I'm sick

My body has been trying to fight off something since about Friday-Its getting worse by the day. I have a temperature I can't really get to stay down-its fairly mild so I am not overly alarmed but its enough to make me feel just awful. I think I have a sinus infection-I wake up in the morning with such pain its unbearable. It eases up when I take a couple of Sudafed, but other than that its just terrible. I have to alternate between Tylenol and Motrin to even keep my temp down at all. Its getting higher than yesterday. I am feeling achey and weak along with that.
I had an appointment for Gillian's IEP today with the team of :her preschool teacher, occupational therapist, psychologist, and a new teacher gillian will have starting next Monday. Its really hard take-the news at these IEP meetings. They can be just plain brutal. The findings were that mostly gillians problem results from her inattentiveness. She seems very intelligent, but can't sit still , cant concentrate , etc. Today was hard hearing the results of her Psych evaluation. They want her to be evaluated for ADD. True, she has many traits of ADD. But, Sensory Integration Dysfunction has many crossovers. So, the Occupational therapist says she plans to test her for that. I do hope the findings indicate that she has that. Gillian has some traits other than those of kids with ADD. Like not wanting to wear clothes (its said to feel like sandpaper on kids with sensory issues), wanting to sleep in a pitch black room, avoiding certain textures and tactile defensiveness. It was SO difficult to listen to what they had to say. I did cry a little bit, but at the same time, help is on the horizon. I am just hanging on to the hope that I do not have to have her medicated. I have lots of information to take to the neurologist in March. I know these folks from the school district are NOT doctors. I am trying to take this info just a little more lightly, because of that. I know also that schools are known to do this.
I am just hoping that with Gillian starting a new class in a less overstimulating environment and more one on one will really help her out. I know that she functions much better in a less stimulating environment. I have seen it with my own eyes.
One thing that gets me through this is the fact that she does have strengths. I think of the major problems she could have-the ones we have dealt with all around have been very minor compared to what could have been. These are problems that can be dealt with and taken care of.
Sorry for the ramble-I am on meds and when I don't feel too well I do this, especially when I have loads on my mind. I think it sort of helps me cope a little.
I wish I felt better-I could see some really great collages coming out right about now. It seems I do my best work when I am under stress or have alot I am dealing with. I am just simply too tired and blah to even create anything. I think I will head off to the urgent care tomorrow and see if they can't fix me.

Awards

Here's me at the awards. Remember, not feeling too well, and I hate pictures anyway!LOL
This is my "Hurry up and take the picture" smile. I am not liking my digital camera lately. It plain stinks! Notice the kewl little gold seal thingies next to my two paintings that indicate my awards :) Aren't they kewl?
The ceremony was just amazing. She had me up there in front of everyone a loooooooooooong time, explaining how I won this purchase award and how she was lucky to have one of my paintings (thats how I was introduced LOL). It was very flattering. What was even more surreal were people walking up to me telling me how they liked MY work. MY WORK!!!!! How awesome is that? It was just ..................nuts!! The art association would like me to put on a class too! Now how awesome is that? Wow. Me? Teach a class????
I got my stuff to sign up for the art association, and then I am going to take some stuff into the gallery to sell. woohooooooooooooooo!! I met some very cool people tonight.
Now I am rambling because quite frankly I feel really crappy, my body has been fighting off something but I think it has taken hold . ugh!
I gotta go eat a bowl of chicken noodle soup!

"Letters Home" won the award!

