Dairy of an Unconscious Mind

Resolution -MCP Project 12

2012-01-22T21:46:00.002-06:00

I am participating in MCP's Project 12 go to my sidebar and click on the badge to find out more about this and see others who are participating. I have had my Sony Cybershot camera for over 4 years, but never really used it in the way it should be used. When my son decided to take a photography class in college it inspired me to also learn how to use my own camera. So on January 7, 2012 I took a number of photos of my great nephew during the Houston Texan's first ever playoff game, it is my resolution to help chronicle his childhood. I used MCP's Magic Blog it action to create this collage of the newest man in my life. Since his birth I have listened to my son to create photos that can be shared with family, friends and of course his mom and dad. With other resolutions that have been made I can't wait until the skies are sunny so I can venture out with him and my camera. Oh what I year this will be watching the milestones.

Many Faces of DJ

Dear Me: A Letter to Woodstock at 16

2011-10-27T11:21:00.003-05:00

I have been a fan of OutQ radio on Sirius for a number of years, I especially like Derek & Romaine and listen to them on my long ride home. A few days ago they had a guest on author Joseph Galliano who wrote a book called Dear Me: Letters to my Sixteen Year Old Self and Dear Me: More Letters to My Sixteen Year Old Self. In this book he asked famous people to write and submit to him letters they have written to their sixteen year old selves. The concept is brilliant, kind of in the vain if I knew then what I know now what would I change. I have not read the book yet it is on my wish list, but the idea of what you would tell your sixteen year old self is amazing and cathartic. So I decide to challenge myself to this task here is my letter and picture of myself at sixteen. I challenge you to do the same and if you do leave a comment so I can find out what you had to say.

This is when I got the nickname Woodstock

October 27, 2011

Dear Woodstock,

Greetings from the future I come in peace. I know at this moment your whole world seems like it is in a tail spin with no safety net to catch you and that mom has just gotten out of the hospital acting like a zombie, but soon everything will be explained. The past 3 years have felt like a war in the house and the only casualty is you, but you are not the only casualty, you need to remember the people you are fighting against the hardest are the one that one day will be your ally. I know I am vague about what the future will hold for you, but I don’t want you to avoid all the pain, suffering and positives that will happen as you grow older. You will do things in your youth that are unwise, burn bridges, seek solace in the wrong places, date a lot of assholes, but one thing is you will survive with a better understanding of the world and people. These life lessons you have to learn on your own because you are so bull headed something that does change as you grow older. You will learn that the argument is not about rebellion but about your beliefs that beauty is just as your mom said skin deep and that a personality will get you farther in life then having huge breast and straight hair. You will learn to love yourself and accept your fault; you will wear them like a badge of honor like a solider coming home from battle.

Woody, do not give up on your dreams though they will change so much just keep believing in them. I know that things with dad are crazy, but try to remember he is in pain too. Listen to him when he tells you stories of the past one day they will guide your memories when you long for them the most. Forgive him now so later the rage doesn’t eat you alive. Be patient with him his heart is suffering more than yours, his wife is suffering as is your mother. Learn from him about unconditional love though you don’t feel it now you will understand soon what it truly means. Spend more time with mom in the next few years, hold her, read to her, sing to her , do not get angry when she forget your name, soon it will become clear and the regret you will carry later on will be devastating. As for our family give them a break sometimes the constant meddling get to be to much but their hearts in the right place. Stop blaming your sister for being who see is, no she is not your mother, but she is a close second. Put away your selfish ways and open your heart to what you can learn from her during this time. You will always butt heads, but not so much out of anger as love. Talk with your brothers more try to let them get to know you better you have a lot of perspective to give so don’t let your fear get in the way. I will tell you this my sweet hard head self that life will get better you will find love and peace and yes along the way you will fall sometime truly far down the hole, but you will always remember what dad said, “pull yourself up by your boot straps, because the way you can go now is up” believe me it will save you more times than you can imagine.

So remember to eat your vegetables (trust me they are good), get plenty of sleep, love yourself, and every night thank God for the gifts you receive (they are plentiful) and stop blaming God for all of this because he does answer prayer sometimes it is not the answer you want to hear, but it is an answer you will appreciate later.

