home...

It is good to be home after a few lovely days on the Gulf.
Despite news reports to the contrary, Galveston seemed to be oil free.
We were blessed with glorious weather, though the water was rough.
There were red flags flying to warn of a strong riptide.
There are still plenty of reminders of Hurricane Ike,
but Galveston is a scrappy town and it has made a vigorous comeback.
Still, it is sad to think of the landmarks destroyed
and mostly, of course, the lives lost...
My son and I had a marvelous time with our friends.
It was so good to be by the sea again.
It is where I belong...
xo~Dale

My son and I are having the BEST time ever on our little vacation!
We have played in the Gulf, spent a day at beautiful Moody Gardens,
taken a sunset cruise and enjoyed the company of good friends.
I could gladly stay right here.
My spirit is always so peaceful when the sea is near.
It is my heart's harbor...

Galveston...

My youngest son and I are enjoying a few days at the beach with friends.
There is always such a peaceful feeling in my heart when I am at the coast.
I find myself grinning and loving life!
The sound of the surf, the salty breeze, the beautiful landscape~
this is my soul's harbor...
I am so grateful for these days...

ah, summer...

I am so loving these hot, lazy days of summer. This is my season, my most cherished
time of the year. I am enchanted by the music of lawnmowers and cicadas, the glint and
gleam of fireflies, the beautifully quiet mornings and the brilliant late sunsets.
I have made an uneasy peace with the other seasons,
but it summer that I adore.



In these midsummer days I am not pushing myself. Yes, I am creating
when the spirit moves me, but only then. I need this restful time.
That being said, I am enjoying working on some jewelry pieces.
I am loving combining textures and colors in new way.
I love the feel of glass beads, the character inherent in snippets
of vintage lace.

I am enjoying some fabulous summer reading. I have a wonderfully
tall stack of books at my bedside. It always makes me feel joyful to think
of all the adventures waiting for me between the covers of those books.


I hope your summer days are also filled with the small joys exclusive to this most lovely season!
xo~Dale

Sweet land of liberty...

After a week of rainy days, the sun is out just in time for the Independence Day celebrations!!
It is a beautiful afternoon and I am reflecting on the great privilege it is to live in the United States. No country is without flaws, weaknesses, room for improvement, but the American spirit is a fine and noble thing.

It is still a land of great opportunity.

These fine words engraved on the pedestal of The Statue of Liberty
remind us of who we are...

"Give me your tired, your poor,

Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,

The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.

Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me.

I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

~Emma Lazarus

Now that is something to believe in.

finding joy...

Life is no picnic. There are so many woes, personal and in the big wide world, still I find joy is in great abundance. Today I picked tomatoes, read a bit, spent over 4 hours at Fry's trying to get a computer issue resolved. Okay, the computer thing wasn't delightful, but I remained pleasant and in the end I think my attitude helped. I think my problem will soon be resolved.
I am grateful for my life, my family, the wonderful comfort I take from creative pursuits. Those joys ease the stresses of life. I never, ever want to become blinded to the good and beautiful in this world.
xo~Dale

A+

All of my Paper Cowgirl students got an A +, not to mention extra credit and a bucket of gold stars!
What a delightful group of gals! We laughed, glued and chatted non-stop. Three hours flew by!
What a privilege it was to "teach" these creative, arty girls! I am blessed!

frivolity just around the corner!

Today my sis and I FINISHED class kits and sacks-o-swag for Paper Cowgirl! Yippee!
Tomorrow we will be doing some prep for vendor night and on Thursday we head down to Waxahachie! Good times, laughter and BIG FUN are sure to ensue!
As much as I am looking forward to PC,it will be a relief when it is over. I am ready for some lazy summer days... some time to enjoy my family, to read, relax and create at a more leisurely pace.
My youngest son had his birthday party today. I really cannot fathom how my baby got to be 14!!! ~sigh~
I am off to dreamland...
xo~Dale

June... ahhh

Oh, how I love this glorious month! Yes, I live in Texas and it is hot, but I don't care!
June is the best month to me... I wish it lasted all year! And it does in the Virgin Islands.
I really should live there.
Oh, well, anyway here I am in the Dallas suburbs enjoying this beautiful day. Paper Cowgirl is in less that 2 weeks and I am making preparations for my mermaid class. Sequins and seashells are the order of the day.
I am determined to appreciate every minute this lovely time of the year. It is a beautiful gift to be alive
xo~Dale

More Cowgirl Swag!!!

