Thursday, December 31, 2009
au revoir 2009!
I have made a tentative peace with winter, so the next few months should be more bearable and, as always, I look forward to warm days and I swear by all that is holy I WILL be at the beach this year!!!!!!
Have a fun, safe New Year's eve and may 2010 be a bright, new adventure for all of us!
xoxo~Dale
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
contrasts...
I prefer winter and fall, when you feel the bone structure of the landscape - the loneliness of it, the dead feeling of winter. Something waits beneath it, the whole story doesn't show.
I cannot say I prefer winter, but I am appreciating the merits of this season of reflection.
O, wind,
If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?
~Percy Bysshe Shelley
old man winter
Sunday, December 27, 2009
and a good time was had by all!
Friday, December 25, 2009
I require no wonders beyond the sea
and Eridanus. The bright embellishment
of sons and daughters renders me winged,
sustained. I breathe a song of gratitude,
a quiet carol of comets and coquinas.
I have made my peace with this babe’s
briny tear, this tilted barn,
this nova’s beam. In these I hear
the chorus of man, the hunger
for hope, ever hinged on salt and light.
For me, it is enough to cup a wet star
in the palm my hand, to feel water
rush and ebb like time. I have tilted
the faces of my children upward, planted their feet
in spindrift. They will find their own miracles.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
GREETINGS!
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
JOY TO THE WORLD!
Friday, December 18, 2009
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Friday, December 11, 2009
Two weeks!!
Oh, my~ the Big Day approaches! Today, despite the nearness of Christmas, I am taking a little break from Christmas shopping to tidy my studio space. I'd post a picture, but I have more self respect than that! ;) After several shows and the usual Christmas crafting frenzy things are pretty crazy.
The husband and are going to power-shop on Saturday and git-'er-done! If I can find the shop above I think I can finish up pretty quickly!
xoxoxo~Dale
Monday, December 07, 2009
Making peace with winter...
Maybe we'll have a real snow here this winter. There have been a few in the 25 years I've lived in Texas. It could happen. I have hope... and 2 sleds in my garage to prove it!
Stay warm, my friends...
xoxo~Dale
Friday, December 04, 2009
Wanderlust
I love mornings. They are filled with possibilities, that beautiful feeling of being on the cusp. And I love ships. Being aboard an oceangoing ship is almost like having wings. One is untethered to dry land and the vast ocean unfurls with its seemingly endless and uncharted prospects.
Need I say that I love this striking photo from the mid 1920s? Imagine the glorious feeling of leaning over the rail of this liner (the Columbus) as the sun rose over the sea. I can smell the salt air and feel the teak beneath my feet as I step into the world of the photographer.
"I find I'm so excited, I can barely sit still or hold a thought in my head. I think it's the excitement only a free man can feel, a free man at the start of a long journey whose conclusion is uncertain."
~The Shawshank Redemption
Isn't that what we embark on every morning?
May your journey today be one of discovery and beautiful moments of grace and gratitude.
xoxo~Dale
Thursday, December 03, 2009
I need wings!
My errand list is a mile long today. I could use some pretty wings to carry me from place to place! It is a beautiful, but very chilly day and there's a chance of more snow tomorrow. Welcome to Texas~ Land of Weather Extremes... On Thanksgiving we were in shirt sleeves... go figure...
I need to figure out my display for this weekend's show. I have my vintage silver trees out and a sweet pink one for my ornaments. I think you can have gorgeous items to sell, but if you don't display them properly people just walk right by. I normally snag all sorts of pieces from my home decor to use in my show space. It's a lot of work, but fun!
Well, I am off to bundle up and start checking things off that to-do list.
Hope you have a beautiful Thusday. Spread your wings and FLY!
xoxo~Dale
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
Snow!
Guess what we woke up to in the Dallas suburbs this morning? Yup, snow! It was a gorgeous corn flake snow, big fluffy flakes that swirled down like little ballerinas! So pretty!! And best of all, it was gone by 10 am. Now it is crazy cold!!!! Feels like Christmas for sure!
I worked in my studio today and am just about ready for my show on Saturday. Hopefully this chilly weather will remind people that Christmas is just around the corner and they'll come out in droves to buy my wares!
xoxo~Dale
Monday, November 30, 2009
the halls are decked!
Friday, November 20, 2009
good times!
I've had a great day, in spite of the CRAPPY weather. And it's Friday so... it's all good!
Hope you have a splendid weekend! xoxo~Dale
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
ready...
Oh, what a beautiful day! The sun is pouring in through the window and my sweet birds are singing! I highly recommend birds in the home. Their songs and chatter are magical! Sometimes it seems like I am living in a tree!
Today I awoke with a marvelous feeling of peace and a realization of so many wonderful possibilities! I am filled with creative thoughts and plans, but thankfully they are not accompanied by the near frantic feeling that often is their twin. I do not feel the usual pressure to "work" in my studio, but instead there is a beautiful surety that I will create as my heart and hands lead me. I feel as if I am perched on the rim of something beautiful...
