Jessie Starling

Happy Christmas!

2011-12-25T10:31:00.001-07:00

I hope you all are having an extraordinary holiday, and are spending today with someone you love. This is a gift I made for my Mom, who always makes Christmas such a warm and rich time for me. I used a vintage ledger and rebound it with papers she would love; festive and traditional patterns, bits of flocked papers, vintagy ephemera, and then finished it off with velvet backed ribbon. There is nothing I love more than making gifts for people. Searching out just the right this or that which reminds me of them. I truly love watching someone open a gift that was made special for them and getting to experience their reaction. It is a priceless moment. Cheers to all my family and friends who support me and my creative dreams. Many thanks!

NME November pages

2011-12-22T10:00:00.000-07:00

Trying to play around with more drawing, painting, and lettering.

A Little Sparkle

2011-12-20T11:29:00.000-07:00

NME October pages

2011-12-19T09:30:00.000-07:00

More pages from my NME journal. This was a crazy, full month!

NME August/Sept pages

2011-12-17T14:58:00.004-07:00

These are some pages from Aug/Sept of my No More Excuses Journal. This is an online class offered by Gina Armfield, and if you are thinking about it, wondering about it, just take it. Gina creates a great program to get you working daily, in little ways. Then the calendar becomes the journal for it, which is a fantastic way to keep you on track. The structure is built in. Before you know it you are doing your own thing, creating your own assignments and projects for yourself. I heard a great metaphor the other day that is so applicable to this project. A bead is small and tiny, but when you string one next to another and another something magical happens. The next thing you know, you have created a necklace. I never feel like what I have done in a day is very much, but over time, the book becomes rich and potent with your details, emotions, and memories.

Pirate Satchel

2011-12-17T14:41:00.007-07:00

I needed a bag for my Pirate circle journal and this is what I came up with. An old bone meal sack, a bit of leather, and a felt patch all sewn up to house my journal. I am inspired by the story of Fanny Campbell, who became a pirate to rescue her sailor husband who was forced into piracy and then arrested for it. Fanny took board as a man, organized a mutiny, became captain and eventually rescued her man. This bag stems from her story. It's as if Fanny grabbed her husband's gear and took to the sea with it, creating this container for her story, my story. A pirate for love.

The Missing Gem & a Brethren Reunion

2011-12-15T11:24:00.001-07:00

A little pirate love on Halloween.

Glimpses of the Journey

2011-12-15T11:19:00.002-07:00

Delayed Reaction

2011-12-15T09:56:00.004-07:00

I'm a little delayed in sharing the pieces I created in Flora Bowley's 2 day painting workshop in Malibu, CA at Artinfusio, hosted by Gina Armfield. I spent two weeks away, visiting friends at Journalfest in Port Townsend, WA for a week, and then another in Calabasas, CA with family. It was a trip full of so much fun and richness. Needless to say, I was spent by the time I got home, hence my delayed reaction.

Murmuration

2011-12-03T09:27:00.001-07:00

Murmuration from Sophie Windsor Clive on Vimeo.

This is just extraordinary. Magical, beautiful, powerful. The greatness of many, the power of unity, it's hard to believe something so small is really so much larger...

Fall Paintings

2011-10-19T10:41:00.005-06:00

Getting ready for Journalfest in 1 week! I have a slew of handmade journals to sell as well as these new mixed media pieces. I am working to bring the stories that I typically tell en masse, in journal form, to the canvas. Personal, nostalgic, whimsical and layered. The deer have been making their way in and out of my backyard this fall, and they too, become a part of my story.

New Journals

2011-10-07T10:31:00.003-06:00

Here is a brand new stash of journals recently made for vending at Journalfest. I am headed to Port Townsend, WA in a few weeks to take classes and sell some of my handmade books and mixed media pieces. The covers of these books are made of various papers, stitched together and filled with a signature of watercolor paper. Perfect for sketching or visual journaling.

Finding My Way

2011-09-28T16:56:00.005-06:00

Here is a piece of mine published in the Sep/Oct 2011 issue of Somerset Studio. This is a piece that I created during Misty Mawn's online class, which was included in an article about the shared experience of her class. This started as a contour drawing that I then decided to finish off as a loose painting. Misty's classes, in person or online, are an opportunity not to be missed. As always, she creates an environment full of beauty, inspiration, great music and endless ideas.

No More Excuses...

2011-09-06T10:17:00.005-06:00

Looky everyone! The talented Gina Armfield featured my daily journal on her blog. Gina is an inspiring artist, teacher, and creator of the No More Excuses Journal. NME is a daily journal/calendar class filled with prompts for daily art making. It's the book I go to where anything goes, and I just let my mind wander. Where all those bits of daily life go that want to be pinned down, captured, and where each day is faintly remembered. I tend to think in big chunks of time for art making, very all or nothing, and this journal allows for a more mellow, yet consistent way of seeing the pages fill up. It grows, it flexes and 5 months in weighs over 2 lbs. How good is that?

Keepin on...

2011-08-29T12:38:00.004-06:00

The journaling continues. I have a mixed relationship with this book, very love hate. I took a vintage book that I loved with sections on ancient civilizations (Romans, Greeks...), filled with fantastic illustrations and turned it into a journal. I painstakingly made the cuts, removing pages out of necessity. The process of working the pages and letting go of the imagery has been a difficult one. The work I have done in this book confounds me as well. I created it to be an anything goes kinda book, without feeling pressured to use my own photography, drawing or painting. Yet I struggle with the things I put into this book, and I see the struggle. When I take a break from working in it and come back, I can literally see the struggles, changes, and growing pains I am experiencing. It is an uncomfortable kind of feeling. Some days, I want to put this book away and start with a new journal, filled with blank white watercolor pages. Then the other part of me wants to see this thing through, and work in it from start to end of 2011, and see where it leads me...

Glimpses

2011-08-10T15:07:00.004-06:00

A series of pages

2011-05-31T10:34:00.005-06:00

These are two recent journal spreads that I wanted to share with you. They are personal and even painful pages for me. The top spread was created after dealing with months of neck pain due to some seemingly unrelated health issues. After feeling better for a little while, I relapsed and the pain began to get worse. After months of feeling physically limited and emotionally worn out from it all, this page was created. It holds my pain and grief, and is a necessary part of my journal work. All of this was present during my Artfest preparations. The next page was created shortly after the first, when the cloud of pain finally started to lift. New supplements got me back on track, I was as ready as I could be to vend at Artfest, and eager to spend time with my artist friends there. Thank you to Chad, my Mom, my Brethren and all those who supported me during a very physically and spiritually taxing time. I'm still working on the root issue and doing my best to become healthier and strong.

Roots and Shoots

2011-05-31T10:06:00.005-06:00

I took two fantastic classes with Orly Avineri at Artfest this year. I found her classes to be relaxing and energizing at the same time. Her style of teaching suited my mood so well, the assignment were guided, yet every person created something unique. I enjoyed the element of randomness, lack of control, or even knowing what comes next. I felt freer to just make and disconnect from the outcome. Sure enough, the end result was satisfying as well. My eyes were opened to the direction in which I can take my work. I am always used to seeing my work in journal format, page after page, personal and potent. But there was something about liberating my work from the book form that made me look at it differently. No longer just personal and sometimes private pieces, I could see it more objectively, as art. Where my journals should be my playground, they are actually more precious to me, and on the canvas, my work felt freer and relaxed. I'm looking forward to a whole series of journal inspired mixed media pieces that break out of the book form, allow themselves to be seen and be open to others.

I did it!

2011-04-28T08:48:00.011-06:00

I have been back from Artfest for at least a couple or more weeks, but am finally making time to post about it. It was a fantastic experience, spent with great friends from all over the place. I look forward to these times to reunite with Artfest friends and also members of my Pirate Brethren (you know who you are)! It always goes by so fast, and I was still prepping to vend at Artfest for the first time, so I missed out on some activities, and hanging out with people as much as I would have liked. This was my first time selling my wares and it was just fantastic. Thank you all for the support before and during the show, buying my goods, and all the encouraging words. It was great to have people ask if I was teaching, and if they could buy my stuff online. All in due time! Many of you asked if I have an ETSY site, which I do plan on getting up and running, so please check back. It will have the same types of items, handmade artist journals, repurposed books, hand printed goodies, mixed media art, and reproductions of my journal pages. In other good news, I will be vending again at Journalfest this fall, so if you are going, please check out what I have to offer! I have a passion for visual journaling, and a lot of what I do and make reflects that. More to come... eye opening classes that I took at Artfest!

