tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89359251638946378752024-02-20T18:24:29.396-06:00taproot studiotales from my little house + studio in the woodsjanice smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14297764107290645298noreply@blogger.comBlogger221125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8935925163894637875.post-57891224371548103472016-10-01T19:04:00.000-05:002016-10-01T19:04:39.825-05:00Who Did YOU Want to Be?I'm working on a jewelry order for Mercy Ships International today and my fingers need a break! The anchor tags I'm creating attach to the clasps on the <a href="http://store.mercyships.org/Jewelry_s/70.htm" target="_blank">Heart for Africa Necklace</a>s and they are tiny...less than 1/4" in length.<br />
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Am I crazy for enjoying the stamping, cutting and filing such tiny little pieces of silver? I find it to be quite therapeutic, actually.<br />
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I often place things on my worktop that inspire me or guide my thoughts a bit while I work. Today I'm pondering a phrase from a <a href="http://www.kellyraeroberts.com/" target="_blank">Kelly Rae Roberts</a> print I found on a recent shopping day in Dallas:<br />
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What I love about this little question is that it doesn't ask <span style="font-size: large;">what </span>you wanted to be, but <span style="font-size: large;">who</span>. It doesn't ask what you wanted to do, or see or have. To me it asks what kind of person you wanted to be. What did you want people to think of when you came to mind? <br />
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Really consider the question, dig a little deeper and try to remember. When you hit upon the truth, don't be surprised if you feel a quickening in your spirit...a tug at your heart because no matter how much we've been tossed about in life our hearts know who we were meant to be.<br />
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So here's my big confession for today: Things happened in my life during the past few years that changed me in ways I don't like. I am far more cynical than I like to admit. I find that I'm hesitant to be involved, fearful of losing more but lately I've been feeling ready to move forward.<br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c;"><i><b>For everything there is a season...</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c;"><i><b>a time to weep and a time to laugh,</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c;"><i><b> a time to mourn and a time to dance...</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c;"><i><b>(Ecclesiastes 3:1a & 4)</b></i></span></div>
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I'm not meant to stay in a place of mourning indefinitely and, quite frankly, I'd very much like to enter a season of laughter and dancing! <br />
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So who exactly did I want to be? I wanted to be someone who loves fearlessly and tenaciously. I wanted to use my gifts and talents to bring a little bit of heaven to this earth. That's what I wanted then and in my heart of hearts that's what I want now. <br />
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Of course, now that I've bared my soul (which took a fair amount of fearlessness, I must say), I just have to ask: Who did <span style="font-size: large;">you </span>want to be?<br />
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janice smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14297764107290645298noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8935925163894637875.post-8550373976183027862016-09-28T08:55:00.001-05:002016-10-01T15:38:54.544-05:00Greetings!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Greetings from Edmund and the rest of us here at Casa de Smith! It's the first chilly morning of Fall. Is there anything more exhilarating?</div>
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Much has happened since I last hit the publish button. I'm sure the same is true for you. Life has a way of sweeping us up and carrying us forward whether we're ready for it or not. Sometimes before we know it we are in unknown territory, just trying to stay afloat. <br />
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The past few years have been full of change. My nest is empty now as my baby birds are off learning to fly on their own. We've lost a few family members and a very dear friend of mine moved far, far away. I have to admit that a deep sadness settled into my heart for a time and there was just nothing to do but move through it.<br />
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Lately, though, I've been thinking it's time to start writing again. (An artist can only go so long without expressing herself before she explodes.) I don't even know if anyone else will ever see this. I'm just writing because I need to write.<br />
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<span style="color: #45818e;"><i>A work of art is good if it has sprung from necessity.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e;"><i>-Rilke </i></span></div>
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So today I'm just getting my feet wet, remembering how to insert photos and how to center quotes and make them that pretty blue color...just getting over the hump of getting started. I must say it feels good to be back here.<br />
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I hope this post finds you well and happily creating a beautiful life for yourself. I'm off to create a second cup of coffee before I get to work on a jewelry order. I guess some things haven't changed :-)<br />
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janice smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14297764107290645298noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8935925163894637875.post-48322877318637181512014-01-24T10:47:00.001-06:002014-01-24T13:42:23.083-06:00Kitchen Progress and A New Necklace DesignHello dear friends! My apologies for disappearing for a time but those of you who have been visiting here for a while know I am apt to do such things. It's that artist's temperament in me, I suppose. The good news is that although we had some sad things happen in our lives these past few months we also have much to celebrate in our messy, complicated, beautiful life and I am grateful for every minute of it. God is good...life is good.<br />
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After reading through my last post (almost 2 months ago...yikes!) I realized I left you with a terribly unkempt view of my kitchen, so I'll begin with an update.<br />
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We pushed hard to get to a livable stage before setting our little project aside for the holidays. There are many details waiting to be seen to, but here's where we are today:<br />
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I am so, so happy with our progress so far. The space feels fresh and spacious yet cozy and inviting...just perfect for our little house in the woods. The island was rescued from being storage in an old barn, so refinishing that is now also on my to do list.<br />
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In case you need a reminder, here's how my kitchen looked a few months ago! You gotta love paint.<br />
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My favorite detail so far (other than the island) is the feet we added to the cabinets. We tried lots of different shapes and styles to see what we liked. I thought I wanted something simple and streamlined, but when I sketched these out on a whim those curvy lines put a big smile on my face. They are very furniture-like and complement the crown molding we installed on the wall cabinets. <br />
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The best thing about these cabinet feet is that they remind me of the furniture in the enchanted castle in Disney's <b>Beauty and the Beast</b>. So now I have a kitchen that makes me feel like I live in a fairy tale. How fun is that?<br />
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I didn't get to the backsplash before Christmas, so if I hope to get enough momentum going to make that happen soon. The kitchen would then be just about complete except that I've decided to add some cabinetry to a blank wall, so there's a bit more redo chaos in our future. (So glad the huz is a good-natured fellow.)<br />
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Here's the wall in question. Built-in bookcases will work quite nicely here, don't you think?<br />
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To get a sense of how the space will feel with the changes, yesterday I moved a bookcase and our outdoor bistro set in to see how I liked it.<br />
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Not at all what I envision the end result to be, but I'm really enjoying hanging out here this morning. I'm thinking some club chairs and a low table would give it a nice coffee house vibe. We'll see.<br />
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I've been busy in the studio as well. It was a good Christmas season for my jewelry business and the new year found me happily putting together some new pieces for the <a href="http://store.mercyships.org/product_p/jw-trsetbhv.htm" target="_blank">Mercy Ships International online store</a>. <br />
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They have a special offering put together for Valentine's Day that includes the newly released necklace, matching earrings and a box of chocolates. How fabulous is that?<br />
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I can't say enough about what a blessing my dealings with the creative team at Mercy Ships have been to me this year. Let me tell you, this organization is the real deal. They not only change lives, they <span style="font-size: large;">save </span>them. Mercy Ships volunteers offer hope and healing to people who are otherwise forgotten. Some time when you have a few quiet moments, read their story. I promise you'll be encouraged and inspired.<br />
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In a world where negativity seems unchecked it's so important to remind ourselves that there is good in the world. There are still people who care deeply and are willing to give of themselves to help others. There are countless unsung and unselfish acts going on around us every day. May we all have eyes to see the good and hands to do our part!<br />
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I hope you are well and happy and that your year is off to a good start. I'm so glad to be back in the swing of things here.<br />
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<br />janice smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14297764107290645298noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8935925163894637875.post-23860010406499654352013-11-26T23:17:00.002-06:002013-11-26T23:23:53.184-06:00Mulled Cider + A Big New ProjectIt's been cold and drippy outside this week but we stay cozy<span style="text-align: center;"> in our warm little house, watching the flames dance around in the wood stove and sipping warm drinks in the evenings.</span><br />
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Our favorite is mulled cider. The recipe varies depending on what I have on hand, but it usually goes something like this (as you'll see, I'm not too big on exact measurements:</div>
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<i><b>Simmer together: </b></i></div>
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<b>a quart or so of apple cider or juice (no sugar added)</b></div>
