Barbara Rossman's Blog WW Creations

Valentine's Day

2012-02-14T15:26:00.000-08:00

I got through it today but honest it was hard.

Baby It's Cold Outside.... in Oregon... more than you will know? ouch....

2012-01-14T13:15:00.001-08:00

4 x 4 swap. Here's my offering.

How does it move?

2012-01-14T13:06:00.000-08:00

I'm in a swap for ATC's and they need to "move"... So here's a video. Quality is not so good but it was dark in the room. I think you will get the idea OR I will have to get better at video.

Another Project

2011-12-30T07:37:00.000-08:00

Now I have two horses to paint... Thank goodness they don't eat.

Project for a rainy day

2011-12-30T07:33:00.000-08:00

My niece couldn't resist buying me this horse. I am going to paint or decoupage him, haven't decided. Should be a fun project if I can find time..

Bird in the Hand

2011-12-30T07:18:00.000-08:00

A new addition to the Rossman household is a baby Cockatiel. No name yet.
We had a great Christmas with our nieces and friends. As you can see, the bird room is full....

Sneakers

2011-12-20T11:02:00.000-08:00

A good friend has her horse in race training. Maybe someday he will win a big race. For her Christmas present I made her a calender. Princess (my horse) gave it a big thumbs up (or should I say hoof up?)

What is a blog? Is this about a Spider?

2011-12-20T10:51:00.000-08:00

What is a blog I asked myself. It's been so long since I updated it... (just kidding)
It's not been #1 on my list. So today, time permitting I am going to post some pictures.

I was part of the 12 days of Christmas gift exchange on the list An Affair with Art. I decided to make Christmas spiders inspired by an old legend "The Christmas Spider". Since I have no experience in beading, it proved to be quite a challenge. I had to find time at night to pursue this new effort... I have supplies. Something about "beads" made me accrue a collection. Obviously though, I had to buy some different sizes. After making 30 of the large spiders I turned to tiny ones. I think, for some reason, I like working on miniature things. Inches, etc... Here's some photos of my adventure. P.S. Everyone seemed to enjoy their own Christmas spider.

Happy Holidays

2011-11-26T08:06:00.000-08:00

From Don,Barbara and all the fur and feathers that live here.

ATC's

2011-10-17T12:43:00.000-07:00

Been working on ATC's for swaps. Halloween and Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos)
Thought I would share.

Framing My Cover Girl Steed

2011-10-13T07:43:00.000-07:00

Had a little time to work on the computer. Working with a new photo of Princess, I added a flower frame. She is quite a cover girl you know.

Some Fun Photos

2011-10-08T14:38:00.000-07:00

Had a great visit with my Brother and his wife.... Bobby (bro) took a rocking horse oldie and made me a carousel horse. Pretty awesome... GADS, he's good.

Then I decided to dress Princess up for Halloween. Last year, my friend Kathy said she almost didn't recognize her. ha ha ha. (I put a BIG red bow in her mane).

This year, she is going as a cowboy.

Then, there is Don with his big smile waving to the camera.

AND, what about my succulent bloom. GADS, what a weekend.

Smiles to you.

I'll probably delete this in the morning...

2011-10-01T20:24:00.000-07:00

Here I am. It's about 8:30 PM and all is going to bed in this household. Husband with AZ is in for the night.

The wiener dogs are in their crates in the bedrooms with a blanket over their crates. I call it their cabana... I read the "Kindle" at night so I don't want to keep them up.

Princess, my beloved horse, has her stall to the barn open and is munching her last bite of clover. All the lights are out with the exception of my big time mess crafty room -- that REALLY needs my attention. It's a wonder to me how one room can be so messy and the rest of the house be okay..... Guess that's what goes with the territory. Is that an artistic outlook? duh?

I've had company from CA for the last weeks or so. That's my excuse for not blogging. Gads.

I have to mention what happened to me yesterday or I will burst... like a big fat balloon.

Here's my story:

For the last few weeks I experienced foot pain. Sever to say the least. So off to the Dr. I went. He said I am getting a hammer toe. What the heck? When you get in your late 60's sh.... happens. A hammer toe? GADSZOOKS.

SO, I have NOT been riding my sweet horse.

Fast forward and a couple of days ago, I am headed out to saddle and ride her. Helmet is in place, boots are on, toe hurts a little .... but.... I am determined.

I take her in the round pen and saddle her. Okay.

I get on her with the "mounting step".... (It's a two step affair)... I am so afraid I will fall ... and... my toe hurts. But... on I go.

She packs me around the arena like old friends... for almost an hour. Then, I go to dismount against the stool and I cannot get off. I can't do it. FEAR, ANXIETY.. what is wrong with me? Princess and I stood there for at least an hour. She never moved. Finally, I got off and found my place on the dismounting stool.