Okay, Paper Cowgirls... just finished and listed some really fun
and sparkly limited edition Paper Cowgirl pendants in my Etsy shop!
Get'em while they're hot!
You know you want to roll up into Waxahachie
with one of these babies glinting in the Texas sun!
You will look FINE!
Trust me... if there's one thing I know, it is ACCESSORIES!!
xoxo~Dale
Go fetch 'em here!

Calling All Paper Cowgirls!!

Paper Cowgirl Altered Art retreat fast approaches and I have just stocked the shelves of my Sea Dream Studio Cafe Press Shop with lots of wonderful items featuring the brand-spanking-new PC logo above. You'll find everything from shirts to stickers to ball caps with this sassy cowgirl logo with 2 wording choices. AND... COMING SOON~~ Paper Cowgirl pendants in my Etsy shop. I will be listing those no later than Wednesday, so keep an eye out!

Yee Haw! See you soon, Cowgirls!

xo~Dale

hello weekend!

Even those of us who don't have "real" jobs love weekends! After an insanely busy week I am ready for some downtime. My sis and I are thinking we might make a visit to the bird store.
I LOVE seeing all of the gorgeous birds! If Mojo (my Quaker parrot) was a bit less nippy we could take him. Alas, he is a tad naughty, so he must stay at home.
The weather is wonderful... hot, but I prefer hot to cold. I LOVE summer and yes, know it is still spring, but it sure feels like summer in Texas right now.
Hope you have a great weekend!
xoxo~Dale

small joys...

Lately I have found so much peace and joy in small things... a hug from my 17 year old son, a found feather, time to create, a pastel sunset...
My days are sweetly sprinkled with small, but beautiful treasures. I am busy, but that is a good thing. I am glad and grateful to have a life that never, ever bores me! Instead I am busy~ with family, friends,creative projects, good books, my parrot... just living and appreciating all of life's gifts and lessons that come my way.
I wish the same for you!
xo~Dale

next, please...

Whew! Art Fest was fun, exhausting and possibly my last outdoor show. The weather is just so crazy here and I can hardly believe that Sunday was actually chilly! It feels good to have this event behind me and now it is time to look forward to Paper Cowgirl in June. I need to prepare class kits and goodie bags and some special things for vendor night!
Yesterday was my birthday and it was a sweet day. My daughter took me out to lunch and we shopped at bit and laughed a lot. The evening was crowned with cake, family, friends and sweet gifts! It was enough to distract me from thinking about my age! ;)
Actually, I am using this birthday to inspire and propel me toward my dreams! In some ways I feel brand new and on the cusp of something very good!
xo~Dale

Watters Creek - Spring Art Show

Watters Creek - Spring Art Show

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Hope to see you at Watters Creek ART FEST this weekend! My sis and I, along with the amazing Jana, will have our booth filled with one-of-a-kind jewelry creations, altered art & assemblage pieces, seaglass treasues and my handcrafted flower hairclips, headbands and brooches! ♥♥♥
There will be lots of great activities including live music on The Green and a sidewalk chalk art contest (my daughter won this at the fall show). The weather is going to be great, so join us if you can!! ♥♥♥

I write a bit...

yield

A year is an arc, a swath cut
deep into the earth. Mud and ice,
clover, violets, dust and dew
occur within. Days fall, a steady rain
of pebbles down the steep sides,

grit so fine it chafes the lungs,
rocks as jagged as hasty lies.
I have walked from June to June,
barefoot and sweetly shod.
No matter. The stones still bruise.

Sand finds its way into my bed.
Sun and storm pursue my share
of sky, duel above like lazy gods.
In these twelve months graves
have blossomed, flat as fungus,

spread their spore-like, rotten
flowers, an unavoidable plague.
Joys are harder to define,
closer held. I dare not speak
of them. Gems so precious stir

the greed of trifling deities.
A year is a song, the descant
honed and smooth. I hear it
in the ryed wind. It swings
like a blade, closer, closer.

art and flowers

April is flying by! I have a big show in less than two weeks, so I am very busy!
My sis and I are creating some pretties. Jewels and paper snippets, feathers and glitter~
we are up to our necks in projects! It is delightful "work", though and I feel blessed
to have an arty life. Creating makes my heart sing and takes me to a place
where I am peaceful and filled with hope.
And we planted flowers this weekend...
another yearly task that makes me smile.
Spring is so wonderful! I take joy in these lovely days.
And I hope you are finding your own place of peace and joy.
xoxo~Dale

Hello world!