Still Here

2011-03-29T19:29:00.003-06:00

I'm still here. Working away on handmade books, hand carved stamps and prints, and new business cards and various postcards. This is a tiny glimpse into what I've been up to. I will be back soon with a preview of the finished goods...

Playing with Paint

2011-03-21T10:57:00.001-06:00

These are some paintings I did earlier this year. The top one is a watercolor of my trusty Diana+ camera. I love everything about this camera, down to the color, so of course it made a great subject to practice with watercolor. The bottom piece was painted with acrylic, and she is wanting to be worked on a bit more. I think I may add text to both pieces, surrounding the camera and figure.

Checking In

2011-03-18T10:50:00.004-06:00

Hello all! I may have been MIA from this blog, but I have been busy working away. Plenty of journal pages in progress, some sketches, and many, many books have been made. I am getting ready to vend at Artfest in April for the first time, so that's what I have been up to. I am tremendously excited to be able to share my love of handmade and repurposed journals as well as my journal art with others. I'll do my best to get some more pics up soon! For now, enjoy these prelim sketch ideas.

Call em out!

2011-02-16T09:51:00.003-07:00

Hello all! I have been missing from my blog lately, but busy in the studio. I have been doing a lot of sketching, painting, and working in my journals. Next on the list is a slew of handmade and repurposed books. I am getting ready to attend and be a vendor at Artfest, so it's busy, busy, busy over here! This is a journal page I did recently about calling out all those who have done me wrong. It's in my Pirate journal, so it is appropriate for me to call em out and fight em till the end. I ended up loving this piece even though it started out so far from here. It was a lot of fun, and really ends up being less about the injustices of my world than the way I deal with it. What I will allow and what I deem unacceptable. It's easy to go for pretty over truth, style over substance, but we all have to decide what and who we want to be. How do we choose to present ourselves to this world? As a shell, fragile and superficial, or something deeper, full of grit and truth. It may not be easy, and we may not always sit fully with ourselves, but it's worth striving for. Dig deeper.

Black Swan

2011-01-14T17:06:00.005-07:00

When I saw the movie Black Swan I knew virtually next to nothing about it and went in with a completely open mind. After I saw it I was blown away, and the idea of duality really stuck with me. The film was one thing, but as my Back Swan Brethren sisters know, there is a deeper meaning in the black swan, or black swan moment. The first pages are more of an ode to the film. I loved the illustrated movie posters and printed one for my journal, but I wanted to incorporate it somehow. So I added other images as well as text from the film, and by the end it felt a little like how I imagined the inside of Nina's mind. The second spread holds it's place in my pirate journal. This one loosely represents the contradictions and dualities within all of us. It was fun working on opposites in it's simplest forms.

Holiday Loot

2011-01-14T16:54:00.003-07:00

Here are a few of the wonderful things that I got for Christmas. My favorite gift was such a thoughtful surprise from my hubby, that I just stared in wonder at it most of the day. He had a leather moleskine cover custom engraved with one of MY illustrations. A very personal one at that, which represents my mantra, "Be Seen, Be Heard". Importance placed on what I do and on my creativity is also embedded in this gift, which was touching. I also got a ton of great Fossil goodies from my Mama which is so up my alley. And another piece to add to my pirate collection, this awesome skully necklace. I have been eyeing it for ages, and finally got it. The rest of the day was spent, just the two of us, with our sweet sleepy kitties in the sunlight and wrappings, and topped off with a nice meal.

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T14:41:00.005-07:00

Here's a little photo recap of the last 12 months and where they've taken me. I started the year out right in CA, with family, near the ocean for a good long visit. Feb took us to FL to visit more family. Spring and summer were spent mostly close to home with trips into Denver and time at the Boulder Outdoor Cinema and the Rocky Mt Folks Festival. My work was published in the summer issue of Art Journaling Magazine as well as in Real Life Journals: Designing & Using Handmade Books. Next came the biggest journey of the year, a trip to Greece with my Mom and Chad! Some good time with girl friends and our journals at Journalfest and a full blown family Thanksgiving in CT. December was thankfully spent at home, quiet and peaceful.

This new year promises to bring more change, some travel, and greater appreciation of it all. Too much time was spent away from home which made it challenging to fully appreciate all of it, and even harder to feel rooted at home. This year means making more art, selling my art for the first time, spontaneity, and letting things come as the come. Not planning to much, or over thinking, or anticipating everyone else's needs over my own. To just let it happen, and be fully in it. Happy New Year to you all!

Happy Holidays!

2010-12-24T10:31:00.002-07:00

Happy Holidays to all! Hope it was a fantastic year and many great things for you in the future!

The Finale - Athens

2010-12-22T14:22:00.000-07:00

Athens is not the reason I go to Greece. Not this time anyway. It's a big, bustling city that unfortunately, beyond seeing the ruins, doesn't particularly speak to me. But we went again because my Mom can't go all the way to Greece and not see the Parthenon! So we went, and we wandered the Plaka, and hit some museums. The new Acropolis Museum was an amazing tribute the the Acropolis itself, in full view from the museum. The top level replicated all the friezes and columns of the Parthenon and was the same size and alignment as the ancient temple itself. Difficult to explain, but sometimes in museums the context is lacking. You see wonderful things without a solid, tangible sense of where it came from. Not so at this museum, with the real deal always in the background and with such thoughtful design choices.

For the first time ever, I got to see the real Caryatids, up close. This made the whole trip to Athens worth it for me. Unlike the reproductions at the site that you just can't get quite close enough too, you are able to walk right up to these. I circled these ancient ladies and pondered the burden they literally bore, as well as my own sense of burden and responsibility. I looked at them from different angles, and marveled at seeing them from the back for the first time. So I stood, and sketched. I took my moment to connect with the past and the beauty of these columnic statues. I was at it for a while, when the young museum guide came up to me. Just to look and to talk. He was sweet and admiring and shared how most people just come, look, snap a photo and leave. They spend more time shooting photos than experiencing, and it all gets put on a cd labeled "Greece 2010", rarely to be looked at again. He told me about the sketches on the top floor that helped them determine how the Parthenon once looked, before looting and fires changed its appearence. Drawings made by "someone like you", he said. That made me feel like a historian, an artist, an archaeologist even. That's me, capturing my little bit of the story with my journals and sketchbooks. Mine becoming intertwined with capturing what I see around me. But isn't travel a little bit like that? Your own path converging with the paths of many. Sharing with those on the same journey, at this present moment as well as all those who came before you. People living in and seeking out this place you have been fortunate enough to set foot upon. The first time I went to Greece I felt so close and so far at the same time. How odd and comforting it is to know what is going on somewhere else, that we are all connected by this time, this moment, regardless of where we are.

The Detour - Delos & Mykonos

2010-12-19T20:41:00.001-07:00

One of the places I insisted upon going to this time was the sacred isle of Delos. This barren island was once the center of the Cycladic Greek islands, geographically and otherwise. Going here determined that we would indeed go to Naxos, seeing as boats leave from there to Delos. These boats as it turns out, go to Mykonos as well. Which is how we ended up going to one of the most known and touristy islands, against all desire to do so. The day as it turned out, was a really long one. The boat ride to Delos was peaceful and being on the water is a favorite of mine. Delos holds history and artifacts, but unfortunately the magic was stifled due to the hordes upon hordes of people. I had this fantasy of exploring the island quietly, slowly. But the schedule is firm and only as we ventured farther and farther out did I feel any peace. But we "discovered" ancient wells and mosaics along with temples and homes. My visit to the Lion terrace was heartbreaking. One of my truly guilty pleasure films is the movie, Summer Lovers, and I had the deluded fantasy that I could walk right up to the lion (replicas) just as Peter Gallagher and Daryl Hannah did. Just like most sites, it was blocked off and I had to admire at a distance, feeling very disconnected to this ancient place. I accepted this and moved on, thinking I could at least sketch the real deal in the museum, but naturally it was blocked off too.

