I also love the art and the culture of this amazing country. It has influenced some of my art.
These are some of the ATCs I did some time ago. I've learned a lot about collage and layering since most of them. Still, it was a fine time to revisit them.
This little ATC is my flower fairy, and she represents to me all the lovely good wishes and kind comments you sent along my way after my whining moments!
I sent butterfly kisses to all of you who have sent wonderful messages via mail and e-mail; care packages, dinner, and more.
Last night Rick and I -- along with two sets of good friends -- went to see "Frost/Nixon" at MSU's Wharton Center.
Stacy Keach ("Mike Hammer") played Nixon and the play was by the fellow who write the screenplay to "The Queen." Excellent portrayal of what went into David Frost getting the famous Nixon interview following his resignation -- and how he got him to reveal what he did on camera. 
And while I'm posting art, here is an ATC I did for a swap with Beth and Shelley (who, alas, has removed her blog for awhile).
The theme was Romantic Women (Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte periods) and I don't have pix of the others I sent because I must have deleted them from my camera before I downloaded them. Too bad, because I loved the ones I did -- and soon I'll post the ones I received from Beth and Shelley, too!
Today's Autumn Image is a the tree outside my office building, taken last Thursday. Beautiful, isn't it?
It was a perfect day -- blue sky, gold and orange leaves. It doesn't get better than that in the fall.
November always feels like a long month. There's always much to do -- holiday preparations, crafting, finishing up the last of the outside work.
Above is a fuzzy pic of seed stitch with silk. The texture is wonderful; wish I'd done better with the photo.
Eyelash! Gotta love it! (This is mixed with a chunky wool and it's very warm.)
This is one of my favorite patterns and I loved the thick-and-thin yarn.
Same pattern, but a silk-wool blend. This is one of those "wear inside" scarves.
I got this purse felted and pulled together. There are several more to finish up. Some just need i-cord, others felting.
I also did some cards for a 4x4 swap with the theme of family. Here are just a couple.
My mom (at right) with her sisters.
That would be me! I appear to like winter better there than I do now!
And mom and me. I love this pic!
In today’s Write on Wednesday, Becca offers us a dare to write. “What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail?,” she asks, continuing to ask about our wildest writing dreams and what’s stopping us from achieving them.
I know what stops me. Creative ADD.
I’ll go on a photo field trip and shoot whatever is drawing me. (I have a fondness for farm markets...
... and flowers!)
I’ll knit. I have projects stacked up and holidays impending. I’m knitting a lot these days.
I’ll cook and play with recipes. Gotta eat – and it’s fun to be creative in the kitchen.
I’ll work on the yard or see a friend or just go do something altogether different.
Sometimes, I write.
What would I do if I knew I couldn’t fail? Maybe I’d do a better job pulling together my family book (cookbook, photos, stories). Maybe I’d even finish it. Maybe.
Telling my story, the family stories – that matter to me. Oh, sure. I would be wonderful if it was of such scope as Roots or so immediately personal as the autobiographies I enjoy. My life’s not that interesting, and posting what I do on The Marmelade Gypsy probably already extends everyone’s patience!
But as I tell people who share their grieving stories with me – in talking (or writing) about them, the people, animals, events continue to have a life. That’s why I want to do it. To continue a life.
And maybe – on a good day – I tell that story in the art or photos. And sometimes, I even add the words! (It's hard to tell, but the little girl on the left edge of the collage is my mom!)
Can I make my dreams come true? I think, yes. I think, every day. One word, photo or collage at a time.
I received cards from (left to right) Susan K., Beth D., and Colleen K.
Yes, dreaming of summer. The beach. Swimsuits that cover. 
The sun is out. The sky is blue. It's not snowing and it's not too cold.
I have some swaps due shortly and volunteered to make the bookmarks for our informal Weight Watchers group, which one receives after five pounds. So I hauled out the stuff and just started! I don't know what happened -- total abandon, perhaps? I tend to sometimes play it safer than I'd like when doing collage and often the results of my cards are pleasing but predictable. I'd like to think it is my style, but I know part of it is lack of daring! Well, this time I decided I'm using the materials I have and some I've never played with before.
I sweat to the oldies awhile, debating what my impending shopping expedition would bring. I was resolutely self-righteous in choosing not to go to a half-off sale (inventory turnover time!) at our best scrap store, knowing that I had more embellishments and paper than I can use and unless I need something specific, I'd best stay away. Then I decided to do the same with the Clinique bonus. I didn't NEED to buy more stuff for my face, just to get the cute little bag (it's not like I don't have a LOT of cute little bags!). And there were really only a couple of items in the kit that I really would have used.
I found them -- and a wooden birdhouse.
Haven't posted any art for awhile (and haven't had time to do much). But, since I'm in the mood for thinking about wishes and lovely things, thought I'd put these two fairy children up for fun!
Finally, thanks to all who have visited my blog for the drawing and I'm so pleased some of you have been back! I look forward to spending time on many of your blogs in the future weeks!
