tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82197128096317163032024-02-07T15:42:52.647-05:00Artful MusingsThere will be days of joy and days of sorrow but may there always be days of soulful creation and introspection.
email me! patsypf@hotmail.compattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01031482508300053815noreply@blogger.comBlogger206125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8219712809631716303.post-16999375554193127552012-05-08T17:36:00.000-04:002012-05-08T17:36:51.372-04:00Vintage Bounty..................<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw3T1lczIGukD3Uo9ZlFyCJq57J7iuvmxDtmxn_XHZJWb52SuH5ciuLjzoYYZIJcoVz4p8cXaH2XE4FCh1EGi0bS0nVniCq8DIiiZKc1LH1x6B3EpXEfHvTG7NY7WHGoMauAVxUp_-qadz/s1600/Vintage+Bounty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw3T1lczIGukD3Uo9ZlFyCJq57J7iuvmxDtmxn_XHZJWb52SuH5ciuLjzoYYZIJcoVz4p8cXaH2XE4FCh1EGi0bS0nVniCq8DIiiZKc1LH1x6B3EpXEfHvTG7NY7WHGoMauAVxUp_-qadz/s320/Vintage+Bounty.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>I haven't gone to the beauty parlor since last August. At that point I had my beautician give me a few highlights and a trim. My hair has gotten quite long by now and as of this morning was sporting a number of split ends. Torn between "hey, it's all going to fall out anyway" and wanting to feel good about what I see in the mirror right now, I found myself walking into a Bo Rics today. I thought a rather inexpensive trim might serve as a good compromise for the time being. I didn't want to get highlights as I'm worried about further damaging my hair before the chemo onslaught. <br />
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Another reason for going to an unfamiliar place was that I didn't want to have to go through the whole story again with yet another acquaintance. As the lady cutting my hair went about her business, she began telling me about all of the specials they have coming up on highlights and conditioning. Clearly she thought (and rightfully so) that my hair is in need of far more than just a trim :) I finally had to explain to her why I wasn't going to be needing any more treatments in the near future thus defeating the whole purpose for my going there in the first place.<br />
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But life is funny and God moves in mysterious ways. The lady cutting my hair was quiet for a minute and then she began telling me that she had a cancer scare herself a year ago. She regrets having told anyone about it, because she noticed that people began treating her differently once she revealed her diagnosis. The thing is, I've noticed the same thing. There are people I've heard from and there are people that have avoided contacting me. I'm sure it's a matter of not knowing what to say. <br />
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There is no doubt that the people in my life care about what happens to me. I don't want to feel isolated though. I usually work these things out by myself. But it's different this time. I need human contact in order to feel as though I'm still a part of the human race. I just know that I'm going to approach this kind of news about my loved ones and friends differently in the future having experienced it first hand. When I've recovered......................pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01031482508300053815noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8219712809631716303.post-3167536939513182232012-05-07T09:54:00.001-04:002012-05-08T17:01:19.929-04:00Life is Good..................i hope<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhksbkKHq2XUjv6T3zfTB9M1_CaLpkVyhwB7Y_V4FevIK9rmaEGyMg1iPYv3vLqs4UIdnlCmTWi_ATNvg8c6r3kFuLu_siF-BlnIQkzwBILgG2TP-Tglaa3jyKdCNPGpLxS2nE_mxQtUQNI/s1600/DSC_2594r-blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhksbkKHq2XUjv6T3zfTB9M1_CaLpkVyhwB7Y_V4FevIK9rmaEGyMg1iPYv3vLqs4UIdnlCmTWi_ATNvg8c6r3kFuLu_siF-BlnIQkzwBILgG2TP-Tglaa3jyKdCNPGpLxS2nE_mxQtUQNI/s320/DSC_2594r-blog.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>I created this piece just a month ago when "life was truly good". My art life was beginning to pick up, I was expanding my network of art friends, and my volunteerism was settling into a nice routine. Goodness, things have a way of blindsiding you when you least expect it.<br />
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That's not true, I always expect life to throw curves my way and I still get blindsided when it happens! Hmmmm...what does that say about me? That I'm a hopeless optimist? Even now, with this nasty diagnosis hanging over my head, I'm filling out art show applications, planning for my winter shows, and generally thinking about the future.<br />
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Part of me has many moments of fear throughout the the day, but part of me wants to believe that I will get through this, that I will see my future grandchildren, that I will grow old with my husband, and that I will have the chance to live an artful life....................pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01031482508300053815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8219712809631716303.post-23137583005678825242012-05-03T18:21:00.001-04:002012-05-07T09:55:57.831-04:00They.................<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ever Wonder Who "They" Are?</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">We hear it all the time: "they say you shouldn't wear white before Memorial Day" or "they say that chocolate is bad for you". The idea of some universal panel of experts falling under the heading of "they" has always annoyed me. I've never been very good at listening to what "they" say. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">I've always heard that "they" said that living a kind and noble life, avoiding excess alcohol, cigarettes, and illegal drugs would result in a long and healthy run at this existence. Wrong again "they". I found out that I have cancer. