Patina Moon

Hello friends... Now that I'm back home from Florida and trying to get back to normal (whatever "normal" is for me right now) I realize how quickly time is passing.  I still feel like there is so much to do before we move!  Trying to hold onto whatever "artistic" side I have during the chaos is comforting for me, so thank you for letting me share what I can during this hectic time.  Alan J. Smith  I feel fortunate to have been given some of the artist related things that belonged to my father in law.  I was able to keep some of his sketch books, notes, and a beautiful studio easel as well as his painting smock, some of his paints, pastels and other art supplies, while still being able to donate some things to local schools. I have photographed portions of some of Alan's work.  I hope you'll enjoy.  Alan J. Smith I'd like to mention that my father in law was a perfect example for  "it's never too

Sending a big thank you out to everyone for your comforting words during this difficult time.   Russell and I appreciate your kindness.  It's so sad that my first trip to Florida had to be under these circumstances.  But,  I still managed to find a bit of comfort with my camera and surroundings. Here is a peek at some of the beauty I've been seeing around this place while spending time with my family. Temperatures in the 70's with cool breezes. Tropical flowers.  My new friend...I think he has "cute toes," don't you? :-) (I've never seen a frog in Las Vegas, so I guess I'm easily amused) ...falling asleep to an evening rain shower last night...  These little guys are everywhere...I think they're cute too.  I'm not sure of their correct name...I just like to call them "garden geckos."     Love the old Florida style home with the louvre type

Hello friends... I just felt the need to share this with you tonight.  My father-in-law passed away this last weekend.   I am with my husband in Florida. Out of the many wonderful things my father- in -law was, one was an Artist. During this sad time, I have been surrounded by some of his beautiful pieces of art. I thought I'd share one of his self portraits.  I so love this piece. This past summer my husband and I were able to visit him.   I have memories of conversations with him about art, music and the theatre he loved so much. I know he even enjoyed visiting my blog occasionally.    I only wish we'd have had more time... I hope your week is off to a good start. I'll have to get caught up with you when I get home.  Becca 

Dear friends,  I'm just dropping in for a quick post.  As the time gets closer to our move, I'm finding it harder and harder to "be creative." Creativity tends to keep me sane though, and that's why I am trying my hardest to keep it in my daily routine even during the trying times like these.  Last week, we got a couple of days of "rainy type" weather here in Las Vegas. (you know how much I love that!)  I was drawn by how everything looked so "clean & green" outside. This is the area in our back yard. I love the contrast of the plum tree and the chinese elm. The lawn is actually artificial.  Since we have a water shortage here, most people have removed any kind of grass they had and replaced it with rock and desert landscaping. We love the green so much we choose the "fake grass."  This bearded iris container plant has been with me for about 6 years now. It blooms every year around East

I've been wanting to get out my bees wax and melting pot to use on a collage piece.  So, I created this mixed-media collage on water color paper. (French Lace Hydrangea) First, I began applying book paper with matte gel medium. Then, over the book paper I added tea bags with the gel medium.  I SO love using old tea bags!  The flowers are just the kind that you purchase at the craft store. I was attracted to the colors and thought of hydrangeas when I saw them.  Added vintage lace, bird and butterfly images,  sketched the background leaves and painted with watercolors. I love the look the bees wax gives it, and the smell of the wax while you are working is  heavenly!  Here you can get a closer look at how the wax looks over the lace.  I'm linking up with Paint Party Friday So many great links and artists over there, check it out! Hope everyone has a great weekend! Becca

"Gratitude is a twofold love-- love coming to visit us and love running out to  greet a welcome guest." (Henry van Dyke) I've received some lovely surprises in the mail that I wanted to share!  This first package came from  Catherine www.cornerofcatsmind.blogspot.com I was so lucky to get to meet Catherine during one of her recent trips to Las Vegas. A beautiful sun catcher. Such a lovely note about my upcoming move,  Thank you Catherine!  ...and... Fetzer LOVES "Shnacks" Thanks Banjo!  Then, Tracy from  www.pranalight.typepad.com chose my name for this beautiful moleskin journal that she embellished. I've kept this in a special place and have started using it.  She also sent me a lovely ATC that I am sorry to say I realized I packed it in a box already with some other handmade cards, gifts, treasures that friends have given me.  I should have taken a photo of it sooner!