THIS was an event I will never forget, ever. My horse is the kindest, sweetest friend I have in my life. I've had many horses in my life, but none as this kind hearted black Morgan mare. She takes me to a place that outlives my grief and sadness. Isn't that amazing?

On the artistic side... I am participating in a 32 page swap for a "transportation" fat book. Imagine, I changed my mind after creating 5 intense pages. Oh well, onward and up.

I probably made grammatical errors in this post, but what the heck. I'll probably delete it in the morning.

Barbara

What? Inchies?

2011-09-11T13:15:00.000-07:00

I joined an Inchie mingle on An Affair with Art and in the wee hours of the morning made 4 inchies. What fun. I really miss doing them.

The theme..... FALL...

A new post..... horsey stuff......

2011-09-09T19:32:00.000-07:00

Tonight, with my "toe" hopefully healed.... I took Princess for a run. It's been over two months since we went out and had a run.

First, we went down by the creek, had a bite of grass, an apple - and then headed down the road.

If I jog, she jogs.

I thank God every day for my wonderful cooperative horse.
Probably, without her, I wouldn't make it through my troubling times.

We went for about 1/4 mile each way, then ate some more grass -- and trotted back up the hill.

I swear, soon -- I will ride her on that jog...

BUT, good thing is my toe/foot didn't and doesn't hurt...

Just had to write this story down.

Barb.

Journal cont.

2011-08-30T18:55:00.000-07:00

Today was a good day for me. Terry took Don and they were gone for almost 4 hours. I worked in my crafty room (the crap room might get a new name) and picked up, put away and finished one creation. I also cleaned out our "sock drawers". We wear socks in the house, not shoes.,, or, we use to.

Lately, Don won't take off his sandals and since he is prone to spill - I have rugs everywhere that can be washed.

Don was so happy when he got home. He ate a really healthy dinner and enjoyed a glass of good red wine.

It's interesting. I put some old socks, etc. in a paper bag in the kitchen. Unfortunately, I don't think the Goodwill would want them, so... they are leaving for the land fill. (I'm a big recycle r but socks? .mmm....) When Don got home, sat down, he saw the bag and proceeded to empty the entire sack on the kitchen counter. I ask "why"? He said we never throw anything away. This is a sack of really good stuff. In his formal life he wouldn't have even noticed it. Interesting how I have to do some things when he is not around ....like hide the sock bag.

Journal Continues

2011-08-29T13:00:00.000-07:00

So who is really interested in knowing about Alzheimer's?

Really, you should be -- because you can be healthy as a horse and then your mind starts to decay... that's what happened to us.

Don was brilliant, interesting, handsome and enthusiastic. Now he acts like a child, can't see very well (Dr says eyes are good), can't find his way from place to place, can't dress correctly, can't cut his food up.... and most of all can't start or finish any task.

I believe that sometimes his instincts take over and he wants to -- rake leaves, sweep, hang up his clothes (he's was a heck of a neat person, not like me at all), play with his hobbies, but he can't....

If we do a project (like sweep the front porch, I have to get the broom, show him how to sweep and then put the broom away.) 5 minutes later, he doesn't remember the broom or the sweeping. Sometimes, it's kind of funny. (Thank God for humor....)

Today is a better day than yesterday!! YEAH....

Journal Continued

2011-08-27T17:04:00.000-07:00

The Blog Journal continues.

One of the things I have observed with Alzheimer's is everything is accentuated. (Is that the right word? - I think so...)

For instance, if I drop a bottle cap Don reacts with "OH OH" very loudly. If you shut a door that normally wouldn't cause alarm, he stands up and holds his head. I must be careful with any "sounds"... Interesting, right?

Princess's leg swelling has not changed. But, she is highly concerned with the world and of course her hay. Alfalfa is her main concern. I "treat" her with some alfalfa, but, most of her food world is pasture hay. (Gads, it's $16.00 a bale)

It's great to have a horse I can communicate with.

Animal behavior is my favorite subject. Love it.

P.S. I noticed that my beloved favorite animals are "black"... Princess, crows and of course my wiener dog "Lucy"... Wondering, what that means?

Have a great weekend my friends.

Journal

2011-08-25T20:45:00.000-07:00

I really love that song "Sometimes a Diamond, sometimes a Stone" cause it was a HUGE stone today. We had a tree root break up the garage floor so the tree (a few months ago) had to go. Today, a part of the garage floor was removed and tomorrow it will be poured. I've included a pix of that darn root. Oh well.

Don went with his caretaker today bowling. They were gone about 3 hours and I did absolutely nothing. I had "wash", "cleaning" and well you know... but I sat on my butt all day. No art, NOTHING... That makes me feel guilty as hell.

Don was so mixed up tonight. Honestly, he is so much worse. Can't find the bathroom, not sure what's going on. GADS....sometimes the "love" is lost.... then I find it again.

