• Holidays,  Life

    2022 Logan’s Candy Cane Tour Interest

    Hello friends, I hope this finds you well. Many of you know that for years, we’ve made it a tradition to enjoy Logan’s Candy Cane private tour. You can see more HERE and photos below. At this amazing place, you are able to watch and sample amazing fresh candy canes made, and experience this tummy tingling tradition. Not sure you’ve ever tasted such an amazing candy cane inyour life. They are such a wonderful family at Logans and they have become dear friends to us. They welcome us with open arms each and every year. I spoke with Jerry (‘the Candy Man’) and we are expecting another wonderful year. This…

  • Art,  Art Journaling,  Life,  Mixed Media,  The Homestead,  Thoughts

    Uncertainty – A Parallel in Art & Life

    I’m not sure about you but these days I’m feeling more uncertain about some things than I ever have. Rising prices, friends and co-workers who have had sudden illnesses, grocery shortages, and more. Having gone through a serious illness before, things can change quickly from one day to the next. Things can be uncertain. I thought I’d share a few of my favorite thoughts and helpful hints when uncertainty might come your way. They help me. Stand on your faith. Read a devotional book or an encouraging story. Take a break from the news Go outside and take a walk in nature Create art Share a cup of coffee with…

  • Artsy Adventures (Outings, Flea Marketing and More),  Food,  Life,  Nature,  The Homestead,  Thoughts

    Enjoy the Beauty Close to Home

    Recently, my hubby and I headed to the beach early one Saturday morning. Of course we love the beach. I grew up in Sunny Southern California and remember my first Boogie board, meeting friends at the beach, family dinners at the Spaghetti Factory in Newport, the Fun Zone at Balboa, Balboa bars, skating, flying a kite, sailing at least 2-3x a week during high school, and more. My husband has lived in California now for several years and enjoys the beach as well. He enjoys walking the shores, early morning quiet, fishing, and more. With that being said, we headed down to Newport. If you’ve never been to Dory’s Landing,…

  • Art,  Art Journaling,  Faith,  Life,  Mixed Media

    A Successful Life and Relationships

    Recently I was reading a newsletter that was talking about successful tips on retirement. They were such great practical tips, not only for retirement, but for life and relationships. I definitely thought they were worth repeating. I added the first one and expanded a little on some points. So I definitely thought these were some good life tips. Whatever your day holds, I hope you experience some joy and contentment. Warmest regards,

  • Art,  Art Journaling,  Creative,  Gel Press Creations,  Mixed Media

    A Daily Creative Practice – ICADs * Part Two

    If you missed Part One, feel free to check it out HERE. Life has been so busy for me the last couple of months. We’ve had some major life changes take place and time has been little for creative things. But I was challenged to do the Index Card A Day prompt. These itty bitty pieces of art take just a spot of time. You can keep a daily creative practice, without having a big commitment of time. I thought I’d share with you some highlights of my ICADs thus far. It’s a total of 61 cards between the months of June and July. I painted my rolodex pink a…

  • Art,  Art Journaling,  Gel Press Creations,  Handcrafted Journals,  Mixed Media

    A Daily Creative Practice – ICADs * Part One

    Life has been so busy for me the last couple of months. We’ve had some major life changes take place and time has been little for creative things. But I was challenged to do the Index Card A Day prompt. These itty bitty pieces of art take just a spot of time. You can keep a daily creative practice, without having a big commitment of time. I thought I’d share with you some highlights of my ICADs thus far. It’s a total of 61 cards between the months of June and July. I painted my rolodex pink a couple years ago, and have participated now for a couple of years.…

  • Life,  The Homestead,  Thoughts

    Precious Time – Precious Moments

    Oh life’s bittersweet moments. Our girl graduated from college on Friday, May 20. She’s had some amazing experiences in her college years and now is off to start something new in a different state. We are so incredibly proud of her. Her hard work, dedication and passion has been evident in these college years. This transition has hit me a little harder than others. High school to college was fun. It was a little hard on the heart, but a lot of fun. This time she’s an adult who is flying the coop. She is incredible and will do amazing things. There will be less daily interaction though. Less late…

  • Art,  Art Journaling,  Creative,  Handcrafted Journals,  Mixed Media

    When do you Feel the Most Freedom?

    I’d like to ask you to consider, ‘when do you feel the most free?’ For me, there are three major time I feel the most freedom; when I’m creating, when I’m enjoying nature, and when I’m singing praises of worship. What are your top three? I think when I’m creating, time seems to slip by. I also feel like I’m in the present moment. When I’m creating, I’m not thinking about things that need to get done, or concerned about the future . . . I’m just in the moment creating something with my hands and heart. Below are some recent art journaling pages that I’ve created. Note that these…

  • Art,  Art Journaling,  Crafts,  Creative,  Gel Press Creations,  Handcrafted Journals,  Life,  Mixed Media,  Thoughts

    Be You-niquely You – Art Journaling Article

    It’s alway fun to see your art and words in print, this time in Art Journaling. Stampington & Company does an incredible job. Thank you to the amazing staff such as Amber, Christen and others! It’s humbling as well, sharing an issue with other amazing artists. I wrote this article with you in mind. Below are some peeks from a few of the pages. Know that you are amazing, unique, and one-of-a-kind. Looking to get your own version of Art Journaling, feel free to use the link HERE if you’d like to pick up a copy or you can find the issue at Joann’s, Barnes and Noble and other craft…

  • Art,  Art Journaling,  Gel Press Creations,  Mixed Media,  Thoughts

    Clearly Transparent in Art and Life

    I love using transparent items in my art journal. They offer a unique and fun element throughout the pages of an art journal. Transparency provides layers you can see. Some clear items you can include in your art journal; Print on saran wrap with acrylic paint Use clear post it tabs Keep packaging that’s clear and colorful. Use it to add surprising bits and pieces. Use your gel plate to print on a transparency Just as in art, being transparent in life has great benefits. While it’s important to have healthy boundaries when ‘putting yourself out there,’ there are so many benefits for those sharing and those listening. Being transparent…