before I go any further.

So everything back off the shelves,

and then it was off to the basement to search for paint.

I am not willing to spend any money that I can

find around the house.

I was lucky enough to find an ancient

can of antique white, that must of came with the house.

Meaning it must be at least 17 years old.

I tinted it with some craft paint,

I knew I would never use and painted the walls.

A peachy, yellowy color,

I am calling Angel’s Blush.

Then the baseboards and window frames

glossy white (that’s what the can said)

I put all of the shelves back up,

and took a picture for you.

They say (whoever they are) that

the devil is in the details.

I guess that means that’s where the fun is.

I am getting there one corner at a time.

I also finished last week’s painting

Clothed in the Sun.

I added some crystal for the 12 stars.

I have to thank everyone for all of the kindness

and encouragement you have given me on my journey

towards tranquility in my sacred spot!

Your comments really, really make me feel understood.

Tiamo, Lisa

EGADS!!!

2011-06-28T21:07:00.001-04:00

I am going to out myself and show some gruesome pictures.

It is so embarrassing, but also a relief to show these pictures.

Shots of the place where I create my sacred art.

This is the view from coming in. I don’t always sit on the floor,

sometimes I sit on the bed. I know, I know.

This is the opposite view…even worse.

BUT! I am in the middle of a make-over. And I am hell bent on making this room my priority, Not my art. Not picking up the rest of the house. Not cooking. I am making progress (now that Mia is away)

I ask you dear friends, not judge me too harshly, but to give me instead advice or encouragement.

I will leave you with a prettier picture of my beloved Echinacea,

And my also beloved, banged up kitty cat, Bear.

Love to all!!!

You are all so very beautiful!

Summer Sun

2011-06-26T11:09:00.001-04:00

It has been a few weeks since I

completed a challenge in time for Inspiration Avenue.

So I am writing this so very quickly,

I have to get this in on time. I must!

Clothed in the Sun.

My first painting with teeth!

I am not finished with her, but close-ish.

It is a beautiful sunny, summer day in PA.

I am going for a walk.

Maybe visit the cow.

Have a happy Sunday.

And visit Inspiration Avenue this evening.

Saints and Queens and Angels on Earth

2011-06-18T22:21:00.001-04:00

My dear friends and readers,

I know it has been too long…

I have not written, visited or even read blogs.

I haven’t done more than the bare minimum of my

on-line duties and joys for weeks.

Many of you know I am a Dancer’s mom.

And June is packed with more than the usual amount

of classes rehearsals and concerts.

Added to that, Mia was accepted to a summer dance

program at Point Park University in Pittsburgh.

She will be gone for 6 weeks. Gone.

4 hours away from her stinky old mom.

It will be like losing a body part for me.

But a truly exciting experience for her, and something for me to brag about.

I have been squeezing in some time for myself though.

In my (not so) Priti Studio I painted a wedding gift.

St. Dorothy, protector of Newlyweds.

Acrylics on 1 inch thick oak.

She fits the romantic theme at IA this week…

Romantic.

Thanks Stephanie for the perfect prompt!

I didn’t enter her in PPF because I didn’t feel

it would be right to participate if I couldn’t

be sure of visiting everyone else.

The wedding was today, the ceremony and the couple were beautiful.

I didn’t go to the reception because we leave for Pittsburgh tomorrow morning and there is still the packing to finish.

I have also had my nose deep in a book by my most favorite author

about one of my favorite subjects.

I have read so many books about Elizabeth I,

but never a novel about her last decades as Queen.

It is a beautiful book jacket, isn’t it?

Of course, I take it off to read…I practically worship books.

If you have never read any of Margaret George’s books,

I insist that you do, she is amazing at her craft.

I have also been trying to get my 2 spreads done for June

in my Sisterhood Traveling Art Journal.

This month I have Jaime's book.

Of course,

When I folded the page up, it stuck together

and smeared and ripped (sorry Jaime)

I fixed it best I could and moved on…

and

As you can see I wanted to show off

some of my gardening I have been chipping away at…

should be done by August, I hope :)

Here is Mia with her 2 besties and her dance teacher

I think I have a lot more to share,

and I know I have a lot to visit.

I will be back Tuesday,

childless and ready to be busy with my art

and your art.

I promise!

A special thank you to Chris for showing my ATC’s on her blog,

The Parabolic Muse.

It’s so much fun to swap art!

And Gemma. Your constant generosity and pure spirit

make me want to be a better person.

And Rebecca. God smiles.

Big Love to all of you…

EVERTONE in the whole world wide world!!!