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<b>a few slices of pineapple </b></div>
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<b>a few slices of citrus fruit with peel</b></div>
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<b>one stick of cinnamon </b></div>
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<b>a few whole cloves</b></div>
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That's it...no fuss! I usually use oranges for the citrus but lemon and grapefruit are also great. Just use what you have and be creative!</div>
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Oh, the aroma of simmering cider makes me so happy as it wafts into my studio!<br />
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I apologize for disappearing from my blog without explanation for the past few weeks. First there were internet issues, then we suddenly decided to jump right into a major project because, well, that's what you do just before the holidays, right? My kitchen is finally getting a much anticipated face-lift! Here's the before photo:</div>
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I have wanted to paint my cabinets for years, so the first thing I did was sand and prime them, waiting to choose the paint color until the new counter tops were installed. <br />
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Progress to be sure, but still a long, long way to go. Between working on the kitchen and filling jewelry orders I'm going to be a busy girl between now and Christmas! Here's the situation today...counter tops are in and the long wall of cabinets has its first coat of the yummiest color of white I could find. The whole ordeal of preparing the cabinets for paint deserves a post of its own, so stay tuned for that.<br />
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Not as much drawing and painting as I'd like going on here lately, but plenty of creative momentum!<br />
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Wishing my friends in the States a wonderful Thanksgiving Day this Thursday. The best way I know to stay happy is to cultivate gratitude so let's get out there and count our blessings!!! <br />
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janice smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14297764107290645298noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8935925163894637875.post-45517827959773690822013-11-04T21:41:00.002-06:002013-11-05T05:53:17.194-06:00You Guys Rock!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's been loads of fun checking in and seeing what everyone is up to at Art Every Day Month these past few days. I gotta say, you guys rock! So much talent! I wish I could make it to everyone's blog every day!</div>
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I am happy to report that I did finish up that mug sketch I showed you in <a href="http://taprootstudio.blogspot.com/2013/11/sprucing-up-my-little-haven.html" target="_blank">Saturday's post</a> and I ended up adding ink + watercolor this afternoon. It's a happy little piece...`</div>
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The real-life mug was thrown in porcelain and the potter chose to leave the outside surface unglazed except for the little flower petal thingies. Let me tell you, this is one scrumptious little piece of pottery goodness and I've been going through way too much coffee because I don't want to put it down. (Actually, I don't really <b><i>drink</i> </b>a lot of coffee, I mostly just enjoy holding a warm mug and smelling the aroma.)</div>
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I also added a quote to my inspiration board today.</div>
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These words are meant for you, too...to remind you of just how great it is that you are tearing down the walls of self-doubt and complacency and entering new territory. This is your time, my friend. It's time to let your light shine. The world needs what only you have to give, so be strong and of good courage! </div>
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Putting your art out there is like offering the world the most fragile part of you, hoping and praying it won't be crushed. We become true artists when our need to express what is deep within us overtakes our need to impress, to succeed or to fit in. Artists are honest and they are brave. Artists live <span style="font-size: large;">big!</span></div>
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So to every artist participating in Art Every Day Month or putting your work out there in other ways I say, "Thank you for your courage! May your life and your art expand in ways you never dreamed possible!"</div>
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<i>Linking up today with:</i></div>
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<a href="http://taprootstudio.blogspot.com/2013/11/you-guys-rock.html" target="_blank">Art Every Day Month</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCEG6bFmiRp5faHf04wkBFL_dTN7vtI5x6ZD74CudNmVPktGOwuXonA8DDWHVM9X98viq2h5xPejT004wKpcsgBtJF47v_rdIchP_T0JPKbH9crZvrpGgC9n4h6DJ9dySOQu1R59bWZSM/s1600/footer+-+wide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCEG6bFmiRp5faHf04wkBFL_dTN7vtI5x6ZD74CudNmVPktGOwuXonA8DDWHVM9X98viq2h5xPejT004wKpcsgBtJF47v_rdIchP_T0JPKbH9crZvrpGgC9n4h6DJ9dySOQu1R59bWZSM/s400/footer+-+wide.jpg" width="400" /></a>janice smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14297764107290645298noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8935925163894637875.post-27664653052474451872013-11-03T14:20:00.000-06:002013-11-03T14:20:01.083-06:00A Little Laid Back Sunday Afternoon Fun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I really do enjoy playing with the different drawing apps available for iPad. For me it's very relaxing and the endless color and tool variations make it really fun. This afternoon I've been altering photos from my camera roll. Remember this one from last month's trip to Baltimore?</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Groovy Kind of Love</i>, November 2013, created in Sketches for iPad</span></div>
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And here's a handsome young man I just happened to photograph walking toward me the other day. I can't believe this guy is so grown up! (Notice I refrained from calling him my baby.)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbJhsKJul6fOuWUkbuf_ItycRN3Mr9B8VMrKkw7E-SSXEQARx9u28qANc1ZuXwC6y1rCXWdXy-cFmPJqkW3laQV0LttFAvRVZi2E9ffORtgK2p2Aw_h7z9sepyEuws4lwa0HPL2hkL9o4/s1600/Sketches+(3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbJhsKJul6fOuWUkbuf_ItycRN3Mr9B8VMrKkw7E-SSXEQARx9u28qANc1ZuXwC6y1rCXWdXy-cFmPJqkW3laQV0LttFAvRVZi2E9ffORtgK2p2Aw_h7z9sepyEuws4lwa0HPL2hkL9o4/s640/Sketches+(3).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>So.Very.Cool.</i>, November 2013, created in Sketches for iPad</span></div>
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That's it for today...no deep thoughts or words of wisdom, just a little laid back Sunday afternoon fun! Hopefully next time I'll remember to save a few screen shots along the way so I can show you a bit more of the process. </div>
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Have a great day my friends! Happy creating!</div>
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Linking up today with:</div>
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<a href="http://www.bluechairdiaryillustrations.com/2013/11/sunday-sketches.html" target="_blank">Sunday Sketches</a> and <a href="http://creativeeveryday.com/creativeeveryday/2013/11/art-every-day-month-day-3.html#comments" target="_blank">Art Every Day Month</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCEG6bFmiRp5faHf04wkBFL_dTN7vtI5x6ZD74CudNmVPktGOwuXonA8DDWHVM9X98viq2h5xPejT004wKpcsgBtJF47v_rdIchP_T0JPKbH9crZvrpGgC9n4h6DJ9dySOQu1R59bWZSM/s1600/footer+-+wide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCEG6bFmiRp5faHf04wkBFL_dTN7vtI5x6ZD74CudNmVPktGOwuXonA8DDWHVM9X98viq2h5xPejT004wKpcsgBtJF47v_rdIchP_T0JPKbH9crZvrpGgC9n4h6DJ9dySOQu1R59bWZSM/s400/footer+-+wide.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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janice smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14297764107290645298noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8935925163894637875.post-34508115180635398152013-11-02T13:43:00.001-05:002013-11-02T14:57:10.442-05:00Sprucing Up My Little HavenDay 2 of Art Every Day Month and I'm still on track! Woo Hoo!!! <br />
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This leisurely Saturday morning has afforded me the time to do a bit of sketching. I have a new porcelain mug I just love and, since I can't keep my eyes off of it anyway, I thought I might as well commit what I see to paper.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPA_9Dcg-DY39ZKWmeZd1nvwHZQJpYrRXOsNTLMZGTeYKqjZLpmNshXkSK1Z4zGqBF9XDkPjSjX-o9t7uh8CgXxRu0tHpRgJ-HuHL_jDT0leuXIV_RLtWFZ3hEhgDaNepASkIGXXSRUMQ/s1600/mug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPA_9Dcg-DY39ZKWmeZd1nvwHZQJpYrRXOsNTLMZGTeYKqjZLpmNshXkSK1Z4zGqBF9XDkPjSjX-o9t7uh8CgXxRu0tHpRgJ-HuHL_jDT0leuXIV_RLtWFZ3hEhgDaNepASkIGXXSRUMQ/s640/mug.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Symmetrical curvy vessels like this can be such a challenge. I usually begin with a sort of "grid" so that I will end up with at least some sort of balance.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3_UbiXK9wvdQ5T71GcaIZdmdIfeRJgwaZkA4CSnYah96eLreLWlTrFuGIjTSGGxYFX28lLq1he0NrnAoMUnq0Vfrt3XMJ8-fQPzCpCTaTcnUgcDm2pJ2RdrActVgX1_iBDmKnolnuzOc/s1600/grid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3_UbiXK9wvdQ5T71GcaIZdmdIfeRJgwaZkA4CSnYah96eLreLWlTrFuGIjTSGGxYFX28lLq1he0NrnAoMUnq0Vfrt3XMJ8-fQPzCpCTaTcnUgcDm2pJ2RdrActVgX1_iBDmKnolnuzOc/s640/grid.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi61hVe2Uk5YI7DPyvuQBr80Gy5nkflbN297VQ_vVqdGbx14He33Ah-xF7ZMZpSp3z0b4q-C2TF0iC70Lk-zvkmZhVxJETB5ar500KKjXo7Ac7-wfwS6EJR0FNMVr2Crd6_SmDB-eaHagQ/s1600/mug+in+process.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi61hVe2Uk5YI7DPyvuQBr80Gy5nkflbN297VQ_vVqdGbx14He33Ah-xF7ZMZpSp3z0b4q-C2TF0iC70Lk-zvkmZhVxJETB5ar500KKjXo7Ac7-wfwS6EJR0FNMVr2Crd6_SmDB-eaHagQ/s640/mug+in+process.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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It's always hard to decide just when to stop. I think I'll add a little ink and watercolor later.<br />