I hope your day is rich with dreams realized.
xoxo~Dale
Monday, November 09, 2009
live it up!
How remarkably un-blue I am, considering it is November. Fall usually seems so sad to me, but I have adjusted my attitude a bit. I am honestly trying to appreciate these days. Falling leaves and harvested fields will always make me a bit melancholy, but I aim to conquer this season. Winter is certainly not my favorite either, but at least it is getting closer to spring.
I have lots to do today to prepare for Saturday's show. I am making some holiday items so today's forcast is glittery with a chance of faux snow!
This is a week of letting go for me, for accepting things I have no power to change, for finding the beauty in an autumn's day.
Hope your Monday is filled with swirling leaves and joy.
xoxo~Dale
ps~ the picture above is a snippet of a sparkly winter blog banner that is available in my etsy shop.
Sunday, November 08, 2009
Our family has had house guests for the past three months. A friend and her son stayed with us as a result of marital problems. We had so hoped to help her gain confidence and attain a better financial posistion so that she might move forward in her life. Sadly, she was lured (again) by the promises of her husband and this weekend she and her son left to return to him. I am really sorry about this situation and feel a bit like a failure, that we were not able to encourage and help her enough to feel like she could escape her crappy husband.
Ah, well... we tried very hard and that is all you can do. Time to move on.
On the plus side, I have more time for art. I am busy in my studio getting ready for a show this coming weekend. It is a one day show (whew!) and INDOORS so I am not at the mercy of the weather!
I am looking forward to a productive, peaceful week. We'll see what the universe has in mind for me! ;)
Hope your week is beautifully creative!
xoxox~Dale
~And here's a peek at my work table...
Monday, November 02, 2009
November!!?!
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Halloween Greetings
Halloween is here and it is NOT raining! Yea! It will clear and a bit chilly for tonight's trick-or-treaters, but dry!! After the monsoons we've had this month, that sounds wonderful!
I have a graveyard (complete with fog and creepy sound effects) to construct today. Should be fun and just scary enough to spook the little ones.
I have to work on costume... a fallen angel, zombie, something-or-other that lurks in faux graveyards. Will (my youngest) is also a zombie/reaper, so if you come by my house prepare to be terrified!
Hope your Halloween is fun, safe and a tad horrifying!
xoxo~Dale
Friday, October 30, 2009
I am off to run a few errands then I am planning to dye some lace, embellish some peat pots and throw some glitter around as I wait (patiently) for the skies to clear.
Hope your Friday is bright and spangled with moments of joy!
xoxo~Dale
ps~ The photo above is of one of my favorite places on the planet... Tortola, BVI. You should go there. It is positively beautiful...
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
goodness...
Ah, Friday! The sun is gleaming (cold, though) and my daughter is pretty much well from her bout with H1N1. What a nasty bug!! So far no one else is ill!! Yea! Thank goodness for Lysol and hand sanitizer!
I am busy with digital work. Above is a snippet from a fun steampunk banner I just listed on Etsy. I am so blessed to have a "job" that is absolutely FUN and creatively fulfilling!! It honestly feels like magic when I work with digital graphics. I think of myself as a modern day alchemist!! ;)
I hope your weekend is filled with magical moments!
xoxo~Dale
Sunday, October 18, 2009
bad piggy!
The past week was spent watching the &*$#*%$ rain (until Friday) and recovering from my art show. It took me several days to thaw out!! I did get my summer clothes put away (so sad...).
Hopefully I will accomplish a lot more this week. My friend Jana and I are working on a joint venture~ a new Etsy shop featuring our funky shrines, Frida art and other things Mexican!!
It has been wonderful to have some sunshine here after what felt like a month of gloom!!!
God, I hate fall and winter... Sorry, all you cold weather lovers~ It just doesn't work for me. I will be cold from now until April.
Friday, October 09, 2009
channeling Frida
Thursday, October 08, 2009
Monday, October 05, 2009
making sunshine
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
art attack!
Saturday, September 26, 2009
making art!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
so it begins...
Yes, the colors are pretty and I like winter clothes... boots and sweaters are fun, but if I could live on a sunny island year-round that would suit me fine!
But, at least I live where the winters are somewhat mild and I am grateful for that. Today, to combat the gloom, I am working on some colorful, fun art projects and making tortilla soup.
It's all good...
Hope your first day of autumn is snuggly and sweet...
xoxo~Dale
Thursday, September 17, 2009
a week of RAIN!!
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Sweet Cowgirl Tina
My friend Tina is a dear girl, a sweet mom and grandma, a terrific artist and one of the organizers of the fabulous Paper Cowgirl Altered Art Retreat. Tina has such a kind and generous soul. To know her is to love her!