I went down to the museum this morning to see the art on the wall :) It was SO surreal!
As I paid to get into the museum, I could look into the room and see my art on the wall! Talk about wild!! There was some VERY nice art in the exhibit! I was honored to be a part of it.
I did see that the "Letters home" collage won the Award. Its a $25 gift card to Dick Blick. Not bad! I am excited just to have won something :) And, my Crow collage (named him "Oh the Places You'll Go" had a Purchase award! Yes! Someone bought him!! I was there , staring at my pieces on the wall in disbelief. I felt sort of numb.........it was so surreal! The lady there, still putting out sold tags, etc) asked if I knew the artist. I said "Yes." A minute later I piped up that it was me :) She came over and asked me to show her my pieces........so I did, showing her the crow last as it was a few paintings down from my other two. She excitedly said "Thats MINE!!!! I bought him!!" I tell you, I have NEVER sold any of my work before. It was more exciting to know, that I created that, and to see how excited the buyer was. I can't even describe it. Its an amazing feeling. The lady who purchased it is a part of the Art Association that is the sponsor of this event.
Now I am feeling like I am coming down with something. I feel SO icky :( I have to sort of stay low, so I can be up to going to the Reception thingy on Sunday-I can't miss that!!
Tomorrow is my son's birthday too, so he is having some friends over. I gotta be well for that too!

Friday

Not too much to blog about the past couple days! I am still having to pinch myself about this art show thing, and I have been dealing with Gillian's stuff too. Wednesday was tough-I went and observed the new "Special" class that she will be put in, and I had some teary moments. But I am feeling okay about it now. Its just accepting it all. But it is the best thing for her as there will be more one-on-one. and the teacher is just fantastic! She needs more one on one to help her with her sensory issues, and the occupational therapist will be there as well. I also signed the assessment form for the Occupational Therapist to observe her, etc. So at least the ball is rolling. Got Gillian in to see the Neurologist who specializes in this stuff too. So, life is good.

Today is the day! I am heading down to the museum to see the art on the wall for myself. I am still in disbelief. I have to keep pulling out the envelope!LOL

I am going to try to take pics. I am not sure if they let cameras in there or not!

Soooooooooooo kewl!!!

I am IN!!!!!!

ALL 3 of my pieces got in! and, I won an award! It says on the outside of the envy "Congrats! Dick Blick award!" so we shall see what that is. Honestly, I am just honored to get in :)
Wow. Big WOW. I think I will go to Coldstone and get the BIGGEST ice cream they have in my favorite flavor, Mud pie mojo :)

woohoooooooooooooooooooooooo!! Can you hear me screaming?

By golly I did it :)

I took my artwork to the museum , that is :)
I had to go through about 6 tables-the first ones take your art and check it out. they oohed and aahhed over it-particularly the "letters home" and they loved the crow :)
Anyway, this is juried. I knew that. She told me she really thought I had a great chance of getting in, but that if for some reason I didn't to not get discouraged. But she didn't think I had anything to worry about. All in all, I feel really good about it. I am excited that I took this step. I got some excellent feedback yesterday-I took the artwork for my hairdresser to see, and another hairdresser who works here,is a guy who belongs to the art assoc. that is sponsoring this show-he had nothing but good to say about my artwork (he is a hairdresser where I go) and assured me I would do VERY well there. So , so far it all seems very positive. I should hear back soon as the show begins Thursday. So, send me some positive vibes folks :)
This is exciting stuff! and I am proud of myself for taking this step. Many thanks to my old friend Kat for encouraging me to do this :)

change of plan

okay, instead of the baby with wings, I am going to take this one............my husband swears I should. So, I shall listen. Its a good one too. I had a hard time deciding anyway ! It is nice, and much nicer in person. This was my husband's favorite one.

The Three Pieces I am taking-whaddya think?

Okay I think I have my mind made up! I am taking these 3 collages for the exhibit. What do you think?
I have been pretty happy with all that I have done this week, but these are my 3 favorites.

Crow Collage

I just finished this one. I LOVE this!! So much better in person though! I painted the crow transfer with Omni Gel so it looks totally handpainted-VERY cool effect. I painted it twice , letting it dry in between the coats so its extra textured. Its awesome. I think I will be taking this one on Sunday to the drop off for the show.
He is 12x12 in size on a chunky canvas. Lots of vintage papers here, acrylics, etc. This was a fun one to do!


I am feeling better today. I am getting through to people at Gillian's school now. I talked to the occupational therapist about getting Gillian some help and FINALLY they are going to meet with me next week. Apparently the referral got lost or something. The good thing about this OT is that she used to work at a Sensory Integration Dysfunction clinic so she is well aware of treatment for this. I am happy. Now I just have to make sure they DO meet with me next week!