Princess developed a swelling on a hind leg near her hock. It sure wasn't because of too much exercise... but, it worried me all day. Tonight, it looks better. She was very upset because the noise of the work in the garage made a herd of 8 deer jump and run outside her corral ... well, she jumped and ran too. I think she sprained something. I have to admit it was something to see her rear, buck and run like a deer. I think it was play time. At her age it needs to be more subdued....

I hope your day was diamonds.

Barbara
Praying for the folks on the East Coast with Hurricane Irene approaching. AND, I think I'm bad off, the people of Libya are in my prayers.

What's going on...

2011-08-22T20:38:00.000-07:00

Okay, I'm going to try and blog some stuff. But first, "Princess"...my horse.

Tonight before the sun sank in the west I took her to the round corral and made her "jog" around. Of course she did exactly what I ask her to do.. She paused only to ask me to scratch her belly.... (there goes the nails....)

I sat out there on a stool - in the middle of the corral -- and thought to myself.... "I'm dreaming"... This beautiful black horse is right out of my story books that I enjoyed in younger years... She really is so pretty.

Also, I have to be very careful. Anything I teach her -- for a treat --- becomes a passion - she's too smart for her pretty black head... (I love it)... I taught her tonight to "paw"... just let me count three in the sand and she does it too... Wow, horses are not known for their smarts, but my girl? Move over movie horses.....

About AZ... The first thing people ask is "how long has he had it?" .... I'm going to guess for 5 years. I first noticed something when we were traveling to my cousins' in Alaska. He would listen to a conversation about almost anything, and then ask something about what had already been discussed. I admissed it for poor listening skills....

Don is on the best medicine available. For some time, it did pause his progression. But now? He's worse.

He is, however, a good patient and accepts my help. I have to help him put his clothes on. He can't load the dishwasher, water the deck, use the broom and/or find anything he needs to do a task of any kind. He still wants to be productive, but ... I have to be right there to help him find something or even do the simplistic task.

Thank God for good people and angels.

Our neighbor takes Don 3 times a week to go bowling (yep, he remembers how to do that)... they go to the park and get an ice cream cone. I have 3 glorious hours to myself. And today? she said "how about 4 days?". I accepted with JOY.

I'm sorry about Alzheimer's. It deprives you of your life and sometimes your very existence... BUT, it is what is is and we have to make the best of it. I pray every day for patience and grace..... It's been working out pretty good lately.

So, how's your day going?

Have an art filled day and fun. I'm going to do just that.

Alzheimers

2011-08-16T17:27:00.000-07:00

I'm considering using my blog as a journal about my life with Don, my husband and this intruder called Alzheimer's disease.... Seems I need to write things down and that brings some kind of comfort... well, so does spending time with my horse, dogs and birds...

Samples to Art

2011-08-01T09:57:00.000-07:00

I'm in a swap on AAWA for Formica tile artwork. I made one with an excerpt from the poem Iron Gate and the other is just a gift tag. The flower on the gift tag was created from coffee filters. (From Oliver Wendell Holmes Iron Gate... So when the iron portal shuts behind us - And life forgets us in its noise and whirl - Visions that shunned the glaring noonday find us, And glimmering starlight shows the gates of pearl.)

Fast Forward - I'm trying to get back.

2011-07-23T11:49:00.000-07:00

Had some inspirational moments during an AAWA's Artful Gathering. We called it a "pity party"...the leftovers that stay home do some swapping.

Sometimes, for a bunch of reasons I feel pitiful. You can see this theme is right up my alley.

My new goals are to create some fun stuff, organize my dusty craft room and finally do a little blog posting... (I have to do some catchup too on Inchies )

For the pity party I made a charm.... "Monkeying Around"
For the pity party I made an ATC.... "Life Began in a Garden"...

I just joined a fat book project, using the theme of Transportation. Good golly I may have to create 56 4x4's. Now that commitment will get me arting...

Blog Delay

2011-06-24T13:43:00.001-07:00

I'm really here, just so busy caring for my husband. I've neglected my blog. Sorry about that. I'm just going to sign off for a while. (I may change my mind tomorrow... but life right now is complicated.

My art supplies have a new layer.... dust. Hope all goes well with my friends.... :)

Tonight

2011-05-07T17:24:00.000-07:00

Gads, it is so very good to be in Oregon. Don and I sat out tonight in Princess's paddock. Of course, I thoroughly enjoyed her body scent, the wind in my hair (gads, which is sparse), and the mystical of the pines and sky.... We moved here from So. California, which was so in the midst of growth.... hated the people movement and needed space. Now, to my dis pare, Don has Alzheimer's... but tonight we held hands in the corral and felt good together. God is our inspiration for happiness in this life. Am I religious?.... Praise the Lord.

Barbara, OR

Inchie Monday "Heart"...

2011-05-05T09:05:00.000-07:00

I believe in heart-felt love and friendship.

It's Your Birthday, you are how old? (Gads)

2011-04-30T09:47:00.000-07:00

It was fun celebrating my birthday. I received so many beautiful cards. I'm only posting a few. How old am I? I'll never tell.