After Delos, the boat took us to Mykonos and we had no plan, no intention other than to not get sucked into mindless shopping while we were there. First things first, we wandered aimlessly along the edge of the port town, through beautiful Little Venice, finally ending up at the windmills. Once the obligatory photos were taken was when the fun really began. We sat upon a high rock, overlooking the coast, marveling that we were truly here again. At last. We walked and wandered to tiny, quiet beaches moving further and further from the crowds. After more wandering through town, and a necessary gelatto stop, we headed back to the Church of Panagia Paraportiani. We stumbled upon this church earlier and it stopped me dead in my tracks. I realize that thousands of tourists "discover" this church in the same way, but it felt like it was there just for me, heaven on Earth. So we sat and looked and sketched. While tours passed by and gave it a quick glance, we stayed and basked in it's simple lines and beauty. Like the adobe churches of New Mexico, the lines were both crisp an organic, standing out against and disappearing into the blue white sky. Who knows where you will find your own sacred spots. When you have no expectations, even no desire, the most magical things can appear. The day was long and hot, windy and draining, but there is something to the trick of being alone in the crowds, and finding the undiscovered among the endlessly explored.

In Between - Naxos

2010-12-09T20:32:00.000-07:00

Naxos was new to me, unfamiliar, uncharted... It's one of those islands that is less travelled to in the Cyclades even though its on the main ferry hub. It's a big island too, the biggest of the Cyclades. It had one of the most charming main port towns that I've been to. Sure, there are plenty of things to lure you in right off the ferry, but beyond it there is so much more. The food was spectacular. No kidding. For a place that already relies on fresh food, we ate like kings here. Long stretches of sandy beaches and a curving coast line of lesser explored coves. Ancient temples and Venetian castles. The Venetian influence on Naxos town was quite stunning. In September, on this island, felt...quiet. But it was still warm enough to swim, windy though it may be at times. We rented a car and toured the island, stumbling upon tiny old untouched towns, potter's hamlets, winding vistas, goats, abandoned giant kouros, and the sea, of course. It was a special island, one I would explore more deeply given the chance. We stayed at theAlkyoni Beach Hotel which has lush grounds (for the Cyclades), and is right on the beach (a plus in the off season) and close to town. While Naxos doesn't hold the magic for me of Santorini, or the peace and untouched feeling of Sifnos, it was still a wonderful time. One evening, in particular stands out. Listening to traditional Bouzuki music in the castle, sampling local wines and raki. The sound of the sea in the distance, while the music and dance filled us. It was one of those pure moments, the kind you can never capture and never need to.

The Beginning - Santorini

2010-12-03T10:19:00.000-07:00

I found myself back at one of my favorite and magical places this September, Santorini. This time we stayed in Oia, where it was a little more relaxed and plenty spectacular. If you have never been there, I recommend you go at least once in your life. It is Heaven on Earth to me. Of course, it is over crowded, and over priced, which is not my thing, but going late or early in the season is an improvement. I dream of going in the winter, when it is empty of tourists and full of artists and writers. When there is brisk air and I watch the fishing boats bundled in my coat instead of bathed in hot sun. Even better would be to go to all the places I feel I have missed out on so far in the Cyclades. The islands that are so close, but people just don't go to because they haven't heard of them yet. Maybe Anafi as just as amazing as Santorini. Then there is the dream of Amorgos, Serifos, and the dream of dreams... just staying put on one of my favorite islands by far, Sifnos. Where there could truly be time to explore and settle in, cook food from the market and better yet, meet the locals. I am happiest when traveling when I feel like I am having an authentic experience, not the same one everyone else is having. Already I am dreaming of new places, Spain, Ireland, Mexico, but the call to Greece is unending for me. No sooner am I back, happy to be resettled into my life, that I dream of my return.

Back from Journalfest!

2010-11-08T10:24:00.000-07:00

Iv'e been back from Journalfest for about a week now, and I am still basking in 3 full days of play in my journals and time spent with new and old friends. I took two days of workshops with my friend, Juliana Coles, and as usual, it did not disappoint. My first class was Expressive Drawing which was outstanding. I love to draw, and it was great to learn new techniques and ways to incorporate them into my regular journal pages.

The next class was mapping Me with Orly Avineri. This class was wonderful and relaxed, and it was a joy to turn off my brain and just take it one step at a time. I loved the guided format, not knowing the end result, but trusting that each step would get me there.

Finally came Juliana's Book of the Night class, which she is also offering online! It was so much fun working on black backgrounds and using all my spooky images. To top it all off was the journaling/masquerade party. It was a fantastic time of costumes and music and playing in our books! I am missing everyone and am so happy that I had the opportunity to sign up at the very last minute.

P.S: Thanks Susan for some of the photos I poached to post here!

Playing Around

2010-10-22T19:14:00.000-06:00

Here are some bits and pieces from my Greece journal. Still working hard to get it filled with all the goodies I collected there, and with the beautiful photos that were taken. I am just loving this photo I took of Chad the other day. As a woodworker, the background suits him perfectly. It's so warm and inviting, just like his smile!

The Anniversary

2010-10-21T18:00:00.000-06:00

We celebrated our eight year anniversary not too long ago, and here are the pictures to prove it! It ended up being a drawn out celebration, starting mellow with dinner and a movie. Dinner was at The Med in Boulder where many tapas were consumed. Bacon wrapped dates were a favorite, along with cherry tomatoes with honey, nuts, and goat cheese. Yum! Later that weekend we saw the King Tut exhibit in Denver which was amazing. Unfortunately, no sketching was allowed in the exhibit, but for once we left a museum not worn out. Unlike our all day museum visits in Greece that ended in pleasant exhaustion.

Precious Fear

2010-10-19T11:21:00.001-06:00

This is a piece that I did some time ago. I am not sure why I never posted it, I think I was unsure if it was finished. Looking at it now, it is telling me what I need to know. How fear keeps us from living if we allow ourselves to bear its full weight. That living without it's presence is impossible, but if we can tune into it maybe we can work with it, not against it. Little reminders to move forward to take that step, to sometimes leap without looking. For me that means saying what I mean, not dancing around what the right and wrong words are. It's exhausting trying always to please, trying to never say the wrong thing. Anyway, I digress... Fear often keeps me from my passion. It keeps me out of the studio, and from really pushing myself to my full potential. It has been the reason that my work and books remain only for me and not for others. Either to sell or to teach. I'd like to think I am brave in life and certainly in love, but that passion of mine I keep pretty well guarded. There are big dreams afoot and I know what is standing in the way. I am standing in the way of myself, and at the moment it feels harder and harder to hold that position. Here's to the future, and letting go.

Reentry

2010-10-09T11:11:00.000-06:00

So I am back. Finally resettled into life after 3 weeks in one of my favorite places, Greece. I have so much to share, to tell... but it seems to have to become an awful lot to process. So I will start by starting. Thank you everyone for your well wishes before my journey, and for the compliments for the travel journals I made. There is still so much for me to add to my journal, since with three of us, more time was spent with each other than with our books. So I will slowly make time to retrace my steps, add to my book, then share the results here.

Coming home was a surprise. How long the jet lag lasted, and feeling like I lost time somehow. Leaving in summer and coming home to holiday decorations everywhere. I am out of the haze but not back in the studio yet. I have another piece published to share with you all, and many pictures from the trip to share as well. This week I celebrated my eight year wedding anniversary. Still amazed that I am at this stage in life, with marriage underway and other dreams coming to fruition. Needless to say, I am very grateful at the moment. Grateful for the journey, and also for the journey home. It's good to see you here.

(All pics by IPhone hubby photog!)

Inside the journals

2010-08-26T12:12:00.000-06:00

Here are a few inside shots of the Greek journal pages. The books are a combo of 90 lb watercolor paper and sewn scraps of ephemera. A 50/50 mix, so there is space to paint, draw, write and collects bits of things. The bottom image is a patterned transparency over an engraving of the goddess Athena.

Getting ready for Greece!

2010-08-25T20:22:00.000-06:00

Can you imagine how excited I am, knowing that I am headed back to Greece very soon. My soul home. Needless to say, journals are needed for the trip. And if you know me, you know that I had to make something special for it. Since my mom is going on this amazing journey with me, and since my husband is turning 40 while we are there, journals were made for all!

