Free Spirited Art

October's Moon

2007-10-26T19:21:00.000-06:00

October's moon shines down on me

So big and bright

In the still of the night

Its light draws me to untold mysteries

The fairies gather round

A merry little jig they dance

The trees sing softly

As the wind gently blows

I hear a wolf howl in the distance

Magic surrounds the moon's glow

Writer's Island: The Journey

2007-10-07T10:34:00.000-06:00

Sometimes the journey was hard and I couldn't imagine making it through.

Now the journey is calm with sunshine and skies of blue.

I have let go of the past with its heartaches and pain.

When storm clouds threaten to rain on my parade,

I remember the strength and wisdom I've gained.

I look walk forward into the future with a smile on my face,

Knowing the sun will shine again as the journey continues.

Writer's Island: The Key

2007-09-22T15:23:00.000-06:00

Sierra pondered the state of her life at present, feeling that something was missing. Her thoughts drifted from the past to the present as she remembered all that she had been through in her still young life. She had endured struggles and came out triumphantly in the end. And as she looking out over the horizon, she realized that happiness was hers for the taking. All she had to do was follow her bliss and choose joy every day. She had the power to do whatever it was she desired. She held the key to her own happiness.

Sunday Scribblings: Hair

2007-07-15T07:34:00.000-06:00

(I'm the blonde on the right. Taken a couple of years ago:)

I was a blondie at birth, but as I grew older my hair began to darken. In middle school I started bleaching my hair platinum blonde. I've also dyed my hair auburn and chestnut at various times. Now I am back to my natural color - brunette. But while I miss my golden locks, I don't miss the upkeep.

(This is me now. Brunette and trying to grow my hair out.)

I have also had my hair from quite long to wearing a boy cut. I love the ease of shorter hair styles - just wash and go. Currently, I'm in the process of trying to grow my hair out again. It's extremely thick and heavy. I want to cut it all off and bleach it blonde again. No platinum this time around though. Perhaps I will....

Do I grow it long or keep it short? Do I keep my natural color or go blonde? This is the love/hate relationship I have with my hair.

Inspiration Journal

2007-07-03T16:18:00.001-06:00

Love and Marriage Collage

2007-06-29T09:13:00.000-06:00

Celebrating 15 years today

A Quick Sketch

2007-06-20T18:23:00.000-06:00

Sunday Scribblings: #64 Eccentricity

2007-06-17T21:12:00.000-06:00

Eccentricity is defined as:
a. The quality of being eccentric.
b. Deviation from the normal, expected, or established.

I consider myself to be eccentric because I am an eclectic soul and tend to be a free spirit. I rebel at the mere thought of a schedule, but my checking account must balance to the penny. I'm often described by others as having OCD. I prefer people to phone before coming to visit and I can go happily for long periods without need for company beyond my immediate family.

I sometimes think that I was born in the wrong era. I imagine what it would be like to live as a gypsy, a lady in the Victorian era, to work on a horse ranch, to live in a foreign country, or in an enchanted little cottage by the sea.

I tend to go against the tide in many areas - we homeschool our children, for example. I find I have little in common with most people I meet in real life (thank goodness for the internet!). I am picky about my clothes and accessories and I care more about comfort than style.

Other eccentricities about me are: I make up songs constantly when someone says a phrase and drive my family crazy! I have a unique and sometimes dry sense of humor. I laugh hysterically at the weirdest things. I have very strange dreams that make absolutely no sense but gives my family much to laugh about.

I love being out in nature, singing, drawing, dancing, writing, flowers gardens, the beach and the mountains, horses and cardinals, rainbows, fairies, classic children's books, the color pink, shabby chic decor, rustic cabins, bonzai trees, and a wide variety of music. The things I could not live without are music, paper, pen/pencil, and books!

I hope you have enjoyed reading about my eccentricities. Of course, there is more - but we shall save that for another day!

Old Sketches from 1992

2007-06-14T15:48:00.000-06:00

I drew these pictures from a book back in 1992. I draw much better when I have something to look at...I don't know why, but I do. :)

Sunday Scribblings #62: Town Mouse and Country Mouse

2007-06-02T08:31:00.000-06:00

My husband sometimes laughs and says I'm such a city girl. I suppose I am. This week we're moving to a half acre piece of property just outside of the city limits - which, to me, is living in the country. On our recent visits to our homestead, we have seen all kinds of wildlife that you don't typically see in the city: Canadian geese, rabbits, oppossums, mallard and wood ducks, and various birds. I can't help but excitedly point out the animals with a childhood glee. He gets tickled at the whole thing and calls me a city girl.