XoXXX

PPF…Eternal Life

2011-06-03T10:11:00.002-04:00

I believe in the continuation of life,
The fruition of life is not the end of this lifetime...
only the continuation of a journey started long before memory, Sometimes dreams reflect a life before or a life to come.
Since time is really just an invention of humans,
any amount of lifetimes could be happening at once...
just something I think about...
I offer this painting as to you
like the phoenix rising,,,

When I hung him on the wall and looked at him from all angles I saw life and spiritual-ness...
I saw the Green Man, the Buddha, St. Francis, Mother Theresa, the Crone Goddess.

I see no he or she when we leave our bodies.
the spirit is both feminine and masculine.
the pretty man, the strong woman. God's vision as an artist.
I feel everyone is a spiritual person no matter the religion...each seeking there own truth.
but the truth is the same. be kind, help each other. seek nirvana.

When we can all allow each other to talk to God who is all of us
however we choose, there will be peace on earth...peace in our hearts, a smile on God's face.
I am sure of it. Love is the way. Open your heart. Breathe out the unhappiness, receive the joy.
Have faith that all is as it should be and enjoy your life as God intends you to do.

Love the flowers and the trees, the animals, each other, the wealth of good things. These are all God's gifts.

These are all God's gifts,,,Charles Shultz was right...happiness is a warm puppy...or a sweet kitty...or a box of crayons, or a glass of wine, or a belly laugh, or a breeze coming in the bedroom window. Whatever makes you feel content...simply happy to be alive.

Much is given to us, we cannot forget to say thank you and be happy, don't dwell in the sorrows...focus on what is wonderful and abundant and timeless...LOVE. ♥♥♥…Lisa

Charity Auction to Benefit Oaxaca Streetchildren

2011-06-01T10:37:00.001-04:00

oaxaca streetchildren grassroots shrine auction opens today!

I am pleased to be involved in another charity auction,

this one organized by the most lovely Rebecca.

My offering is a shrine titled

Dear Frida.

This shrine was created as a homage to Frida

and her painting ‘Wounded Deer’

A hand painted ceramic deer sits in a forest clearing,

where behind you can see a glimpse of heaven.

I used real tree bark to imply trees.

Nine copper nails represent the nine arrows in Frida’s painting.

The drawer holds a scroll

with a poem Frida wrote to accompany her painting.

And the dear Deer.

I painted her face to resemble Frida,

her ears are painted like leaves.

I made her a crown of flowers from clay.

And the back…

This piece stands alone

or can be hung on a wall.

11” high

8” wide

4” deep

Thank you for looking

and I welcome any questions you may have.

I urge you to visit our

gallery of hope

open for viewing and registration june 1-4

help us make this invitation go viral!!

please place this banner on your blog today and help announce

the opening of the shrine gallery .

tweet, blog, facebook, send a flurry of personal

emails to family and friends…

Oaxaca Auction

♥♥♥

IA Challenge~Purple and Green

2011-05-29T10:29:00.001-04:00

I hope this doesn’t seem like a cop-out,

Stephanie, but I just didn’t paint anything that fit the theme this week.

So, here is a picture

When I worked at the Italian Lodge,

the Chef would always put to use any of my extra herbs.

He would decorate the plate with the flowering chive.

This seems to me a silly thing to do

at home,

on top of a bowl bean zuppa.

But I did, just for you ☺

Between driving my ballerina to class everyday,

or having her drive me (she has her learner’s permit)

I’ve been squeezing in work on my WIP

and visiting the artists at PPF.

And later the artists at IA.

And watching the weeds grow…

everyday we have at least one storm,

yesterday there were 3…kinda like living in a rainforest.

Have a happy Sunday!

XoX, Lisa

PPF, WIP & Cows

2011-05-26T11:18:00.001-04:00

I just mailed Brandy's Traveling Art Journal.

I did 2 spreads for May.

It’s a really fun project, I have Jaime's book

for June.

Remember this painting?

Well, I was never happy with it…soooo

I put a couple more layers of gesso and paint

and this is where I am now.

Do you have cows where you live?

Technically we don’t either,

but on Sundays we take a looong walk

and follow a country road to visit the cows and sheep.

They are so social…here they are running down the pasture

to greet us.

This one is a messy eater…see the grass on his back?

Here they are gossiping about my outfit…such snobs :)

This guy reminds me of my cat…so cute!

Down the road a little bit is another herd.

These cows are all boys…someday they will be meat.

Awww…glad our family is vegetarian.

There is also a very pretty flowering garden after the bend.

Every week different flowers are blooming…I love it!

I am so glad I heard Darla's voice in my head reminding me to bring my camera.

I have one more cute picture to share

These little wild bunnies in our neighborhood are so tame.