Chad's is the grey book with a little Japanese influence. Mine has the oversized pattern with the periwinkle ribbon. Any my mom's is the light blue one with gorgeous coral ribbon. All books were made under the influence of many set-in-Greece films and Mary Ann Moss's online class, Remains of the Day. If you don't know this already, and you should, she is a rockstar. Always inventing new, industrious ways of making things, and making them fun and beautiful along the way. I am quite sure we will do these books justice on our journey. More to come!

It's been a busy summer

2010-08-25T17:56:00.000-06:00

What a summer! So much fun it's hard to know where to begin. All along the way I intended to post more, show pictures, tell of my various exploits. But here it is, wrapped up in a big package at the end of it all. I guess the biggest accomplishment was laying this flagstone path. It was a lot of work for Chad and less for me, but the result is beautiful. Earthy and modern, it suits us and our house to a tee. Now to get flower beds in place and paint the front door. Dusty teal, so nice.

Other highlights were good family get togethers, the Greek festival, and the outdoor movies in Boulder. I have to tell you, watching Top Gun outdoors on the big screen, with a nostalgic and enthusiastic crowd...it doesn't get much better than that.

This was my first year at the Folks Festival and I will be going back. I love Lyons to begin with, but the experience was such a surprise. Good food, great music, all along the side of the river. When you get hot, you just jump in. Or tube down it. The stage was open, with trees dancing behind the bands. At night when The Swell Season played, the trees were lit with orange lights, and they glowed on fire. So good to hear great live music, outdoors. So good to live in Colorado. We were there, listening, sketching, taking it all in. I was playing around with the above page while listening to Gregory Alan Isakov, and it was bliss. Afterwards, when everyone was having CD's and albums signed, I went up to say "hi" and took my journal. My artwork has always done the talking for me, so armed with it I felt brave and not so shy. And the band signed it. And we actually had something to talk about, which was really fun. Later that night I let myself go and basked in the beauty of Glen and Marketa. Like I said, it was a busy summer, and a damn good one too.

Published!

2010-07-02T09:59:00.000-06:00

I am so excited to tell you that I have been published in the summer issue of Art Journaling Magazine! I am so greatful to see my work in print. It brings me back to my Graphic Design days when the stars aligned and a print job came to full fruition. I am happy for the change in career direction, but still love the result of a printed page. Magazines and books about books, it doesn't get much better than that. So please check it out. You can pick up a copy at Borders or Barnes & Noble, or take a look here. Thanks Stampington!

Bits of Egypt

2010-06-18T18:19:00.000-06:00

I love a little before and after. Much excavating went on to create this piece. I was pushed beyond my comfort zone to continue adding paint over images, layering, removing, and sanding to get to this point. Despite my concerned frustration, I love where it ended up. Not sure what it's all about, although I know some writing wants to make its way onto the page to connect these ancient symbols to my present state of mind.

New Journal Pages

2010-06-18T18:06:00.000-06:00

These are some recent journal pages that I've been working on. Various states of progress and meaning. A bit of my past, a dream for my future, and some of the questions in between. Let me know what you think.

New Bedroom

2010-05-14T11:09:00.000-06:00

Hello all! Here are some pics of my recently painted bedroom. I am just loving the color. Calm, serene, and a little bit fun. I am thinking about curtains now, and would like feedback on color choices. Any ideas? Would yellow be too much? Not sure what else to consider. I also use a quilt for summer that is shades of olive greens and deep turquoise. So whatever else I add needs to go with that too. Let me know your thoughts and I will be so grateful!

2010-05-06T13:58:00.000-06:00

Here are a few more new Diana+ photos. More to come!

Black and White

2010-05-04T21:03:00.000-06:00

I am a little late in sharing these, but these are some favorite photos taken in CA over the holidays. They were taken with my Diana camera of course, with deliciously superfine B&W film. These are some of my favorite photos that I have taken with this camera so far.

Painted Journal

2010-04-30T08:48:00.001-06:00

Here is a little book of loveliness. The pages are painted using a technique from LK Ludwig. So simple, yet so fun and the results are so rich. The binding is simple, but satisfying. All in all, the piece looks complex, while having been deceptively easy and tremendously fun to make.

Safe House

2010-04-30T08:23:00.000-06:00

Here is a page from my new journal. It started as a big mess of a warmup, which despite my best efforts at overloading and mucking up, I actually started to like a little bit. Which is why when I decided to work back into the page, so much of the original is there. I liked the rawness and energy, and did not want to stifle it by covering over it too much. Not right now any way. The prompt was to create a "safe house" to house what could never be taken if all was lost.

Funny to me that I just had to put an air stream picture down. I had a few to choose from, but just knew one needed to go on the page. Ironic to me that my "safe house" involves being taken on the road, wherever, and whenever. If you know me this is not so ironic. I have a tremendous love for places, and am always dreaming of where is next. Even when I am happy and settled. It's just who I am. Like kicking a bad habit, after a childhood of many moves, my wanderlust continues on. And the people on the page have traversed many states alongside me, so I guess it's no wonder that this girl doesn't need deep roots to feel secure.

New Journal

2010-04-21T12:58:00.000-06:00

Here is my newest journal, that I have been making in Juliana Coles' online class. Starting with an existing book, it gets altered to suit journaling needs, and then divided into sections. That is where the tabs come in! New tabs, vintage tabs, found objects, whatever we want. So much fun it's hard to stop. Next up, journaling warmups, prepped and finished pages. I highly recommend it if you want to journal, reclaim a book as your own, and see the amazing Juliana in action (insert ringleader circus music here!). No joke, she is a joy to watch work, and being able to view her books is like being invited somewhere forbidden and sacred at the same time. If you want to make your own work ring true and deep, take a look.

P.S: Supercool paintbrush attachment was inspired by the supercool jewelry of Nina Bagley. Check it out!

Artfest- More fun and favorites

2010-04-21T12:57:00.001-06:00

Finding new favorite artists, and how their style shines through any assignment or project.

Top left & bottom right: Cori's artwork tickled me. Just look at the characters, penwork, pattern, and lettering!

Top right: Karen O'Brien's work in Jesse Reno's class

Bottom left: Michelle Allen's work in Jesse Reno's class

Artfest- More fun and favorites

2010-04-21T12:29:00.001-06:00

Just generally having fun and being silly with friends, new and old.

The wonder of watching an artist work. Being inspired and seeing new ways of doing that you hadn't though of before.

Artfest-Day 3

2010-04-12T09:25:00.000-06:00

Top photo: Pieces in varying degrees of completion.

Second photo: Pieces with just a base layer of collage.

On day 3 I took Freshly Renovated with Misty Mawn. We made small sized mixed media pieces that will then get bound into a little book/journal. The idea was to start with a base layer of collage that we then work back into with paint, stencils, stamps, crayons, etc. Misty showed us how to paint faces, along with so many other techniques that I can barely remember at the moment. It was amazing watching her demo, she worked so fast and could pull together a pice in minutes. I know the speed was for the sake of the demo, but still! Once again, I feel I really learned something that can take my journal pages/work to the next level. I love the idea of reclaiming an image and making it truly my own.

Artfest- Misty in action

2010-04-12T09:20:00.000-06:00

Here are some pieces that Misty demoed in class.

Artfest-Day 2

2010-04-08T13:13:00.000-06:00

On Artfest, Day two, I took Jesse Reno's Free to Create painting class. I knew very little about Jesse's work, but when I saw it, I just knew I had to take his class. Needless to say, he did not disappoint. Watching any artist work in person is something I love and get so much out of. Jesse generously broke down his working style in such a way that yielded incredible results from the entire class. Everyone made such unique paintings that went through a variety of stages. I could have taken all three days with him and been happy. Painting is something that I have never fully cultivated in my own art, but which is very comfortable for me. This day was the most relaxing, the most effortless, save for the fact that I am never in the habit of drawing or painting purely from my imagination. I am always loaded down with existing imagery. This is the case in my mixed media journal pages and was definitely the case in my graphic design work. I will never completely abandon collage, but it was so liberating to just make my own images, to create from inside myself. I have been wanting to delve into painting again for quite a while, and this was such an inspiration. I thought to myself, what if my journals were this rich and full of paint and honesty and my own symbols?

