Deacan's 4th Birthday!! 2011

My baby just turned 4!! Yes, I did say "baby" and yes, I still rock him every morning and sing him the song I created while he was a newborn.. :) Deacan had a wonderful birthday WEEK. We began with Mommy taking off work and no school on the Special Day. We met Papa at Chuck E. Cheese. Always a place of preference for D-nanner (there I go again with the "baby" names!)..

A mean game of air hockey with Papa---Guess who won???

"Aww, man!! I thought you were a real giant mouse.. Where is Stuart Little, then?"

After our Chuck E. Cheese rendezvous, we went to another one of Deacan's favorite places: the library.

Then we went home and made bugs with a kit our best buddies (Robert & Todd) gave him for his bday earlier this week..

What a fun birthday!!! Post of the actual bday party coming soon.. :)

Fun at the Childrens' Museum!!

The Memphis Childrens' Museum is so much fun (and air-conditioned)!! We enjoyed all attractions and exhibits they had to offer. Mommy really liked the weather emporium which had very realistic sounds and features. Way cool!! Deacan's favorite was probably the water play and the "hamster cage climb" (unofficial name of said attraction. haha:)

Our only complaint is there is no food available past 2pm (whatsoever). We were a bit hungry come 5:00 so this hastened our visit a bit. Before 2:00, they do have a Lenny's Sub Shop, so I advise either eating then or bringing a lunch.
All in all, the Children's Museum offers fun for all ages. I also left learning a little something:) The honeybee exhibit was also a highlight and very informative. Did you know bees never sleep?

"We love Science!!!"

How to Create a Memory Collage (4 yourself or a Loved One)

     Are you someone who saves mementos like movie stubs, matchbooks, and sand from that special beach?  I am!  This project is wonderful because it allows you to use these things in a work of art that can be seen often.  The memories these "treasures" hold will not be locked in a box or hidden inside a page most often unturned.  It is also a great piece to make for a loved one, be it husband or best friend, as a tribute to the fun times you have shared.

    Simply begin with a base.  Here I used a piece of framed art I was tired of.  I just removed the frame and painted a base color over the print beneath.  Wah-lah!!  A nice fresh start with a frame to boot! This piece was too 3-D to replace the glass but it is not needed.  Now it's time for the fun part..
   I made this collage for an "old flame".  I never gave it to him.  Yay for me, because it is one of my favorites ever and now I can share the technique with you:)  The basis of this was mementos from times spent in Memphis, along with times in L.A. , along with a small bit of painting.  If you are not a "painter"-- fill in the gaps with solid color, words, or maybe a piece of poetry.  Hand-painting is not necessary to end up with a cool design.
     Here is a closer look at the things I chose to commemorate the memories:

UPPER LEFT:  a matchbook, often the center of our "ice-breaker" jokes, sand and shells collected while beach-combing in Los Angeles, my bag claim ticket

UPPER RIGHT:  Kroger receipt for our dinner cooked together, bowling wristband, painting of us kissing to fill space

BOTTOM LEFT:   another matchbook (from a Mexican restaurant we shared a great meal at), a photo of my writing on the wall "January & Keith" at an LA dive (which happened to be Charles Bukowski's fav hangout back in his day)..
Cheesy, but hey, sometimes cheese is good..Especially on pizza:)

BOTTOM RIGHT:  coaster from a bar, movie ticket bedazzled with cheap "jewels" and gold trim taken from a Chambord bottle.  I painted behind the ticket using white paint and then used a knife to cross-hatch texture and evoke a light, feathery feeling and add dimension. 

CENTER  (or more appropriately, OFF CENTER):  a flyer from B.B. King's where we shared a night of singing the blues


     I hope this has inspired you to do something fun with all those things you're significant other laughs at you for saving.  Haha:) 
     Have fun with it!  Above all:  don't try to strive for perfectionism.  It's the love behind the work that makes it beautiful ..   

Painting soulful art is not Expensive

     You do not a great deal of money to paint, nor to create a masterpiece.  My favorite painting I have done was done with a .50 piece of tile I found in an old apartment, along with a few choice colors of acrylic paint.  I also added a few river rocks (using a glue gun) for dimension.  Choose a photo that is worth replicating, preferably one nature ridden, as it is easy to embellish realistically. Select a photo that is dear to you and your soul,  just paint an outline, wash with a few prominent colors, and embellish the rest.  The work of art will be a treasure to you for a lifetime.  That is exactly how I feel about my "Searching the Sea" piece.  It may not be worth much to the average collector; yet I would not sell it in a million years.  Have fun and create a piece of yourself to last throughout the years!  Please send us a pic of your work:)

***acrylic paints cost as low as .50cents per tube***

***quick note about the piece above:  there used to be small pebbles glued to the bottom left, as well.  Through the years  and many moves they have fallen off.. Guess I should get a few more to glue on there!***

"Perfectionism is self-abuse to the highest order."--Anne Wilson Schaef

     So I embark on the journey of blogging.  My intentions are: securing a spot of sharing  crafting ideas, enlightening others spiritually, learning how to oil paint,  and laying a foundation for my son to see how far he has grown.  And all the while, I hope to learn along the way.  Maybe things like you are never to begin a sentence with the word 'and'.   I can only hope to put my "perfectionism" aside and enjoy the ride.  Want to ride shotgun?  :) 


*****My political feelings/ knowings are strictly put aside; along with other "non-related items" that are irrevelant to this page*****