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In other news, yesterday I found a few treasures at a second-hand store that have helped me cozy up my studio. I finally found the funky chair I've been looking for along with a velvet pillow in a very yummy shade of green and a curtain that I think ties them together perfectly.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSXbleFsb0bVE0-uAdsYq0cBqHXiyDnJqhG_Bk0VndT2yJ5vkuuT4KWi6vTdnHC_jGC8hLyYoH1zXYnZ7Q361RRWMHIYayklkoqm42rXcx4BADOzw6zi7ccXuhUxmiozCo0TFn8Eayms4/s1600/chair2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSXbleFsb0bVE0-uAdsYq0cBqHXiyDnJqhG_Bk0VndT2yJ5vkuuT4KWi6vTdnHC_jGC8hLyYoH1zXYnZ7Q361RRWMHIYayklkoqm42rXcx4BADOzw6zi7ccXuhUxmiozCo0TFn8Eayms4/s640/chair2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The botanical + bird prints on the curtain suit me just fine.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-IhZBe1mpH8e1c9gAvdlWQ8YI2thbKqOXCZW53KXvr70TsHLPSafmj0LBvTYGN-hkl9uZgQ0YjJlipw_sItXro4t-eHoIx45vRvM5tcI07ahqk9GjzuLyTXTQpBSxrWhdwsMUWPR2p_w/s1600/birds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-IhZBe1mpH8e1c9gAvdlWQ8YI2thbKqOXCZW53KXvr70TsHLPSafmj0LBvTYGN-hkl9uZgQ0YjJlipw_sItXro4t-eHoIx45vRvM5tcI07ahqk9GjzuLyTXTQpBSxrWhdwsMUWPR2p_w/s640/birds.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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So here's what my studio looked like yesterday morning:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0jm7XsVcSlnggnbdb9FzR1a6hZx70N52QSG0cVdDIgXAeO7p3Cd3Xjn8DrQwooDixNALjZgPhD1j78NbMptvXr6IiycYbjtQdRlyhRHyT61h4PtQQps_FK9lKmQbGKdHKkmChs_rbLcQ/s1600/studio+before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0jm7XsVcSlnggnbdb9FzR1a6hZx70N52QSG0cVdDIgXAeO7p3Cd3Xjn8DrQwooDixNALjZgPhD1j78NbMptvXr6IiycYbjtQdRlyhRHyT61h4PtQQps_FK9lKmQbGKdHKkmChs_rbLcQ/s640/studio+before.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Not bad, but I really wanted a comfortable place to sit when I check my emails or just need to mull something over, so here'e the new and improved version.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4E5J_Gj2Ye6or3OsNqCu6cBGQeKGzIEz-qJ5cyB-K0lZHWd-jAFOrU4u6aQHE7n23oNSoVaKCt-8yJ4JcC6_SZUQCa_I067W1cYzIzAzizZelSxLcyXYUzPjUhIXN0JFoagXPLoM7pII/s1600/after.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4E5J_Gj2Ye6or3OsNqCu6cBGQeKGzIEz-qJ5cyB-K0lZHWd-jAFOrU4u6aQHE7n23oNSoVaKCt-8yJ4JcC6_SZUQCa_I067W1cYzIzAzizZelSxLcyXYUzPjUhIXN0JFoagXPLoM7pII/s640/after.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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There's just something about the color orange that puts a smile on my face every time. I am a happy girl when I sit in that chair. Unfortunately I'm not the only one who loves it!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilia4Sr_ku4E50bDWTyJLxRft6bmvmj9OtiyHmxq9TxDC2ZyQrZAdWDM_CcAREJk-Z6x1bckm2QTcj4pGl9PTogcomjrR7CbVi0M8pBWpPVEQttQYnN7wcBndKxm_qr0q8SZD1g38-IbA/s1600/little+princess.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilia4Sr_ku4E50bDWTyJLxRft6bmvmj9OtiyHmxq9TxDC2ZyQrZAdWDM_CcAREJk-Z6x1bckm2QTcj4pGl9PTogcomjrR7CbVi0M8pBWpPVEQttQYnN7wcBndKxm_qr0q8SZD1g38-IbA/s640/little+princess.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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So now I have a great place to sit and visit all your lovely blogs and read your sweet comments. Slowly but surely my studio space is becoming the little haven I always dreamed of having. Life is good.<br />
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<i>Linking up today with:</i></div>
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<a href="http://creativeeveryday.com/creativeeveryday/2013/11/art-every-day-month-day-2.html" target="_blank">Art Every Day Month</a><br />
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janice smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14297764107290645298noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8935925163894637875.post-86844924069473327362013-11-01T17:20:00.001-05:002013-11-01T17:38:06.583-05:00Art Every Day Month Day is Underway!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKp5HPhQbLBe6x4B3bX8U3gzn381OC5zMXqYRYV4cLjR1VcGMvO5uTBPACIvBk2rVHh4NFW5yBZ71_BkSHgkFzVh4D_L6uK2Hj6FcWlfjMjYLGqon9iYA0-9GghS54_zGjRKoP4UISyWw/s1600/hello.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKp5HPhQbLBe6x4B3bX8U3gzn381OC5zMXqYRYV4cLjR1VcGMvO5uTBPACIvBk2rVHh4NFW5yBZ71_BkSHgkFzVh4D_L6uK2Hj6FcWlfjMjYLGqon9iYA0-9GghS54_zGjRKoP4UISyWw/s400/hello.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Hello, </i>November 2013, created in Sketches for iPad</span></div>
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November is finally here, which means Art Every Day Month is in full swing! Yippeeee!<br />
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I am so excited to see what everyone is up to these days! Last year I made so many new connections through AEDM and at the end of the month I was full to the brim with inspiration and encouragement.<br />
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Besides this cutie patootie little hello doodle, I thought I'd share a few images of my inspiration board as it currently looks. The board hangs next to my worktable and is constantly evolving.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZGncSQtJFE72TIoO-9jATjr1VeeDfZ01yQQkLWtFb4Uohyphenhyphen8CpU6rV1YBkhqC12vk-YmBkMHYwOa4cuCGzbxwME5oztyq5O8fwrMM-sNi0xWxF-jiQtJdNfPXTU4SK1HYRgB_JzW-vUec/s1600/inspiration+board.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZGncSQtJFE72TIoO-9jATjr1VeeDfZ01yQQkLWtFb4Uohyphenhyphen8CpU6rV1YBkhqC12vk-YmBkMHYwOa4cuCGzbxwME5oztyq5O8fwrMM-sNi0xWxF-jiQtJdNfPXTU4SK1HYRgB_JzW-vUec/s640/inspiration+board.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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There are lots of flowers (fresh as well as photographed) in my studio these days. You will, no doubt, see some watercolor sketches of these in the coming weeks. Flowers are my favorite subjects lately.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6PmSDKkNhdIItPlHjW14xunZrzzDgw4T9WYSDMyhVZed3eOQnP9yWe_sgWxWEQluFsE62kbu2iw_srGIx9tZMeoM0ptIRUPQxJL-jPui493dPMHqpAs3omxXhxfDolh_IuvMoukM4xEI/s1600/flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6PmSDKkNhdIItPlHjW14xunZrzzDgw4T9WYSDMyhVZed3eOQnP9yWe_sgWxWEQluFsE62kbu2iw_srGIx9tZMeoM0ptIRUPQxJL-jPui493dPMHqpAs3omxXhxfDolh_IuvMoukM4xEI/s640/flowers.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I also have lots of little trinkets on my board...mostly gifts that remind me of the sweet friends who gave them to me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhGEOG49neMTuIYXLUZBtqGX7Vk4QeY4rlaEIOhfg-3MM_GK4s2CkULTdsOVRQmRKWhV36kIqs9tLWRX4AFis-F0yef7CDCKB-HVMFM6JAa2jqWzt2ZXNqGRakgbaA7PF5o4vPQlln7RM/s1600/inspiration+board+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhGEOG49neMTuIYXLUZBtqGX7Vk4QeY4rlaEIOhfg-3MM_GK4s2CkULTdsOVRQmRKWhV36kIqs9tLWRX4AFis-F0yef7CDCKB-HVMFM6JAa2jqWzt2ZXNqGRakgbaA7PF5o4vPQlln7RM/s640/inspiration+board+2.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>
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And always, always, there are quotes here on this board of mine. Here's one of my favorites:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWrPD6p1U7cf8tBNFLiSjGsaFJf0y0CikkGZYdeHK9kpf_L9elahWN6SGY1VjY66NK3GhBaUXE-4nMBPmK4Azl14F2hYxjd7fVNRahW3HsonCVonJR6U9hi7OrZP-yI0Nunz8Mt6KYBP4/s1600/quote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWrPD6p1U7cf8tBNFLiSjGsaFJf0y0CikkGZYdeHK9kpf_L9elahWN6SGY1VjY66NK3GhBaUXE-4nMBPmK4Azl14F2hYxjd7fVNRahW3HsonCVonJR6U9hi7OrZP-yI0Nunz8Mt6KYBP4/s640/quote.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Thanks so much for stopping by. I'll be making the rounds later this evening and can't wait to see what you have to share! Happy creating and happy AEDM!<br />
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<i>Linking up today with:</i></div>
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<a href="http://creativeeveryday.com/creativeeveryday/2013/11/art-every-day-month-2013-day-1.html" target="_blank">Art Every Day Month</a></div>
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janice smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14297764107290645298noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8935925163894637875.post-85118676404710867852013-10-31T07:00:00.000-05:002013-10-31T07:00:47.286-05:00She Doth Have Wings<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix9ZWPPUbhK46Azic411yohKQoVGj4q0S7DAqk24Wkw44HsgYeg-qbZBCHfOk8dn2t_Pt6uMDoOA1CLCUNjlwAlkROeGhA3158d2Q5M-L9kj7rMzxm6OVGwx2gtAkzMwq_JT93j8OS2Ko/s1600/bird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix9ZWPPUbhK46Azic411yohKQoVGj4q0S7DAqk24Wkw44HsgYeg-qbZBCHfOk8dn2t_Pt6uMDoOA1CLCUNjlwAlkROeGhA3158d2Q5M-L9kj7rMzxm6OVGwx2gtAkzMwq_JT93j8OS2Ko/s640/bird.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Today would have been my little sister's fourty-sixth birthday. We always thought it was so much fun that her birthday was on Halloween. It was like the whole neighborhood took to the streets to celebrate her special day! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoHO_BeLrI6ZTgIHjwK2_-8spF5FRmWW1GoqHKelfUlCTlwukGOXg46dswWu9g03P4KJuwxSNJfWMdAWDN8KXdU83syN_9scSaVdL3kSAOi1qUSb6jPEdoMrwLVGTSKBb0PG-EWBZSymw/s1600/j'3&4+on+halloween.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="399" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoHO_BeLrI6ZTgIHjwK2_-8spF5FRmWW1GoqHKelfUlCTlwukGOXg46dswWu9g03P4KJuwxSNJfWMdAWDN8KXdU83syN_9scSaVdL3kSAOi1qUSb6jPEdoMrwLVGTSKBb0PG-EWBZSymw/s400/j'3&4+on+halloween.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Since Jill has been on my mind this week I created a digital sketch in her honor. I chose a photograph I took during our recent visit to Baltimore and imported it into Sketches for iPad so I could work on top of it.</div>
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I knew right away I wanted to exchange the wire for a cluster of daisies. They were Jill's favorite and I could just see that little bird perched on top of one.</div>
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As I tried to decide how to pull it all together, the absolute perfect quote came to mind:</div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #45818e;">Be like a bird who, resting from her flight awhile on boughs too slight, </span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #45818e;">feels them give way beneath her and yet sings, knowing she doth have wings.</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #45818e;">Victor Hugo</span></i></b><br />
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I am so grateful that for the fourty-five years I had with my little sister. We had our share of sibling rivalry and arguments but we also had an abundance of love in our relationship and I believe experiencing that degree of closeness early on has made all the difference in my life. She broke through the barriers of my heart before they even had a chance to form and paved the way for me to allow other close relationships into my life.<br />
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So today I celebrate Jill's life...the joy she shared and the example she set in how to live courageously. Won't you celebrate with me? Celebrate by taking the time to give thanks for the people who love you and who you love. Celebrate by taking time to notice and honor the beauty around you as Jill did daily. Celebrate by moving forward in faith, just like the little bird who realizes that a shaky bough is no threat when you have wings to keep you aloft.<br />
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Thanks for stopping by and sharing this special day with me. Bless you, my friends.<br />
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janice smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14297764107290645298noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8935925163894637875.post-58025013123285641482013-10-27T11:19:00.003-05:002013-10-27T11:23:19.365-05:00Bloomin' Mums<div>
Sharing a doodle for <a href="http://www.bluechairdiaryillustrations.com/2013/10/sunday-sketches_26.html" target="_blank">Sunday Sketches</a> today, created in Sketches by Tayasui. We travel a lot to high school football games and marching band competitions this time of year so it's nice to have a little art studio contained in my iPad.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgIfcwBQRJ1tr7_3q6qV6-XRpzv-qzZV9X77gDIrVuPsTaJiFuwOXYA8KQAv618SXOfKy3jzbcbcDeFFs894e4E0ydomUMU8M0hEFG4aBK6AzUNakz9wVIokmwK2myfop19KgBn0mqzYw/s1600/mum+doodle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgIfcwBQRJ1tr7_3q6qV6-XRpzv-qzZV9X77gDIrVuPsTaJiFuwOXYA8KQAv618SXOfKy3jzbcbcDeFFs894e4E0ydomUMU8M0hEFG4aBK6AzUNakz9wVIokmwK2myfop19KgBn0mqzYw/s640/mum+doodle.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Bloomin' Mums</i>, October 2013, </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Created in Sketches for iPad</span></div>