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">I know that there are certain phases that "they" say I will go through to deal with this new curve ball. I am in day three of having this diagnosis. I've already gone through extreme sadness, self-pity, guilt, anger, and utter determination. I'm not sure how many phases there are in all, but I seem to be discovering them at a rapid clip. I'm fairly certain that I will not only find myself dealing with new feelings, but that I will revisit the ones I've been hurtling through. Deal with them I will though. I initially found myself completely paralyzed unable to even form coherent thoughts. Well that sh----- just ain't gonna fly (as my oldest would say)!!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">I'm going to follow my crazy thoughts on this blog and post photos of the art that comes out of this experience as long as I can. In the meantime, I am happy to accept any positive thoughts that float out into the universe on my behalf. And as far as "they" are concerned, I'm out! Take your opinions elsewhere :)......................</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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</tbody></table>pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01031482508300053815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8219712809631716303.post-4906415629555105472012-04-16T17:07:00.000-04:002012-04-16T17:07:07.801-04:00The Joys of Swapping!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1zQeWnperWFoR_yX-chCcuzVuOZfXPiKBEb055AR-brwOn-xL1UCrw2iLy7JJz0_FDYW-tVRywJgpmgW9QQB5Ia-7NCGzSCThMlzmKRw-nu4pORPOriUux5fPnUAL6TJYF5VNGxAtTqut/s1600/Veronica+4-14+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1zQeWnperWFoR_yX-chCcuzVuOZfXPiKBEb055AR-brwOn-xL1UCrw2iLy7JJz0_FDYW-tVRywJgpmgW9QQB5Ia-7NCGzSCThMlzmKRw-nu4pORPOriUux5fPnUAL6TJYF5VNGxAtTqut/s320/Veronica+4-14+blog.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I have a friend in Virginia Beach that I have never met! Veronica and I found each other through Blog Spot several years ago and have been art swapping buddies ever since. We take turns setting a theme for the swap and then we give each other a couple of months to complete the challenge. As artists, we have very different styles and yet we both come from a strong love of mixed media. I learn so much from Veronica and the things she sends me. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Her art is bright, lively, cheerful and generous. I take something away from each and every piece. In addition to sending me awesome art pieces, Veronica is a supportive friend who is always willing to offer an ear when needed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> I love swapping with my internet buddy and am grateful for the trick of fate that brought us together.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Thank you Veronica!!</div>pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01031482508300053815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8219712809631716303.post-81068577432280703122012-04-06T17:39:00.000-04:002012-04-06T17:39:05.543-04:00Coastal Retreat..........................<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZDbZRmJAQFmhgUF-raFzseyk4og9TZv0J-D07XHxlwmuNsaJLQJQVqIuDQhFMwXO-e_ndL3X1wIq847ow5RfPQPWMZkXLtSfXdGqTeHcXYp7F4MlBHXii6nB_qvQRx_qSiobZGuRtbKSK/s1600/DSC_2604r-blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZDbZRmJAQFmhgUF-raFzseyk4og9TZv0J-D07XHxlwmuNsaJLQJQVqIuDQhFMwXO-e_ndL3X1wIq847ow5RfPQPWMZkXLtSfXdGqTeHcXYp7F4MlBHXii6nB_qvQRx_qSiobZGuRtbKSK/s320/DSC_2604r-blog.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Okay, it's true. I am retired. So why is it, that this time of year still makes me think about vacations and get aways? I feel the need to get out of dodge, rest, relax, and feel the ocean or lake between my toes. Had a retiree given me this speech while I was still teaching full time, I would have listened politely but secretly chosen a view colorful phrases as I thought about how a retired person could possibly "need" a vacation!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">I now have a different perspective. Fearful of being bored and lonely when I first stopped working, I quickly found a number of volunteer opportunities that would insure continued interaction with the human race. In addition to running my art business, I volunteer for three separate organizations. On top of that, are all of the typical events that arise when one is part of an extended family and I actually find myself having to schedule "studio" time to be sure I tend to my business. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">I'm not complaining about any of it. I love my new life! I'm simply acknowledging that even now I am busy and exhausted. In short, I need a vacation; much like my two little baby bird friends above who have recently flown to the coast for a little r & r..............................</div>pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01031482508300053815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8219712809631716303.post-58617155339010112472012-03-29T12:32:00.000-04:002012-03-29T12:32:43.390-04:00The Gift of Time................<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb56lTcksDxwWXcdZ7q5lIJOdm6Xy21Z7s_8ViSPYMjn2hj_JeTvZkSSGxPTDziMs3k3-uc3ttwgU1aVjSbliknQ3bcceye9ka1jQRKDlY2JpaiWMsMA73QSHlYnUmL6BcHYlwcQAtw2gz/s1600/DSC_2606r-blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb56lTcksDxwWXcdZ7q5lIJOdm6Xy21Z7s_8ViSPYMjn2hj_JeTvZkSSGxPTDziMs3k3-uc3ttwgU1aVjSbliknQ3bcceye9ka1jQRKDlY2JpaiWMsMA73QSHlYnUmL6BcHYlwcQAtw2gz/s320/DSC_2606r-blog.jpg" width="294" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace; text-align: justify;">I often used this phrase when discussing possible retention issues with parents of my students. Concerns ranged from little ones identified as late bloomers in certain subject areas such as reading to an overall immaturity that could possibly impact successful completion of the following grade level. My intention was to assist parents in accepting the additional time needed for their child to mature as a gift that they were bestowing upon him/her as opposed to an academic delay equating with punishment. The debate goes on in public schools as to the validity of academic retention vs chronological promotion at any cost. I don't know the answer and thankfully I don't have to make that all important call anymore. I do know that the children (and there are less than a handful ) who were retained under my tutelage, had very positive experiences as a result of the decision. In fact one young lady who repeated first grade with me and is now a married mother of one, maintains contact and expresses her appreciation for the "gift of time" I gave her.