Don’t worry about my cat, they come right up to Bear and he starts

hopping all over the yard with them.

I wish I had a picture of that.

So, that’s my week so far, and my longest post EVER!

XOX, Lisa

Weekly Challenge~Tropical

2011-05-22T09:01:00.001-04:00

This week Maggie stumped me when she chose

Tropical as the theme.

I almost didn’t participate, but I told myself to stop being a brat

and just do a page in my art journal.

Almost like making my own coloring book.

Frida came to my rescue again!

Patron Saint of Artist Block.

We finally got a day of sunshine yesterday,

and I am hoping for another one today.

My garden is screaming for attention.

In fact, it would almost pass as a jungle.

Look how tall the bamboo is…

it loves the rain.

The bamboo makes a nice green wall

that hides our table from our horrible neighbors.

Wow, look at all the work I have…

but it’s fun work.

I can’t wait to see the other tropical art at Inspiration Avenue.

I will be visiting blogs this evening.

XOX, Lisa

Mad Winner and a journal page

2011-05-17T11:20:00.001-04:00

The random winner of the Cheshire Cat is Pam of Yoborobo!!!

Perfect, I say, since he will have lots of crazy friends to talk to

in her studio.

Pam, I think I might have your address, but would you send it to me anyway? Just to save me a few hours of digging

and getting distracted by whatever else I unearth, lol.

I will leave you with a journal page with

a part of a poem by my beloved word artist

ee cummings.

Tiamo,

Lisa♥

May Madness…A Give-A-May

2011-05-13T13:07:00.001-04:00

I was thinking of all of you yesterday

while I was making this…

Cuz admit it,

we are a a wee bit mad.

Honestly, I am more than a bit crazy,

it’s what keeps me sane.

This Loco Cheshire Cat is looking for a home,

or office (wouldn’t he be great sitting around at work?)

But he would really love to live in an art studio.

If you have room for him

and would like to keep him around for

unsolicited remarks

all you have to do is leave a comment.

I will randomly choose the winner

this Monday the 16th.

His colors are better in real life

and he is about 6” tall.

It’s getting hard to paint so small,

I think I might need bifocals in my rose colored glasses.

Here are some pictures of another kitty.

this one is not part of the give-away.

Digging in the cat nip.

Munching…

Bird watching.

He does climb this willow!

Isn’t he a great poser?

Cute little Bear.

Tiamo,

Lisa

And Eva…since you were so clever to have guessed,

and since you own the hybrid,

I have something else just for you ☺

Weekly Challenge~Sacred/Ancient/Symbolic art.

2011-05-11T21:53:00.000-04:00

This week the challenge is to create art inspired by the theme of Sacred/Ancient/Symbolic art.

Well that is my thang…

And I hope you don’t think I am cheating, but

I needed to make my little painting important

and it takes as long to search, handsaw and sand and stain,

as it does to paint a portrait.

Today I finally figured out how to make my portrait

of Frida on canvas…ummm…

Fan-frick-in-tab-u-lous

I rescued this chunk of wood some time ago

and today it’s purpose is known!

And that hinge,

I saved a few hinges and what-evers

from the dumpster a few years back.

And the old tacks.

I love the juxtaposition of old and fresh,

tarnished and gleaming.

As much as I love her, she is for sale HERE.

And I also made a wee gift today

that I will give away.

I’ll post it tomorrow.

He’s purple and has something to say.

G’nite for now,

and visit IA to participate in this week’s challenge.

♥♥♥ Lisa

(thanks for teaching me the hearts Geri for the heart tips)

Happy Mother’s Day

2011-05-08T10:21:00.001-04:00

I am so far behind in my blogging that I am embarrassed.

I am afraid this will be a longish post,

I have a lot to share and Sunday Morning

is my favorite time for blogging :)

I spent a great deal of time on a painting

for my mom for Mother’s Day.

St Michael the Archangel.

Nothing was easy with this guy,

at one point he had me crying,

but in the end, I think he is happy with himself.

I also made some new pendants.

This time they are from my latest Frida painting.

You can find them in my shop.

I want to thank everyone who bid in the Angel Face Charity Auction.

I am also participating in

Just a sneak peak…

And finally…

what’s Mother’s Day without flowers…

Perennials are a reason to live through the winter :)

and a picture of my neighbor’s front garden

Oh boy…

Can you see the rusty welcome sign all askew?

Love and Hugs to you all…

I’ll be visiting blogs today.

Charity Art Auction for Angel Faces

2011-04-30T13:22:00.001-04:00

It’s time for 2nd Annual Art Auction at Inspiration Avenue,

To benefit Angel Faces.