Inchie Monday "JOY"

2011-04-26T18:41:00.000-07:00

I had no inspiration for Joy.... It was a VERY sad day today with my husband's Alzheimer's.... Very hard to write about it - let-a-lone art about it.... Oh well, I believe in the "good times", so maybe "joy" is around the corner??

Sorry my inchie friends.

AB Pages

2011-04-22T09:37:00.000-07:00

I'm in a round robin altered book swap. I'm on the last book and the theme is
Let's Go See. I picked the Circus, one of my favorite subjects. Much of the work was done by cutting out graphics, layering, using stickers & die cuts -- and creating a collage with wax.

You can't imagine unless you live with it

2011-04-21T19:33:00.000-07:00

Alzheimer's is an awful disease. Can't state it more clearly than that.
I just am thankful I have this wonderful horse that I can put my arms around and hug... She is such a God send....

P.S., She "smells" good too....Happy Trails....

Time for a little artwork

2011-04-21T09:24:00.001-07:00

Time is precious in this household. Some of that precious stuff must be used for creativity or this ole gal will not be happy. Know that feeling? I joined a Gothic Arch swap and had some fun. Then I made a lottery piece with a western theme. Of course I ask my horse Princess her opinion and she snorted and tried to eat it. Somehow, I knew that would happen and had a sugar lump hiding in my other hand. Needless to say, it all worked out. The lottery piece is authenticated, by a "real horse"...Also sending thanks to my good friend Jean in Florida for the boot sticker. I scan'd an outline of it and used Make the Cut Software to cut the other two boots out on the Expression.

Inchie Monday - "Friends" always

2011-04-20T07:19:00.001-07:00

Inchie Monday ..... Peace

2011-04-13T08:04:00.001-07:00

All that is left

2011-04-10T09:27:00.001-07:00

Dennis is gone but not forgotten.... he left me one memory....

Inchie Monday

2011-04-07T07:56:00.000-07:00

My inchie was completed last Sunday but I didn't post it. I was too upset about Dennis the chicken. I felt awful every time I visited my blog to post. Couldn't do it.

Time really does heal your heart (not your memory) and it was so true with me.

My inchie is a shrink plastic bird that is singing his heart out. The mountains, sun and fern leaf are all punches. The song is for Dennis the dearly departed chicken.

The Saga ends

2011-04-07T07:53:00.000-07:00

Dennis is gone. I found where he perched and there was one feather left behind. I hope Dennis enjoyed his time in our barn yard. I know I did.

Dennis is my friend

2011-03-30T13:56:00.000-07:00

Yep, he was there this morning, full of crowing and needing some food. I gave him cracked corn, bird seed and oatmeal flakes. OF COURSE, my black beauty Princess, the horse, was right there -- tuned into every bite. Who would guess she would lick oatmeal off the ground. Was Dennis bothered? Not a bit...

Then, about 2PM this afternoon, he disappeared. I stood by the paddock fence and said a prayer that he went to chicken heaven and then, oh no, lo and behold, here he comes walking up our long driveway...strutting his walk...crowing like he was feeling good. I think Dennis, the chicken, is a good friend and I hope the best for him. Right now? He's perched on Princess's corral fence, fast asleep. Must be nice to be a chicken....

to be continued.....

The Saga Continues

2011-03-29T19:31:00.000-07:00

Well, without any expectations, "Dennis" the rooster was sitting on my front door step. Imagine my surprise when I opened the front door. I about clucked over.

BUT, I have an empty aviary and I thought I could "shoo" him in for an hour in the pouring rain.

There I was with arms open, heading my chicken boy into my empty coop... do you think we would go? NO WAY....

"Okay" Dennis, you can roost again tonight..I hope in the tallest tree.... but if a coyote (oh my gosh) has you for chicken dinner, I tried to save you.
There you go.... to be continued.

The Saga Begins

2011-03-29T11:07:00.000-07:00

Got home yesterday from running errands, husband in tow, message on machine. "This is Dennis and I delivered your rooster"... SAY WHAT? says I.

Oh Oh, some months back a gentleman that was helping with construction on the old homestead told me about a neighbor's rooster that was crowing all night and keeping his household wide awake. He told me he was going to find a new home for that rooster.
I told him not to take drastic steps as I would probably get some chickens when I had adequate fencing and I would give that rooster a home.

Fast forward to yesterday.

The lady that owned the rooster is very ill and can't keep him. So, my friend Dennis has been feeding and caring for that loud bird. As a matter of fact, he has formed a bond with this rooster but can't keep him. She asked him to find a new home for her beloved Rooster. He remembered our conversation.

Need I say more?

I now have a free roaming rooster named Dennis. He's obviously an adult and will not stay behind the fenced corral. He just crows and flies over. He seems friendly enough, and apparently can take care of himself - as he was waiting at the gate for me this morning. Of course I fed him. What's a girl to do?