</div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">These days, the gift of time concept has a completely different meaning for me. Two years ago, after much soul searching and debate, my husband agreed to bestow such a gift on me by supporting my early retirement and subsequent new career as an artist. I so appreciate his understanding of my need to do this for myself. I gave public education 32 years of my life, dedicating long hours, personal monies, and total commitment to the cause of educating our young people. In addition, I raised two beautiful young men and am now an empty nester. This is my time and I hope to spend it wisely as well as creatively. The above piece is dedicated to my husband for his complete support..............................</span></div>pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01031482508300053815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8219712809631716303.post-71468406911502917522012-02-09T19:24:00.000-05:002012-02-09T19:24:25.161-05:00The Doll Factory..............<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3CrFRHCvRph_x3RYjZM3tqdIwkJbkQ5X7aI8V0gktmFrQIJS7dkNAHExHt9JBE3xhSQx_VvLENxHfS2Xt0FcwMUwFezRaX3dXSpeSTnQHkYlkPf47W6PjmPam0P_hMncrt-xlcIv2-zoJ/s1600/DSC_2511r-blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3CrFRHCvRph_x3RYjZM3tqdIwkJbkQ5X7aI8V0gktmFrQIJS7dkNAHExHt9JBE3xhSQx_VvLENxHfS2Xt0FcwMUwFezRaX3dXSpeSTnQHkYlkPf47W6PjmPam0P_hMncrt-xlcIv2-zoJ/s320/DSC_2511r-blog.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">There's something fascinating about shadow boxes. The little nooks and crannies that invite you in to discover treasures hidden when viewed from afar. I like to think of them as different rooms in a mysterious house. </div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">When I was little, my grandparents owned a home in Detroit. It was a bungalow in a very old neighborhood. The upstairs attic was a typical bungalow "peaked" room that had all of these amazing little passageways and storage areas at a child's height. The room was painted robin's egg blue and had hard wood floors. I remember the room smelling of old paint and furniture wax. </div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">My grandparents kept a large steamer trunk up there which held treasures from their travels over seas (boy would I love to get my hands on that trunk now!) The front of the room (directly under the peak) had a small window with a chair in front of it. I loved looking out that window directly into the trees that stood in front of the house. I thought it was magical. </div><br />
The doll factory shadow box was inspired by that room....................pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01031482508300053815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8219712809631716303.post-42784658375633542462012-01-30T13:23:00.000-05:002012-01-30T13:23:43.946-05:00Quiet Moments.............<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicEm4NifNHt4ZnGHhr5vgwNATMvMR_wJHS79sKCqvIU21u1vs2v4WXIVJ3eewSw3PmneztpOfb-tVbub3OR4236n2c8hOUo8GUG7nngtvmmNkVkOn-IkyLYG8v3zgXdCKNrOp7UdvkzfOk/s1600/DSC_2474r-blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicEm4NifNHt4ZnGHhr5vgwNATMvMR_wJHS79sKCqvIU21u1vs2v4WXIVJ3eewSw3PmneztpOfb-tVbub3OR4236n2c8hOUo8GUG7nngtvmmNkVkOn-IkyLYG8v3zgXdCKNrOp7UdvkzfOk/s320/DSC_2474r-blog.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>My thoughts typically turn to birds, nesting, and Spring while in the grip of a Michigan winter. As a result, my art heads in the same direction. With <i>Quiet Moments</i>, I envision a soft Spring morning with gentle breezes rocking the cozy little nest suspended from a branch. Mama bird is watching from a lower perch and all seems right with the world. These thoughts calm me as I look out the window at my snow encrusted world.<br />
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This assemblage consists of an old box mounted to a piece of exotic wood, collaged with vintage and decorative papers, and adorned with natural elements such as a maple branch, moss, natural fibers, fleece, and found metal. Enjoy!pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01031482508300053815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8219712809631716303.post-8759543867376825172011-10-23T14:59:00.000-04:002011-10-23T14:59:45.779-04:00Dia de los Muertos...........<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhCQ34t9yWWYOheXf_Qga32HGdsa3jDVa7MSQLCWNmmdSm1pLUgDmwvuC_iygxPwZQpxzooO_g4U6rFQgiZ2XwhX1ihZvzPs-F50EGZate2JNg6ppcic5-_rAJDn-fQN_zIPDz-a8Zig4e/s1600/dod+ladies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhCQ34t9yWWYOheXf_Qga32HGdsa3jDVa7MSQLCWNmmdSm1pLUgDmwvuC_iygxPwZQpxzooO_g4U6rFQgiZ2XwhX1ihZvzPs-F50EGZate2JNg6ppcic5-_rAJDn-fQN_zIPDz-a8Zig4e/s320/dod+ladies.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>What a wonderful holiday! Lots of color, music, and light celebrating the souls of those who have gone before us! I find it much more acceptable than wearing all black and feeling sad (that's not to say I haven't done both, but the Day of the Dead approach is what I aspire to!) :)pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01031482508300053815noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8219712809631716303.post-70974778438273003572011-10-21T14:27:00.000-04:002011-10-21T14:27:32.373-04:00Doll Hospital...................Tis the season! I'm doing a show this weekend with a decidedly "Day of Dead" / Halloween theme. I found some really creepy doll pictures, an old grocery box, shutter slats, the metal siding of a vintage wash board, rusty metal, and raggedy jute twine and turned it all into a doll hospital from the<br />