Visit their website to see the girls, read their stories

and learn how Angel Faces inspires and encourages

the girls through healing retreats and art therapy.

This year I am offering this Music Box

that I made especially for this auction.

The top is hand formed clay.

The sides are a distressed turquoise blue.

The song it plays is

“Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head”

The box is 3x4”

Signed and dated on the bottom.

Bidding on this piece starts at 20 USD and shipping is free.

Please go HERE

to view the entire Art Auction and to join the bidding.

If you have any questions

comment me here.

Thank you all…this should be fun :+))

XoX

Her Majesty…

2011-04-29T11:25:00.001-04:00

To celebrate the royal wedding,

the lovely Lisa Wright from the UK

chose this weeks theme…and I chopped off the wedding part

and went with Royal.

I inserted a picture if Elizabeth I,

but it could easily be swapped with a photograph

of the Queen in your Life.

Wouldn’t this make a perfect Mother’s Day gift?

You can find it here.

And I am offering Free Shipping on everything in my etsy shop

from now until Mother’s Day (May 8th)

Use the code mothersday in the coupon box.

Speaking of Queens…

Look at the surprise I received in the mail

a very special gift from my friend Darla.

She calls these little icons rubbles

and when I admired them on her blog

she made one just for me!

How in the world did she know I would love one of Mary? ;+)

I know Darla would welcome a visit from you at

Bayside to Mountainside

Thank you Darla…I LOVE it!!!

We had more awful weather this month than I can remember.

Yesterday morning a tornado went ripping through our town.

Tornados in Pennsylvania are milder

than other parts of the country,

but I can tell you,

they do sound like a train roaring by.

Our neighbor’s roof blew off and landed in a tree-top

across the street.

We were luckier and only a section of our fence blew down.

Miraculously no one was hurt,

just a lot of destruction.

It made me sympathize with the people in Alabama.

No matter how bad things are,

someone is having harder times.

We were without electric for most of the day…

it’s amazing how much can be accomplished

without distractions from the computer or stove.

If you would like to participate in the ROYAL challenge,

visit Inspiration Avenue…there’s still time.

Tomorrow I will be posting my piece for the Angel Faces

Art Auction, so you haven’t heard the last of me :)

Tiamo!

Angel Prayer Book

2011-04-24T08:07:00.001-04:00

This week Tammy chose the theme…Angels.

I thought it was a brilliant choice,

especially with our upcoming Art Auction for Angel Faces.

I already have my piece finished,

but I can never have enough Angels :)

so I was happy to go to my workshop

and get busy.

I’ve been wanted to alter a book

into a Prayer Book…

a place to write inspiring words.

I have my own little book for that purpose,

but it isn’t this priti ;p

I hope you like it.

Please visit Inspiration Avenue

to see more Angels.

I hope you are having a Happy Sunday

the sun came out today!!!

Tiamo!

Paint Party Frida(y)

2011-04-22T16:22:00.001-04:00

It’s PPF and I have a painting to share :)

I didn’t have a canvas,

so I fused a light cotton canvas

to cardstock using iron-on fusing.

It held up pretty good to my acrylics,

watercolors and pastels.

I have other things in the works,

but it is so very dreary

that the only place to take pictures

is on the bench in the “sun room”

And I can’t summon up the energy to cart them down there.

I haven’t burned the gray sweater yet...

This is the coldest April I can remember.

XoX

Mia Madre

2011-04-17T11:39:00.001-04:00

I bet it’s no surprise that I chose Mary

as my Mother Art this week.

I hope I am not boring anyone with my obsession,

but I really feel she is the image of Mother.

The definition of all things Mothers try to be.

I started a series of prayer cards

and I needed a place to keep them.

I made this box

with the vessel for Holy Water in mind.

It is made from cardboard and a neat-o metal effect.

I decopaged aluminum foil to the box

and rubbed watered down black paint into the wrinkles.

Simple, but messy and time-consuming.

These are the cards:

The backs all have different prayers to Mary:

I have plans to do other saints this week.

And I have a new painting

in my head.

And a new box design.

And a ka-jillion blogs to visit.

And a sink full of dishes.

And this horrible gray sweater to burn.

Visit Inspiration Avenue today.

I am going to post all of the Mother Art at noon.

And you can find the Prayer Cards here.

Tiamo,

Lisa

“Did the kiss of Mother Mary

Put that music in her face?

Yet she goes with footstep wary,

Full of earth’s old timid grace.”

~William Butler Yeats

Paint Party Friday #4

2011-04-14T20:19:00.001-04:00

Today I am sharing something I made

especially for a charity auction.