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These are chrysanthemums ("mums" for short) and are great fall flower in our area. My doodles of them are a lot like little mandalas so it was fun and relaxing to create. The Sketches app has some fun textures to play with, as you can see in the background.</div>
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Mums come in all sorts of lovely colors and they bloom prolifically.</div>
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Bees like them, too!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilkK27HaISQaP69jWKn9H9D99hZj5Ti1cIEE2zeoITwTFSp4lfIpqsv9HwYPQoRnrxYwpUbjhouxgWcZzdgx8ivHA0brfTwQDp0HLLmha3cQ-I3FP3yns0vUsPN3I7j2yHnfLwhxCm_C0/s1600/bee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="516" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilkK27HaISQaP69jWKn9H9D99hZj5Ti1cIEE2zeoITwTFSp4lfIpqsv9HwYPQoRnrxYwpUbjhouxgWcZzdgx8ivHA0brfTwQDp0HLLmha3cQ-I3FP3yns0vUsPN3I7j2yHnfLwhxCm_C0/s640/bee.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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As I said, we've been busy with my son's marching season in band. His band is huge and they perform mililtary style marching, which requires a <span style="font-size: large;">lot </span>of discipline and teamwork. I am in awe of what band directors can get 200+ teenagers to do in unison!<br />
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I'm still trying to figure out how to post a short video, so in the meantime here's a photo of a portion of the band. (This is about one quarter of the band.)</div>
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I've finally discovered Instagram and have a some fun the last few days playing with the filters they offer. I'm really not looking for yet another thing to complicate my life, but Instagram is so simple it actually makes posting pictures easier. The above image was put through the Amaro filter. I like the effect. </div>
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To add the writing I imported the photo into Sketches and used the pencil tool on a second layer. Working on a separate layer allowed me to play with color/pencil thickness, erasing easily until I found something I liked. Ahhh...so much fun to be had with these apps and so little time!</div>
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I hope you are enjoying a restful weekend. We're done with the busy part here...today we play!</div>
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<i>Linking today with:</i></div>
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<a href="http://www.bluechairdiaryillustrations.com/2013/10/sunday-sketches_26.html" target="_blank">Sunday Sketches</a></div>
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janice smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14297764107290645298noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8935925163894637875.post-85892091710165766432013-10-20T19:09:00.002-05:002013-10-21T11:33:49.334-05:00Rest + Connection<div>
My Monday morning jewelry projects are lined up and ready to go in the studio but they'll have to keep. Today is Sunday, time for rest..<br />
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<i><b><span style="color: #45818e;">Sunday = rest + connection to God and each other</span></b></i></div>
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My day started with an early morning walk with this big guy. <br />
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The air was was misty and the shadows were "long". (They get that way in the fall.)<br />
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Even old fence posts are lovely in this light.<br />
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and weeds become magical.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9QqMaUyyxjvb_281iZmAPymbaG9vDx1w517dMEQrdplNr5cPofbWIvT_c5S_XRGhfqmLBZDOjs_MzTZxONJzOe4RDGlFjNpGgDhBqO0YiOOG1klPt5zAbW40g2KCF_GTcXc5sdNJiYao/s1600/shells.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9QqMaUyyxjvb_281iZmAPymbaG9vDx1w517dMEQrdplNr5cPofbWIvT_c5S_XRGhfqmLBZDOjs_MzTZxONJzOe4RDGlFjNpGgDhBqO0YiOOG1klPt5zAbW40g2KCF_GTcXc5sdNJiYao/s640/shells.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It was a little cool out for this girl so photos I took of the fence line across the street served as reference for today's Sunday Sketch. </div>
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First a little pen and ink,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiELXeRrj8W-fo9Lhrlf77rR1Wxser98f9KW1LVslMflTAKIHrLb2CBE9hh5E33fHRi8GKfSuDG3q1xp8m5e3kpIf10NwDjMzNNEil0AzMKft8nX-TLjOyNYoMkOrL1ft7SJuzXBUn84Fk/s1600/pen+and+ink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiELXeRrj8W-fo9Lhrlf77rR1Wxser98f9KW1LVslMflTAKIHrLb2CBE9hh5E33fHRi8GKfSuDG3q1xp8m5e3kpIf10NwDjMzNNEil0AzMKft8nX-TLjOyNYoMkOrL1ft7SJuzXBUn84Fk/s640/pen+and+ink.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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then a splash of color just for fun. Voila!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Fence Line</i>, October 2013</span></div>
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I'm a little late posting for Sunday Sketches, but better late than never! Now I'm off to spend a little quality time with the huz. </div>
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I've fallen a bit behind in visiting my blogging friends. This week promises to be more manageable so hopefully I'll get caught up in the next few days. I can't wait to see what you've all been up to. Have a great week, my friends! </div>
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<i>Linking up today with:</i></div>
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<a href="http://www.bluechairdiaryillustrations.com/2013/10/sunday-sketches_19.html" target="_blank">Sunday Sketches</a></div>
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janice smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14297764107290645298noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8935925163894637875.post-87478714201506641742013-10-13T11:09:00.000-05:002013-10-13T12:05:54.730-05:00And Then Some<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT8ELzW-VdLdmd6oOp7QMukRYgwpuWZZpm27AcDXhFGI-zfDpTBKaAITSsXb7hEK06A1g3WMl75NNazj1a4Wqo1j1i2RKWWHn79vIeLYa0ValRubwYvwyiJs3UT3mJsDZW5do_sa9lkks/s1600/pooh+friends.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT8ELzW-VdLdmd6oOp7QMukRYgwpuWZZpm27AcDXhFGI-zfDpTBKaAITSsXb7hEK06A1g3WMl75NNazj1a4Wqo1j1i2RKWWHn79vIeLYa0ValRubwYvwyiJs3UT3mJsDZW5do_sa9lkks/s640/pooh+friends.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Our days in Baltimore last week were amazing, to say the least. When I posted last Saturday I was just about to meet up with my dear friend, Anne, who I had not seen in over twenty years. You can imagine how excited I was and, weirdly, I was even a little nervous. Nervous? How crazy is that?<br />
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I don't know what I would have done without this girl in high school. Doesn't she have the prettiest smile in the whole world? <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpROOY56Fbjr9zV7cC_k3r6HbHdECApubjZZ3aPAIH2lD4_A35ZY4ZO_v1h5rQPW8cwW3LdhWPq9wfOG_yj5fU_BThHfJkULnORKy909BwdneYrroUDmhoie3ohEMk6eg8TnAgUaCEHtI/s1600/me+and+anne+cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpROOY56Fbjr9zV7cC_k3r6HbHdECApubjZZ3aPAIH2lD4_A35ZY4ZO_v1h5rQPW8cwW3LdhWPq9wfOG_yj5fU_BThHfJkULnORKy909BwdneYrroUDmhoie3ohEMk6eg8TnAgUaCEHtI/s640/me+and+anne+cropped.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here we are thirty years ago (that's a number I simply cannot wrap my mind around).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUDfwcX7_l4vw26PDKDDBrRiM-nnv8FXaIKSHIxey7DfDhxOD8NSZjqtkJGtJrh26Wpc8CUeW68G9Hm27OGu1dl-23kT9EDTK50s-cl6kMAN5l5E42cuHmBpMMQTyJQeNIavyW4gDvlbk/s1600/me+and+Ann.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUDfwcX7_l4vw26PDKDDBrRiM-nnv8FXaIKSHIxey7DfDhxOD8NSZjqtkJGtJrh26Wpc8CUeW68G9Hm27OGu1dl-23kT9EDTK50s-cl6kMAN5l5E42cuHmBpMMQTyJQeNIavyW4gDvlbk/s640/me+and+Ann.jpg" width="506" /></a> </div>
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What a sweet, sweet reunion we had! We reminisced and laughed and shared about our lives now and our dreams for the future. I would have been happy just to sit and talk with her for days. Our lives are worlds apart now, but the bond of friendship that was formed so long ago is strong. Our visit was rich and satisfying...such a treat!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilcyU4k_LTaJxlpYpR9AfdbfAinUqGPEIkFon8mj42ABALPC8KaMNYL390BEFTE4yExso9SDuANAFmfoCfnWdNUgu9Form4o7uT0l8M70Pn_hzJ41DD_Zjmh1cZ6PIVPSRJN5nRaf1mVw/s1600/color+wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilcyU4k_LTaJxlpYpR9AfdbfAinUqGPEIkFon8mj42ABALPC8KaMNYL390BEFTE4yExso9SDuANAFmfoCfnWdNUgu9Form4o7uT0l8M70Pn_hzJ41DD_Zjmh1cZ6PIVPSRJN5nRaf1mVw/s640/color+wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Icing on the Cupcake</i>, October 2013</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><br />
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Last weekend was proof to me that friendship is worth the investment. A true friend is always a friend, no matter how much time passes or how many different directions life takes the two of you. If the connection is real, it's forever (and then some). My heart smiles at the thought of it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDKwDZasB7jiJ888qCmzwkmZdhoLlhkQyF-ggr_SmHZlJVjl3wpYx7w423y70JWGHjTaSY91urETTdcB6iSf1FJ5nbncXYDqPVJtlYL6PUa4PcZLXiZSM7cI1DcVCYz8ft1dOe5_fq_sA/s1600/true.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDKwDZasB7jiJ888qCmzwkmZdhoLlhkQyF-ggr_SmHZlJVjl3wpYx7w423y70JWGHjTaSY91urETTdcB6iSf1FJ5nbncXYDqPVJtlYL6PUa4PcZLXiZSM7cI1DcVCYz8ft1dOe5_fq_sA/s640/true.jpg" width="466" /></a></div>
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Have a happy Sunday. I hope you get to connect with a friend or two today!</div>
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<i>Linking up today with:</i></div>