dark side :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD6NUVDVrsa3q2fu8dhlrlyI4tQyZQwgK_eJNFnVx_Bi1IpS1mjfnnvz7yXhyLaAtKi78BsqWfnFoHj7YGjsDky3GWPOdcYajnZ0WkYBBl0lKSZeHvRRvn-voRKHkUbwArXmZL6FOA7O4p/s1600/doll+hospital.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD6NUVDVrsa3q2fu8dhlrlyI4tQyZQwgK_eJNFnVx_Bi1IpS1mjfnnvz7yXhyLaAtKi78BsqWfnFoHj7YGjsDky3GWPOdcYajnZ0WkYBBl0lKSZeHvRRvn-voRKHkUbwArXmZL6FOA7O4p/s320/doll+hospital.jpg" width="202" /></a></div>pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01031482508300053815noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8219712809631716303.post-40812727712056089492011-09-26T14:16:00.000-04:002011-09-26T14:16:29.172-04:00Courtship.............<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA33xSWH2Cc9FWLId3XA2ECjmZYGlFvCUpwC2aMybQS_r4E43sHITIMdInhI_rKR2gq9e6fKXlecwKoHgsLzZZ2u_irrmwhuvwAnqNGL-NLJgZvlqub0sP919gs7BISzF5Hc0WUb-valYx/s1600/Courtship+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA33xSWH2Cc9FWLId3XA2ECjmZYGlFvCUpwC2aMybQS_r4E43sHITIMdInhI_rKR2gq9e6fKXlecwKoHgsLzZZ2u_irrmwhuvwAnqNGL-NLJgZvlqub0sP919gs7BISzF5Hc0WUb-valYx/s320/Courtship+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>One of my favorite themes revolves around the observance of Day of the Dead.<br />
<br />
Wikipedia Definition: <i>People go to cemeteries to be with the souls of the departed and build private altars containing the favorite foods and beverages as well as photos and memorabilia of the departed. The intent is to encourage visits by the souls, so that the souls will hear the prayers and the comments of the living directed to them. Celebrations can take a humorous tone, as celebrants remember funny events and anecdotes about the departed.</i><br />
<br />
I love the humor associated with this celebration! The holiday embraces all of the things that I hold dear, respect for the past, respect for family both present and deceased, creativity, vibrant color, and humor. I have often used skeletal images in my art work and since learning of D of D, I feel as though my fondness for these images has come full circle. An upcoming art show in Ferndale will focus on my D of D art. Some people find my work to be "creepy" or "Tim Burton-like" (an honor of course). I'm hoping to spread the word about this annual observance, to gain understanding and to encourage others to learn about this wonderfully rich tradition.<i></i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>The following are some excellent websites that will provide basic information about The Day of the Dead tradition:</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
http://www.dayofthedead.com/<br />
http://www.azcentral.com/ent/dead/articles/dead-history.htmlpattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01031482508300053815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8219712809631716303.post-92207645834190891632011-09-01T11:52:00.002-04:002011-09-01T11:53:00.508-04:00The Learning Curve..............<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVmEhNxNqQ47O_61T6yu3Zec0hMW-n8cuzOKgM8z0Vtm4qIVtaHgJcbIhXpLlUtGis2LG9SDaf3Wc1UOqauPOCZ4SQKNKYza8vUivnovk8uERq10vznH7idsg2M7lw3siWPaXIwrUHBq4t/s1600/box+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVmEhNxNqQ47O_61T6yu3Zec0hMW-n8cuzOKgM8z0Vtm4qIVtaHgJcbIhXpLlUtGis2LG9SDaf3Wc1UOqauPOCZ4SQKNKYza8vUivnovk8uERq10vznH7idsg2M7lw3siWPaXIwrUHBq4t/s320/box+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
With every new endeavor, there is a learning curve, right? Well my fledgling art business has sent me a few whopping curves this summer. Instead of frustrating me though (okay, maybe I've been a <span style="font-size: large;">little</span> frustrated) I'm looking at each encounter as an opportunity to grow. Most of that isn't true but sounded like something I <i>should</i> be saying. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkQxsZfOlz9tuNsLyebygsqRUnbpAhfw1QWxyEsAuoddiI01hRcTaWv7wBCVEsDtkMyaH9SVmJKVWoqrHw5KUDHoOEijLjAabPyzrDi7Hbjsj-Yfjccqg0CY_Go9L6zNDTmGiGqSBuFjsw/s1600/DSC_9286r-blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkQxsZfOlz9tuNsLyebygsqRUnbpAhfw1QWxyEsAuoddiI01hRcTaWv7wBCVEsDtkMyaH9SVmJKVWoqrHw5KUDHoOEijLjAabPyzrDi7Hbjsj-Yfjccqg0CY_Go9L6zNDTmGiGqSBuFjsw/s200/DSC_9286r-blog.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
Case in point: I have been blessed with a small following of fans in Australia, a continent that I have longed to explore and hope to someday cross off of my bucket list. My Australian followers are supportive and kind and wonderful. The Australian postal system, however, not so much!!! One lovely follower ordered a piece I assembled called "The Condo". I love this piece and was very proud to send it to her. The problem? The piece is 24 inches high. Thus began my three month sojourn to the post office. It's not that my post office is so very far away, it's just that I made the trip a total of eight times. Each time I went, the postal worker would tell me that the postage rate was more than the last time I came. The hoops I had to jump through were unbelievable and ended with a postage due of 783.00!! Truly NOT worth it for my artwork! By the time I had to return the box to my vehicle for the eighth time, I was in tears. My follower, however was not to be daunted.<br />
<br />
She then suggested that I disassemble my piece and pack it into a smaller box (the box size, not the weight being the primary problem with the postal system). Now I'm a nervous wreck. Take it apart? I had worked quite hard to ensure it's never coming apart when I initially constructed the piece. To make long story short, that is exactly what I did. It then packed in a much smaller container and off it went to Australia. Four weeks later, I received an email from my customer who exclaimed it had arrived intact and was already assembled and sitting on her table. Heavy, heavy sigh of relief!!!!!!! Again, a huge learning curve but one I am truly grateful for having experienced :)pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01031482508300053815noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8219712809631716303.post-7289384920217774832011-07-26T21:22:00.000-04:002011-07-26T21:22:47.647-04:00Lynne Whipple Workshop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1OQjmS4Gv9A7bjJFhmAvKDyflPu0gI1gUULBGrexkhwXMtjAu1BM26hbRFziNjGnq6Qk2JUn-4RHgE2M6sZa5mxXJ8S_U40Z0EhcG92G5DPTZ3PZxhBeCWhHmaOA0YxnSGlG82x2kyXxa/s1600/Whipple+Workshop-blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1OQjmS4Gv9A7bjJFhmAvKDyflPu0gI1gUULBGrexkhwXMtjAu1BM26hbRFziNjGnq6Qk2JUn-4RHgE2M6sZa5mxXJ8S_U40Z0EhcG92G5DPTZ3PZxhBeCWhHmaOA0YxnSGlG82x2kyXxa/s320/Whipple+Workshop-blog.jpg" width="272" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I