Princess looked him over then proceeded to ignore him UNLESS I start chicken talking to him.. then, she trots over and pushes me.. This behavior is interesting to say the least.

Poor Dennis is at risk for loose dogs and coyotes. We'll see how this saga continues.

Oh almost forgot, I called the neighbors and told them that Dennis might visit and that I have no control over his behavior.. They all were anxious to meet him. There is a distinct possibility that photos may follow....

Inchie Monday

2011-03-28T21:49:00.000-07:00

OOPS - I'm back, it's Tuesday and I was too pooped to finish my inchie last night. Since I needed something with wings I made a tiny collage, hand painted the background, added some embellishments and in flew a dragonfly.... This is a belated inchie..

My mirror

2011-03-21T22:25:00.000-07:00

I'm thinking tonight of the song "I'm looking at the man in the mirror".. BUT, I'm looking at the woman in the mirror tonight and I see lines and wrinkles... Gads it is hard to get old.... No pix, just a thought.... Cheers to old women and good horses...

I didn't forget..... Rhythm

2011-03-21T19:42:00.000-07:00

Inchie Monday... here's my take... I call it rhythm in flight. I painted this little art work with a toothpick...

A Smile for my Blog Readers

2011-03-20T12:28:00.000-07:00

I don't have a lot of blog readers but if you read this, here's a smile just for you. If you are not a frequent reader or commenter, bingo, you still get the smile...

P.S. I Kiss my horse right on the lips.... (oh yeah, the ribbon? I was dismembering a cedar wreath and stuck the red ribbon right on her head. I think she liked it, until it fell apart)

Shrinking Continued on an ATC

2011-03-15T08:35:00.000-07:00

The Local Craft Girls that meet on Tuesday just had to be on shrink plastic..

A Little Shrinky Dink

2011-03-14T20:19:00.000-07:00

I'm in an shrink Plastic mingle. My 4x4 includes a "soot" card and a tiny shrink plastic horse... I love the "Circus" theme....

Altered Book Pages for a Friend

2011-03-14T10:56:00.000-07:00

Cher, a friend, is making an altered book titled Overexposed-Underexposed - I know she loves Mermaids so I made her a spread.. Using clipped out art, background paper, threads, paint, tissue, etc.etc... I created the pages. The fish, jumping from the bottom is actually a used cd cut up with molding paste for texture.... Makes me want to be a Mermaid. (I didn't save the original Mermaid clip art creator's name so I can't give credit... but whoever they are they are so talented)

Inchie Monday .... Endless

2011-03-14T08:46:00.000-07:00

Keeps going and going and going....

AB Round Robin

2011-03-10T07:00:00.000-08:00

Gossip Comes back to haunt you, maybe in numbers....

AB Round Robin

2011-03-09T07:57:00.000-08:00

I'm in an altered round robin book - you probably know from my horsey pictures - Now, I'm working on Kathy's book "The Dead"... Here's my first spread. It's all about poor Mary. I made the niche in the book by die cutting several pages with a book mark die. Adhered them together and then made the casket cover. They will "tip in" to the book itself. I used acetate and distressed inks to make the casket transparency. The cover of the casket was painted, embossed, inked, and crackled. Poor Mary was a left over Halloween visitor. She is mounted on a tiny dress form...
I have to tell you the epitaph I chose for Mary was difficult. After sizing up both of them I decided to just make her mad... Thought I share my choices:

Here lies Mary with a hole in her heart She got so mad she fell apart.
OR
Here lies Mary with a hole in her heart. She let such a fart it blew her apart.
I think I am having too much fun with this.

Inchie Monday "Dance"

2011-03-07T07:57:00.000-08:00

Good morning all... I'm still using some punches for my inchies... This morning I don't feel much like dancing but I made it a dance day.. Maybe this afternoon.

Shrink Plastic

2011-03-06T09:11:00.000-08:00

This month AAWA is mingling with Shrink Plastic. I hadn't worked with it for a while now, you know - on to something else BUT I use to experiment, make all sorts of jewelry with it, etc.etc. I use both ink jet and "regular" products and have stashed several colors. I had "flamingos" on my mind so thought I would die cut one and shrink it. I used the toaster oven for heat (rather than the heat gun), because this shape with the long legs and neck will often times stick to itself. As you can see it shrunk perfectly.
The final flamingo has been colored (after shrinking) with a Brillance Pink ink. The layered body/wing was covered with the same ink and clear embossing powder.. It's hard to see but it is on an embossed card. I don't know if this will be for the mingle or not - but I can see for the next couple of days I will be shrinking plastic!

What's UP? #3

2011-02-28T07:37:00.000-08:00

More horsey altered book pages...

