Creating Patterned Pages

 I have come to appreciate the art of making your own tools and supplies.  Not only do I feel a sense of accomplishment when creating my own things (food, tools, cleaning products or art supplies) but I also like the ability to make the item my own.  Yes, it is more convenient to purchase ready made things, but it isn't the same.  There are 3 benefits to making your own art products:
1. They are original works.  (If selling your work, you don't have any copyright violations).
2. They are tailored to your style or likes.
3. They are a way to jump start your creative process.
AND sometimes, maybe
4. They can be cost effective, but not always...

Making your own patterned paper is a great way to learn.  When you start with a blank sheet and add patterns, you are engaging your mind.  Sometimes, just drawing shapes repeatedly can springboard you into another idea or image.  Making your own patterned paper is a great way to add to your arsenal and have paper that you can use for collage, journals and paintings.

I started with blank card stock and black acrylic paint.  I did a few pages and was inspired, so I took out  plain old printer paper and painted on some and drew with a black pen on others.  I just played around.

My first foray was using all black and white images.  I took the pages and made photocopies so I could add color and alter the additional pages.  When I make color pages, I have them color copied.  This costs more per sheet, so I am more careful choosing the image I want to stock up on.

Before I knew it, I had completed 23 pages!  Here are a few...

 Seeing stars.

 Brick Wall

 Hip to Be Square

Comma, Comma

Good News for a Change

15 People were honored in NH by the Union Leader for Heroic Actions on Wednesday in Concord.  For the full story click here.
Among the NH residents was the late Greenland Police Chief Michael Mahoney, who gave his life to save his officers during a shootout with a drug dealer in April 2012. Other residents honored were NH State Trooper Scott Frye and Manchester Firefighter Keith Knight who rescued car accident victims in Massachusetts.  Two high school graduates Molly Mendola and Andrew Myers rescued swimmers from riptides in May 2012.
I'm glad to see good deeds being rewarded.  It's also a good feeling to know that there are heroes out there!

Blessings....

When things are most frustrating and difficult, I am grateful that I can count my blessings.  I have the gift of a wonderful family who helps me, supports me and assists me when I ask for help.  My father has been so generous with his time this past week.  My sister's voice from far away was such a welcome pick me up!  My daughters are home from college for the summer and this always brings a smile to my face.  My husband had a birthday this week and while he isn't thrilled with celebrations, it was fun to spend the day with him.  

This week has been tough, but I am grateful that I am able to wake up each day and make a go at working hard again, trying to find the good things around me. 

Oddly enough, finding blessings in life isn't very hard at all. The hard part is not letting the not-so-great things outweigh the blessings!

IRS Targeting Political Groups who Oppose the Progressive Agenda

The former head of the IRS, Steve Miller publicly apologized for targeting political groups who had conservative leanings but then said that the actions were not political.
Each day we are learning more such as the IRS "scandal"was suppressed until the 2012 election took place, in a clear attempt to hide activities that would negatively affect their agenda.  In fact, the IRS not only delayed processing groups with conservative ties, but quickly processed groups that coincided with the president's wishes.  Additionally, as a way to punish those that oppose the president's agenda, citizens who have conservative values are audited.  Fines, lawyers fees, harassment and threats of jail time.  This is not America.  This is criminal.
This is called a dictatorship - not a democracy.

We are living in a country where the IRS - the all powerful arm of the government (the one that collects revenues) is selectively choosing to enforce laws or harass groups that do not meet with their agenda.
Where does freedom fit in to this form of government?  It DOES NOT.

We are now a country where people are punished for their beliefs when they do not coincide with those of those in power.
The Wall Street Journal published a well written piece on this frightful situation here.

Foolish celebrities (again, those that label themselves as Progressive) chide the press stating that "Tea Parties, Constitution groups, Patriots and Conservatives SHOULD be audited because they don't believe what they believe.  We have a president who claims to be unaware that these things were happening and therefore, he has no responsibility.
We live in America.  Our president should be outraged that any American is targeted, harassed and punished for their beliefs.  Everyone should realize that this is dangerous and not be gleeful because someone else is being harassed and they are not.  That's called bullying and each time someone defends these deplorable actions, be afraid.  Be very afraid.

Fruits in Season

Nothing tastes better than fresh fruit and even though many fruits can be grown what seems like year round, it is more likely they are grown around the world and shipped to us to purchase.
So, what is in season in May?
Apricots
Avocados
Blackberries
Blueberries
Cherries
Lemons
Nectarines
Rhubarbs
Strawberries

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday to my husband.  Hard to believe this photo is almost 40 years old!

9 Variations on the Simple Ice Cube

In many ways the simplest things are the best.  What could be easier than freezing water?

Ice makes drinks refreshing so consider alternatives to standard ice made from water.

1. Place mint leaves in each ice cube tray and freeze. Use for an unexpected taste with drinks.

2. Place lemon or lime slices in each ice cube tray for a punch of flavor.

3. Freeze leftover coffee or tea in trays and use the next day to prevent weakening your drink!

4. Freeze pureed berries to use in Sangria recipes.

5. Freeze cucumber slices and add to cool water for a simple agua fresco.

6. Freeze juice in ice cube trays and add to juices make interesting drinks.

7. Freeze yogurt in ice cube trays and use in smoothies for added protein.

8. Freeze chopped basil or parsley in ice cube containers.  When frozen solid, place cubes in a plastic bag and put in the freezer.  Use for sauces and dishes when cooking.

9. Freeze aloe vera gel in ice cube trays.  Once frozen, place cubes in a plastic bag and store in the freezer until needed for burns.