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<a href="http://www.bluechairdiaryillustrations.com/2013/10/sunday-sketches_12.html" target="_blank">Sunday Sketches</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzUamRZ7S1TavqGY_9PVoVBHTAc1_gHXP0aZD-Z9AC6p9dxQew3i8ewgbu1SS2TD40QspmfItPRiae657GiJb77AYPVkbbQ70ycBCCDxgoUdf2RPu5ZJKDAuCitXpY23cNt59Niyk4-Do/s1600/footer+-+wide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzUamRZ7S1TavqGY_9PVoVBHTAc1_gHXP0aZD-Z9AC6p9dxQew3i8ewgbu1SS2TD40QspmfItPRiae657GiJb77AYPVkbbQ70ycBCCDxgoUdf2RPu5ZJKDAuCitXpY23cNt59Niyk4-Do/s400/footer+-+wide.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />janice smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14297764107290645298noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8935925163894637875.post-76582114817053691182013-10-04T22:16:00.001-05:002013-10-05T20:52:47.140-05:00Baltimore Getaway<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We head home tomorrow after a much-appreciated 4-day working getaway to Baltimore, Maryland. (Work for the huz, getaway for me...sad, I know.) Here's the obligatory selfie.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDpPPUagDX6N8H18WYg_hjXeDNiO1U-OZ2xfz0y6CcpTEymEkR-7CFiTjZDA_GkuvdVsenHLuc46wkJZlGnUJE_xSGNduQn76KdNxJVyQfkKdReMjnN6n_uNPDc_cGGuLm9OwQReI6Siw/s1600/us.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDpPPUagDX6N8H18WYg_hjXeDNiO1U-OZ2xfz0y6CcpTEymEkR-7CFiTjZDA_GkuvdVsenHLuc46wkJZlGnUJE_xSGNduQn76KdNxJVyQfkKdReMjnN6n_uNPDc_cGGuLm9OwQReI6Siw/s640/us.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is my first visit to Baltimore and I've really had fun exploring, photographing, and sketching the inner harber area of town. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFbMwilTh6g8_1Kk52S8Oeyh1npoJ5Nf3KIX-tK1Rci0c-nnOcQmaLlpHJrVYwzPHuOiuhMBH8bHJVsul5RED4pkKEA-galBAV5DkV-DcmQ6NagvJL0JRn2dziCGc1s7_VOigUbAY86N0/s1600/boats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFbMwilTh6g8_1Kk52S8Oeyh1npoJ5Nf3KIX-tK1Rci0c-nnOcQmaLlpHJrVYwzPHuOiuhMBH8bHJVsul5RED4pkKEA-galBAV5DkV-DcmQ6NagvJL0JRn2dziCGc1s7_VOigUbAY86N0/s640/boats.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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For the trip I splurged on a new travel set of Koi watercolors. It contains 24 half-pans, so the whole set measures only 4 X 6". I bought a little booklet of Fluid 140 lb. Cold Press paper to go with it so the whole set-up slips intp a purse or jacket pocket and I'm good to go!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_77YjMCWsQjy6JUb0P1IGpDxUmrC4Ej5_Hmc8B0uUFk0f4xjtDwlTzrSvAS3SH_4wCMKyYJGRQBM3DSTS9tHNpBLWlFILDp5scqbwBuVXSpA6kWbhiQt2k3mPjh5kMl082YWV14sb_1M/s1600/drawing+the+harbor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_77YjMCWsQjy6JUb0P1IGpDxUmrC4Ej5_Hmc8B0uUFk0f4xjtDwlTzrSvAS3SH_4wCMKyYJGRQBM3DSTS9tHNpBLWlFILDp5scqbwBuVXSpA6kWbhiQt2k3mPjh5kMl082YWV14sb_1M/s640/drawing+the+harbor.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The historic boats docked in the harbor are great fun to explore. My favorite, the USS Constellation, was the last sail-only service ship designed and built by the US Navy. Isn't it just gorgeous? I wish I had remembered to take a few photos while I was actually <span style="font-size: large;">on</span> the ship!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtMMBDR71QD16jC5umzK5pY0HLzyS7iVCuLaJ6i4Q2pCzJ8yWDXsFMw2nb2q6-FyE_Xh6DyIhBjxnOmBNo-UqFu7GD86VqzJc5B0Jpj9OC7HgmY36w5fhcyEsJ7OB4mzZUw4PeH_h75Ys/s1600/uss+constellation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtMMBDR71QD16jC5umzK5pY0HLzyS7iVCuLaJ6i4Q2pCzJ8yWDXsFMw2nb2q6-FyE_Xh6DyIhBjxnOmBNo-UqFu7GD86VqzJc5B0Jpj9OC7HgmY36w5fhcyEsJ7OB4mzZUw4PeH_h75Ys/s640/uss+constellation.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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I sketched a few smaller sailboats yeserday and it was even more of a challenge than I anticipated. The constant motion of the boats meant I had to draw quickly...no time for too many details. <br />
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The sketching part is coming easier these days but it's still a bit of work for me. When it's time to add color, though, I am one happy girl. That's when I really let go and get lost in the process. I love the subtle nuances of color...the way different colors of light bouce around and affect the appearance of everything around them. </div>
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The sailboat above was painted very early in the morning when the sky was still pink and it's reflection made the water appear pink as well. A little later in the day I drew this small grouping in an area where shade produced lots of cool greys hues and little contrast, a very different feel.</div>
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Painting a scene is such a personal way to enjoy the beauty around you.</div>
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Today I'm meeting up with a dear friend that I hadn't seen in over 20 years. She and her hubby have traveled here from Connecticut for the weekend and I am beside myself with excitement about getting to see them! Can't wait to tell you about it in my next post!<br />
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Enjoy your weekend !<br />
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<em>Linking up today with:</em></div>
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<a href="http://www.bluechairdiaryillustrations.com/2013/10/sunday-sketches.html" target="_blank">Sunday Sketches</a></div>
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janice smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14297764107290645298noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8935925163894637875.post-82243460882176476822013-09-30T10:29:00.000-05:002013-09-30T10:40:14.993-05:00A New RhythmSadly I didn't get to post for <a href="http://www.bluechairdiaryillustrations.com/2013/09/sunday-sketches_28.html" target="_blank">Sunday Sketches</a> yesterday but I still hope to visit the participants sometime in the next few days. I am excited to link-up to <a href="http://creativeeveryday.com/creativeeveryday/2013/09/creative-every-day-check-in-september-30-october-6.html" target="_blank">Creative Every Day</a> today, though. It's been a while since I last participated there and I've really missed it. So if you're here from CED, welcome!<br />
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For the past several weeks much of my creative energy has been directed toward a large wholesale jewelry order. It is good to have work but, as the following images prove, silversmithing is hard on my fingers and nails.<br />
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In the fall I often turn toward the ease of pattern and the comfort of fiber, usually in the form of a knitting or crochet project. But this year my unfinished knitting projects remain neglected as I file, hammer, and polish my way through this jewelry order.<br />
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As we head into shorter, cooler days, instead of finding my rhythm in repeated stitches I find it in the repeated motion of stamping lovely words<br />
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fabricating beautiful forms<br />
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and bending graceful curves<br />
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and I have to admit, there is a huge sense of satisfaction as I step back and consider the fruits of my labor.*</div>
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Do you feel the rhythm of your life change as the seasons do? As the weather cools (or warms) do you feel drawn to certain types of projects? I'd love to hear about it!</div>
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<i>Linking today with:</i></div>
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<a href="http://creativeeveryday.com/creativeeveryday/2013/09/creative-every-day-check-in-september-30-october-6.html" target="_blank">Creative Everyday</a></div>
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*The pieces featured in today's post were created for Mercy Ships International and I'm excited to announce that more of my designs will be offered through their website and gift catalog beginning next month! (Visit<a href="http://store.mercyships.org/Merchandise_s/56.htm" target="_blank"> their online store</a> to see these and other current offerings.)</div>
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janice smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14297764107290645298noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8935925163894637875.post-45921395948838358362013-09-22T14:25:00.002-05:002013-09-22T16:57:13.684-05:00Wide Open<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
One of my favorite things about living in our part Texas is the feeling that washes over me when the summer heat finally breaks. The exhilaration is almost impossible to describe. When you've had months of temps ranging from 95 to 105 Fahrenheit with little or no rain, that fist cool snap is beyond wonderful. It is like waking up in a field of flowers or finding an oasis in the desert. It's a feeling of hope and new possibilities.</div>
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The first bit of cool air finally made it's way into our area this weekend and the windows to my studio are <span style="font-size: large;">wide open</span>!</div>
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My love affair with aging roses continues...these are mixed with some sort of beautiful little flower that stays fresh for a very long time. Does anyone recognize them? I think the name begins with an "A", but can't recall what it is.</div>
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These roses aren't terribly aged yet, though. They are wide open just like my windows!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5hJUyIIC6NDYrSSdpy9RelrO4LRv3xVMhBxO2Ln7EzKPdQ_ghou5eeLkMkRTKgwnNj0NesIeXDmfwYeFctTuaK_R6KJZY42SFab3FT59cHzZaWF0vL1fAdVkSE87Ek_JopLM8wbXIHZc/s1600/more+rose+bouquet+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5hJUyIIC6NDYrSSdpy9RelrO4LRv3xVMhBxO2Ln7EzKPdQ_ghou5eeLkMkRTKgwnNj0NesIeXDmfwYeFctTuaK_R6KJZY42SFab3FT59cHzZaWF0vL1fAdVkSE87Ek_JopLM8wbXIHZc/s640/more+rose+bouquet+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I started this piece with a (sort-of) blind contour drawing in pencil. Blind contour = looking at the subject and not at the paper. I admit I did peek some, just because I felt like it.</div>
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More line work... in sharpie this time. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij7G5l1IxEGF_xo85QQ7dMO3p0b8TZjTpscmJwlb77UUxvQWcpfEBmXpS1Nd0F0-i-1DHdH4rtqh4dm42Oula7DZ3mgO9mSxbs-sLf7QTi50m3JK7es4k1mHlvRz1WLIfbrU3ky19uKP4/s1600/bouquet+sketch,+pen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij7G5l1IxEGF_xo85QQ7dMO3p0b8TZjTpscmJwlb77UUxvQWcpfEBmXpS1Nd0F0-i-1DHdH4rtqh4dm42Oula7DZ3mgO9mSxbs-sLf7QTi50m3JK7es4k1mHlvRz1WLIfbrU3ky19uKP4/s640/bouquet+sketch,+pen.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
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And you know I just had to add a bit of color.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxOedkX0FnEHXkOxo8S_idb34zavoZ8Ow7blPWw_vz3BvJ6Rqt-fC8gC0DXoDGGMrK3F13FncL__i4tFNJgwazHbsygzFNZxNsuUjJnvhjlDGl_lYRkWSJBAYAX6jZ7-jiMMnhA90N5yk/s1600/bouquet+painting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxOedkX0FnEHXkOxo8S_idb34zavoZ8Ow7blPWw_vz3BvJ6Rqt-fC8gC0DXoDGGMrK3F13FncL__i4tFNJgwazHbsygzFNZxNsuUjJnvhjlDGl_lYRkWSJBAYAX6jZ7-jiMMnhA90N5yk/s640/bouquet+painting.jpg" width="514" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Wide Open</i>, September 2013, Sharpie and watercolor on Canson cold press </span></div>
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I'm hoping some of you will answer a few questions for me. I have really enjoyed experimenting with watercolors these past few months and am ready to splurge on some higher quality supplies. For those of you who love watercolor, what is your favorite maker? Do you use pan colors or tubes? I would love to have your input. Thanks in advance!<br />
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<i>Linking up today with:</i></div>
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<a href="http://www.bluechairdiaryillustrations.com/2013/09/sunday-sketches_21.html" target="_blank">Sunday Sketches</a><br />
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janice smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14297764107290645298noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8935925163894637875.post-68846687369947340012013-09-15T18:36:00.000-05:002013-09-15T18:36:02.760-05:00Through the GlassLove the zipper spider that spun its web outside my studio door recently. I had a good time watching it through the glass this week. <div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2czVMonYdX-6i1lQ-R2bc9gsA8dZEvA2SO-d3oB6Y9r7ywjOrnzu0wY6sBS_Q2KOIS5hJhjp3pLr4u6EnMLPVCV2F9eDxtxmtSQsPWc1wlkvC1bvNSYdbg5Z73OWWbX2bfCFZviyucL0/s1600/spider+full.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2czVMonYdX-6i1lQ-R2bc9gsA8dZEvA2SO-d3oB6Y9r7ywjOrnzu0wY6sBS_Q2KOIS5hJhjp3pLr4u6EnMLPVCV2F9eDxtxmtSQsPWc1wlkvC1bvNSYdbg5Z73OWWbX2bfCFZviyucL0/s640/spider+full.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Zipper Spider</i>, September 2013, created in Sketches for Ipad</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">As a bonus, I had a little fun photographing the huz the other day as he studied the our little stripey friend through the glass. (I hope you're not squeamish about spiders!)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1hmopUdHw2V9XNesaRYksadVpbl2fvPcesV822REmg7M7OnAEgekRavWVLMTX1l_6lXNJpTogB9r62EVO7avh24VzcQwvRWkW53PB9cHVzlqft0IMkizo9M5ix5Y72I9K0rYSw2cpJmA/s1600/DSCF9552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1hmopUdHw2V9XNesaRYksadVpbl2fvPcesV822REmg7M7OnAEgekRavWVLMTX1l_6lXNJpTogB9r62EVO7avh24VzcQwvRWkW53PB9cHVzlqft0IMkizo9M5ix5Y72I9K0rYSw2cpJmA/s640/DSCF9552.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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What a comic. <br />