What a relief.

a favorite picture

I have to share this picture. Amongst a HUGE lot of old photos that came to me from England off an Ebay win quite a while back, I got this picture. I keep it in my work area-it always makes me smile. Look at the little boy in the picture-its hilarious!


back to work..........my muse is starting to wander a little. Part of it might be because I am tired, and I have been on the phone the entire morning with getting some help for Gillian. I am just ......blah

Had a DUH sort of day

Its been kind of a weird day here today. I had a headache ALL night-like one of those sick headaches-went to bed with it, woke up with it. Got through it somehow. I have been doing all sorts of odd things today-like for instance putting lids on things that they don't belong on (swapping the peanut jar lid for the one on the gel medium-duh!!!)
I took Aidan lunch today because he was griping about what they were having at the school today for lunch. what a great mom I am LOL Anyway, I had ordered a small thing of Chili for myself and a baked potato. I took the bag to him, and came home and realized that not only did his bag have his spicy chicken meal, but it also had the chili!! DUH!!!!
The only thing I can blame it on is the fact I was just SO exhausted today.

Something good did come out of the day though. In my post from last week about how upset I was about Gillian and her issues with her possible Sensory Integration stuff-I talked to her doctor about it today. Gillian has an ear infection, so I was there anyway, so the lightbulb in my head did actually go off while I was there and I discussed my concern with her. She is totally on board with me about it after talking with me in great detail. So, I have a referral to see a Neurologist for her. The doc gave me a name of a neurologist in the area that is an expert on this Sensory Integration stuff, so I am thrilled. I have been talking to my husband tonight alot about it, and he has said how I just HAVE to endure it, that it will all be okay in the end. Its so much easier said than done though! I try, I really do. Never did I ever imagine that these preemie issues would just keep on going. Its only been 4 years, but seems like so much longer. I guess it can take them up to 8 years to catch up.
Tonight has really made me reflect on the things I am grateful for. I delve into my art or my favorite music when I am feeling stressed or pressured. Its my coping mechanism and I am so grateful I have at least that. I am grateful to have those things to make life easier to deal with, or at least the moments that are difficult. This past week has been much easier because of those things. So, its all positive. I am trying to just hang onto these positive things. I have to, thats the only way to get through this.
its all gonna be ok.

Nameless Collage

Not sure what to name this one..........just finished it-started on it yesterday and feel like its "done"

12x12 chunky canvas-acrylics, molding paste for texture , vintage papers, rusty washers, old picture, painted papers, image transfer, archival ink pen, publishers foil, caran d'ache crayons, peerless watercolors on the photo

New Collage completed

I started this one last week but then didn't finish it. I think she is finally done :)

8x10 canvas-acrylic, caran d'ache crayons, old letters and text, transferred image, ink, and molding paste for texture.

today

I did finish this collage today. Its nice-not quite the style I normally do, but I just went with the flow. I found the picture of the old house, and used peerless watercolors on it, painted a canvas and just took it from there. My husband REALLY liked this one. He doesn't really comment on much, but surprisingly today he did.
Like I mentioned, just not quite what my normal taste is, but here's what I did. A friend that came by today told me she would buy something like that .......so I guess its not all bad.
Its SO hard to photograph these things..........but I did the best I could :)
The house sort of reminds me of the one I grew up in. I LOVE old pics and find them so inspiring to look at. Each tells its own story. I named this "Letters Home" because of the old letter here, as well as the envelope. With the picture of the house, the name fit.

"Letters Home"
9x12 canvas, old letters , book pages, envelope, old photo , watercolors, caran d'ache crayons, acrylics, handmade papers. melted crayon on the edges, as well as molding paste for texture.

Fun with Monoprinting!

Today I sat staring at a blank canvas that I glued some old book pages on and wondered what to do next. I knew I wanted to do something colorful and kept brainstorming and realized that I had not played around with monoprinting for a while so decided to give it a whirl. Lately my muse has just gone crazy and I have been doing some things I have not done in a while using brighter colors. Its been so fun! I love the look of brighter hues of color-they are so bright and cheery and pleasing to the eye. The scan here of my monoprint looks like more green-my scanner did not capture the turquoise too well. But you get the idea :)

Now onto the next step of this project!