This week Tina has been diagnosed with cancer. This is heartbreaking news, but Tina is one tough cowgirl! Across blogland prayers are being offered and support systems being formed to help Tina and her sweet family through this trying time. Jan of The Polka Dot Barn http://polkadotbarn.blogspot.com/ is organizing a fabulous gift for Tina. If you want to check it out and participate just pop over to her blog for the details.
You can also leave an encouraging comment for Tina here... http://tina-wright.blogspot.com/
If you are a praying person, please keep Tina and her family in your prayers.
take care~Dale xoxo
Friday, September 04, 2009
Mojo and the Blessed Virgin
Even the Beloved Virgin could not resist Mojo's charms. He time traveled to the ancient Holy Land to receive Her blessing... and a sacred wafer.
Oh that bird! He is a rascal. as I write, he peers down at me with his wee round eyes. I am smitten!
Hooray, for the long weekend! No real plans, but certainly we'll be poolside at some point.
Hope your Labor Day is restful and fun!~
xo~Dale
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Mojo hobnobs with Marie
My parrot, Mojo, is a time traveler. Here he is with his beloved Marie Antoinette. This lovely painting hangs in Versailles, where Mojo often visted to the delight of the young Queen.
Yes, I love my bird. He is a constant source of amusement! You'd love him, too... I promise! He is pretty irresistible!
We are having a spate of incredibly beautiful weather here in north Texas. It is quite inspiring. Mostly it inspires me to lay around by the pool... ;)
Saturday, August 29, 2009
take flight
Ah, what a beautiful morning in the Dallas 'burbs! I think this must be what the weather is like in Nirvana!
Today I am going to straighten up my studio space and get busy on some new projects. This hiatus from non-virtual art has been refreshing. I feel energized and focused!!
LOL! My parrot just flew by. He is so fun and GREEN! I adore his peppy spirit!! I was meant to have bird in my home! What a joy!!
Hope your Saturday is full of wonderful things!
xo~Dale
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Now I am ready to return to my studio after a lovely summer-long hiatus. Well, I am doing LOTS of digital work, but it is time for some non-virtual art. I can't wait... well, maybe another lazy week, but then I swear I'm getting busy! Really!!!
xo~dale
Thursday, August 20, 2009
feeling dreamy...
Oh, what a lazy summer I've had... nice and easy...
School starts on Monday, so it will be the end of my 3 months of sloth. I am eager to get back in my studio. I have so many projects I want to start (and finish! LOL)!
Hope your last days of summer are filled with smiles and sunshine... and a dream or two.
xoxo~Dale
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Cape Hatteras,NC
Does place matter so much to everyone? I'm not sure. I am deeply effected by my environment. I love for my home to peaceful, pretty, reflective of who I am, of my family and our shared journey.
I like north Texas. The wide open skies are truly inspiring. The flat land feels grand and vast. Our winters are fairly short and mild. I love the sunshine and even the heat. The schools are good. Crime is low.
But my heart's home will always be by the sea. I grew up visiting North Carolina's coast. The Atlantic is fierce and beautiful. I have been to many beaches and now prefer the Caribbean's gentle azure waters, but anywhere near the ocean works for me. As a child I would love that first whiff of sea air that you could smell, well before the water came into view... and then that first glimpse of the ocean that never failed to thrill. Every time, every single time, I have those experiences my heart is filled and know that I am "home".
Someday I will live near the coast. Which coast? I am not certain, but that is my dream, my plan...
Thursday, August 06, 2009
my bad...
Oh, I have neglected this little ole blog so badly this summer. I must do better! My knee injury and subsequent time being an invalid really allowed me to see that it is fine to take it easy. Okay, so maybe I've taken it a bit too far (LOL!), but I have discovered that everything pretty much just rolls along with or without me. No one went naked when I couldn't do laundry or starved when I was unable to cook (oh, those blissfull days!!). It is very freeing to realize that you are merely a pebble in the river. Your presence is not so vital, nor is your asence so keenly felt.
I am busy, but not frantic. Inspired, but not racing to my studio to create. I am percolating, I think... stewing ideas and enjoying my favorite time of the year. I am loving every minute of sunshine and savoring these last few weeks with my kids out of school. Soon the house will be quiet (well, we do have a parrot now, so not THAT quiet) and I will find my way back up the stairs to where my glitter and ephemera wait. For now, I am content to make digital creations and shut my laptop when the beautiful Texas sunshine calls me.
xoxo~Dale
Friday, July 31, 2009
~~~love~~~
My youngest son and Mojo, our parrot, are buddies. Birds are amazing! This guy TALKS! Show me a cat, dog, snake or potbelly pig that can do that? Mojo does like to take little nips of us, but we are working on that.
My son Ian's Caddy is a total loss. So sad, but he is taking it well. That was one fine boat... er, mean car...
I cleaned up my studio space this week so MAYBE I'll actually create something soon. I have been pretty busy with digital work, but I need to touch some paper and glitter soon!
We are having some rather amazing weather here in north Texas, which is to say it is well under 100 degrees!
Hope you have a beautiful weekend! xoxo~dale