I love you

Shean

WIP: The Digital Version

2011-10-26T15:45:00.000-05:00

To say I go from one project to the next like an OCD rabbit would be an understatement since I was a small child my interest have been wide never truly settling on one genre I seem to float from vintage to futuristic, sewing to paper art, photograph to digital art the list goes on. With my camera down (hubby accidentally sent my memory card to parts unknown when he mailed out a package) and hoping that Newegg sends me a new one soon I am unable to start my photo journal, but knowing Texas weather it should arrive once we get a cold snap. In the interim I decide to research on how to make my blog represent my various sides so as usual I goggled how to and found the mother lode of tutorials. I found wonderful tutorials on using Picasa for making banners and scrap booking from Clover Lane her blog is informative a must see. I also found multiple tutorials at The Cutest Blog on the Block which helps me to create the background. As the days get short I hope to create more I have two binders full of tutorials to help me learn how to use Photoshop, Photoshop Element and Gimp I shall be a happy girl indeed.

Inspired and Privileged

2011-09-16T11:24:00.000-05:00

That sums up how a feel this week. I was privileged to have won something from my favorite blogger Elizabeth at Creative Breathing a blog which is like home to me, you know a place that is cozy and warm, where you can sit at the table sipping your hot tea sharing stories, a place that lingers with you all day. Her blog is like that a sanctuary from all the bustle and noise of the day. I came home to find a package on my desk at home with a familiar name it was like when you where young the excitement you got when your pen pal wrote you back. I opened to find the most beautiful creations the detail and love that goes into her work is told through her creations.

I can’t wait for the weekend when I go on my trek through downtown Houston on a mission to find the perfect poor baby shop tree to hang these treasures onto in my craft room. A tree is the symbol of growth and inspiration to me, so having these pieces hanging from a tree will give me daily inspiration for my own journey through crafting. Thank you Elizabeth.

My son is in his last year of Junior College working on his Associate Degree in Arts and decided to take Photography to meet his art requirement. Of course this meant purchasing a 35 mm camera with a lens both of which I have no knowledge about. We went to a local camera shop and purchased a used Nikon N90 with a basic lens, the purchase of black in white film and other equipment he needs to develop his pictures. I am so excited about this venture for him having Asperger’s sometimes you forget there is a creative soul inside that just has a different way of expressing their creative side. My son is extremely sarcastic (a trait he gets from me), dry sense of humor and a giving soul, but sometimes you have to dig to see it shine through. So his taking photography will give people an insight to what he finds to be inspiring or beautiful in his own unique way and I think they will be shocked by his vision. Being mom I always knew it was there. So this week he started to learn to develop film, these are two of his favorite one he developed one is the lights from his ceiling fan and the other is from Huntsville State Park one weekend. I can’t wait to see where this goes, he told me that he is not into nature photography because everyone does it and he is not inspired. He is inspired by buildings, lines and unique angles as he put it “What I loved about working in Theater Tech in High School building the stage.” So this weekend we are going exploring through parts of Downtown Houston in search of unique structures and a new lens for the camera. Can’t wait for the next round Christmas Gifts are looking good this year.

September Happy Homemaker Tag Along

2011-09-07T16:53:00.000-05:00

For this month along with my art piece a day I have also completed my September Happy Homemaker Tag. I call it Post Mod it is simple but I made it with my Aunt Hattie in mind. She and my Uncle Henry where two extremely hip people in the 70’s I remember their apartment being done up in post modern furniture from the 60’s. I was just a small girl but my memories of them are still strong when you went to their place there was always a candy dish full of smarty’s a hug and soda to keep you occupied while the adults talked. Aunt Hattie wore these great black cat eye glasses, wore Capri pants and cardigan set but it was her laugh that was like a witches hackle that was enduring. She and my Uncle passed away when I was still quite young but their spirits still linger within me every time I have a smarty candy I think of them.

I used spray ink to create the background, the bodice is from a stamp along with the head and I used blue rick rack to create a chocker and embellished with steam punk sprockets. The sides are created with a Martha punch.

Also while you are here please check out my giveaway for free software. Thanks and come back soon.

My Memories Suite Giveaway (Closed)

2011-09-06T23:12:00.001-05:00

Congratulations Amanda I will sending you an email with everything. Thank you for your comment.

I was asked to try and review MyMemories Suite It is a wonderful digital scrapbooking software. In case you have never heard about them here is a little snippet from their site:

My Memories Suite version 2 software is a complete digital scrapbooking solution that provides a powerful set of creative tools and multiple sharing options that no other software can offer. Its intuitive workspace and enhanced time-saving features are perfect for a beginner to build an entire album in minutes, or to empower the design pro to build a scrapbook album masterpiece.