was fortunate enough recently to take a workshop conducted by nationally known mixed media artist Lynne Whipple. Lynne and her husband (an outstanding artist in his own right) held a collage workshop in downtown Ann Arbor last week hosted by <i>Found</i> (a wonderful little shop in Kerrytown which specializes in art and found objects just waiting to be turned into art). </div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"> My art journey in recent years began with collage and eventually evolved into assemblage. I signed up for the workshop in an attempt to return to my roots. I wanted to revisit the techniques I had used in early journals and collage efforts. This is a particularly turbulent time in my life as my son is shortly getting married and I have been hip deep in launching my art business. I thought that a lovely collage course taught on a sunny Saturday afternoon in one of my favorite cities would be soothing for my stressed soul, a balm to my raw emotions sorta speak.......</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Well, I couldn't have been more wrong. Ms. Whipple's techniques along with the persistence of her talented husband had me so on edge by noon, that I nearly use the lunch break to jump in my car and go home! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The problem? The techniques being taught to me were so far out of my comfort zone, that I became increasingly agitated. I had a beautiful collage assembled on canvas. It was well composed, interesting, and whimsical. In short, it was exactly like many other pieces I have made over the years. Once I had completed it, the peace and calm I had achieved while pulling it together was instantly shattered. John Whipple came to my table and instructed me to edit my collage by painting over most of it with white paint! What? Cover my collage?? He then took particular interest in me as he sensed my reluctance to "let go" of the tried and true. Each time I tried something new at his insistence, he would come over and challenge me to do something else. A soothing balm? not even close! But, a wonderful, frightening, agitating, exhilarating experience? Absolutely! Thank you Lynne and John!</div>pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01031482508300053815noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8219712809631716303.post-25168849200816505032011-07-11T14:22:00.000-04:002011-07-11T14:22:32.202-04:00Rust Belt Market................<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2M_0Yjs_3-q5lDo26hSOLEwgsNBz9y2ClmoijID5GlfwNbeAXSuKOP4Inj2zHUM4BZEDDxE60e7hA9KYgvlsEg3krIkuKayOVvc8Kpi6uh5uh5Tq64JYYGD61YfNt5xho7aniVWoDsC5i/s1600/DSC_9293r-blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2M_0Yjs_3-q5lDo26hSOLEwgsNBz9y2ClmoijID5GlfwNbeAXSuKOP4Inj2zHUM4BZEDDxE60e7hA9KYgvlsEg3krIkuKayOVvc8Kpi6uh5uh5Tq64JYYGD61YfNt5xho7aniVWoDsC5i/s320/DSC_9293r-blog.jpg" width="276" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Well, I had my first market showing this weekend. I was so nervous! It's been a year since I decided to retire from teaching and embark upon an art career. The year was fraught with ups and downs, including financial adjustments, empty nest syndrome, a house fire, and a total remodel. Two studios later, I was finally able to spend two solid months creating and finding my creative voice. Though I've received positive feedback from family, friends, gallery exhibits, and my contemporaries at Loving Mixed Media, this past weekend was my first public exposure to all I've done. </div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"> The most rewarding part of the whole experience, was the feedback I received from the artisans working the same market. It was so rewarding to meet other artists who understood me and appreciated my work. They were encouraging and supportive. In addition to that, they bought lots of my stuff! I would say that the public opinion was overwhelmingly positive as well. I did receive four comments that I took the time to write down because I found them amusing:</div><ul><li>"Oh wow! This stuff is soooo creepy.....but in a sweet way!"</li>
<li>"Ooooh, this is totally morbid......but cool ...I guess"</li>
<li>"This all reminds me of Tim Burton and Beetlejuice!"</li>
<li>"Oh wow! I'm really creeped out here"</li>
</ul><div style="text-align: justify;">These four comments were definitely in the minority, so I didn't take offense. At the end of the second day, a gentleman came and spent a great deal of time looking at everything I had done and then he very quietly came over to me and said, "I really like all of the decisions you've made" and then he walked away! I thanked him and said that was the nicest thing anyone had ever said to me! I know he was referring to my art, but it almost felt like a very cosmic affirmation of the decision I had made to pursue art at this point in my life. It was very cool................</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The above piece was sold at the market to a woman celebrating her tenth year free of breast cancer. She loved the sense of Hope in my piece, what an extraordinary compliment!</div>pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01031482508300053815noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8219712809631716303.post-18406101651912742942011-07-06T16:29:00.000-04:002011-07-06T16:29:18.142-04:00In the garden...........<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3wdJMvbUye0YFA5aWtRbjnyw_FUhRMq0OiO9lAthvY2BtYD_SmQ9ft2unAMTH8jNA0fwW7jJByqYj6K-RHTBI9BM0cf9lP0kviTexZgu7WoGcVQ5qz32sf0xOgnS1BXumovcdIrPyXfA0/s1600/In+the+Garden+-Muse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3wdJMvbUye0YFA5aWtRbjnyw_FUhRMq0OiO9lAthvY2BtYD_SmQ9ft2unAMTH8jNA0fwW7jJByqYj6K-RHTBI9BM0cf9lP0kviTexZgu7WoGcVQ5qz32sf0xOgnS1BXumovcdIrPyXfA0/s320/In+the+Garden+-Muse.