Inchie Monday - Frolic

2011-02-28T07:30:00.000-08:00

I am a very bad girl - I forgot inchie Monday

2011-02-23T13:24:00.000-08:00

GADS, here it is Wednesday and the light just clicked on... Monday inchie. GADS again, I totally forgot it. Must be this altered book I am working on. It is consuming me. Good thing I have a deadline for the round robin or I might file it away for a while.
I call this inchie "Catch a Falling Star".

What's UP? #2

2011-02-22T15:13:00.000-08:00

Another page....

What's Up?

2011-02-19T15:03:00.000-08:00

I'm in an altered book round robin. I need to create a few spreads. My book is about horses. I fashion my route to a "horse show". Here's the go so far....

Artsy Morning

2011-02-14T09:40:00.000-08:00

I'm in a monthly swap on the list An Affair with Art (AAWA) - For February the theme is "TAGS". I made a hangie tag and some other stuff....

Inchie Monday "Fishy"

2011-02-13T14:08:00.000-08:00

I had scales of fun playing in Corel with "fishy".

Monday Inchie

2011-02-08T10:44:00.001-08:00

I think the picture speaks for itself.

Inchie Monday - Mirthful

2011-01-31T14:34:00.001-08:00

Okay, this is not Princess but she inspired this Monday Inchie AND she can laugh..

Inchie Monday - Maudlin

2011-01-25T07:11:00.000-08:00

"Maudlin" adj
Foolishly tearful or sentimental, as when drunk -Effusively or tearfully sentimental. My contribution for Inchie Monday. Like me, reading old journals and looking at old photos before Alzheimer's moved into our house.. tearful and sentimental - perhaps with a glass of red wine. Well, I don't think I ever looked that good.....

Time, time, where does it go?

2011-01-19T23:28:00.000-08:00

Making artwork late at night has become a habit. I joined a 4x4 swap where you pick a month and illustrate it - send 12 "Februarys" (or your month) to the hostess and receive 12 months of artwork from 12 different artists. Did I explain that right? Well, it's late at night and I hope so. Here's my illustration for the month of February.... I like Valentine's day, don't you?

Monday's Inchie "Care"

2011-01-18T06:37:00.000-08:00

Care is such a meaningful word. I am a caretaker for my husband with Alzheimer's disease. His care is in my hands.

Valentine

2011-01-13T12:58:00.000-08:00

Had time today to play with a new stamp, new MS punch and new embossing folder. Happy Valentine's Day to my friends.

Inspiration ATC

2011-01-12T12:38:00.000-08:00

I'm in an inspiration swap on An Affair with Art. This is my interpretation... Yesterday, we had a flock of Robins visit our hill in Oregon. I sure hope that is the first sign of Spring. I think I am ready.

Power of Art Inchie

2011-01-10T12:01:00.000-08:00

I believe that art is powerful, no matter what. It can have an effect on others or on your own being. Something you create can bring you such comfort - be it artsy, whimsical amateur or professional. So, my inchie is a collage about the Power of ART.

Inchies

2011-01-07T12:56:00.000-08:00

It's been a month since I posted but here I am... I've got some new stuff to put on my blog but today I joined the Monday Inchie creators. Click the picture on the sidebar and you can read all about it..

Let's Play TAGS

2010-12-09T11:53:00.000-08:00

It's turning into a tag morning for me. I've been keeping up with Tim H.'s wonderful lessons and decided to make tags. What fun....

I'm Still Here

2010-12-05T09:16:00.000-08:00

Made some new artwork for swaps. Haven't felt much like posting lately. Sure is cold and rainy in Oregon... The shoes are Fairy Slippers. The Hallelujah ATC's are fashioned after the song.

Shrine Complete - with cover

2010-10-23T11:25:00.000-07:00

The Dia De Los Muertos Shrine is complete. It will be mailed for a swap next week. I spent the wee hours of the morning completing it. What a fun project...

Shrine Complete - Front View

2010-10-23T11:17:00.000-07:00

How to Dress Your Horse For Halloween

2010-10-09T13:52:00.001-07:00

Let's Try a Rose... I love my horse.

How to Dress Your Horse For Halloween Part 2

2010-10-09T13:48:00.000-07:00

Let's try a BOA....

How to Start a Shrine

2010-10-09T13:43:00.000-07:00

I'm in a Dia De Los Muertos Shrine Swap on the An Affair with Art List. Here's how I started. GADS

Hello

2010-10-02T21:03:00.000-07:00

It was good to get comments from such dear friends. Yes, we are doing fine. Despite the stuff that is going on, I am enjoying my horse moment. It's amazing how the clip clop of hoofs going down our drive way makes me insanely happy.... My Princess is doing her job. If you read this message, I hope you find this kind of joy in your life...By the way, a close friend said Princess should be called "Butter Cup"... I ask her and she respectfully declined....

xxoo

Photos

2010-09-27T13:05:00.001-07:00

This is my brother Bob and Princess. He liked riding her. The barn looks pretty cool, now doesn't it? A copper weather vane is the crowning glory.