First off the software was easy to download and install on my computer and once installed the user friendly tabs made creating a snap. On the first night I had so much fun creating pages that I stayed up well past my normal bed time. But it is just not for scrapbooking pages I was able to create a wonderful digital slideshow with music, this too was a snap and the ability to share this with friends, family and you is all the more reason I am knocked out by the software.

I also like that there are numerous designs that you can download along with embellishments, and paper this gives you a variety to display your precious photos to mark those unique occasions.

My Memories has also given me the opportunity to giveaway one mymemories suite to one of you guys so here are the ways you can win:

First leave a comment go to My Memories and tell me which design you like the most. (this will count as one entry)

Following them on twitter so you can get the latest and let me know that you did (this will count as one entry) My Memories Twitter

Like them on facebook and let me know you did: My Memories Facebook

I will be drawing a winner using random.org you have until September 13^th and I will announce the winner on September 14^th.

They also have a wonderful blog with tutorials, weekly challenges and more check them out at My Memories Blog

So since I am doing an art piece a day I have decided to add this:

I made it with my memories making it into a slideshow. It is for the letter F for Fiest her song is the backdrop.

Thanks again until tomorrow and the Letter G.

Good luck

E is for Echo and the Bunnymen

2011-09-05T21:43:00.000-05:00

Sorry so late getting this up but with Labor Day events with the in-laws I am a bit behind. I first heard Echo and the Bunnymen while staying at my friends house, he was a great influence in my musical taste introducing me to more British music along with underground acts of the 80's. It was due to him that I first heard the Sex Pistols, Dead Kennedy's and Echo he was one of the reasons during Junior High I wore a shirt with cockroaches all over it (screen painted) black hammer pants, red bowling shoes, army jacket and shaved the side of my head. Punk and alternative music was my choice during that decade and Echo was just one of the bands that I adored. They had a Gothic overtone for a rebellious youth it was perfect music for the mood. In 1984 I got to see them live back in the day I was notorious for winning concert tickets off the radio most of the concert I saw was because I won the tickets either for answering trivia questions or just being the lucky caller. Of course I had to take my friend who got me into their music in the first place as you can see from the ticket I still have we also meet the opening act The Fleshtones who happened to be out in the lobby while we where getting drinks they where nice enough to sign the ticket. I have spoken about my son meeting his tech celebrities and how I get giddy when that happens, because once when I was young I to had the opportunity to meet some of my musical idols, by chance, or by design and those memories are still vivid.

My art tonight is something I threw together I drew it and as you can see drawing is not my forte. It is very grade school chic, but it is a piece of art all the same. The song today is "Lips Like Sugar" as you can see her lips are made of sugar. I hope everyone enjoyed their holiday weekend and that you where blessed with family, friends and good weather. We are enjoying the cool front that took us from 102 to 91 I need to see if my sweater still fits for this cool weather :). Until tomorrow which will be brought to you by the Letter F.

Good Night

D is for The Dresden Dolls

2011-09-04T18:10:00.000-05:00

I found the Dresden Dolls one day about 5 years ago while searching on You Tube for “Mien Herr” from Cabaret when the Dresden Dolls version pop up so I had to listen to it all I can say it was love at first note. I feel in love with what they call Brechtian Punk Cabaret, a little performance art with a laid back approach to the music and their writing is emotional to the core. The band is made up of two people Amanda Palmer and Brian Viglione yet their sound is powerful and well rounded. Upon hearing their earlier work I was hooked so much so that I had their cd in my car to run continually for over a month. They tap into my theatrical sensibility with the over the top way they perform seeing them is like going to the theater you leave feeling like you witness history. My niece and I constantly share music what we are listening to at the moment from her I have found some amazing artist so when I found The Dresden Dolls I had to share my find and she shared the love I did so much so we had to let my young nephew hear them too. Last year the Dresden Dolls came to Houston to play in a small venue called Fitzgerald’s this concert fell close to my Niece’s birthday so as a gift I took her and my nephew to see them. We stood on the balcony level overlooking the stage as we witness’s pure magic as they performed all of our favorite songs we sang along together with about 300 people. The best part of the night was sharing the moment with my family seeing the joy in their eyes as for a moment we were chained together in mutual respect for the music we shared a passion for. I have seen tons of concerts in my life and this one was one of the best I had ever seen. Amanda Palmer did a solo album which is also on my continually playlist along with other projects she has done, both are an extraordinary talent.