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I love sharing my life with this man. He makes me smile</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4OMoF7OgLcd9aPGjq1ejeE2YW6z14NcdeZsrWAoWeoJu-42VEMQHku5_Gb4kb1mALhN7XIiKp2IS5XJVXQM660uS6QgoxOEQ1F02GxksSsgWP5CXZTq_pyvVc0WEYBoxNk9OSpn5_AiE/s1600/every+single+day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="89" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4OMoF7OgLcd9aPGjq1ejeE2YW6z14NcdeZsrWAoWeoJu-42VEMQHku5_Gb4kb1mALhN7XIiKp2IS5XJVXQM660uS6QgoxOEQ1F02GxksSsgWP5CXZTq_pyvVc0WEYBoxNk9OSpn5_AiE/s400/every+single+day.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Linking up today with:</i></div>
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<a href="http://www.bluechairdiaryillustrations.com/2013/09/sunday-sketchesand-planning.html" target="_blank">Sunday Sketches</a></div>
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janice smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14297764107290645298noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8935925163894637875.post-27549286821261616722013-09-08T10:30:00.000-05:002013-09-08T10:30:39.185-05:00Rose BonesPosting a little something for <a href="http://www.bluechairdiaryillustrations.com/2013/09/sunday-sketches.html" target="_blank">Sunday Sketches</a> today. (Little somethings are all I seem to be able to muster up in my sketchbook these past few weeks...Lots of jewelry making going on around here lately.) <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3vOGTTaYM0bXDknZGueSndSen-qi5MFliY7PhCpc6OsFbxbwXRF9qYSmhMZZpwitZkaQA8x4_OjdlJd7Ur4R2Dtmi0VxmDndlorYFraGaPQx9R0jlmFkIpAmbF-XGubBcYuV-suGPV3o/s1600/years+teach+us.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3vOGTTaYM0bXDknZGueSndSen-qi5MFliY7PhCpc6OsFbxbwXRF9qYSmhMZZpwitZkaQA8x4_OjdlJd7Ur4R2Dtmi0VxmDndlorYFraGaPQx9R0jlmFkIpAmbF-XGubBcYuV-suGPV3o/s640/years+teach+us.jpg" width="556" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Rose Bones</i>, September 2013, created in Sketches by Tayasui</span></div>
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Rose Bones... that's about all that is left of the fading roses I shared in <a href="http://taprootstudio.blogspot.com/2013/08/better-with-age.html" target="_blank">this recent post</a> and sketched<a href="http://taprootstudio.blogspot.com/2013/09/the-supply-list.html" target="_blank"> here</a>. Why have I not yet thrown them out? Weirdly, I feel for them. They have their crispy-around-the-edges, used-to-be-green leaves and I have those wisps of grey hairs showing up at my temples. I am happy to report, however, that I am actually not yet crispy-around-the-edges and I'm pretty sure I have a few good years left in me!</div>
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In other news, look what arrived yesterday...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVoCRloPz4x18dpf6HIP_h4iZziYhYzGFH6KD0gbfvTibQOUjBE7yCIWZXk1JWZCDnvCdvOIh-AvzFuMem7H5s1c_JIgVinIgwLp4ILjFDBxc7ZNc8CV14rpApgoK2LkdTBLbp0cT-sZg/s1600/DSCF9562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVoCRloPz4x18dpf6HIP_h4iZziYhYzGFH6KD0gbfvTibQOUjBE7yCIWZXk1JWZCDnvCdvOIh-AvzFuMem7H5s1c_JIgVinIgwLp4ILjFDBxc7ZNc8CV14rpApgoK2LkdTBLbp0cT-sZg/s640/DSCF9562.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Oh yes...a box full of silver. Makes my heart go pitter patter just thinking about working with it. There is much to be done in the studio this week and I'm really going to try to remember to take process pics to share with you here. I'm going to be busy, busy. Not today, though. Today I plan to enjoy the calm before the storm... a day of rest prescribed by my very wise creator. <br />
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We'll probably fire up the grill this afternoon (I'm thinking Wild Salmon and asparagus) and I'll visit the artists linking up at <a href="http://www.bluechairdiaryillustrations.com/2013/09/sunday-sketches.html" target="_blank">Sunday Sketches</a> while my guys watch a little football. I may just slip a little nap in there, as well. Yep, my Sunday Afternoon is shaping up quite nicely!<br />
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What do you like to do with your down time? How do you recharge for the week ahead? I'd love to hear about it!<br />
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janice smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14297764107290645298noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8935925163894637875.post-75690410740985910652013-09-01T12:32:00.001-05:002013-09-02T09:58:02.965-05:00The Supply List<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
School is back in session here as of this week. Since my youngest is in high school, his return to classes was pretty uneventful.. He knows the routine (can even drive himself to school now). So we shoved some loose leaf paper into a binder, bought a few new pens and pencils, and he was good to go.</div>
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The thing I always loved most about the first day of school was bringing home <span style="font-size: large;">the supply list</span>. I loved carrying that list to the store, searching the shelves for the right folders and writing tablets. Oh, the smell of a new box of crayons, the feel of manila paper...and don't get me started on the joys of picking out a new lunchbox!</div>
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I admit I went strolling through the back-to-school aisle the other day and bought <span style="font-size: large;">myself </span>some school supplies. Just couldn't help it. Look at all those colors of pens! I would have been on cloud nine to have a pen set like this way back when. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSf0U_X-PAOUvtcl_KJi-9yq5MMCp_QjRelfA9kmjzjTuIcocDcbX40QcBpmCA09RwZr6YccyIjGXqODZiysRPPw1CNFHh55j-YRTMkQzeEYhnMJpvTHtK7cRkubP1bjSbzIvjOc91lmA/s1600/stuff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSf0U_X-PAOUvtcl_KJi-9yq5MMCp_QjRelfA9kmjzjTuIcocDcbX40QcBpmCA09RwZr6YccyIjGXqODZiysRPPw1CNFHh55j-YRTMkQzeEYhnMJpvTHtK7cRkubP1bjSbzIvjOc91lmA/s640/stuff.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Oh, the notes and diary pages I could have doodled with pens like these! Just for fun I wrote a school-girlish note to my husband, complete with boxes to check in answer to my questions. I even used my most bubbly handwriting. We didn't know each other as children, but if we had I might have passed him a note like this in fifth or sixth grade! (Okay, it wouldn't have said the same thing but it definitely would have been all rainbows and flowers.)</div>
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Just a bit of silliness, but the huz is used to my brand of silly.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQKU26oIdE7PLf3hOAiiB10yX2GDf1tGURoey9S2U2rWPzscarKBU0Cu2o9xnlbx7h0YTdnkP0Lne26Ao7SHYtBicKL3ZlEJyktOkw-sj1F4zVxanoEz2ZRMk_QSQD2q7zq-XDYDL7vZE/s1600/note.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQKU26oIdE7PLf3hOAiiB10yX2GDf1tGURoey9S2U2rWPzscarKBU0Cu2o9xnlbx7h0YTdnkP0Lne26Ao7SHYtBicKL3ZlEJyktOkw-sj1F4zVxanoEz2ZRMk_QSQD2q7zq-XDYDL7vZE/s640/note.jpg" width="502" /></a></div>
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So, in case you were wondering...no, I never really grew up.</div>
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I did experiment a bit with those ball point pens in a more grown-up sketch. Remember the aging roses from my<a href="http://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_1890963814"></span> last post<span id="goog_1890963815"></span></a>? I had a bit of fun sketching them yesterday.</div>
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At first the whole piece was just pen and ink on white paper but I added some watercolor washes to take the brightness down a notch. Those old roses are so mellow, a lot of contrast just didn't suit them. <br />
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By the way, the china in the background is part of a set my mom passed on to me last year. Aren't those little violets sweet? Love them.</div>
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So I wonder...as a child, did you like the first day of school? What was your favorite item on the supply list? Do tell!<br />
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<i>Linking up today with:</i></div>
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<a href="http://www.bluechairdiaryillustrations.com/2013/08/sunday-sketches_31.html" target="_blank">Sunday Sketches</a></div>
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<br />janice smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14297764107290645298noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8935925163894637875.post-63291412223850846772013-08-30T12:24:00.000-05:002013-08-30T16:43:05.274-05:00More Beautiful with AgeI think cut roses get prettier as they age. Lovely in their prime...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZYwhX6KHaP2pfLPxnpTQI6ncCfGnuO5iT9gumQLYhrmSt6aPh5zBpnadBU4A0X7xIaPa9LU5D6-OYwUUQ64u_ATdSzVrFTLV2IdC7Kk_GHAztXMk_HWSrLGtTP6JANOPAUnDiUGYL0NE/s1600/outside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZYwhX6KHaP2pfLPxnpTQI6ncCfGnuO5iT9gumQLYhrmSt6aPh5zBpnadBU4A0X7xIaPa9LU5D6-OYwUUQ64u_ATdSzVrFTLV2IdC7Kk_GHAztXMk_HWSrLGtTP6JANOPAUnDiUGYL0NE/s640/outside.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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but oh, so glorious as they begin to mellow...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_p7jcjSG83BtqPjeZGkNs9Q0mXi42J9cvhkLxwIWNCbnQzY5wdD_X7b6LSOqlFzLPy7dwFUlzjtm3odtG5o880vv5AndHvI8xRXk4j5lSn3e3oboUBrPxb1QEgVFhT9UiXiarB5kXp1U/s1600/aged.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_p7jcjSG83BtqPjeZGkNs9Q0mXi42J9cvhkLxwIWNCbnQzY5wdD_X7b6LSOqlFzLPy7dwFUlzjtm3odtG5o880vv5AndHvI8xRXk4j5lSn3e3oboUBrPxb1QEgVFhT9UiXiarB5kXp1U/s640/aged.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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and soften...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzM9cuug0J1zFZuALEjbnGGfISK09LepNUe-2z5ihDcaOe1ejtKRv9SpgyQ_XxrzeTpUaK2v530B6dQsjgsog66yftBfj2JTeXGxkKWRNvfjXVQlghVQjSCFBj7aLaZ8ZNTXhnxEM5nJw/s1600/bud.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzM9cuug0J1zFZuALEjbnGGfISK09LepNUe-2z5ihDcaOe1ejtKRv9SpgyQ_XxrzeTpUaK2v530B6dQsjgsog66yftBfj2JTeXGxkKWRNvfjXVQlghVQjSCFBj7aLaZ8ZNTXhnxEM5nJw/s640/bud.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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to reveal a different kind of beauty.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3OJZqBoARb_bc3bQxojGFjJghQnJzhNaY2wTyMw4ScmUx67SjIxImqo-NESuD9aoFei6pJ4Oxh985lwaOIjRT0ylXb5hyphenhyphenDmdhIlFeYm7td_YyUbbor2T2DtyteOxVdCK3TV5iScaLvV8/s1600/tea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3OJZqBoARb_bc3bQxojGFjJghQnJzhNaY2wTyMw4ScmUx67SjIxImqo-NESuD9aoFei6pJ4Oxh985lwaOIjRT0ylXb5hyphenhyphenDmdhIlFeYm7td_YyUbbor2T2DtyteOxVdCK3TV5iScaLvV8/s640/tea.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #45818e;"><i>The years teach us much that the days never knew.</i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #45818e;">Ralph Waldo Emerson</span></b></div>