Phase one. Finger painting, brushwork, some doodles and scribbles.

Next stage. Some oddball characters start to take form. Introduced more drawing and some monoprinting in black. The piece gets turned a few times in the process.

Almost done. The monopronting changes things, and I start to further obliterate what's not working for me. The result is a much larger, and more interesting, focal image. It's not done yet, but getting very close. The very top piece was such a surprise to me. It was my scrap/test piece that I experimented on. Once again unfinished, but somehow looser, freer, and interests me very much.

Artfest-Day 1

2010-04-05T14:18:00.000-06:00

After quite an adventurous turn at the airport (stranded overnight) I was grateful to have my time at Artfest. I was lucky enough to make it on standby with plenty of time to catch my ride with Brethren sisters Pinky and Viper, and we were on our way. Year two at Artfest was such a gift. The first year initiation of figuring it all out, meeting people, finding classes was all behind me. This year was about feeling more comfortable, and building upon last year's friendships. I just loved it.

My first day of classes was Lynne Perrella's Go For Baroque. We started with a base of Rosin paper that we then covered with gesso. Stenciled, stamped and scraped gesso. Once that was done, we added color with Portfolio brand water soluble pastels. Continued with painting, stamping and stenciling until ready to add the focal image. A giant xerox enlargement (xeroxes are some of my favorite images to work with) alongside a collaged scene at the bottom. It was a big size, but people really worked their pieces, and I was blown away by the variety of results. Lynne showed so many techniques that I hope to bring to my journal pages and other mixed media pieces. She really knows how to work an image and transform it. While I was working on my large piece I decided to work along in my journal as well. You can see the result above. Such a fun class!

Later that night was an "Iron Chef" style faceoff amongst the artists/teachers. They were divided into pairs, given the same supplies, and were let loose. It was so much fun to see how different the work was with the same supplies. Above you can see Stephanie Lee and Michael De Meng facing off in the 3d category. Misty Mawn blew me away in the 2d category. She works so fast and made such a gorgeous piece. All the art was raffled off, and the $ went to pay the crew and for a scholarship spot for next year. Loved it! You can also see me, Pinky, and Viper having a great time that night.

After that was one of my favorites, the bonfire and journaling jam. I just loved sharing journals and seeing what we are all up to! The top pic is of my friend Alex (you must check out her work, you won't be sorry) and her friend Margarida. More journalling with Amanda, Nikki, and Merrilee. Back soon with day 2!

Happy Spring!

2010-03-20T09:25:00.000-06:00

It's hard to believe it's finally here, Spring! When the days are satisfyingly longer, bad habits are cast off, and days seem to be filled with riches. It is here, but not quite here in CO. Yesterday was a full day of snow, after many days of warm, inviting weather. I'd like to think our days of snow are limited, and the grass and flowers will be taking over very, very soon. Regardless, I am enjoying this new spark of energy as the winter dregs slowly melt away. I hope you all enjoy this first Spring day, wherever you are and whatever the weather has in store for you.

Forgetting Fear

2010-03-17T16:43:00.000-06:00

It's amazing what we allow to hold ourselves back. Often different for each of us, we find ourselves at the same crossroads again and again. Lesson unlearned. Why it takes us so long to "get it" is a mystery to me. More often than not, I know what holds me back, keeps me from being me, but the change is so hard. The change seems to be who we are, the struggle with what we want to change, which is inextricably who we are.

This is the "before" to my Sea Worthy page. It started out as an experiment, playing the "name game". Just messing around with my name in various methods and materials. Then I worked over it some more, writing what I wanted to let go of. Then more and more layers later, and voila the finished page as shown below. A reminder of my past, who I am, but also what I am capable of letting go of.

Sea Worthy

2010-02-10T15:27:00.001-07:00

I decided to post this image today as a reminder. A reminder to me, to all of you, that we are indeed sea worthy. I created this journal spread at a weekend with Juliana Coles, my captain, and the rest of my Pirate Brethren. We met last year at a retreat in Key West, but the bond has continued on. All together we create a pretty safe space, where the worry, anxiety, and burden of our past is free to be released. Released and conquered. This page was so therapeutic for me. I have been feeling off kilter and in limbo lately, only to find that I am steadfast and stable, able to withstand the stormy winds. It was a comfort and a revelation for me. On top of which, the page holds a mysterious beauty. So thank you Pirate Brethren, as well as my local brethren and the rest of those I love, scattered near and far. You remind me that though I may not have the answers, I may never have the answers, I am steady and strong, and more than capable to brave rough waters.

Awaken Inspiration

2010-02-10T15:19:00.000-07:00

I created these pages for a round robin project that I and some other Artfesters are involved in. The theme of this journal was a Book of Spells. I so loved this theme. I decided to do my page around creativity, and this is the spell that I found.

Nut to tree, seed to flower,
Nurture my creative power,
Growing as it fills this dish,
Inspiration is my wish.

December Photos

2010-01-31T13:03:00.000-07:00

Here are some new-ish photos from December. The top two were taken in Longmont before holiday madness took over. I love how rich and saturated these images are.

The rest of these were taken over the holidays in California, except for the Red Rocks/El Rancho picture. That one was taken on the road in Gallup, NM. There are loads more to look at here. Stay tuned for some of my favorite images yet, taken in B&W, as well as some new and in progress artwork!

Map, Schmap

2010-01-14T10:51:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! I have good news. One of my photos was selected for inclusion at www.schmap.com, which is an online travel guide. You can see my photo representing Pioneer Square, Seattle here...

http://www.schmap.com/seattle/activities_pioneersquare/#r=none&mapview=Map&tab=Places&p=39974&topleft=47.60242,-122.33548&bottomright=47.59838,-122.33246&i=39974_57.jpg

http://www.schmap.com/?m=iphone#uid=seattle&sid=activities_pioneersquare&p=39974&i=39974_57

Or, you can take a look at it on my flickr site here...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jessiestarling/4170828152/

Happy New Year!

2009-12-31T01:24:00.000-07:00

So we all made it through another year. It was a good one for me, with lots of changes. I opened the door on a whole new life of possibilities. One where I own who I am and what I do, even if the path is unclear. I made new friends and mentors through retreats and workshops. I started this little blog of mine, that has opened my own doors wider. I am able to share my work, my life , and who I am with people close to me but far away, a well as build new relationships. Suddenly this space doesn't seem so little anymore. Next year hopes to bring more learning and working and travelling and loving life. A body of work to share with you all on Etsy, more photos and fun. Thank you all for the support and encouragement that has been given in large and small ways. I leave you with a few more recent Diana pics that I love and enjoyed taking. Take a look at my Flickr site for lots more. Happy New Year!

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-20T18:10:00.000-07:00

Happy Holidays! Here is a little something I made for the Holidays, and it makes me happy just looking at it. The trout image is a Christmas gift for someone, shhh, don't tell! Oddly I like the pairing of santa and trout, they seem happy together. Some of these images have made their way into my journal on a holiday page spread, which I will share that as it evolves. I hope you

all have a wonderful holiday and are able to spend it with family and friends. See you in the new year!

Goals & Gratitude

2009-12-14T12:47:00.000-07:00

These are journal pages that I did in Traci Bunker's workshop, Love and Fear, at Journalfest. I started these pages there, and worked on them more later on. They are completed for now, but I wouldn't be surprised if I work back into them some more. We had to make a list of goals and resolutions, then use our biggest one to make a journal page triptych as though this dream is real. As though I am living it right now. My pages are about a dream I have had my whole life, but which has becoming closer into focus as of late. I have always been an artist, so to speak, but it's only recently that I am making it my priority. Figuring out what I do, how I do it, and what that means to me. So the pages are full of words and images to support this dream of mine, down to the turn of the century building in a quaint, funky old town that I hope to live and work in one day.

The green page is a gratitude list made in class that folds over the artist spread. By this time, the work was flowing, and this page was made in a whirlwind. I love what it means to me and how it turned out. Even more surprising is how happy it is next to the other pages. They are different, but connected somehow.