So for The Dresden Dolls I did a Coin Operated Boy. He is manipulated by the beautiful marionette who in her search for love has been hurt so much that it is easier for her to live with her coin operated boy.

Until tomorrow with the letter E…..

C is for Coulton

2011-09-03T00:00:00.000-05:00

C is for Coulton-Jonathan Coulton.

The first time I heard Jonathan Coulton was when my hubby finished playing Portal. He asked me to come listen to this song that played when you beat the game the song “I’m Still Alive” was humorous and it made me want to know who sang it. My son was the one who told me who sang the song and got me to listen to his music. Part geek, part humor and part irony his music made me think of They Might Be Giants a group I loved in the 80’s for their satirical take on things. Jonathan Coulton did something like I am doing by write and recording a song everyday for a year which if you have a moment I suggest you check out his website to listen and download his music which some he offers for free. My son is not a big fan of music like I am so when he asked me to listen to him I jumped at the chance to share in this. On Mother’s Day he gave me 5 songs of Jonathan Coulton and I was hooked. In early 2010 my friend let me know that he was playing a concert at the performing art center she works at so I gave her my credit card number to get us tickets as a late birthday gift to my son. When we picked up the ticket the night of the concert to our surprise we were sitting front row center stage so close that we could touch him. This delighted my son as we watched him sing as we sung along; I relished the shared experience of watching a performer who in some way brought us together in a mutual love of music. After the show he came to the lobby to sign autographs and take pictures with his fans, my son grin in the photo tells a story of a moment. His fans are an array of young geek to older odd balls (me) who sat outside to talk about the newest game systems out, to which politician is running for congress. Jonathan Coulton bridged a gap between my son and me to a place that I can burn a cd for him to listen to and he does the same.

My art work for C is a college on a canvas I did two one which expresses my son’s geek side with photos of the people that he has meet that are semi-celebrities in his tech world. I was not happy with how it turned out canvas is something I am just learning to use, so I did another one to reflect the song I choose by placing a girl and boy in frames. Both canvases reflect the song I choose, the song is called “You Ruined Everything” Jonathan Colton wrote this song upon hearing he was going to be a father it is a sweet lullaby in an ironic way but it is one of my favorite songs of his. The video of the song was created by me to reflect the one of the loves of my life my son in it our pictures that were taken at the concert and from our yearly trek to Austin for SXSW Interactive or as I call it Geek Mecca. So enjoy and come back tomorrow for the letter D and more tales from my musical journey.

The process for making my son version:

Canvas painted

Colored photo

Black and white photo copied on Velum

Velum placed over colored photo

Son's version

The other one

B is for Bowie

2011-09-02T00:00:00.004-05:00

B is for Bowie, David Bowie. First hearing David Bowie was like a religious experience sneaking into my brother’s room a young child of 9 slowly raising the top of the line record player placing the album on to the turntable, gently placing the needle on to the record I was shaking with excitement. Placing the headphones over my ears I gently fall back into the bean bag chair with the album cover in my hands looking deeply into the beautiful face of an Androgynous David Bowie as he sings about the journey of an alien rock star. Bowie was like a demigod to me his voice, the lyric, and his ever present sex appeal made him a star upon my bedroom walls through all of his transformations. He like Pete Townsend where my heartthrobs their voices touch my very soul making me pick up a pen and paper to write my poetry. When we got cable in the late 70’s I was able to see him in The Man Who Fell to Earth a movie that introduced me to his talent as an actor, later I would see all his movies in a neighborhood theater in the dark dreaming of his hands touching mine as we walked along the streets of London. I was blessed twice to see him in concert once when he was touring in 1983 on the Serious Moonlight tour I was 16 and to this day it is in the top ten list of all time favorite performers to see live. He was magnetic but most off all his fans it was like the United Nation (something that is still present). I won tickets to see him again in 1987 Glass Spider Tour again I was blown away. The man is still as beautiful to me as he was when I was a 9 year old girl sneaking into my brother’s room going on a journey through space and time with Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars.