He, on the other hand, was raised in the country and is therefore a country boy. His family had a large vegetable garden, chickens, and hogs. He played in the corn field across the road from his house as a boy. He worked baling hay and picking watermelons. He went hunting and fishing...so he's used to seeing a variety of wildlife. He appreciates nature and the animals, but he doesn't get excited about it like I do. It's common for a country boy. He is nice enough to point out animals he notices that I miss along the way.

He likes camping. I like the comfort of nice soft bed away from the critters and bugs. He likes the river. I like the beach. He likes movies. I prefer books. He prefers motorcycles. I like riding in cars. He loves mud riding. I prefer staying mud free.

We have our fair share of differences, but it adds interest to our relationship. If we liked exactly the same things, life together would quickly become boring. At the end of the month, we'll celebrate 15 years of wedded bliss. We will continue to celebrate our differences, as well as the things we share in common. We are ever learning, growing, and changing as we weave our lives together, share new experiences, and express our individual views and opinions. I wouldn't have it any other way!

Little Bear

2007-06-02T06:53:00.001-06:00

Illustration Friday: Your Paradise

2007-06-01T19:26:00.000-06:00

Inspire Me Thursday: Roots

2007-06-01T18:04:00.001-06:00

A Change

2007-05-30T15:40:00.000-06:00

I sense a change in the air

As if I've walked into a dream

There is beauty everywhere

And voices lifted in song

Bright, smiling faces

I feel as if I belong

I walk along a winding path

Amongst moss-covered trees

I observe creatures great and small

And I heed nature's call

In this great circle of life

Love conquers all

Girl

2007-05-30T06:17:00.000-06:00

Sink or Swim

2007-05-30T06:09:00.000-06:00

Sink or swim

Constant struggle

Day after day

Too much to juggle

Too many bills to pay

The strength within

Dwindles in size

I'm battle weary

Engulfed in self-pity

The feeling of despair

Drives me to tears

That all of my fears

Will become my reality

But once again I arise

Out of the ashes

To draw a breath of fresh air

My gaze turns upward

Set on a new sunrise

I won't give up

I'll never give in

Determined to win

No matter what the cost

I will redeem the years I've lost

Sunday Scribblings: Simple

2007-05-26T07:38:00.000-06:00

She loved the seashore because of the way it made her feel. As she became more mindful of her surroundings the stress and fatigue fell away. She relished in the rhythm of the waves, her tanned skin soaking in the sun's rays, the smell of coconut lotion, and the gentle breeze blowing through her flowing hair.

***
Here is where she came to get away from it all and to just be. No one needed her on the beach. She could think, or not, without interruption. She enjoyed the peacefulness that the shore offered her. She was free, if only for a few precious hours. She came away feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

***
Life on the shore was simple.

Illustration Friday: Cars

2007-05-25T20:48:00.001-06:00

'71 Cuda

Inspire Me Thursday: Copycat

2007-05-25T20:46:00.000-06:00

Joy

2007-05-25T19:35:00.000-06:00

My 10 greatest joys

***

1. My faith

2. My husband

3. My 3 children

4. Creating art

5. Writing

6. Music/singing

7. Nature

8. Reading

9. Chocolate

10. Laughter

Change

2007-05-24T07:17:00.000-06:00

Is true change possible if someone resists?

***

You can't change anyone but yourself. But I do believe that the changes you make in your own life can't help but affect the other person. Eventually, the other person will change in response to the changes you have made because the dynamics of the relationship have changed. The other person may not even be aware of the changes, but they do occur.

Christmas Tree

2007-05-23T06:47:00.000-06:00

Describe getting a Christmas tree as a child, when did you put it up and decorate it?

Christmas was a magical time of year for us kids growing up. I don't remember going to get the Christmas tree. I guess Mama and Daddy went out and brought the tree home. We always put our tree up over the Thanksgiving weekend. Mama would hang the lights on the tree and then we would all hang the decorations. My favorite was adding silver tinsel at the very end!

***

We also had window clings that adorned our picture window. Mama did the words and let us kids do the reindeer, Santa, and snowflakes. Mama always made cookies - oatmeal, chocolate chip, golden raisins. We watched all the Christmas shows. My favorite was Jim Henson's "Emmet Otter's Jugband Christmas". I still watch it every year, now with my own children.

Imagination Prompt

2007-05-22T06:22:00.000-06:00

My favorite song is...

Wouldn't It Be Nice by The Beach Boys

I love this song! I have their greatest hits CD and it's awesome. I feel happy singing along to their music and we always listen to them as we ride down to the beach.

Imagination Prompt

2007-05-21T06:15:00.000-06:00

This year you are going to...

***

This year I am going to live my life to the fullest and squeeze every ounce of joy out of each day. I will pursue my dreams, no matter how silly or impossible it seems. I will count my blessings. I will read, write, draw, sing, and dance for these things make my heart sing. I will dwell in possibilities and be kind to myself. I will spend time outdoors, basking in the sunshine, fresh air, and nature's beauty. I will move my body daily and take time to pamper myself. I will simplify my life and home.