Newest collage

This is one that I will be putting in for my first show :) The pics don't really capture how beautiful and textured this really is.........I wish it would. Let me know what you think!
I spent Many Many hours on this. I feel like its finally done.
This is a 12x12 chunky canvas. Acrylics, stamping, ink, vintage papers, buttons, pastels, image transfer to canvas.

Upcoming Art Show Prep and venting

Some folks know this, but I have the opportunity to have some of my artwork at a museum and drop off is the 21st :) Just found out yesterday so I am working on some stuff to take. This is very exciting for me as I never imagined I would ever be doing something like this. This is thanks to an old friend that found me online and I showed her some of my work and she recommended it and has helped me out in this area.
Will post some work as I get it done. I am part way done with 2 things, so I am hoping to finish those soon then work on a 3rd. I am able to enter up to 3 pieces. These are all mixed media collages I am doing, on a small scale. Today I got out my carving tools, did a little carving and stamped it into some polymer clay. It came out nicely. I smudged some gold leaf on the raised areas and it looks very cool.

Now for my venting. Totally not art related but I have to get this out.
So my last several weeks have been fabulous. Gillian recently started Preschool in the afternoons and has been having a hard time adjusting. Its been suggested that she has something called "Sensory Integration Dysfunction" and I have done lots of reading up on this the past year and a half and I do believe she has it as well. I need to see about getting her diagnosed but have been dragging my feet in hopes that things may improve. Sometimes it seems that she is , other times it doesn't. Now I am thinking I just need to get it done.
She is very inattentive, extra hyper, sensitive to certain noises, fabrics, likes the dark, and is all about routine (overly). Other things too, those are just a few things. Its hard, dealing with it day after day after day. It gets tiring emotionally too. I deal with it the best way I can.
Anyway I have been SO happy, until this afternoon. Something just struck a nerve. I was talking to the teacher and it just sounds like she is not adjusting well and frankly its just been rough for me this afternoon. I am trying to be optimistic that things will work out. For some reason I am blaming myself. I am trying to figure out if there is something I have done to cause all this. But at the same time, its normal for ex-Preemies, especially those born as early as Gillian, to have. Even her Speech therapist thinks she has it, and has a son who has had this. It can be overcome through occupational therapy and lots of help. Gillian is supposed to be enrolled in this new class at her preschool-its actually a county class for those with special needs. I was really sort of against her going in it until just this afternoon. Now I think the one on one and less kids in the class might benefit her. I put a call in to the office and talked to the receptionist-we know each other and I was able to vent to her. She told me not to worry. I have a call in to the school psychologist, as she is supposed to do an eval. on Gillian to get her in this class and now I am anxious to get it done.
I am surprised I have not broke down and cried. Sometimes I just have these kind of days with Gillian...........its been a long haul. For the most part things are good, but sometimes I am hit with some things I have to deal with and this is one of them :( I just wish it wasn't happening right now, with all the other things I am doing. At the same time though, as therapeutic as art is maybe it is a good time. I dunno :(

wow!! GREAT mail day!

My dear friend, Louise, from Australia, sent me this ATC book for my Birthday. I just got this in the mail today! Its just gorgeous! What a great mail day :) I love getting mail other than bills!
Each little ATC has things written on the back like "Many Happy Returns for Jan 6th" etc........awesome! I am displaying it on my dresser :)

Old Collage using little girls image

Like I mentioned in my previous post-I LOVE the picture of these little girls. I gave this as a gift to Gillian's "teacher" who came out every week to work with her from the time she got out of the NICU till she was 2 1/2 years old. She LOVED my art and always commented on it when she came each week (It always sat on the piano). So as a gift to her when I knew that Gillian would be "graduated " from that particular program and Janelle would no longer come out to see us every week, I did a piece of art for her. Her favorite color is pink so I wanted to incorporate that into this. To date, this is one of the most favorite pieces I have done. This was done in 2005.