For B I used the song Suffragette City from The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars album since was the first Bowie album I heard. I had never heard the word Suffragette until this song it made me look it up and research the movement. In a way Bowie was like a history teacher in my youth. I found a picture of Suffragette women using Photoshop I colored it in then using picnik I added a border. This is a digital image I constructed this is become one of my favorite forms of art. Again enjoy the video and if you are a Bowie fan I hope it brings back pleasant memories as it does for me.

Suffragette City

Hey man, oh leave me alone you know

Hey man, oh Henry, get off the phone, I gotta

Hey man, I gotta straighten my face

This mellow thighed chick just put my spine out of place

Hey man, my schooldays insane

Hey man, my work's down the drain

Hey man, well she's a total blam-blam

She said she had to squeeze it but she... then she...

(CHORUS)

Oh don't lean on me man, cause you can't afford the ticket

I'm back on Suffragette City

Oh don't lean on me man

Cause you ain't got time to check it

You know my Suffragette City

Is outta sight...she's all right

Hey man, Henry, don't be unkind, go away

Hey man, I can't take you this time, no way

Hey man, droogie don't crash here

There's only room for one and here she comes, here she comes

CHORUS

Oh hit me!

CHORUS

A Suffragette City, a Suffragette City

I'm back on Suffragette City, I'm back on Suffragette City

Ooo, Sufraggete city, ooo, Suffragette City

Oooh-how, Sufragette City, oooh-how, Sufragette City, oooh-how

Sufragette

Ohhh, Wham Bam Thank You Ma'am!

A Suffragette City, a Suffragette City

Quite all right

A Suffragette City

Too fine

A Suffragette City, ooh, a Sufragette City

Oh, my Sufragette City, oh my Suffragette City

Oh, Suffragette

Suffragette!

A is for ABBA

2011-09-01T00:00:00.000-05:00

When I first heard Abba in the mid 70’s I was memorized by the sound. The harmonies, the upbeat rhythm and the stories they told were inspiring to my young feet. I would take my crochet poncho and make it into my stylish dance skirt, put on my leotards, tights and ballet slippers , turn on my record player and play “Dancing Queen” to my own choreograph. I did this in the living room which had hardwood floors I would push the coffee table out of the way and dance in front of our huge bay windows. I can only imagine what the neighbors thought, probably something along the lines of look at that weird child. So I am starting the month with Abba’s I am a Marionette, because a lot of times in life we all feel like someone is pulling our strings.

My tag reflects the marionette only this one is free from the strings that bind her.

I AM A MARIONETTE

For your listening pleasure here is the song that inspired this tag. I have also included the lyrics. See you tomorrow for the Letter B.

"I'm A Marionette"

"You're so free," that's what everybody's telling me
Yet I feel I'm like an outward-bound, pushed around, refugee
Something's wrong, got a feeling that I don't belong
As if I had come from outer space, out of place, like King Kong

I'm a marionette, just a marionette, pull the string
I'm a marionette, everybody's pet, just as long as I sing
I'm a marionette, see my pirouette, round and round
I'm a marionette, I'm a marionette, just a silly old clown

Like a doll, like a puppet with no will at all
And somebody told me how to talk, how to walk, how to fall

Can't complain, I've got no-one but myself to blame
Something's happening I can't control, lost my hold, is it safe?

I'm a marionette, just a marionette, pull the string
I'm a marionette, everybody's pet, just as long as I sing
I'm a marionette, see my pirouette, round and round
I'm a marionette, I'm a marionette, just a silly old clown

"Look this way, just a little smile," is what they say
"You look better on the photograph if you laugh, that's okay"

I'm a marionette, just a marionette, pull the string
I'm a marionette, everybody's pet, just as long as I sing
I'm a marionette, see my pirouette, round and round
I'm a marionette, I'm a marionette, just a silly old clown

"You're so free," that's what everybody's telling me
Yet I feel I'm like an outward-bound, pushed around, refugee

What can Happen in a Year

2011-08-31T12:37:00.003-05:00

Not long ago I purchased Noah Scalin’s “A Daily Creativity Journal –Make Something Every Day and Change Your Life.” This book has been in my messenger bag for month’s egging me on to try it you know you will like it. With my summer all but a mad house I decided that September would be ideal in tackling this. So for one year I will try my hand at mixed art every day. I decided that each month will have a theme to carry out along with my inspiration and maybe a story or two. I am trying to make a change from in front of the TV to managing my time to involve self growth (if I lose some weight in the time better still.) My son is taking Photography with a 35 mm film camera this semester and hopefully the levels of Hell in regards to heat will slowly cool so that we can explore the country side near our home. I can’t wait to take pictures he can only work with black and white (he will learn how to develop it.) Fun will be had with Photoshop, gimp and other techniques. Now without further ado……….