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">One of my favorite things about this medium (assemblage) is the journey. I love walking around my garage, my garden, or my art room looking at all of the bits and pieces that I (along with my family and friends) have collected with an eye towards putting them to use in a future project. On days when I am very lucky, something will jump out at me (though I may have passed it many times before without a similar reaction) and I will know exactly what to do with it. </div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">I have often heard people refer to their "muse". I'm not sure what that means, but I will say that something definitely comes over me when I look at a piece of discarded metal or a block of wood and realize that it is the "perfect" fit for the piece I am working on at the time. Is that what a "muse" is? </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">My brother recently told me that he can't figure out how I come up with my ideas. He loves my work but having come from the same gene pool is at a loss as to where I get my inspiration from. I can only pray that it continues to guide me as I love what I do and would be bereft if the "muse" ever left for good. The above piece, "In the Garden" is assembled with broken garden fixtures, vintage door handles, exotic wood, flea market doll head, old faucet handles, and found wire.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">PS I will be showing my work at the Rust Belt Market in Ferndale this weekend!</div><div style="text-align: justify;">http://rustbeltmarket.com/ </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01031482508300053815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8219712809631716303.post-48255570037534789382011-06-28T12:29:00.000-04:002011-06-28T12:29:13.394-04:00The Backyard Diva............<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlbEeNguYm4qk_7GoEre1vKZLkLOCDOL385Clue_ypzqTyCSliurfUG-BGABd544AUQuRnAsuGFNqPODayM055ZAbKYWz38vI_3VQWO-Kx-xYbifdugQArBM_9tjgq8uYFVSNXm_SQ3nAA/s1600/Backyard+Diva-Muse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlbEeNguYm4qk_7GoEre1vKZLkLOCDOL385Clue_ypzqTyCSliurfUG-BGABd544AUQuRnAsuGFNqPODayM055ZAbKYWz38vI_3VQWO-Kx-xYbifdugQArBM_9tjgq8uYFVSNXm_SQ3nAA/s320/Backyard+Diva-Muse.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">My wonderful son is working on a landscaping crew this summer. They are responsible for clearing vacant and abandoned lots in a rather large city near us. Within a week of beginning this job, my son had every member of the landscaping crew (including the owner) picking up trash for his mother. Soon, I received crates full of rusted metal, discarded landscaping materials, and even broken toys. While some of the members of my son's crew may not completely understand why his crazy mom wants this stuff, they have been more than willing to join the cause!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The above piece is a tribute to my son and his work friends. It is composed of rusted metal, discarded landscape materials, acrylic paint, and found wire.</div>pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01031482508300053815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8219712809631716303.post-81834055007961660882011-06-23T01:12:00.000-04:002011-06-23T01:12:37.953-04:00Out of Time.........<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaQ_epbFdGymFyyTxfl39d9FMdyKMDOhBqyd42DoxoqdyNKQFg0X42qeBUEhqVT9Oes1gWOnKDBskQX85Vrdl1pn0UDssAYiilhlUHSUHk6huSKhZQ8c3rpzDcx0YCg_Bztg1eM3QKewRP/s1600/DSC_9341r-blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaQ_epbFdGymFyyTxfl39d9FMdyKMDOhBqyd42DoxoqdyNKQFg0X42qeBUEhqVT9Oes1gWOnKDBskQX85Vrdl1pn0UDssAYiilhlUHSUHk6huSKhZQ8c3rpzDcx0YCg_Bztg1eM3QKewRP/s320/DSC_9341r-blog.jpg" width="305" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjhWG7Nnl9gOaJOXdrepGrQp6F8yDu6Qadf7F7065f2_r2IV02TEEzLbTTaA8dfQ2xtwH8GZNUIDCf-RehaKvDHkvOtpiBG27VOvlUUFOKCygqDrJKnpYxThtoxVphge0xfC5CdeMx4Bod/s1600/DSC_9335r-blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjhWG7Nnl9gOaJOXdrepGrQp6F8yDu6Qadf7F7065f2_r2IV02TEEzLbTTaA8dfQ2xtwH8GZNUIDCf-RehaKvDHkvOtpiBG27VOvlUUFOKCygqDrJKnpYxThtoxVphge0xfC5CdeMx4Bod/s320/DSC_9335r-blog.jpg" width="204" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">My mother had a bucket list. It wasn't lengthy, but there were certain things that she wanted to accomplish during her lifetime. She wanted to learn a variety of languages and she did. She wanted to travel around the globe and she did. She wanted to excel at golf and well ....she gave it a good effort. In her 76th year, my mother decided to jump out of an airplane. In August of that year, she went skydiving with my then 18 year old son while her more cautious daughter videotaped the adventure from the ground. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Mom's next plan was to go up in a hot air balloon. However, shortly after her airplane experience, my mother was diagnosed with terminal second hand smoke lung cancer. Throughout her treatments and courageous battle to beat this horrific disease, mom talked about going up in a balloon "as soon as she grew stronger". She never did and almost a year to the day of when she jumped out of a plane, my mom died.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Following her funeral service, I handed each family member a helium balloon to which I had attached pictures of mom. Following a short prayer, we let the balloons go and gave mom her hot air balloon ride. The piece above is dedicated to my mom............. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01031482508300053815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8219712809631716303.post-83916635905821339572011-06-18T14:11:00.001-04:002011-06-18T14:13:00.672-04:00All Hail.........<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgBvErxlOpui56R6gOHK0KuNly4VdrBn8Cep1JSMLIDvKUi7oVnJJB7Frm0ZFwccYY8FkLuVGviv6U9q9KE5e05czRyqePPGrQC7T0fMjKYFTDw7RvxP8kLCsCrehs42sONXimMZkFT41H/s1600/DSC_9280r-blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgBvErxlOpui56R6gOHK0KuNly4VdrBn8Cep1JSMLIDvKUi7oVnJJB7Frm0ZFwccYY8FkLuVGviv6U9q9KE5e05czRyqePPGrQC7T0fMjKYFTDw7RvxP8kLCsCrehs42sONXimMZkFT41H/s320/DSC_9280r-blog.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">From Buckingham Palace, to a street corner in the projects everyone wants their own little piece of the world...their own little fiefdom. Maybe it's because life so often feels completely out of control. I sometimes wake up wondering just what the day has in store for me. </div><br />