I can't believe how long it has been since my last post. Perhaps I went to Paris
to browse the flea markets or maybe I went on a cruise to Tahiti...
Ah, well, gentle reader I hate to be boring, but truthfully, I have not
strayed from my suburban abode. I am here, working away on pretties
for a 3 day show in early May and Paper Cowgirl in June. And, as usual,
I am busy with digital design work.
Of course, I am loving the beautiful weather. Spring is so delightful.
I will post some photos soon of some of my new creations.
I hope you are enjoying a creative and joyful spring!
xo~Dale

~S~P~R~I~N~G~

Ah, springtime has arrived in the Dallas suburbs and not a minute too soon!
I am loving the warmer temperatures and the beautiful reawakening of the landscape.
On the weekends that lovely sound I adore fills the air...
the suburban symphony of lawnmowers... beautiful!!!
I so need to live where there is no winter, as it seems bound and determined to kill me.
I always feel like I am emerging from a battle when spring finally arrives.
So, enough of that... suffice to say, I am very glad for longer, sunny days!
I hope your little corner of the world is sunny and bright!
xoxo~Dale

It's on!

Yep, the sign-ups for Paper Cowgirl are underway!! If you are the artsy type please check out the class offerings for "The Best Little Art Retreat in Texas". The dates are June 24~27.
I am so excited about the class I'll be teaching... Queen of the Sea. There are some really amazing artists teaching at this retreat AND we always have frosting shots! What more could you want?
There are only 20 participants per class, so if you are interested, don't dawdle!
We'll be having a hot time in Texas come June!
And by the way~ little ole me created the Paper Cowgirl graphics!
xo~Dale

Éirinn go brách!

Green greetings, my friends!
St. Patrick's Day has dawned all bright and glorious
here in the Dallas suburbs. It is spring break and
my two younger kids are sleeping in and my house
is deliciously quiet!
I feel so glad that spring is nearly here!
As usual, winter tried to kill me, but I am almost ready
to say I have survived!
Hope your St. Patty's day is fun and perhaps you will find
a pot-o-gold at the end of the rainbow!

on dreams...

Sparklette Isabelle, originally uploaded by Sea Dream Studio.

What is the worth of dreams?
How do we place a value on something so ethereal?
My dreams guide my steps in ways both bold and subtle.
They define and inspire me.
Yes, I am a dreamer.
Aren't you?

Oh, where have I been?? Lost in the world of art and everyday life.

I finally decided on and completed the prototype for my Paper Cowgirl
class. I was in a creative cramp or something!! I am so excited to be
teaching at this fabulous art retreat for the 3rd year!
We will miss our dear, sweet Tina, but she will be our cowgirl angel.

If you are interested in signing up for Paper Cowgirl, please visit here
starting tomorrow. There are so many talented teachers this year. You're
sure to find a class or two that suits you.

And here's a peek at my project... Queen of the Sea~~~~

Yes, being the Queen of France was wonderful, but what Marie Antoinette
really longed to be was King Neptune's consort. The magical realm of the sea
spoke to her soul. Now you can grant Marie's wish by creating this enchanting shadowbox where Marie reigns as the Mermaid Empress of the Deep.
This 10" x 8" assemblage is displayed under glass and is lush with glittery shells, pearls
and sea flora and fauna. Participants will learn a flower-making technique
that can be applied to other projects.


Joining me are these fabulous gals~~~

Chantel Johnson - Inspirational Tag Book

Joanna Lewis - Feathered Friend Collage

Jennifer Stewat - 4th of July Banner

Deb Taylor - Covered Journal

Jennifer Babcock - Altered Bird Trinket Box

MendyMitrani - Digi Class

Ann-Denise Anderson Victorian Boots

Angela Berger - Shabby Classy Necklace

Laverne - "pocket" book

Cindy Gilstrap - La Petite Boutique Altered Canvas

Corrine Clark - French Paper Shoe

Sandra Feazel - Beeswax/Painted Canvas
Lisa - Mixed Media Tags

What gloom??

self portrait, originally uploaded by Sea Dream Studio.

Ah, this is a day for dreaming...
I have been in my studio making pretty things and ignoring the grey, grey skies. My work table is strewn with faux flowers, pearls, lace and rhinestones. My thoughts are happy ones of seaside memories~ like the astonishing night sky at Cape San Blas~ an endless spangled span that made me know that someone steers our journey with a loving hand.
Winter is still here, but buds are dreaming of the springtime sun, waiting until their season... soon, soon...

homemade springtime

Winter lingers and so I have taken matters into my own hands.
I am making piles of fabric flowers, heaps, small mountains.
Meanwhile this dreary season is getting a little old.
I am ready to kiss it good-bye.
Seriously, enough!

some days...