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<br />janice smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14297764107290645298noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8935925163894637875.post-30241759602150598082013-08-23T09:39:00.000-05:002013-08-23T11:26:02.183-05:00Quiet and StillA cooler-than-usual August day, a great morning to splash a little paint around....<br />
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Starting to look a little landscape-y...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht8iAWKbNdpDK7i6Avj6b1_PYOOhepxPkQT5m8YqkALRQ-WRAdJ0620jF1rRKgUfo_EkUt_EnWATELJtCTKCtjK42XNf37SS1-X4WU7VnfjM5MFHsYTncEQ40w7Xl7v008aYXILiw3WHo/s1600/refine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht8iAWKbNdpDK7i6Avj6b1_PYOOhepxPkQT5m8YqkALRQ-WRAdJ0620jF1rRKgUfo_EkUt_EnWATELJtCTKCtjK42XNf37SS1-X4WU7VnfjM5MFHsYTncEQ40w7Xl7v008aYXILiw3WHo/s640/refine.jpg" width="434" /></a></div>
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Plenty of inspiration for that around here...</div>
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When I was a little girl I used to come to this pond with my dad to fish. It was nothing short of magical and I wanted to live here so much. Building a house and raising a family in these woods was my dream that came true.</div>
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Now that our nest is almost empty I'm not sure what the future holds so I soak up the views, the quiet, the green. I have to admit, though, it's a little lonely in the woods sometimes.</div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #45818e;">It takes courage to seek and fully embrace the promise of this day </span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #45818e;">as you </span></i></b><b><i><span style="color: #45818e;">remain open and willing to receive a different kind of joy tomorrow.</span></i></b></div>
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The most important part of a painting to me is not technical accuracy but the <b>feeling </b>the work evokes. Honestly, that's the most important quality of most anything to me. I appreciate skill, but I am in awe of the rare ability some artists have to transport you to another world...to make you feel what they feel as they paint. </div>
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I love a positive vibe...a peaceful environment...a dreamy set-up. I can't always tell you a lot of detail about what I saw but <b>I can always tell you how it made me feel</b>.</div>
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This painting-in-progress feels good to me. It is quiet and still like the cooler-than-usual August morning I stepped outside and decided to splash a little paint around.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmnx04Urs6dCv78lKIbXzC6CEBVvOYE8S2Mc4-qJNHaYv1oifuWoyUOIiecwXoNfqfxdwaw3NJchT-_iqBCfI3XqGOcVwnfon6dor6BjYr1De5nOL66_3WYGTvjZbQL3WuaNolAScgfOY/s1600/refine+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmnx04Urs6dCv78lKIbXzC6CEBVvOYE8S2Mc4-qJNHaYv1oifuWoyUOIiecwXoNfqfxdwaw3NJchT-_iqBCfI3XqGOcVwnfon6dor6BjYr1De5nOL66_3WYGTvjZbQL3WuaNolAScgfOY/s640/refine+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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As usual, I'm linking up with <a href="http://www.blogger.com/Paint%20Party%20Friday:%20Week%2024,%20Year%203%20Check-In" target="_blank">Paint Party Friday</a>. I hope you'll stop by there when you get a chance and check out the amazing artists that participate each week. It's always a good time!<br />
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<br />janice smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14297764107290645298noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8935925163894637875.post-77298240338591073922013-08-19T12:57:00.000-05:002013-08-19T15:20:07.752-05:00CharlotteMy favorite art makes an impact not because it is impressive in the traditional sense. What truly gets my attention, what draws me in and touches my heart is art that reveals the heart of the artist and the heart of God. My friend Charlotte's work did both.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRSKVIjZGFHAkuYWBP9onaAxFP0nB_pLoh6IKT-PtnnNso2xlbUCFoKsqbdDJZqgwEoAsvbJvz2BXSDh09IN2OGEla7ojDSrQ5QkKJ-nnjeUl3AropplzWrq2QaYIAqgF8uYRJw9QZbWs/s1600/charlotte.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRSKVIjZGFHAkuYWBP9onaAxFP0nB_pLoh6IKT-PtnnNso2xlbUCFoKsqbdDJZqgwEoAsvbJvz2BXSDh09IN2OGEla7ojDSrQ5QkKJ-nnjeUl3AropplzWrq2QaYIAqgF8uYRJw9QZbWs/s640/charlotte.jpg" width="452" /></a></div>
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The first time I met Charlotte she spoke to me of birds that soar high.</div>
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She told me about Gentians, beautiful deep blue flowers that grow only at high elevations like the Alps in her native country of Switzerland. </div>
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Charlotte was generous with her encouragement. As she quickly sketched these images she jotted down words and scriptures that came to mind. I was down at the time but she said I would someday thrive in high places, just as the birds and mountain flowers do. These were words I needed to hear...words that encourage me to this day. </div>
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This beautiful lady took her place in heaven last week but her spirit lives and her artwork continues to inspire and encourage. Much of it is in the form of quick sketches that spoke truth into the heart of the recipient. I bet there are hundreds upon hundreds of lovely drawings like these tucked into drawers and books and little boxes all over the world. This is the kind of gift you keep forever.</div>
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I honor you today, beautiful Charlotte...your talent, your generosity, and your love of God. You were really something special and your legacy lives on as those you inspired seek to use our gifts as selflessly as you did.</div>
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janice smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14297764107290645298noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8935925163894637875.post-51130799466849377542013-08-14T09:35:00.000-05:002013-08-14T10:57:52.618-05:00A Great Start<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I woke up to the sound of rain on our tin roof this morning. Gratitude seemed a fitting theme for a journal page as a rainstorm in mid-August is a rare treat in East Texas</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Fairest Blossom, August 2013, created in Sketches for iPad and Corel Draw</span></div>
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The composition was inspired by vintage seed packets. I used to have a little collection of them, thinking I would like to design my own some day. Funny, this is the second time I've written about seeds this week. (Remember <a href="http://taprootstudio.blogspot.com/2013/08/seeds-of-faith.html" target="_blank">Friday's seed pod</a>?) Hmmm...I try to pay attention when the same theme appears repeatedly in my artwork...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGXIa3ZfBk_wEtHAdNcAerwIXbNDW6lvHuFVRjn3UKPk4OKJmsIXL0Vn6iq_lZlaogSgL0h3Px32gtf_mFB8n18sVe2VjqMUBoihzKZoM-COwo5WgKxmVjGOojMjXFbouzn9tf3GPVkbk/s1600/fairest+blossom+close+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGXIa3ZfBk_wEtHAdNcAerwIXbNDW6lvHuFVRjn3UKPk4OKJmsIXL0Vn6iq_lZlaogSgL0h3Px32gtf_mFB8n18sVe2VjqMUBoihzKZoM-COwo5WgKxmVjGOojMjXFbouzn9tf3GPVkbk/s400/fairest+blossom+close+up.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I imagine lots of things will spring back to life a bit after the rain we had this morning. My lawn desperately needed a good soak and my soul needed the nourishment of a quiet morning spent creating. (That extra cup of coffee kind-of perked me up, too!)</div>
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My day is off to a great start. Hope yours is, too.</div>
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janice smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14297764107290645298noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8935925163894637875.post-28322262254576444322013-08-11T12:33:00.001-05:002013-08-12T06:52:59.382-05:00Blind Contour Roses<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The huz brought a dozen gorgeous red roses home on our twenty-sixth wedding anniversary last week. They were so pretty I intended to paint them but I (not surprisingly) never did get around to it. When I noticed yesterday that the blooms are beginning to droop a bit I worked up some quick blind contour drawings to share with you. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrUr_qYfyO5ll1ieqKPaP_f1Sr4U5C_PbjPZeFXZOB9VnEPKPu1hmRbHUsBRhDmZdgFDK4BsUOcuow_HE3QygqEWgqlnZXdqm6G_LpSnGNqt_Pjx_Wqy9uY_4EmPRKXV5Dv-aa50i8wiU/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrUr_qYfyO5ll1ieqKPaP_f1Sr4U5C_PbjPZeFXZOB9VnEPKPu1hmRbHUsBRhDmZdgFDK4BsUOcuow_HE3QygqEWgqlnZXdqm6G_LpSnGNqt_Pjx_Wqy9uY_4EmPRKXV5Dv-aa50i8wiU/s400/5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I remember drawing this way in school It trains you to look more at the subject and less at the paper. In fact, you're not supposed to look at the paper at all.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ2Z0TaQWDaun8AhyphenhyphenGB4e8Xe71D9WuHql2NYV_YY7vYiR4CvTpk_Y1coy-IRxuUUfe7WBh7JQv-vmUylHgkD0Vkf_b_yADnvgkV7Pu8etrWfk21lCQwBJR04HMXrlPoQNyhUMTI1eMu74/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ2Z0TaQWDaun8AhyphenhyphenGB4e8Xe71D9WuHql2NYV_YY7vYiR4CvTpk_Y1coy-IRxuUUfe7WBh7JQv-vmUylHgkD0Vkf_b_yADnvgkV7Pu8etrWfk21lCQwBJR04HMXrlPoQNyhUMTI1eMu74/s400/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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It's amazing how the essence of the object really shines through. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiefgeqSKqv_y1cM8IjMDYNPimtQT8RxlADaJHF4ygiz3AA7alpC_EEpgQz6lmajfSfdTEfdwwCqWYPtTjolfQeGwQcdHG9vURiNtaur4Hys3AV2J1RlgTxYYBKINmpPpm0gnVxl5uCjio/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiefgeqSKqv_y1cM8IjMDYNPimtQT8RxlADaJHF4ygiz3AA7alpC_EEpgQz6lmajfSfdTEfdwwCqWYPtTjolfQeGwQcdHG9vURiNtaur4Hys3AV2J1RlgTxYYBKINmpPpm0gnVxl5uCjio/s400/4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I usually try to sketch these without lifting my drawing instrument so the piece is at least a little cohesive. I think if I lifted my pencil I would totally lose my place (although that might actually result in some interesting interpretations).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrFewe5iXKWQJFsI6ALfPTRV1JSRBHMz9gxTjhGbTJULejsn824PRfgz5EoKUocvDMkxWiHV97ZLH2hPB7Mruqh81_bK13DwylIfAwP5_p5Qpr79x6MFaLviT3niGwOuUY_pRt1nQEheA/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrFewe5iXKWQJFsI6ALfPTRV1JSRBHMz9gxTjhGbTJULejsn824PRfgz5EoKUocvDMkxWiHV97ZLH2hPB7Mruqh81_bK13DwylIfAwP5_p5Qpr79x6MFaLviT3niGwOuUY_pRt1nQEheA/s400/6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Blind contour drawings make a great warm-up exercise and they're a really good vehicle for studying a subject you're not very familiar with.<br />
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They are also a no-pressure way to work on your drawing skills. Really, who cares if it ends up looking like chicken scratch? You weren't even looking at the paper, for pity's sake! Just have a good laugh and move on with your life.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi76nTeh2KBUcAtCJgEpyvGq7bElmODu5f63DC0EKNRL-z5-doKp6RrBi6Eq-Z6M3TUyaLV8XeTDOtaPi7JuNqzK0f9iq_M1uinbeRrpYEmFbz5HFGpQ2ji_IzWa_rwPhYyBssjSGuWHzU/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="377" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi76nTeh2KBUcAtCJgEpyvGq7bElmODu5f63DC0EKNRL-z5-doKp6RrBi6Eq-Z6M3TUyaLV8XeTDOtaPi7JuNqzK0f9iq_M1uinbeRrpYEmFbz5HFGpQ2ji_IzWa_rwPhYyBssjSGuWHzU/s400/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><b>So, about our anniversary...</b></i></div>