To quote my favorite book of the month, "who is in charge and do they love me?" Will my experiences today be positive or negative ones? Where will I find myself at the end of the day? WILL I find myself at the end of the day? The unexpectedness of it all is, of course, what makes life worthwhile.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Who wants to know exactly what will happen each day. Humans like an air of mystery. We like surprises too...well some surprises :) A steady diet, however, of unpredictability can wear a body down.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Once more, I'm calling for some middle of the road time. A few predictable days a week would be nice. A calm ordinary day without surprises would be welcome. A day in which I am totally in charge of what happens to me and mine would be outstanding. A small piece of the world for however brief a time where I could stand tall and proudly proclaim that at this moment and at this time I am the Queen of my existence would be freaking amazing. All Hail Queen Patti.....................</div>pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01031482508300053815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8219712809631716303.post-60459207221448958452011-06-13T11:48:00.000-04:002011-06-13T11:48:22.819-04:00The Social Network at it's best.............<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYxKpdEmo2Bt9SaqAOxBdRY4XirQGJ1S-J2qxso7CEviHTf3YWI5MgLl1bkitvXirh6VY7ipg9KYu7VD-I_KEH772nmcInu870d07AaRl7D5NwzWLq82-FIXor0H4nVT5h2V3SzXor_htX/s1600/DSC_9319r-blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYxKpdEmo2Bt9SaqAOxBdRY4XirQGJ1S-J2qxso7CEviHTf3YWI5MgLl1bkitvXirh6VY7ipg9KYu7VD-I_KEH772nmcInu870d07AaRl7D5NwzWLq82-FIXor0H4nVT5h2V3SzXor_htX/s320/DSC_9319r-blog.jpg" width="274" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I have mixed feelings about the social network. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">On the one hand, you hear wonderful stories about its potential to empower people who may not have a voice under different circumstances. Take for example the recent situation with Delta airlines and returning military soldiers (who were charged a ridiculous amount of money for bringing four bags home from their deployment instead of three), or the stories that come out of repressed regimes where ordinary citizens have been given the opportunity to unite against an unfair system of government. Closer to home, there are everyday stories of friends and relatives who have been reconnected after years of separation through the magic of <i><b>YouTube </b></i>and <i><b>Facebook</b></i>. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">On the other hand, we know of several government officials who most likely regret exposing their private lives to a world wide network standing in the wings ready to exploit any sign of weakness or fragility. (What were they thinking?) </div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Does the social network merely add to the continuing erosion of our privacy and civil liberties? Or is it a useful tool designed to connect an ever shrinking society? I suspect, that like many things that at first seem too good to be true, it's a little bit of both. </div><br />
I know I certainly continue to use it to promote this blog, <i><b>Artful Musings</b></i> and my business, <i><b>Legacy</b></i> <i><b>Mixed Media</b></i>. The above piece pays homage to a simpler time when social networking actually referred to people speaking with one another...face to face............pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01031482508300053815noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8219712809631716303.post-16416911007736727752011-05-11T13:22:00.000-04:002011-05-13T16:43:09.165-04:00Bright Ideas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSZyxZ2nvN4X3tf7VdVUOQo-5OsI2KdNtgND2xaN_9oTEmqd0Gxj1E8wxA8CbjIeiDWeSKvXTCvxXLGyrfiUwigrf5Gemo4Jx7YpAbvngHYbNFWuyIU4rof1D-n_O4m3SjDYP3FUCO9Tuq/s1600/Bright+Idea-blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSZyxZ2nvN4X3tf7VdVUOQo-5OsI2KdNtgND2xaN_9oTEmqd0Gxj1E8wxA8CbjIeiDWeSKvXTCvxXLGyrfiUwigrf5Gemo4Jx7YpAbvngHYbNFWuyIU4rof1D-n_O4m3SjDYP3FUCO9Tuq/s320/Bright+Idea-blog.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Lake Orion Art Center puts on a really nice show each spring called Recycled Art Show. Art pieces created with re-purposed and recycled materials are featured. This is my third year in the show. It's an adorable venue and I really enjoy going out there for this event. The above work is currently on display at the Orion Art Center.</span></div>pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01031482508300053815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8219712809631716303.post-68784666213061831482011-05-04T16:30:00.000-04:002011-05-04T16:30:07.618-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD8pT4ELygiTuFQeZCshO-pKVLU-F41dqgqal9uXz7WlPPV6c3d6JTk0-I5H3ZS8WHXIEjqR4Aao73mn2Yid3Qz-Ux-PgqGlnrUUHechyXA9PW-HgsX9RHl1IbqGn6I9oswwMjlKCYQAot/s1600/Triumphant+Vase-blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD8pT4ELygiTuFQeZCshO-pKVLU-F41dqgqal9uXz7WlPPV6c3d6JTk0-I5H3ZS8WHXIEjqR4Aao73mn2Yid3Qz-Ux-PgqGlnrUUHechyXA9PW-HgsX9RHl1IbqGn6I9oswwMjlKCYQAot/s320/Triumphant+Vase-blog.jpg" width="193" /></a></div>When life hands you leftovers................<br />