I will be ME!

Imagination Prompt

2007-05-20T15:15:00.000-06:00

10 people no longer living I would love to have met (and why)

***

1. Marilyn Monroe because I have been fascinated by her since I was a teen, amazed at how she glowed even in black and white photos. She had such a tragic life and, even after reaching super stardom, she was insecure and unhappy. She could have used a friend who was not in show business with whom she could be herself, faults and all.

***

2. Bruce Lee because he was a highly talented martial artist and died terribly young. He was quite smart and had much to offer this world.

***

3. Jesus because he is the Son of God and it would be wonderful to actually watch him interact with his disciples and the people he came to heal, deliver, and save.

***

4. Beatrix Potter because she wrote charming stories and was a wonderful illustrator. I admire her work very much!

***

5. Charlotte Mason, a British educator who's philosophy inspired others to offer a better education to their children through reading living books, nature study, copywork, art study, and music composer study.

***

6. Jackie Kennedy Onassis because she was the epitome of style. Also, despite her troubled marriage and, later, her husband's death, she maintained her dignity and privacy.

***

7. Laura Ingalls Wilder because she wrote such wonderful stories of her family and home life. It would be interesting to be in the midst of the family's struggles and triumphs.

***

8. Louisa May Alcott simply because she was a writer and I enjoy her books. An Old-Fashioned Girl is my favorite.

***

9. Van Gogh because I remember learning about him in 4th grade and was shocked that he cut off his own ear.

***

10. Bob Ross because he made painting look fun and easy. His show still airs on PBS and he always talks about painting happy trees and such. His voice is calm and reassuring to the budding artist.

Inspire Me Thursday: Circles

2007-05-19T10:04:00.000-06:00

A lady underwater with the air bubbles being the circles.

Sunday Scribblings #60: Masks

2007-05-19T08:09:00.000-06:00

Too afraid to let my true feelings be known, I have resorted to protecting myself by wearing a mask that all is well. I am a people-pleaser and a perfectionist. I avoid confrontation. It seems easier to put on the mask of a happy face and go with the flow, but in reality it's the exact opposite. Hiding behind the masks create depression, health problems, a feeling of negativity, and at times even self-hatred.

***

I think I have forgotten who I am after wearing masks for all these years. How do I find the real me? What would happen if I dared to remove the mask and let myself be who I am meant to be? I've never been one to rock the boat, afraid the waves would overtake me and I would drown. But I am drowning anyway in fear and misery.

***

I am beginning a new journey. I'm on a quest to rediscover the girl I left behind who was confident and full of life. So just for today, I will remove the masks and let the chips fall where they may.

Eyes

2007-05-18T12:12:00.001-06:00

Illustration Friday: Signs

2007-05-18T12:11:00.001-06:00

Flower Sketches

2007-05-18T12:10:00.001-06:00

Cat's Meow

2007-05-18T12:08:00.000-06:00

Sunday Scribblings #59: Second Chance

2007-05-13T15:23:00.000-06:00

Jesus the Shepherd by Myung Bo from AllPosters.com

Second Chance

The Lord has given me a second chance,

A chance for a new life and a fresh start;

When I accepted His Son as my Lord and Savior,

And asked Him into my heart.

He forgave my sins,

And wiped away all of my tears.

In Him, I am now white as snow,

And I need not fear,

For He is always with me,

Wherever I may go.

He sends help to me when I am in need.

His timing is neither too fast, nor too slow.

I like to read His Word and pray,

Before my day has begun.

For He has given me the greatest gift;

The blood shed on the cross for me,

By His one and only Son.

Illustration Friday: Citrus

2007-05-13T09:47:00.000-06:00

Sunday Scribblings #58: Ocean

2007-05-07T06:55:00.000-06:00

Growing up, we rarely went to the beach to swim in the ocean, but when we did go it was such a treat! Perhaps that has fed my fascination and love for the seashore?

I love to sit on the sand watching my children frolic in the ocean's waters, watching the tide roll in and out, and listen to the seagulls "laugh" as they fly overhead. You never know what you may find at the ocean. Beautiful seashells. Live sand dollars. Hermit crabs. Dolphins. Nature's beauty captivates me. It is my favorite place to be.

My worries disappear as I soak in the sun and learn to be still. The ocean's rhythm soothes my soul.

Illustration Friday: Neighbors

2007-05-07T06:23:00.000-06:00

Digital Collage

2007-05-04T13:16:00.000-06:00

My first attempts at collage.