365 Days of Diana

2009-12-08T19:33:00.000-07:00

So, I have embarked on a new journey. I have challenged myself to take one photo a day for a year. Sounds simple enough, right? My camera of choice is my Diana+ or Diana mini, which means using real film. Remember real film? Do kids even know what it is, or how to load a camera anymore? Doubtful. So that means between the two cameras, lots of options. Color, B&W, 35 mm, 120 film, lenses, double exposures, single exposures, square format, half frames, etc. Which is exactly why I am on this mission. To see my life in film, learn what can be done with these toy cameras of mine, and to get back to tactility. Tangibility. Pictures to touch, not files to manage. So far it's been a good time. Two months in, only ten to go. Wish me luck and enjoy the ride.

I will be posing my favorite images here from time to time, but check out my Flickr page for the whole enchilada.

Painting Layers

2009-11-18T08:39:00.000-07:00

I am so lucky to be taking Misty Mawn's online class, Painting Layers. I am having so much fun, and loving all the techniques. I have always been into image transfers. I have been using blender markers and acetone to transfer since college. The results are great for black and white, but I was never fully happy with the color results. Not to mention the toxicity factor. Gel medium transfers have always eluded me. I have tried and it didn't seem to work for me. The truth is, I just need to see it done to know what was right and how easy it is. Can you tell I'm in love? I made transfers until my fingers were sore yesterday. What we will do in the name of art. But even more than the transfers, I am loving the whole class. Painting backgrounds, building up surfaces with paint, ink, stamps, stencils. I had so much fun, and it's only week one. Keep checking back to see how things progress, and also check out my Flickr site for more images. Off to make more!

Seattle Trip

2009-11-15T15:33:00.001-07:00

Here are some pictures from out trip to Seattle and Port Townsend. These photos were taken by Chad and myself with the Toy Camera App on our iPhones. These first ones are day one of our trip, taking the ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge Island. It was wonderfully moody and misty. Being in Bainbridge Island in October was like being in the most nostalgic memory of Halloween you have. Fall leaves were bursting with color, pumpkins at every stoop, and kiddos playing in the leaves. Wetness and the rustle of leaves filled the day.

The next day we headed to Port Townsend where JournalFest was held. Another picturesque seaside town will all my favorite things, good seafood, shops, and an old downtown very much like the one I always dream of living in.

After JournalFest we spent a few days in Seattle. We enjoyed the typical things like salmon and clam chowder at the market, ferry boats, just walking around town. My favorite though was Gasworks Park. How did i not know this existed? The imagination runs wild in a place like this! Here you see me with my Diana mini. I am testing her out. She is great to travel with because she is so small and versatile, but we'll see how she compares to my trusty Diana+ once the pictures come back. More on a project involving my Diana and diana jr. coming soon. Stay tuned!

Where the magic happens

2009-11-11T14:54:00.001-07:00

Here is a little glimpse into my studio. Don't be fooled! This is most definitely an edited version of my space. The clutter is out of sight as is the towering shelving and overstuffed closet. One day I will share those corners of my room, but for now this feels like a good start. A friend of mine made a request recently for images of my home, and I realized how little of my home I actually share. It is such a comfort for me, yet is glaringly overlooked sometimes. I also noticed how much more art I make than is actually represented on this blog. I guess my art, like my home, like life, is a work in progress. I hesitate to share something until it's done, finalized, as if the process is somehow less important than the end result. This space holds all the half finished, just started bits of art that I cherish but don't always share. Sometimes this space groans under the weight of expectations and growing supplies that I place on it. But it's where I go that's just for me. It's there waiting for me at 2 am when my mind is racing. It's my safe haven where I can get the art out, and make what needs to be made. This studio of mine may be messy, and burdened, and over flowing, but it's there as I need it to be.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

2009-10-31T09:43:00.000-06:00

In honor of Halloween and Day of the Dead I wanted to share this little piece with you. I made it as my trade for Journalfest, and all of the images are hand carved stamps by moi. I hope your day is spooktacular and you eat lots of candy, watch great movies, and have fun dressing up!

Back from Journalfest

2009-10-30T17:18:00.000-06:00

I am back from the first ever Journalfest, hosted by Teesha and Tracy Moore, held in Port Townsend. Three days focused on what I most love to do (art journaling) was bliss. The classes were so varied as well as the students work, which really shows how diverse keeping a journal can be. The top left image is the cover of my journal in progress. Actually, all these pages are in progress, because very often there is just time to get an idea started, and it gets fully fleshed out later. My first class was Impulse Collage with Anahata Katkin (top center, top right, and bottom left). This was a phenomenal class for me. I feel that I already have a way of working and style that comes through my pages. But it is still forming, growing, and being influenced. Anahata is so generous with sharing her stylistic techniques which allowed me to see more ways of working an image and page. LOVED IT! And the student work was incredible in that class.

Day 2 was Love and Fear with Traci Bunkers (center left and center middle). This class was more internal and emotional, which is what I am about most days anyway. So it felt good to do writing about goals and affirmations and then translate that into pages. Much more work to do, but I am loving the direction these are headed in.

Day 3 was Words and Pictures with Theo Ellsworth (bottom right and bottom middle). Once again Theo got me thinking about drawing and doodling in a way I hadn't before. That there isn't a need to "make a drawing", but rather it can be an organic, growing process. I really learned something about myself. That though I am inclined to journal with collage and paint, drawing is incredibly centering for me. Time stands still when I put pen to paper, and the act of drawing becomes not only a record of my emotions and my life, but an act of meditation too. This is not a new feeling for me, but one I had not fully recognized. My hope is to make drawing a daily morning practice, because it seems to focus me and keep me from getting too scattered/distracted.

There is plenty more to share. Chad went with me to the retreat and it was such a good experience for him. We explored Bainbridge Island, Port Townsend, and Seattle at the peak of fall. So I have more pictures to show later once I have fully reentered. Many thanks to Anahata, Traci, and Theo. Each of you gave so much and I am deeply grateful for the learning and pure joy I experienced in your classes.

2009-10-14T16:54:00.000-06:00

Here are the pieces I made in my recent intro to Silversmithing class. Taking this class was a dream I've had for as long as I can remember. My father made jewelry in the 70's before I was born and when I was an infant. I didn't grow up with him, but I did inherit his jewelry and have worn his pieces throughout the years. I remember wearing them as far back as middle school, looking at the rings on my fingers, the cuff on my wrist, and wondering how they were made. Now I have so much more appreciation for the massive attention to detail and laborious steps it take to finish one piece. And this is coming from a very patient person. It is definitely not a medium conducive to instant gratification. But the zen of sawing, the success of solder working it's magic, and making something from nothing is quite appealing. Needless to say I am about to start my next class.

Look at this crazy weekend weather we had! The trees were still a mix of summer green and fall gold and red when the first snow hit. Beautiful to see those rich colors contrasted with the stark, white snow. Now it is back in the 60's in typical Colorado fashion. It was a bit of an early snow, but so enjoyable. I went on my first "winter" walk of the season taking pictures of fresh snow and autumn leaves in the cold morning. The rest of the weekend was spent in the studio, journaling and painting. Looking forward to many more such winter weekends.

Sinners & Saints

2009-10-09T12:45:00.000-06:00

This is a pice I did for a Round Robin journal project I am currently involved in. The theme of this journal was saints and sinners, so I chose the image accordingly. It was fun to create the good and the bad using the same angel/saint image. More subtle than the classic icons of evil, and much more human in that regard. Most of us delicately weigh our options, not really choosing between two polar opposites, but doing what is best in that moment. Only in hindsight do we usually see what our mistakes have been, and rarely are they worth regretting. Every twist and turn, every choice brings us to where we are now and helps to form who we will become. The next journal coming my way has such a great theme, Book of Magic Spells. I am so lucky to be able to work on this one during October!

Seven Year Anniversary!

2009-10-06T15:40:00.000-06:00

Today is my seven year wedding anniversary! Can you believe it? Neither can I. I guess what they say is true, time really does fly when you're having fun. That magical day was one of the best of my life thus far, marrying the love of my life, and seeing my family come together in a way I had never experienced before. Family, friends, divorced parents, stepparents all there for us. Sharing in our moment. Some had never met or had been distanced by years, but the drama was nil. It was just me and Chad and our love, all of our joy, and this special life. Words can't do it justice, but it was a milestone with or without the certificate. Thanks to everyone who has supported our relationship, watched us grow and evolve, and continues to be a part of this life of dreams we are choosing to live.