Almost Forgot How to Update my Blog

2010-09-27T12:57:00.000-07:00

Here it is - almost the end of September and I'm just now writing on my blog. Seems like stuff goes on and on and on -- the blog is at the end of the list and I can't even find the list. The barn is finished and Princess is settled in with us. She whinnys every time I open the front door. I spend two early morning hours with her every day, doing barn work and brushing her. Today, I led her down our driveway and she was very calm about the new sights and noises. It won't be long before I will ride her around our neighborhood. Her diet is working (as is mine) and together we are going to grow old and laugh about it. (She can laugh you know....)
I had guests this month and we enjoyed sitting outside the barn and watching Princess walk around. My favorite way to spend an evening. Oh almost forgot, the above photo is me. Looks like some old lady I use to know.

Catching Up Again

2010-08-22T10:39:00.000-07:00

I don't seem to have enough time to Blog these days but I'm going to try harder.
I just finished two new artsy pieces for An Affair with Art and thought I should put them on me ole Blog. Die Cut artwork is always fun for me and of course I still love to make ATC's. Hope you are having a great Sunday. Mine is full of surprises and obligations to fulfill.

Card for a Friend

2010-08-01T08:34:00.001-07:00

This die cut (svg) file came from Michelle's Rubber Room. The background flower is cut from the front of the card. Thanks Michelle.

I can't believe it

2010-07-25T21:14:00.000-07:00

After 19+ years of NOT riding a horse, tonight with help from a friend Faith, a bridle was used and I got on my horse bareback, walked and trotted her around a large arena. I had such fear she would jump and I would fall, never again able to take care of my husband with AZ.... she didn't and it felt better than I can write in this post.
Thank you dear Lord for Princess....

Had a Blog Detour

2010-07-23T13:17:00.000-07:00

Hi Bloggers, it's been a while, actually a long time since I posted. Just lots of stuff going on at home. Every time I would think about posting, I just decided I didn't have the time. Also, my adventure with artsy stuff went sour for a while. Just couldn't get in the mood. I think I'm over that. Made some artsy commitments which forced me to create some pieces for swaps. It really helped. Made me feel good about myself. Art tends to that, doesn't it?

The barn is finished and looks great. Next week the ground leveling, arena, sand, etc. will be completed and finally I will welcome Princess home. I only see her every three or four days, but it is a wonderful thing to pet her, take her a treat, trot her around and breathe in that horsey odor I've missed for far too long. If you are a horse born lover, you will know what I mean. If not, you probably think I'm crazy. Maybe I am.....

Back with a Horse Picture

2010-05-17T14:48:00.000-07:00

Thanks to my good friend BJ, I have a photo of Princess taken yesterday right after her bath with a very good shampoo and conditioner. Eat your heart Black Beauty. Photo by BJ Coburn.

No Posts for a While

2010-05-05T22:25:00.000-07:00

Hi....

It's been more than a month that I posted anything ..... too much stuff going on. I'll be back to post, just don't know when....

2010-03-25T08:59:00.000-07:00

You get old really fast and wonder what happened to your past? Then you find a picture or memento of past years and the memories come flooding back. That happened to me. I was looking at some old photos and realized how much I missed my horses.

In my past life I always had a horse. I think I was born loving them.

At age 16 I got a job and bought one. His name was "Buck" and I'll never forget him. Then came Champ, Pookas, Cricket, Tonka, Banner, Keetah, Sancho, Sister, Tuesday, Whistle, Nellie and all of her other 11 foals. Blue and Rusty were my last two horses. The plans were to bring them to Oregon but Blue got sick and had to be put down. Rusty couldn't make it by himself as he was a crippled horse in love with little Blue. They are roaming horse heaven together even as I write this post...

Once I rescued the ugliest little appaloosa colt named "Dog Food". He went on to become a large beautiful gelding - shown at many events - his name was changed to Royal Kiante.

Fast forward to 20 years later and a move to Oregon with plans of building a barn and riding. Never happened.

Husband has AZ and the future is bleak. What did I do to give me some new direction....listened to those memories and bought a horse. She is a black Morgan aged mare that will pack me anywhere. Now I am in the process of building a small barn with fencing. This is the artist's rendition of the barn and the black sweet face is princess.I have died and gone to heaven.

Happy Easter

2010-03-23T12:56:00.000-07:00

Up late last night and finished an ATC for trade.... Spring Bling which put me in a mood to make a couple of Easter cards. The "egg" has gold foil on the sun and doesn't show up very well in the scan. I wish for you a great spring with Easter blessings.

Late night cards

2010-03-05T14:13:00.000-08:00

Post Card from the past

2010-02-27T09:02:00.000-08:00

I joined a postcard swap. The swap hostess will bind in book form. Since I have a collection of very old ones, I thought I would use one as my inspiration. You can't see it from the pix but I've used a tiny glue pen and "foiled" around the small flowers, lace and roses in gold. It really does resembles the original. Who is Captain Augustus Butterfield? Why does Rebecca want to be his friend and not his lover? What was their argument about? Who wrote that poem? I'll never tell.