As a result of over planing for the wedding shower I recently threw for my future daughter-in-law, I found myself with an excess number of glass bottles when all was said and done. Utilizing E6000, vintage rulers, wings by Tim Holtz, a frozen Charlotte doll, and a variety of scrap papers/materials, I created an interesting new home for my pussy willows :)pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01031482508300053815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8219712809631716303.post-23815961776180793212011-04-27T20:58:00.001-04:002011-04-27T21:00:57.283-04:00Spring Cleaning..........<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0exRlMR7hdjjsoGSJ7bvc5frg5VVJR32vkn9AUDpaVzoH6DuhLZTwV_tMUopaqLMZJnTIxg6WC4-xf2RnLY4lfroN8KFzBM_Vm-zlhgfJnlSanOaT0NfM_D5hOJrVq4TmLIoYRmyFu-5Q/s320/Spring+Cleaning-blog.jpg" width="245" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As always, the season of spring brings me to thoughts of rebirth, home, family, and flight. My sweet little bird in this project has a colorful history. For those who have been following this blog for a while, the first completion of this bird resulted in my Mugsy Moo puppy biting its head off. I then created another head for him with paper clay and had just finished it when my art studio burned down. While digging through the rubbish, I found little bird charred and scarred but not completely destroyed. He has now been reconstructed for the second time and I believe he has found his final home complete with mailbox :) Everyone needs a little fun and whimsy in their lives..............</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01031482508300053815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8219712809631716303.post-25385459625928509352011-04-15T16:08:00.000-04:002011-04-15T16:08:06.449-04:00Day of the Dead Fairies!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0DDPKxcOzZKD7b5JtHEb08W3JXZ2zS88ab_CX72GeOzl7LxhNhlhj1P_u5LVeEvpAt9BGKEqF2K6n-X1CykJ6yHwy9AVAPOeWYmWbYAcEX9d3ijRYwQxzlY5TY4knjQ1QOe0_MJYfKKZx/s1600/Fairy+Bone+Brother+5-blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0DDPKxcOzZKD7b5JtHEb08W3JXZ2zS88ab_CX72GeOzl7LxhNhlhj1P_u5LVeEvpAt9BGKEqF2K6n-X1CykJ6yHwy9AVAPOeWYmWbYAcEX9d3ijRYwQxzlY5TY4knjQ1QOe0_MJYfKKZx/s320/Fairy+Bone+Brother+5-blog.jpg" width="228" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkHF7bnefshwCodlwTJSVE5h6lkDxh2waUvTsMOvk8JW5i-7TXRdaU3f8OgnlfsBxMRKJtNONNTF9u9XK6velmzUf0ZxEsNT1Ib0pcFGeen-a-ztlKGXw0TE8rggdcTAGVfwg5-tappf3e/s1600/Fairy+Bone+Brother+4-blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkHF7bnefshwCodlwTJSVE5h6lkDxh2waUvTsMOvk8JW5i-7TXRdaU3f8OgnlfsBxMRKJtNONNTF9u9XK6velmzUf0ZxEsNT1Ib0pcFGeen-a-ztlKGXw0TE8rggdcTAGVfwg5-tappf3e/s320/Fairy+Bone+Brother+4-blog.jpg" width="228" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ZDYRIHZ0KvdCT_p_Ge4Tk4qibMatmzX1CrFu6OqnbTJUq1AMjulP3FVMfN7nS6dnnzjQpXF5BaSJ_v7MMKiVpJIwNacu97VwFaEWKJYRvSl9tg5VGqyGom7GrSlUkBwtAFTjeg6r5jHj/s1600/Fairy+Bone+Brother+3-blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ZDYRIHZ0KvdCT_p_Ge4Tk4qibMatmzX1CrFu6OqnbTJUq1AMjulP3FVMfN7nS6dnnzjQpXF5BaSJ_v7MMKiVpJIwNacu97VwFaEWKJYRvSl9tg5VGqyGom7GrSlUkBwtAFTjeg6r5jHj/s320/Fairy+Bone+Brother+3-blog.jpg" width="228" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLRkxOD13u0LE7LnaKDd6dUT0ovPmkl2KJPG-bzf4qReLFuGup7oXO3SQJdJd20zwZWBTnChcNLFJYRutoUJ_yzlSp-7wBubk0YU33p6DhH76bLlH25DYTNVpw7FIejSkRggwxyfx4UZxY/s1600/Fairy+Bone+Brother+2-blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLRkxOD13u0LE7LnaKDd6dUT0ovPmkl2KJPG-bzf4qReLFuGup7oXO3SQJdJd20zwZWBTnChcNLFJYRutoUJ_yzlSp-7wBubk0YU33p6DhH76bLlH25DYTNVpw7FIejSkRggwxyfx4UZxY/s320/Fairy+Bone+Brother+2-blog.jpg" width="228" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT0l3TeRQOpnzY-5yVuc2o7gBfo-uxS-3dx_MNv1V7mphvIReNEp2wrzkueWInQMqjrga1OII-feFrlq7NaYi-tKEvOGMAE5BY3aYLpBKxhFsxCOMfYQDx_rchxhtBRyw8ICtHhBq3gIjb/s1600/Fairy+Bone+Brother+1-blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT0l3TeRQOpnzY-5yVuc2o7gBfo-uxS-3dx_MNv1V7mphvIReNEp2wrzkueWInQMqjrga1OII-feFrlq7NaYi-tKEvOGMAE5BY3aYLpBKxhFsxCOMfYQDx_rchxhtBRyw8ICtHhBq3gIjb/s320/Fairy+Bone+Brother+1-blog.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>Doesn't Spring just bring out the whimsy in everyone?! I love these fanciful characters!pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01031482508300053815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8219712809631716303.post-12930897632939132172011-04-11T18:48:00.000-04:002011-04-11T18:48:42.156-04:00To Fly or Not To Fly...is that the question?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgc73AgVY0wDJGDhNx4M8uD14IZO-se8pYPTYKAwbvLxCNhXZUqFv0bDrSQJUgcwU7SrXjr-yGY6Z3XUalg4xdDvchTyEihfQDmzBEl-hWKl6yAA_HdCiJ7tsCA4wSnnfiGZ9CY8KRWSG_/s1600/To+Fly+or+Not+to+Fly-blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgc73AgVY0wDJGDhNx4M8uD14IZO-se8pYPTYKAwbvLxCNhXZUqFv0bDrSQJUgcwU7SrXjr-yGY6Z3XUalg4xdDvchTyEihfQDmzBEl-hWKl6yAA_HdCiJ7tsCA4wSnnfiGZ9CY8KRWSG_/s320/To+Fly+or+Not+to+Fly-blog.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Here I am approaching Spring and once more my art tends towards birds and eggs. New birth, new life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">I am in the process of figuring out what my new life is going to look like. My early retirement is supposed to be about new beginnings. I periodically think about returning to teaching but wonder if that's my way of playing it safe. I like working on my art but realize that I need to do more to round out my life. I need to take classes or volunteer somewhere. After all, art is a reflection of the way an artist sees the world around her/him. The walls of my home are becoming a little too confining. So, the question remains, to fly or not to fly?</span>pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01031482508300053815noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8219712809631716303.post-83226127767294317292011-03-23T10:42:00.000-04:002011-03-23T10:42:48.001-04:00Happily Here After<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyB_ulBv3_wRP7G3JhoUoFztYwJgj_Z7l5TASUUF4J7Ujv-QaCdfmEktIXCCs25x3ge9P1bAirwl27y4T8czzLQznB6Mmby0xDhr2OrzKj816om9s-EoB5LflZkHYV6-fjDhdbEj0hQKtU/s1600/Happily+Ever+Hereafter+1-blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyB_ulBv3_wRP7G3JhoUoFztYwJgj_Z7l5TASUUF4J7Ujv-QaCdfmEktIXCCs25x3ge9P1bAirwl27y4T8czzLQznB6Mmby0xDhr2OrzKj816om9s-EoB5LflZkHYV6-fjDhdbEj0hQKtU/s320/Happily+Ever+Hereafter+1-blog.jpg" width="264" /></a></div>An Homage to Michael Demeng:<br />
I spent the last couple of weeks pouring over Michael Demeng's latest book! He is amazing. I wanted to try some of his techniques on my pieces. I have always had a thing for "Day of the Dead" paraphernalia and love using skulls in my work. Demeng's style also incorporates skulls as he has a great connection to Mexico in his work. Here is my tribute to Demeng!pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01031482508300053815noreply@blogger.com1