Do you ever feel like a dog in the back of a pickup truck? I do...

I wonder who's driving? Is he drunk? Where are we headed? Is there a map or a plan?

And why are we always so perilously close to the ditch?

Well anyway our snow is gone. Winter is still here. The foot of snow was pretty exciting, a real novelty here in Texas, but soon we were ready to retreat into our bubble domes.

And now I am thinking how nice it would be to travel to a sunny clime
and check into a swanky motel with a pool and an ice machine...
and maybe a futuristic antenna.

Or maybe a sea voyage is in order. I can be packed in an hour.

But I'm staying close to the lifeboats!

Everything feels a bit unsteady and I refuse

to go down with the ship!

Gotta' run! My ride's here.

We'll probably just go for a ride around the block,

stop for a hotdog and a Coke...

and look for signs of spring, like robins and tulips

and pink cars!

Happy Thursday! xo~Dale

wake me up!

snow!, originally uploaded by Sea Dream Studio.

Certainly this vision of white madness is a dream! I live in the Dallas suburbs... um, that would be in TEXAS... think drought, cactus, sunshine, HOT! What is this fresh hell that has befallen us????
Actually, it is SNOW! Record-breaking snowfall... nearly ten inches! How do you Yankees bear this all the time? It is cold, wet and cold.
But, so very magical and pretty and quiet. My daughter and I went to the old cemetery yesterday and took some photos. I'm fairly certain we walked over some folks, but it was not on purpose. The snow was already quite deep. It was beautiful there... and yes, quiet!
My palm trees are frowning at me and my parrot... he's in a mood!
My school-aged sons are in an altogether different sort of mood. Jubilant, I believe, is the word!
And we inch one day closer to spring.

hmmmm...

Is this mermaid weather?? I think not.
My palm trees are very sad.
My parrot is very sad.
My kids (who had to go to school)
are very sad.
It will be 85 in Tortola today. The Sir Francis Drake channel will be calm and impossibly blue.
But, even this mermaid must confess that a snow day had a certain quiet charm. It is a fine day to spend in my studio. And it is one day closer to spring.
xo~Dale

winter Monday

winged, originally uploaded by Sea Dream Studio.

Today is a typical winter day in north Texas... grey, cold and wet~ one of those "not fit for man nor beast" sort of days. I am unlikely to venture out into the gloom. I can't think of a thing that would lure me, except for a conveyance ready to transport me to a sunlit, seaside locale.
Even my sweet birds are quiet today. I doubt my feathered friends, with their tropical origins, are too very keen on this weather either.
I am going to play in my studio today. I need color and light, some beauty, the quiet joy that creating brings.
"Rain is grace; rain is the sky condescending to the earth; without rain, there would be no life. ~ John Updike

the cure...

So, I am thinking I have found the remedy for what ails me... a sunset dinner on a lovely beach.
I can hear the gentle surf and feel the powdery sand beneath my feet.
In reality, I'm actually feeling a bit better this morning. I am seeing a light at the end of the tunnel!
I am feeling the need to drag myself into my sweet new studio and play with some vintage lace and buttons and glitter. I think that is a very good sign! Maybe I'll even get dressed! LOL! No promises, though. I have a very cute new nightgown that looks enough like a dress to carry me through the day. ;)
And to heck with that silly groundhog and his dire predictions for 6 more weeks of winter. Here in Texas we do our own thing. Bee Cave Bob (a rather handsome) armadillo did NOT see his shadow and we are expecting an early spring!! read all about it here
So, today I am dreaming of buttercups and hyacinths and a candlelight dinner on this beautiful beach.
Hope your Wednesday is peaceful.
xo~Dale

blah...

You know, I really am a very positive person. I look on the bright side, but I am really getting beat down by 2010. Right now I am sick with my 3rd cold since Christmas. Good grief! I realize that a cold is nothing to whine about, but I really do want to feel better!
On a positive note, my studio space is looking adorable. As soon as I feel like creating something I'll be in there working away. I have spent the past 2 days on my sofa. My youngest son is sick, too. Poor kid.
So, my blog is very boring right now. Hopefully I'll be well and back in the swing of things soon!
xo~Dale

be happy

be happy, originally uploaded by Sea Dream Studio.

