Snickers

I would like to introduce you to the newest member of our family. This is Snickers. He is a 3 month old chocolate lab. He is housebroken (thank goodness). He is a very quiet pup so far-but I expect in a new home, he may keep me awake for a few days. Yikes!! Isn't he the cutest thing??

B D Wong

I spent the morning with this guy at a diversity conference. I sat in the first row, so am positive I blinded him with the flash trying to get his picture! He palys Dr, George Huang on Law and Order: Special Victims Unit. Very interesting man-good story-between 2 sessions, I spent 3 hours with him-he used no notes, no cards-he spoke from the heart during not only a break-out session, but during the keynote address as well. Warm, funny, sincere-a good way to start a day!

ISU Parent's Day

Alex and I went to Iowa State University's Parent's Day on Saturday. We chose not to go to the game, but instead walked around campus for a while-visited her new dorm room, and drove by her sorority. If you would like to see more pictures, they are on my Picasa album at:
http://picasaweb.google.com/goddess.di.arte/ISUParentSDayOctober42008#

Drop in Gas Prices

On July 12, 2008 I paid $3.959 a gallon. Today, I paid $3.079. Now if we could squeak it down another 50 cents a gallon or so!! Today, life in Des Moines, Iowa is not so bad!

Windows of Downtown Des Moines, Iowa

Des Moines

I went to the Farmer's Market the past couple of Saturdays. These are a few of the interesting buildings and windows in the area.

Banners

Eight artists joined to make banners that would spell 'Artistic.' I am doing the "r." Each artist chose colors and we created around those choices. These are my offerings.

Collage Sheet Giveaway

Kristin Hubick is having a contest on her blog for a collage sheet. Go enter!!
http://krishubick.blogspot.com/2008/09/digital-collage-sheet-giveaway.html

Enjoy her wonderful artwork, too!

Puzzle Pieces

After a long delay due to a postal package gone astray and family issues, I finally worked on two more puzzles. I did two pieces each and finished Heather's (top), got Lisa's (middle) ready for Heather to finish and mine came back home finished!

A Summer of Change

In April, my son got married-a week later, my parent's home was flooded. In May, my daughter, who finished high school in January, officially graduated. In June, my daughter, who started her college courses in January, made the President's list for getting a 4.00 GPA. On June 18, I turned 55-a milestone for many-I almost missed it because birthdays really are not on my radar. I still thing I am young, thin and cute. A healthy imagination is good for the soul!! On June 21, my father had an accident at home-on June 25 he died. Since he had been suffering from bone, kidney, bladder and whatever else cancer possible, this was a blessing as the pain is gone. Since then, I found a facility for my mom-she has Alzheimer's; I put the family home of 53 years up for sale and sold it within 24 hours; started boxing, gifting, selling and packing all of the homestead. I came back to my home on Sunday and will work through this week and weekend, and then head out on my annual vacation to the east coast. While I may not be doing art of my own for a bit until things get a bit settled-I look forward to seeing your art and will find comfort in it.

Love to all! And this photo is of a cake I fell in love with. A co-worker of mine was married on June 21 and I just thought this cake was too much fun! Enjoy!!

Finished my Pennants

I still had one more to do-in the colors of Tuscany-it is mine. Additionally, I set some of these together in a circle just because-I like the effect! I wanted to get a photo after I added the "I" to each. These are ready to send on-I will get 10 back to add to mine to spell out "Inspiration." Can't wait to see how they all look together!

Five More Banners

My photography skills are still lacking. More banners! colors of the sea; green and chocolate; no preference; red, black and cream; verdigris, green and pale pink

Fabric Banners 4 and 5 of 11

The color themes requested for these were lime green and turquoise; and red, pink, orange, and aqua. My ability to use a camera is limited, but trust me-these are the colors of the fabrics! I need to learn to use a camera!!!

Banner Swap First 3 of 11

Banners for a Swap

My first three fabric banners for a swap-11 more to go! I still need to add the letter 'i' to each banner.

Alexandra's Graduation

This is my baby, all grown up and officially done with high school. She started college in January, but did not walk in the graduation ceremony until last night. We are not supposed to take photos-so, this was done with a digital zoom and no flash. This is the best I can do until the school hired professional turns in his proof and we can see how expensive those were. Although this photo is bad, I got lucky-the guy next to me got a shot of his son's torso with someone's arm in front of his face.

Quoth the Raven "Nevermore"

Friday, May 23, 2008. I should be finishing a report. Art is more fun! 5" by 7" canvas board.

Precious

6 by 8" canvas with Mica over image (excuse the flash on the mica)

...to cherish...

5"by 7" canvas, with altoid tin lid, buttons

Siblings

5" by 7" canvas

Red, White and Blue ATC Swap

Sisters

A second mid-week piece!

Girl by Chair

I need to come up with some catchy titles-girl with chair-not very original! But, just think-I posted mid-week. That is a first. I never get to do art during the week. I am excited!!!!

My Baby Birds Leave Home

The two photos of the babies in the nest are from Monday and the other two are from today. It happened so fast. Mama pushed them from the nest this morning. I was glad I was home from work today to see it unfold. She shoved them-some plopped to the ground-some flew a few feet. Eventually they all caught on and took flight whole Mama watched from the fence. I finally captured a photo of one resting from the flight on my deck. The nest is empty-and my daughter and I are sad. We stood at the tiny kitchen window and watched and listened to these babies for days. The little bald creatures who captured our hearts now look plump and seem to all be fine. Final count was five. We already miss them!