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I credit my husband with the fact that our marriage has lasted this long. He is the most patient man in the world. He's the steady one and I'm the one more likely to jump off of cliffs. We're both stubborn, though, so when storms come (and we've had some doozies) our natural response seems to be to dig in and hold on. The sun eventually comes out and we're always stronger for having weathered the storm. I am grateful beyond words to have him beside me in this life.</div>
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So, in honor of our commitment I added some pen lines and splashed a little color on one of the contour drawings. The words on the petals say it all.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5iVII1J_djwqPLRpXvxXim19Nj6U9GKco-aIZRMCeA0_hoO-GmDqfiOo8f_Ll-_ZPCK7dY2XL6Kj60o86uhDMPD9E9Zjc6PYY9rUV0LkOMEPsO8vqf3HXT6B2AGx9f8Wtw8P8FaPQxYU/s1600/in+color.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="475" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5iVII1J_djwqPLRpXvxXim19Nj6U9GKco-aIZRMCeA0_hoO-GmDqfiOo8f_Ll-_ZPCK7dY2XL6Kj60o86uhDMPD9E9Zjc6PYY9rUV0LkOMEPsO8vqf3HXT6B2AGx9f8Wtw8P8FaPQxYU/s640/in+color.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Anniversary Rose, August 2013, created in Paper 53</span></div>
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<i>Linking up today with:</i></div>
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<a href="http://creativeeveryday.com/creativeeveryday/2013/08/creative-every-day-check-in-august-12-18.html" target="_blank">Creative Every Day</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHWfv49FiYpAwniY94rN-sr3XKHtBhSkONU3hD7-Lh4kkWOTlpZ_9UDvj8mRyg5Zv0LDqjSVLDLwa4-CVWyjMdngbTwPSaf5lEefLVJbSImfaJDngsC6fwG456koUgA1UO9_1MqWVxLMo/s1600/footer+-+wide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHWfv49FiYpAwniY94rN-sr3XKHtBhSkONU3hD7-Lh4kkWOTlpZ_9UDvj8mRyg5Zv0LDqjSVLDLwa4-CVWyjMdngbTwPSaf5lEefLVJbSImfaJDngsC6fwG456koUgA1UO9_1MqWVxLMo/s400/footer+-+wide.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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janice smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14297764107290645298noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8935925163894637875.post-62850600374659209212013-08-09T16:50:00.002-05:002013-08-10T08:25:29.051-05:00Seeds of FaithHappy <a href="http://paintpartyfriday.blogspot.com/2013/08/paint-party-friday-week-22-year-3-check.html" target="_blank">Paint Party Friday</a>! <br />
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Things are beginning to wilt a bit in our Texas heat but something lovely is happening as well. Many of our plantings have bloomed their little hearts out are now forming beautiful seed pods. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMVYR1igVO6GDqAzQBjzH52VtVit0QOSslwQMtrG-TzJxqh55oDDq9_kLVwGPXvFckLA32qhM-F_bl3lWXofebquQ-9rDNQGlLYA0MxYgvpbnH764AhYQPMT_k3sZF2MZHkyA1lQ-V0sI/s1600/pod.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMVYR1igVO6GDqAzQBjzH52VtVit0QOSslwQMtrG-TzJxqh55oDDq9_kLVwGPXvFckLA32qhM-F_bl3lWXofebquQ-9rDNQGlLYA0MxYgvpbnH764AhYQPMT_k3sZF2MZHkyA1lQ-V0sI/s640/pod.jpg" width="518" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Moonflower Pod, August, 2013, created in Paper 53</span></div>
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Seeds and seed pods contain the future. They are perfectly designed little vessels of hope and promise. To me they symbolize faith. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUjPXCZbtLdTqToRi5nN-Te-QTnRHXNBssjyw3P911-RBfpdsFo9ye0TyYmZTcG-sXy_6IaO89VtnPjRoVzphhZqxkuACQRSsztRc0q1bzW39YBKsAt751H0xFYKwk4-wbYfwKl5b3KHY/s1600/seed+quote+wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUjPXCZbtLdTqToRi5nN-Te-QTnRHXNBssjyw3P911-RBfpdsFo9ye0TyYmZTcG-sXy_6IaO89VtnPjRoVzphhZqxkuACQRSsztRc0q1bzW39YBKsAt751H0xFYKwk4-wbYfwKl5b3KHY/s640/seed+quote+wm.jpg" width="468" /></a></div>
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It takes faith to keep planting seeds even when you don't yet see the fruit of your efforts. It takes faith to make good choices, to keep practicing, to keep fighting when the goal remains just out of reach. Keep at it, though. Seeds sprout when conditions are right... you can count on it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHWfv49FiYpAwniY94rN-sr3XKHtBhSkONU3hD7-Lh4kkWOTlpZ_9UDvj8mRyg5Zv0LDqjSVLDLwa4-CVWyjMdngbTwPSaf5lEefLVJbSImfaJDngsC6fwG456koUgA1UO9_1MqWVxLMo/s1600/footer+-+wide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHWfv49FiYpAwniY94rN-sr3XKHtBhSkONU3hD7-Lh4kkWOTlpZ_9UDvj8mRyg5Zv0LDqjSVLDLwa4-CVWyjMdngbTwPSaf5lEefLVJbSImfaJDngsC6fwG456koUgA1UO9_1MqWVxLMo/s400/footer+-+wide.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHWfv49FiYpAwniY94rN-sr3XKHtBhSkONU3hD7-Lh4kkWOTlpZ_9UDvj8mRyg5Zv0LDqjSVLDLwa4-CVWyjMdngbTwPSaf5lEefLVJbSImfaJDngsC6fwG456koUgA1UO9_1MqWVxLMo/s1600/footer+-+wide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHWfv49FiYpAwniY94rN-sr3XKHtBhSkONU3hD7-Lh4kkWOTlpZ_9UDvj8mRyg5Zv0LDqjSVLDLwa4-CVWyjMdngbTwPSaf5lEefLVJbSImfaJDngsC6fwG456koUgA1UO9_1MqWVxLMo/s1600/footer+-+wide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
janice smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14297764107290645298noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8935925163894637875.post-84204663841451689562013-08-04T09:22:00.001-05:002013-08-04T12:13:16.671-05:00Borderline Obsessed<div style="text-align: left;">
Summer has been good to us this year...more rain than usual and plenty of time on and in the water make the Texas heat so much more bearable. We just acquired our first kayaks about a month ago and I am borderline obsessed with paddling.</div>
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<i style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: inherit;"><b>If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water.</b></span></i></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: inherit;"><b><i>Loren Eiseley</i></b></span></span></div>
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A kayak is quiet and unobtrusive. Birds and other wildlife are amazingly tolerant of your presence and you get a close up view of things you normally only appreciate from a distance. In a kayak you become part of the environment and you have a unique vantage point from which to view nature.<br />
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The best part? My guys enjoy paddling as well.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5pwiAiUBVjSg8uyCebMRf997r7TGSqmDZ9aa15ooKBZhVLGYKp5bstonFc-Nps0qzLxKjy_PPVWC1BGtGDnozIwCjCWcCc3YemJUqkmH1DO1PyLVyhPfORm_7SysJofCMeQFwOaQ3DOw/s1600/sam+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5pwiAiUBVjSg8uyCebMRf997r7TGSqmDZ9aa15ooKBZhVLGYKp5bstonFc-Nps0qzLxKjy_PPVWC1BGtGDnozIwCjCWcCc3YemJUqkmH1DO1PyLVyhPfORm_7SysJofCMeQFwOaQ3DOw/s640/sam+rs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Yesterday we spent several hours on Caddo Lake, near the Texas/Louisiana border. It's a large, dreamy old lake surrounded by moss-filled cypress trees. The landscape is mysterious and romantic. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVE134FsVEey6P61ig5UHJbv8SEiVY2LtRg8NtSCm8SDo2ZB8fiXrtrKar-KE9YdQgeut7KRuJ-87xR6mkurqpV7iblvIxVi1HM2GjP7Lan98tkP4haH4htJ7gJLzgyjW3tw8Wp2if6Yw/s1600/and+more+trees+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVE134FsVEey6P61ig5UHJbv8SEiVY2LtRg8NtSCm8SDo2ZB8fiXrtrKar-KE9YdQgeut7KRuJ-87xR6mkurqpV7iblvIxVi1HM2GjP7Lan98tkP4haH4htJ7gJLzgyjW3tw8Wp2if6Yw/s640/and+more+trees+rs.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK5IgFcTN9krfht3Sspy2N9u9r-9EtY0nW6lgPi8fVAn-qT7RWgoyht3t3D55afImTH3NEC4X2-xtjEnJDGuyPB30Gn9Fd8HzYUYd0R725mNbWUuP9dDX01S8_v7Oxlf9mmmi1fLOkXnA/s1600/river+2+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK5IgFcTN9krfht3Sspy2N9u9r-9EtY0nW6lgPi8fVAn-qT7RWgoyht3t3D55afImTH3NEC4X2-xtjEnJDGuyPB30Gn9Fd8HzYUYd0R725mNbWUuP9dDX01S8_v7Oxlf9mmmi1fLOkXnA/s640/river+2+rs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I fell in love with the waterlilies. They stand tall instead of floating on the water like others I've seen. Some are nearly three feet out of the water and measure about ten inches across...substantial flowers, indeed.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOVVewlM6ewcMvxW8Ej3CSQUrvBR_3Y6KvLjfim9Z1ch1z4x6Rlo63Z7o8edSow95UUetR52l6-nqdL0R577fQjh4EnqOTuYhLqd-3NsE3xfcdIwDYzUxC_K0dwtiswJaTg_XTJ-ZdiKg/s1600/lilies+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOVVewlM6ewcMvxW8Ej3CSQUrvBR_3Y6KvLjfim9Z1ch1z4x6Rlo63Z7o8edSow95UUetR52l6-nqdL0R577fQjh4EnqOTuYhLqd-3NsE3xfcdIwDYzUxC_K0dwtiswJaTg_XTJ-ZdiKg/s640/lilies+rs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhafYpC2TN8tTtnPRLgrBwOnvDLqzOpT8FC2TV1fqR5Q-CYz_U-J1lFhShKcbugRU6yj30JYUtukZ-K6v8tUj3RKEbPxDtG5mPD3ZrC9ZznfOkD4VEkzJ_vp2QUiIyptR5JTm0GDgthOoU/s1600/waterlily+2+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhafYpC2TN8tTtnPRLgrBwOnvDLqzOpT8FC2TV1fqR5Q-CYz_U-J1lFhShKcbugRU6yj30JYUtukZ-K6v8tUj3RKEbPxDtG5mPD3ZrC9ZznfOkD4VEkzJ_vp2QUiIyptR5JTm0GDgthOoU/s640/waterlily+2+rs.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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And (something I only know because I was able to paddle right up to a waterlily and bury my face in it) they smell delicious!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZU6wyQl-_32oDXjBPMbobWHTgFweOYT71sZIuDj6iEKfYeyI_vTkUnXqRbNo-dGZIwglez6GkDtMrVHillu-GpCZL8SqtypbtLz95_aPRUzT533XnDwG2ptqNNFZuzpD6uttzM7rDQQE/s1600/waterlily+3+rs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZU6wyQl-_32oDXjBPMbobWHTgFweOYT71sZIuDj6iEKfYeyI_vTkUnXqRbNo-dGZIwglez6GkDtMrVHillu-GpCZL8SqtypbtLz95_aPRUzT533XnDwG2ptqNNFZuzpD6uttzM7rDQQE/s640/waterlily+3+rs.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I had just enough energy left last night to sketch one from a photograph while the memory of the real thing was still fresh on my mind. I post it here for my friends from <a href="http://www.bluechairdiaryillustrations.com/2013/08/sunday-sketches.html" target="_blank">Sunday Sketches</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSyFPmoWpvO4eKVNw6SwoCUgX2W6DZ7L0bRqaB2ee-Nl6D5xcq_jGt9SaXBbVG3qm-k84ML5z99fMOJ-GFsaSPrUw3ZGvmWX_aiNTaqsVr5BX0G7yKKCw7zyaih15YviddA4Mj-ft0NC8/s1600/waterlily.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="616" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSyFPmoWpvO4eKVNw6SwoCUgX2W6DZ7L0bRqaB2ee-Nl6D5xcq_jGt9SaXBbVG3qm-k84ML5z99fMOJ-GFsaSPrUw3ZGvmWX_aiNTaqsVr5BX0G7yKKCw7zyaih15YviddA4Mj-ft0NC8/s640/waterlily.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">"Waterlily" created in Paper 53 for iPad</span></i></div>
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What about you? Are you borderline obsessed with any activities these days? You're not by chance a kayaker, are you? Do tell!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHWfv49FiYpAwniY94rN-sr3XKHtBhSkONU3hD7-Lh4kkWOTlpZ_9UDvj8mRyg5Zv0LDqjSVLDLwa4-CVWyjMdngbTwPSaf5lEefLVJbSImfaJDngsC6fwG456koUgA1UO9_1MqWVxLMo/s1600/footer+-+wide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHWfv49FiYpAwniY94rN-sr3XKHtBhSkONU3hD7-Lh4kkWOTlpZ_9UDvj8mRyg5Zv0LDqjSVLDLwa4-CVWyjMdngbTwPSaf5lEefLVJbSImfaJDngsC6fwG456koUgA1UO9_1MqWVxLMo/s400/footer+-+wide.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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janice smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14297764107290645298noreply@blogger.com8