Married seven years, together eleven. Look at these freshy young faces. We are still young, but its hard to believe we were this young when it all began. Funny how life is, how things happen too fast or too slow or opportunity knocks at the strangest times. Looking back I can't believe what I was ready to handle at such a young age, and yet most of the time I still don't feel like a grown up woman. A married woman of seven years who still feels like a girl and is trying to live her dreams every day with this wonderful person by her side. I love you Chad.

To Your Health

2009-09-28T18:48:00.001-06:00

It's been a long couple of weeks. I have been staying busy with my intro to silversmithing class and various starts to other projects, but mentally I have been preoccupied. Our close friend, and Chad's boss, has been quite sick. An infection in his hearts' valve turned into open heart surgery this week, combined with a bypass. It was shocking, seeing this happen to someone so active and healthy. But a good reminder nonetheless for us all to look deeper. To know that the surface is just that, there is always more brewing just beneath. It's physical, it's emotional, it applies to ourselves, our family and friends, to strangers. This was a powerful reminder of the value of what we've got, cause no matter what, it's pretty damn good.

Tree update

2009-09-15T20:06:00.000-06:00

There is potential good news about the old tree. A second arborist took a look and has a gentler opinion. The tree has a decent sized hole from decay, and since the tree is so big the hole is a weak spot and could become an issue. The tree will only decline, but potentially could stand for years. So now it's time for a third opinion and some serious soul searching.

The first arborist made an interesting comparison between people and trees. About how if you are neglectful and don't take care one day it will become weakened and disease can just take root. Healthy trees are happy trees. Like ourselves I suppose. There is already so much chance out there for us not to give ourselves that little extra care we need. So I sign off with positive thoughts and hopes for this old tree of mine. And even bigger faith for a friend who's health was taken by surprise very recently. A person that I do not see every day (although Chad nearly does) but means a tremendous much to us both. A friend, who allowed Chad's woodworking career to bud, and although he does not know it, very often reminds me of family. Here's to getting strong and staying strong.

The Giving Tree

2009-09-14T15:26:00.000-06:00

I found out today that I will most likely have to cut down one of the 50+ year old Silver Maples in my front yard. This news came as quite a shock, seeing as I had the arborist come over just for a tree trimming quote. I always knew there were issues with this tree, but hope and denial kept me from believing this day would ever come. After the kind man with the bad news left, I crossed the street to get a better look at my home, the one I fell in love with partly for these old trees. I tried to accept this change and imagine how it will look when that magestic tree is gone. Chad sat on the curb with me and I just sobbed. I had no idea how sad I would feel, how painful it is to choose to obliterate something so beautiful and so old. So much older than myself.

I know it's just a tree, and it is better to come down by choice than god forbid any other way. But this tree is special to me, I have a history with it. 2 1/2 years ago a drunk driver plowed through my front yard going 55+ mph and never touched his breaks. He unintentionally needled through the two closely set maples (on the left), barely missing my living room before crashing into my SUV. The driver's car ended up on my front porch and my SUV ended up in my neighbor's living room. It was a blessing that my neighbor was not in his living room and that our car was a buffer that changed the driver's course. It was also a blessing that the driver did not hit either of those trees. Afterwards the neighborhood looked on in disbelief at what had happened and how. How the trees were spared, the driver was spared, my neighbor was spared. I began to see those two trees as angelic protectors. It took a long time for that wound to heal. To sleep at night unafraid and nightmare free. Always outside my bedroom window was the memory and the protector. And now it has to go. I could not have anticipated the grief I would feel at contemplating this loss. And to have to make the decision to let it go myself. But it will be safer this way, and spring will come, and we will plant a new tree and watch it grow.

Greece Portraits

2009-09-09T09:04:00.001-06:00

A year ago today I was in Greece. I was there for a life changing three weeks, truly a dream come true. These dreamy photos were taken once again with my trusty Diana+ camera, and perfectly capture the bliss I was feeling while there. By today we had been in Greece for a little over a week. We had ventured to Santorini and were now spending our last full day on Sifnos, a breathtaking quiet retreat after the crowds of Santorini. The weather was perfect and we were sad to leave Sifnos, but half our trip still lay ahead of us. I thought I would share some offerings from my trip throughout this month. Enjoy!

Missing polaroid

2009-08-26T07:55:00.000-06:00

You know how some days you may really miss a special person or even a place from your life? How you can feel homesick in a way. That is how I have been feeling about Polaroid lately. The news of polaroid abandoning it's classic instant film to go digital is not new news to me. When I found out I started buying small batches the film here and there. And I hear there is a new company trying to keep instant film alive by making their own version to work with our old cameras. Maybe it's just nostalgia. I haven't cracked into my loot just yet though. I made these using Poladroid, which is a pretty satisfying substitute. But I am all about the tactility of something, the rush of excitement as the image comes into being. And in reality, for all the polaroids I've taken, where are they? Do so few actually turn out? So what to do with the remaining film before it expires? Self portraits? Favorite things? It really should go out with a bang, don't you think?

Signs Journal

2009-08-24T15:43:00.000-06:00

I have recently gotten involved in a round robin project/circle journal with a group of ladies I met at Artfest. Some I know and others I haven't yet met. We each picked a theme, made our journal, and sent it to the next person in the rotation. Then it will be worked in and go to the next person, and the next, until ultimately it ends up back in my hands. I am so excited by this project. The chance to work with people whose work I admire, make new friends, and be challenged creatively in the process. I am itching for the first book to arrive!

A busy month

2009-08-24T10:29:00.000-06:00

Wow, what a busy month! It feels like it barely started and now it's almost gone. There was a lot going on this month, lots of company and projects and fun to be had. First an old friend came to town, one of my husband's oldest and best friends from Texas. There was much talking and laughter and a back backing trip for the two of them gone awry due to bad weather. I feel like I got to know and understand this friend better after more than 10 years of occasional meetings, get togethers, and lives evolving. How you can be very much like someone and not even have known it.

Then there was a garden growing ripe and full of sweet tomatoes, eggplant, patty pan squash, tomatillos, and herbs. It is now overflowing and the melons and pumpkins seem to have appeared overnight. We had more visitors, Chad's mom and grandma, and shared many movies and meals together. We even ventured out to the Loveland sculpture show which ended up being far more pleasing than I expected. The show was the reason we went, but the sculpture garden was such a surprise. Grassy and green with pathways, sky reflected water and sculpture at every turn. And on a most beautiful summer day no less.

All the while I was making and working in journal for a round robin that I am a part of. At the end of all this, was a two day work shop with the inspiring Stephanie Lee. I feel like a soldering goddess now, having made my first etched and soldered box and bezels. The photo of it here is before adding collage and resin to the bezel. I will share the fully finished piece soon. So after looking back on August, I am feeling ready for September. I will be taking my first ever silversmithing class (a dream of mine for years) and concurrently working in all the lovely journals that pass through my mailbox.

Self portrait Wednesday

2009-07-29T18:52:00.000-06:00

These are some deliciously double exposed self portraits taken with my Diana camera that I mentioned previously. They were taken on my recent trip to Sailda, CO. I just love how unpredictable and ethereal they can be. Magic!

Circus Journal

2009-07-26T08:38:00.000-06:00

This is my recently finished circus journal with a few close ups of some pages. I made it using prompts from Juliana Coles Circus, Circus Big Book of Postcards booklet that I bought here. It was so much more fun than I expected. The imagery is full of meaning and metaphor to be explored. Seeing which circus characters I identified with, or aspired to be like, was quite telling.

A classic introvert

2009-07-23T09:28:00.000-06:00

This is how someone described me to my husband recently. As if he doesn't already know me much better than that. Nothing makes my blood boil more than a statement like this, of being summed up in a few tiny words. My whole life I have struggled with being a quiet person with so much to say. Sure life would be easier if I could just bubble and spill forth my emotions at will, but that just wouldn't be me now would it. It hasn't always been easy living in a world that thinks if you are quiet that you have nothing to say. I doubt most of my close friends and family would call be shy, but there it is. Not to mention that being quiet, shy, choosy with words and people generally gets treated like a modern day affliction. What was once a character trait, offset by advantages such as being sensitive, thoughtful, tactful and comfortable with ones self, is now treated like a disease. There are books and drugs out there all designed to make us quiet ones feel like there is something wrong with us. A lot of times it can be a reaction to being in an uncomfortable or new situation. Being around people too loud to listen. (Where is the self help book on that?) I felt side blasted by this commentary on myself even though I should be used to it by now and not care. But these are the pages that followed, not what I started out to make that day, but visual proof that, yes, I have much to say.