Why not?
Life throws so many wacky things at us, tries to kill us, seems to delight in our misfortunes... but, that's the way it goes. So I have learned to seek silver linings and ignore (as best I can) the inevitable turd in the punch bowl.
So far 2010 has been a series of calamities, garnished with some truly heartbreaking events for me personally and also in the world. But through it all I have seen the most amazing evidence of love and compassion. And that is a beautiful thing.

making progress

Today I worked on my new studio space and it is starting to come together!
I still have lots to do (and a piano to sell!), but I've made a lot of progress.

I am so grateful for this place where I can create.
Tomorrow the kids will be back at school so I hope
to make great strides. If you're in the neighborhood
feel free to drop by and help me move some more supplies! ;)
xoxo~Dale

I love parrots

I love parrots, originally uploaded by Sea Dream Studio.

I only have one, my quaker parrot, Mojo, but I think parrots are amazing!
Mojo has a great vocabulary and a very distinct and engaging personality. I love his chatter, his "quaker squawk"~ not so much! But between Mojo and my daughter's sweet parakeets (Alice and Conrad)
our house is filled with birdsong and sass. And it makes me smile!

It is a beautiful morning here in suburbia. I am moving my studio downstairs and it is coming together! I'll be glad when the "heavy lifting" is done and I can start to pretty it up! I am looking forward to working in this great space that is flooded with delicious morning sunshine!

I am so grateful for this day. I am thinking of Martin Luther King and his work and message.
Hope springs eternal!
Love one other, my friends!
xo~Dale

just breathe

just breathe, originally uploaded by Sea Dream Studio.

My studio is in limbo right now. I have a piano to deal with before I can move in. And I hesitate to embark on any projects until I am in my new space. But I really need to create. I need to go to that quiet place inside where the world retreats a bit and I begin to feel peaceful.
Making art soothes my soul in a way that is so natural and sweet that it feels nearly preordained. There is a feeling of clarity, of rightness that I find to be one of the truest joys of my life.
My heart breaks for the suffering in Haiti, for the family of dear Tina, for all of the brokenness in the world.
And that is why I need a moment to make something beautiful, to remind my heart that flowers still bloom by dusty roadsides and mothers hold their babies like the wondrous gifts they are. I need to think about love and hope and the kindness that binds us all to one another.
Tomorrow I will create and be filled with gratitude for the privilege of knowing my heart's safe harbor.
xo~Dale

sunrise, prayers and money...

It is a beautiful morning in suburbia. But for the people of Haiti this day is one of despair as they are faced with the aftermath of a 7.5 earthquake. Please pray for them and if possible donate to the American Red Cross international relief fund

Also musician Wyclef Jean's blog has a link to donate to his Haitian Relief organization through your cell phone...
http://wyclefjean.wordpress.com/

This extremely impoverished island nation was still rebuilding after being hit by 4 major hurricanes in 2008. Their infrastructure is sketchy. Housing is ticky-tacky and the people struggle in the best of times. This is a tragedy of major porportions. Even the money you might plan to spend today on lunch, a new blouse or a manicure would help. If you live in the United States the odds are you are living a better life than these people.

Count your blessing and pay it forward.

xoxo~Dale

yes, yes, yes!!

Oh, I am sooooo glad that I bought the 3 year warranty for my laptop! While it is being repaired I have a great loaner... basically the same m0del I have, but a newer version. I could just keep this one. Really, it is pretty much identical except this one has Windows 7 and I have Vista (damnit!).
So, now perhaps I can get busy. Computer problems are such a time suck.
I am way behind on moving my studio crap.
BUT, above all I am happy that it is warmer and I am alive and spring is getting closer every day!
It's all good!
xo~Dale

breathe deeply...

So, my laptop has mange or TB or something. It is acting like a fool, throwing up blue screens and ugly messages. And I love that thing like a real live baby! Just got off the phone with HP (they have great suppot!). I am 9 days out of manufacturer's warranty... HILLARIOUS, huh!!?? But (and I can't believe I am going to say this) thankfully it is a hardware issue and should be covered by my extended warranty purchased from Frys... The thought of LEAVING my laptop for them to repair is giving me hives, but I must soldier on. So, I am off to Frys, a very dangerous place for a gadget gal like me! I could live there... and actually might while they work on my baby!

We are having more reasonable weather, so I am not dreading going out. That cold snap was insane. Very tough for mermaids and small green parrots! Mojo and I were way out of our tropical comfort zone!

Hope your day is laden with sunshine and fully functional electronics!

xo~Dale