Flowers

2010-02-27T09:00:00.001-08:00

I'm in this flower thing too. I think I will fill up my bathtub with paper flowers and dive right in. Well, maybe not. They are addicting!

Up Late at Night

2010-02-20T10:06:00.000-08:00

I had this burning or should I say coloring desire late last night. Pulled out a Paula Best Stamp and made an ATC. Hooray for colored pencils and Gamsol blending fluid. I use to dislike my coloring projects but with Gamsol I can blend and create something that I think is a keeper or candidate for trade.

50 for $1.00

2010-02-17T13:00:00.001-08:00

Found place cards at the dollar store yesterday and made some tiny thank yous on my computer. You really should visit the "wedding" isle. What great stuff to alter!

Baby I'm Yours

2010-02-15T10:30:00.000-08:00

I'm in a monthly lottery on AAWA and the theme is "Baby"...
This is my contribution - 4x4 with digital ATC - embossed, inked and
bordered with paper lace.

Cuttlebug Capers

2010-02-11T11:15:00.000-08:00

I bought a Cuttlebug ... imagine with all the cutters I have - I need another one. Actually, it was needed in my art room for embossing. It folds up and can easily be put away, occupying only a very small space. My new embossing folders are getting some action. Don't you love the texture to this sample? It was made with alcohol inks and then run through the Cuttlebug in an embossing folder. The Cuttlebug was purchased from Cropstop.

Rabbit Land

2010-02-10T11:32:00.000-08:00

Finished one set of rabbits and took their picture. So many Easter Bunnies hanging on the wall. Which one's the best? I like them all.

Artist Trading Cards

2010-02-02T13:53:00.000-08:00

Had to take a break from the Bunnies and make some ATC's. Haven't done that in a long while -- almost forgot how to.....

Rabbits Hopin All Over the Place

2010-02-02T13:50:00.000-08:00

I'm now in 3 swaps for Rabbits that spell out Easter.... #1 rabbit is finished, now on to chase the rest.... Alice

New Art

2010-01-09T13:19:00.000-08:00

Glory be, I had time this morning to make a pin for a good friend's birthday. Since she really is an old fashion girl, I thought a Victorian cutesy was in order.
This was made with Ranger's memory frame, Tim Holtz corner frame and some tiny metal leaves from my stash. I couldn't get two glass panes in the frame so there is only one as the backing. The tiny collage was a pistol to get together. Don't you like the teeny weeny buttons and the garment hanger? I pinned it to a little chair I made with the Cricut... I think she will be pleased.

January......moving on

2010-01-03T20:42:00.000-08:00

Hi Bloggers... Hope this January finds you happy and enjoying some good weather. When you get as old as I am, weather becomes the topic of discussion.

I made a pin for a good friend's birthday. Darn, I worked a very long time on it and then decided I didn't like it. I tore it apart and I am going to start again. I think I am anal about this. I try hard not to be - but my "get it right" muse gets angry when things do not look right. I will post a final of this project... Oh well...

Blog Barbara, just "Blog"

2009-12-30T13:48:00.000-08:00

ok.....

Today was a snowy weather day in So. Oregon.... I got the electric bill for December and passed out. OK, I'm up and running and do not want to see what the January bills will be... BUT, I'm blogging you a message and I only have about 3 followers... That's fun and I love you for keeping up with me..

It's a good friends birthday on the 1st but she is SO busy I don't know if she will celebrate. I hope so..

Congrats to my friends that clean their craft room. I have made a resolution but that is just "words"... Hopefully, I will spring into action and my creative muse will say "Get Organized" Barbara, and blog more... tada... Happy New Year my loyal followers, all three of you.

Between Christmas and New Year

2009-12-27T07:05:00.001-08:00

It was a busy Christmas season for us. The eve of the 24th found us drinking pomegranate martinis and eating roasted chicken. Our good friend BJ was here and along with our two wiener dogs, we exchanged presents, laughed at our own stories and generally had a great time. Yes, the dogs have stories too, more action than words...

Yesterday I tried to catch up with swaps and cards but still have more to do. My creative brain just shut down last night, and I caught up on some much needed sleep. I won't say Happy New Year yet but I'm thinking about it.

Aren't you?

Busy Holiday Season

2009-12-18T10:00:00.000-08:00

After very cold, record breaking weather, company, etc.etc., life is settling down. I just got my 35 cards finished and they will go in the mail today. Not doing much for the Holidays - we'll attend one party and spend Christmas eve thanking God for our blessings (which we do everyday) and I am going to cook a prime rib roast. A good friend will be here for dinner and we'll invite any other left overs that are going to alone. We'll have a few presents and watch the movie the National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, which makes me laugh and laugh. Here's a clipart for you from my collection. Happy Holidays.