It is our 2nd annual art auction at Inspiration Avenue.

You can learn all about it by clicking the link on my side bar.

It starts May 1st,

so I am happy to be ahead of schedule for a change.

Anyway,

it is a little music box

that I painted and covered the top

with hand-painted clay tile and Angel Face.

Happy PPF!!!

If you have the time,

check it out,

everyone is invited!

Tiamo,

Lisa

PS: Sorry I’ve been a bit of an A$$hole blogger this week…I just can’t seem to detach myself from the floor of my studio :/

Pendants and a Good Cause

2011-04-11T13:04:00.001-04:00

First I have to thank all of you

for your ever-sweet comments.

I am happy to report

the sun is shining

and my soul is dancing!

Yesterday I spent the whole day arting.

I made a bunch of pendants

These were nice, but as I always do

I fiddled around and came up with these

This is a picture of the front and back.

I actually listed them, you can find them in my shop.

I wanted to do something for Japan

and I chose this charity.

click Rebecca’s name.

Rebecca Corazon

I always try to help Rebecca with her charitable causes.

You may remember the Oaxaca Shrine Auction.

Anyway it’s just a suggestion.

I am hosting the Weekly Challenge at Inspiration Avenue

this week,

so you may want to click on that link too.

I will have more to show you this week,

as soon as I see if my brilliant idea is going to work for me.

Tiamo,

Lisa

Weekly Challenge-Roald Dahl

2011-04-09T22:56:00.001-04:00

I’ve had one of those weeks.

The kind where everything seems pointless, you know?

Everything is over-whelming and just too hard.

The challenge this week was hosted by Lisa Wright.

Roald Dahl. I remember reading his books and poetry to my kids when they were small.

I never connected with his stories, even as a child.

No Willy Wonka or James in the Giant Peach for me.

Nothing against Roald Dahl,

I also never liked The Wizard of Oz or A Wrinkle in Time.

I much preferred stories of struggle.

Of real life.

Little House on the Prairie or biographies.

But I knew I would have to do something for the challenge…

I remembered reading poems by Dahl to my kids,

and remembered a poem about imagination.

So I did a page in my personal Art Journal.

I didn’t get to PPF this week.

Every moment I had, I was putting energy into my new,

brilliant idea.

It was just so gray and cold and rainy this week,

I didn’t take pictures.

And my camera will only take 10 at a time.

And my heart wasn’t in it.

self portrait without gray sweater

But Monday is a new week,

maybe

The Sun will come out Tomorrow.

I am going to be better.

I promise.

I am so sick of wearing my gray, fuzzy sweater…

XoX

Self Portrait

2011-04-02T17:47:00.001-04:00

This week we were coaxed to do a self portrait for IA.

I gave a glimpse of mine in my previous post for PPF.

This is the introduction page

for the Traveling Sisterhood Journal.

I think you can click on the picture.

I use myself a my own model all of the time.

I sit in front of the mirror to sketch.

For proportion.

For hand placement.

I know many of you have seen these paintings before,

I am indulging myself :)

Remember me as the High Priestess?

This one shows the lines around my mouth.

Then I got my long hair cut off

and so, the Empress has short hair.

This last painting

I never showed on my blog.

I copied a painting that I sold.

I missed it so much I decided to paint it again.

Bigger and better.

I know these paintings are much Priti-er than I am.

But I paint what I see

and I wear rose-colored glasses

all of the time.

To be Disillusioned is to be Happy!

We would love if you would visit Inspiration Avenue

Sunday evening and see everyone’s self portrait.

Tiamo,

Lisa

Truth is Fire.

To Speak the Truth

can Illuminate

and Burn. ~Gustav Klimt

Paint Party Friday #3

2011-04-01T16:50:00.001-04:00

This is what I’ve been working on this week…

My art journal that will be traveling the globe and return to me next year…filled with art from 12 other artists.

I decided to make my own book

and rather than bind it

(something I’ve haven’t done, yet)

I decided on a loose-leaf format.

I think it will be easier for every one to work in,

I made a hinged book like box,

and cut heavy weight paper to fit inside.

I also did the first page,

which introduces me.

I still need a artist sign-in something…

I am thinking a pocket attached to the lid,

with a tag for each artist.

Does anyone have a better idea?

I wanted to add all sorts of things to this project,

but I am being mindful of postage costs.

Maybe this will teach me the new habit of restraint.

LOL, somehow I don’t believe that :)

Check back to see a bigger picture of the art page…

Tomorrow!

I am having loads of fun looking at everyone’s work,

it’s an incredible mix of talent!

Tiamo,

Lisa