For the month of September I have decided my inspiration will be the ABC’s of my musical past. September for me meant school days a time to wash away the cobwebs of summer to focus on the months of learning ahead. So ABC’s was the jumping off point, but what kind of ABC’s, what about music I thought it plays a major role in my formative years it was my solace during the rough times and my pleasure during the good.

Music to me is the sound track to your life all it takes in a few notes of a certain song to push you back into a moment in time, a memory long forgotten. Growing up my siblings had either moved away or where so much older they didn’t like me playing in their stuff, but on a rare occasion my brother would let me into his room pick out an album and listen with the headphones on. In this space I heard The Who’s Tommy, Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of The Moon, David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, Quadraphenia, and Led Zeppelin. I was transformed lying on the bean bag chair as Roger Daugherty sang to me about love, loss, and hope or David Bowie taking me on a journey to another realm. It was here that I saw music as a powerful seducer weaving words to make sense of a feeling or a note that made the hair on your arms raise; it was in this time I learned about my own voice. For me music was my salvation growing up a place to crawl into when life around me made no sense and shelter from the storm of my own emotions knowing that someone else had been to that place and made it back. I walked everywhere along with my walkman I would walk for miles listening to mixed tapes imagining that I was in a movie and this song fit into the screen play. I also pretended that I was a classical trained dancer stuck in an all girls reform school; I would take out my 45 of Styx’s Come Sail Away and proceed to dance in my room. The catch was that behind the mirror (which I pretended was a two way mirror) Pete Townsend was watching me and talked the Warden into let me out so I could go on tour with the Who as a background dancer. So each day will be art work representing a letter in the alphabet along with the band and song. These are some of the bands that made my life a little less lonely and scary.

月=August

2011-08-11T11:45:00.001-05:00

It is August, time for this month’s Happy Homemaker Tag Along. Living in Texas August is the hottest month and right now here in Houston/Tomball we are going through our 8^th consecutive day with Temps over 100 degrees on top of that we have not seen rain for months. Our poor yard is looking like something out of a Mad Max movie, so all we can do is pray for rain enough to lift this drought. August also is a hectic month with family birthdays, college starting back up and my nephew’s baby shower it makes for fun through the house. In our humble abode right my son is on a Netflix Japanese movie marathon, we have had the pleasure of watching Japanese horror, comedies and on a rare occasion a documentary. Though he has the ability to watch some of this instantly (which he does more than not) some sound so interesting I have been renting DVD’s. In his first year of college he decided to take Japanese as his dream is to one day go to Japan, but his love of all thing Asian has been something he has had for a long time. My love of Asian culture started when I was young and my mother who worked as a picture framer would do work for an Asian Antique store in our city. I loved going with her because the owner would always have on hand for me an assortment of candies, he would explain to me the meaning behind some of the artwork that hung in his shop along with the history of the many dynasties that encompassed certain artifacts. It was in this shop I learned about the Ming Dynasty, who Buddha was, how Kanji or the characters in the paintings were words. To this day I love to go to the Asian markets here in Houston to shop for food and stuff for my bento box. In Japan during August Obon is celebrated by those regions on a Solar Calendar. Obon is a Japanese Buddhist custom to honor the departed (deceased) spirits of one's ancestors. This Buddhist custom has evolved into a family reunion holiday during which people return to ancestral family places and visit and clean their ancestors' graves, and when the spirits of ancestors are supposed to revisit the household altars. It has been celebrated in Japan for more than 500 years and traditionally includes a dance, known as Bon-Odori. So this August tag is a tribute to those of my family who have departed and to the man that made me aware of a world outside my own house. It is through them that I am able to pass the tradition of open mindedness to my son.

For this Tag I used multiple mediums for the girl I used Photoshop to color her in I found a wonderful tutorial from itKuPiLLi Tutorial on how to color using Paint Shop Pro (which worked in Photoshop also). I then used Tsukineko pewter glitter ink that I have in my stash and distress ink to color the page from a Japanese mystery book. Using multicolor chalk ink to give the effect of tie dye I added embellishments. I highly recommend checking out itKuPiLLi’s blog she is amazing.