Illustration Friday: Remember

2007-05-03T15:01:00.000-06:00

Remember: First Love

This Week's Art

2007-05-03T14:59:00.000-06:00

Art This Week

2007-04-30T17:31:00.000-06:00

Sketches

2007-04-20T13:44:00.000-06:00

Winter Tree

2007-04-06T06:35:00.000-06:00

Woman

2007-04-06T06:33:00.000-06:00

Faces

2007-04-06T06:31:00.000-06:00

Red Rose

2007-04-02T17:24:00.000-06:00

Skull design

2007-04-02T17:23:00.000-06:00

Nature

2007-04-02T17:20:00.000-06:00

(happy little bumblebee)

Pencil Drawings

2007-03-26T07:03:00.000-06:00

(home entrance)
(Girl's face)
(lady singing; on right)
(Sing . La-tee-daaaa:)

Variety of Art

2007-03-26T06:55:00.000-06:00

(Painted posterboard, scrapbook stickers, and gel pens)
(pencil drawing of an owl in a tree)
(close up)
(Pencil drawing of a shadow couple watching the sunset)
(experimenting with color pencils and magazine images)

Girl's Face

2007-03-24T07:41:00.000-06:00

(pencil drawing)

Cats

2007-03-23T06:15:00.000-06:00

(pencil drawing)

Peter Pan and Wendy

2007-03-23T06:13:00.000-06:00

(pencil drawings)

Pencil Drawings

2007-03-22T15:44:00.000-06:00

And the winner is.....

2007-02-09T21:16:00.000-06:00

Julie G. Baxley!

Please email me (see my profile for my email addy) Julie with your address so I can send you your Valentine. Congrats!

heART Giveaway

2007-02-07T07:23:00.000-06:00

Inspired by this post by ZuZu, I decided that I wanted to help spread the magic and offer my own Valentine to give away.

Will you be my Valentine?

Please leave a comment and I will draw a name on February 9th.

More ATCs

2007-01-31T09:38:00.000-06:00

ATCs

2007-01-30T07:16:00.000-06:00

For Valentine's Day
Dare to be different.
Night and Day

This was my first attempt at ATCs and I had the most fun putting these together! As much as I like ATCs, I think I would enjoy working more on a larger scale. I am experimenting with something right now and will post the results when I'm done.

Hope you have a wonderfully creative day!

Watercolor

2007-01-25T15:42:00.000-06:00

Beach landscape in watercolor

This was my first attempt at watercolor - using the kids' cheapy set at that! It looked much better before I tried adding seagrass & the seagull. Oh well.... Art is about having fun & experimenting!

Dreams

2007-01-24T12:00:00.000-06:00

A little girl's big dreams,

Were lost at the age of ten.

But the dreams she once had

She could never forget,

For they called to her again and again.

Now the girl is a woman,

With a home and family of her own.

Always putting others first,

She forgot what she loved,

And who she was.

Now she has started a new journey,

Walking the winding path to authenticity,

Seeking to find balance,

And unblock her creativity.

Living in the present,

Her mind is now open to the possibilities,

Of creating a life she loves,

And making it a reality.

Drawings from 2006

2007-01-23T06:55:00.000-06:00

Pilgrims
Horse

Possibilities

2007-01-22T07:40:00.000-06:00

Pencil drawing - Jan. 20, 2007

Tornado

2007-01-21T07:52:00.000-06:00

(pencil/color pencils - Jan. 19, 2007)

I often have dreams of tornados - though I have never seen one in real life. They are often in fields & I watch them as they come nearer to our home. The tornadoes never reach us - but it is frightening nevertheless.

Clown

2007-01-20T09:58:00.000-06:00

Jan. 19, 2007

Tear Drop

2007-01-20T09:54:00.000-06:00

(pencil/color pencils - Jan. 19, 2007)

Just doodling.

The Lion King

2007-01-19T08:03:00.000-06:00

Pencil drawing - Sept. 2001

Past Drawings

2007-01-18T07:54:00.000-06:00

Girl's face - 2001
Pebbles & Bam-bam - 1997
Scarecrow - Oct. 2001
Bathroom - May 2002
King Triton from The Little Mermaid - Sept. 2001

(All Drawings done in pencil with the exception of Pebbles & Bam-bam. That was done using pencil & color markers.)

Drawing by Kendall

2007-01-17T10:18:00.000-06:00

1970 Plymouth 'Cuda 440 - pencil & color pencils

Recent Drawings

2007-01-17T10:11:00.000-06:00

Cat in the Garden - pencil and color pencils
Country Lady - pencil
Seaside ~ inspired by my other blog - pencil & color pencils

~ Welcome ~

2007-01-17T09:22:00.000-06:00

(image taken from a note card on Allposters.com)

I created this blog to post the art projects I am working on. I like to try dabble in several varieties of art ~ poetry, drawing, and writing. I've recently discovered beautiful collages, ATCs, and creative journals which I am excited to try my hand at. Eventually I would love to get into painting and learn to play piano. Hope you enjoy your visit!