Self portrait Wednesday

2009-07-22T19:44:00.001-06:00

I first saw postings of "self portrait wednesdays" here. I am not sure what the story is, there doesn't appear to be an official site encouraging these posts, but they pop up on lots of blogs I read. As a "recovering designer" as my friend Pinky puts it, I rarely use photoshop for more than photo editing anymore. But after viewing Misty's blog, something started to shift. This image reminds me of the ethereal, double exposed images I like to take with my Diana. More of those pics to come.

Salida weekend

2009-07-16T17:16:00.001-06:00

I spent this past weekend hanging out in Salida, CO. We went with no plan, only having heard what a creative and outdoorsy community Salida is. What we didn't know was how friendly everyone would be and how much fun we would have. We stumbled upon great restaurants, live Bluegrass music, and this great spot on the Arkansas river. We spent the day swimming, jumping off rocks, sketching for me and fly fishing for Chad. There is already talk of a return trip to go rafting. I took lots of pics with my Diana camera, and will post some once they are developed.

Oh sweet lilacs!

2009-07-09T20:16:00.000-06:00

I know I am a bit late in posting this image, but one of my favorite things about living in CO are the Spring blooming flowers. Particularly lilacs. In late June they were still in full bloom in the mountains. In the weeks that they are blooming I stop, stare, smell at and comment on each lilac I pass by. My poor cat Nehi has his name temporarily changed to Lilac in those weeks. And believe me, if he were a she, the change might be permanent. Here's a little Spring joy for you all, and hoping that Summer turns out to be as beautiful.

Happy 4th of July!

2009-07-04T10:05:00.000-06:00

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday. And my thoughts are with those of you are grieving losses new and old, facing changes in life head on, and generally dealing with life as gracefully as any of us can know how.

What a weekend

2009-06-30T10:54:00.000-06:00

What a full weekend I had! First off I went to see a great movie, Away We Go. It's been a while since I laughed so hard at the movies. Not only was it a funny film, but it was heartwarming and bittersweet. Also a good reminder of how differently we choose to live. As individuals, as couples, as parents, as employees, as employers, as artists, as people. Makes me really appreciate the paths I've taken in life. The little and big ways I have tried to do things on my own terms, and not just take a path or live my life without questions.

On Saturday Chad and I headed up to Loveland again to see the Wayne Thiebaud exhibit. I was surprised to find such a known artist showing his work in such a sleepy little museum, but I am so grateful for it. I was vaguely familiar with Thiebaud's work, and knew very little about it. Like everyone else, his name brought to mind paintings of cakes and pastries. But it was so much more. I am always amazed at how even the best reproductions can't do justice to seeing art in person. I enjoyed the entire show, but most of all his landscapes and cityscapes. There was always more than one point of perspective, looking at trees face on and fields at almost an arial view. Streets would run straight up and down, the cars driving on them defying gravity. I loved how the pieces became about planes of color and texture. I believe the show will be heading back to California next, and is worth checking out if you can.

The rest of the weekend was spent mostly relaxing, movie watching, talking, and getting the kitchen ready to paint. I hope you all had a great weekend too!

Colorado weekend

2009-06-23T11:33:00.001-06:00

What a beautiful weekend we had here in CO. I spent a lovely day in the mountains with all the wildflowers blooming and the hummingbirds zooming everywhere. Just breathtaking. There was hiking and laughter, homemade treats, and a bbq. I even managed to get a bit of sketching in.

Happy Father's Day!

2009-06-21T08:32:00.000-06:00

Revisiting a favorite

2009-06-17T19:26:00.001-06:00

I re-watched one of my favorite movies, Great Expectations with Ethan Hawke and Gwyneth Paltrow. The visuals are magical, and take me back to my own times growing up near the Gulf. As much as I love the music, the setting, and the chemistry in this film, it's really the paintings that do it for me. They are by Francesco Clemente and I just love how they are childlike and raw, and I am reminded that not every exacting detail need be captured to create a beautiful image.

New Journal

2009-06-16T13:54:00.000-06:00

This weekend I started working in a brand new, oversized watercolor Moleskine. I have been seeing some patterns in my other journal, and wanted a larger journal to hopefully push myself to play even more. I also want to experiment more with non-magazine images. I hope to add more of my own hand into this book. Paintings, drawings, personal photographs, and vintage ephemera. It will be interesting to see how this journal will differ from my other one. Also, I just discovered an incredible book by Danny Gregory, called The Creative License. I am familiar with his work, but how I missed this book is beyond me. I think sometimes things appear in life when you most need them. I have been rereading my perpetual favorites by Sabrina Ward Harrison, as well as a little SARK, so this book is fitting right in with my current lineup.

June gloom

2009-06-05T12:58:00.000-06:00

This was a bit of a funny week, full of a lot of emotional ups and downs. I met up with my pirate sister Falcon LaGrange at the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse. We spent hours talking, drinking tea, and pouring over each other's journals. What a shot in the arm. But afterwards I felt blue, seeing her go. I shared something with all my pirate sisters which is hard to let go of, and just seeing Lou Ann's face, hearing her voice, and looking at her journals took me back to a very special place.

This week was grey and gloomy, so I cheered myself up by photographing this lonely looking carnival. An odd, but strangely comforting place to go when feeling a bit gloomy myself. But there was an abandoned sense of wonder in this place, and it was fun to explore. It was just the inspiration I needed to start a project that's been on my mind. It's not ready, but I will show it soon.

In memory

2009-05-28T08:30:00.000-06:00

In memory of "Josephine Juana La Loca", my pirate sister. You will be missed.

An exercise in gratitude

2009-05-20T11:28:00.000-06:00

What I love most about this page is that it is full of the castoffs of my other journal pages of the day. I was warmed up and my "agenda" was already accomplished. In an attempt to not add more scraps to my ever growing piles of papers, I decided to glue them onto a new page. I had no goal, no agenda, and the bits of things began to come together in a gratitude page of sorts. Things I am ever thankful for, large and small.

This is where my journaling day began. I tend to record my innermost thoughts and day to day activities in my written journal, but felt I needed to try to capture and eventful weekend with words and images. I was truly inspired by Traci Bunker's journaling video, and decided that I would get down to it and try some new things. Put the words on the page, scrape some paint, add a headline. My intention was not to copy, but to try some new things. I am happy to report that these pages are not a copy Traci's, but were deeply inspired by her freedom, use of personal photos, and willingness to share her own words.

Reconstruction Era Journal

2009-05-14T15:43:00.001-06:00

So this is what I've been working on this week. It is a new journal that I made using Juliana Coles' Reconstruction Era Booklet. It's a great project. The book essentially gets "gutted" and all new pages get inserted. I made several oversized collages, using bits of all sorts of things. Full of things I liked, and things I didn't, to give the book variety and complexity. Then the collages get cut down and inserted as journal pages. I loved making it so much, that I am ready to make another one. Even bigger! The next step is to use the book, working on top of the random imagery, filling it with artwork and journalling assignments. You can check Juliana's etsy site here to learn how to make your own.

Downtown Loveland, CO

2009-05-13T17:58:00.000-06:00

I spent the afternoon recently on Fourth Street in old downtown Loveland, CO. It's just minutes away, and I can't believe this was my first trip. It's filled with all the charm of a quaint old town, but with new funky shops and restaurants. The show stopper was of course, Merchant Voyage. I nearly squealed with delight as soon as I set foot inside. A mixture of old and new things, nests, eggs, vintage flash cards, it is not to be missed! I left with two wire nests filled with faux bird eggs. Stopped in for lunch at Cipoletti's Italian Restaurant, and it was like stepping back in time. Through the revolving doors, past the wood bar, jazz, great food, and I was back in another time.