(Image transferred to Canvas, molding paste applied for texture, hand dyed ribbon, buttons, vintage text)

The text reads:
"The only way t0o have a friend is to be one. Ralph Waldo Emerson"

Alot of heart went into this-Janelle became a very special person in our lives, and we are still in contact today.

Assemblage Just Completed

I just finished ths Assemblage. I have had this box for ages, and thought it was so cool but with alot going on over here I just had not had time to use it. So it got colored on and toted around the house by my resident toddler for a couple years. Anyway-yesterday I got inspired to use it.
I covered it all in old text and painted it. From there I was not quite sure what I was going to do with it. The picture of the little girls is transfered to canvas. Its one of my personal favorites that i have had for 2-3 years. I have actually used the same pic before, on a collage piece I did for a friend as a gift. I will upload that photo next :)

(very difficult to get a good picture of this assemblage-but you can get a general idea of how it came out. Its very nice and I am proud of it :)

Simplicity

I just finished this-worked on it yesterday and today. I hand drew the image myself :)
Its got stamping, acrylics-heavily textured background using vintage papers and the painted over them. Also used my Neocolor II's on it. I was terrified to try to draw an image of a person, but I like how it turned out. Its WAY better in person! My friend's daughter was oohing and ahhing over it.
I am slowly gaining more confidence in drawing. I am really liking it :)

Collage for the day

I just got some of Outside the Margin's fabulous Color Mists, so had to play. What better day to get these-its right on my birthday :) woohoooooo!!
Anyway, did a collage piece using some background tissue created with these. And of course, had to use the Winged Whimsy stamps-can't get enough of them!


Also got accepted into MMCA, so what a great day its been !

Tonight I am going to go chow down at Macaroni Grill, one of my favorite restaurants! woohooooo!!

Great Grandpa Ord

This is an assemblage I did a couple years ago that hangs on my wall. The man is my great grandfather, who was a pharmacist. This was a really fun one to do, being I have worked in pharmacy (although not so much lately) since 1989. I loved collecting old pharmacy memorabilia to do this :) Hard to get a real good picture of it, being it was done in a cigar box lid.

another older collage

I did this one last year sometime-for a calendar swap thing I did. Its got hand dyed fabric, transparency and ephemera on this. I really love how it turned out. I can't remember what month I had- but I was glad to be a part of the calendar and it turned out wonderful.

Got Bernie's new book

and Ohhhhhhhhh my goodness. Its just awesome! I ordered it for myself for my B-day coming up. I love the techniques she has in this book! I have tried many of them before, but I always seem to forget about these. I had forgotten all about the Nevr Dull sitting in my drawer. I LOVED playing with it and seeing it used in this book made me go get it out again.
I am in absolute heaven having Gillian in preschool in the afternoons rather than the morning. I am able to get all my work done in the mornings so that when she goes to school I can have a couple hours to myself. Before, I was rushing to get my work done in the mornings while she was gone, then when she got home I never got any time for myself. So this has worked out just great!
Anyway, I did do a couple ATCs today, using some techniques in Bernie's book. If you don't have it-RUN out and get it! You won't regret it :)
Now off to order some more Golden Acrylics...........I am running low on some colors and can't get enough of that Diarylide yellow!

Beeswax

I guess I am sort of reminiscing here LOL
I haven't worked with beeswax in a while.............I need to! I have this one sitting on my piano and it just reminded me I gotta break out the ole beeswax.....
This is 8x10 on canvas.

Anatomy sketch

This is an old ATC I did a few years ago......had to share it as I have always like this one. The anatomy sketch stamp is one of my favorites ;)

Blue Heart

"Blue Heart" is the name I gave my collage/painting. The birdie has a blue heart-which unfortunately is the way I am feeling at the moment :(
I started him yesterday, and just finished him other than a nice coating of some matte or gloss medium. I normally do not draw, but I did draw him -this is a first for me. Added some small collage elements and the background is stamped. I am happy with how he came out. This is 6x6 on a stretched canvas.