Obon

I also have participated in the Bella Creation Volia Ink challenge for the month of August again I went with an Asian theme. It had to have a butterfly and the use of spray inks. When I thought of Butterfly I imaged Madame Butterfly the opera. Usually every year during the Summer Herman Park’s Theater under the Stars does a free performance of an Opera. It gives the average person who would not usually go to the theater a chance to enjoy a theatrical event many years ago when my son was about 7 I took him to see the Houston Grand Opera’s performance of Madame Butterfly at Herman Park. We had stopped to get fried chicken and drinks for our picnic on the hill in front of the amphitheater waiting for dusk so that the performance would begin. What surprised me was how enthralled he was in the opera sitting as still as a house mouse, it wasn’t until the end that he became hysterical because of her actions. So I made Madame Butterfly for him. I used the same method of coloring with Photoshop and used of assorted inks.

Madame Butterfly

If you are looking for wonderful stamps, ephemera or other embellishments check out Gecko Galz I won a challenge and my gift was from their shop. Check them out.

Que Bella

2011-07-21T13:55:00.000-05:00

I have joined a wonderful community of the most talented woman the community is Bella Creations and it is the utopia of paper art. Each month they have a number of challenges so I decided to give it a try. For the Oh La La Group I took the challenge picture of the tiny dancer placing her through photo shop into a stage with dancers in the background. I then took Swan Lake sheet music coloring it with light blue chalk in and spraying cooper shimmer ink. I added the swans to signify the ballet. This was my first challenge which I found to be exciting and rewarding.

Swan Lake

For the Voila Ink our challenge was to make a teepee card with a fairy theme. I was so happy to see a you tube video to guide us through the process. This too was my first time making a teepee card yet it was tons of fun. I used fairies from my Dover fairy book coloring each one; I used multiple inks also with two stamps. I can’t wait to make these for Halloween.

If you have never visited Bella Creation I highly recommend a look at the site, you will not be disappointed.

Dragon Tales

2011-07-07T21:23:00.000-05:00

So I am going to be a great aunt in September which has inspired me to create. My nephew and his wife are expecting a little boy whom they have named David James or DJ for short. They both love mystical creatures and have a sizable collection of pewter and statues of fairies, dragons, and knights. So it goes without saying the baby's room theme is Knights. With that in mind I wanted to create for him an original piece of art many idea's ran through my head and by accident I came up a canvas piece. I started with a 8" x 5" canvas, I traced a cute dragon picture from a fantasy crafter's design book (I don't possess the ability to draw. I can trace like a true artist.) I traced it onto the canvas and with my prismasoft markers color in the design. I used a light blue wash on the canvas to add dimension and took the old say "What little boys are made of" and changed it to fit the piece. I can't wait to give the piece to them it is something they can treasure forever.

Design I choose

Traced design

Design with color

Finished product

Let Freedom Ring

2011-06-30T11:06:00.001-05:00

Welcome to July and my monthly Homemaker Tag at CreativeBreathing. July is a month of optimism a time in our country to reflect on what the USA means to each of us, just like all birthdays are a time of reflection. I was raised in a house filled with pride in our country, respect for the constitution that held our country together. My parents were born during the stock market crash of 1929, they were teen-ager's during World War II and were married in 1950 in a time of renewal for our young country, raised 5 children during the turbulent 60’s, educated us during the 70’s, watched us start our own lives during the 80’s and 90’s and we lost them in the early 21^st century. I was taught to respect the Presidency, the Constitution, and God. I was blessed to have a father who loved the law, arguing and teaching with experience as opposed to fancy book learning. My dad was a yellow dog Democrat, yet he was the most conservative man I knew, but he taught me to debate and to always look at both sides of the argument so that I was able to argue both sides if need be. It was due to him that I learned compassion, empathy, and that everyone is free to express an opinion whether you agree or not, you must respect that they have the right to that opinion. Freedom is what I reflect on this July and how this country has slowly abandoned respect for following labels, victimization and belief that words hold more power than an action. I grew up in a time that respect was a characteristic that was more important than anything, when you would never dream of questioning your parent about their motives. A time when parents were just that a parent and it wasn’t until you were older that you learned they were human beings doing the best they could. I reflect on a time which was not so long ago that this country stood for Freedom, Respect, Unity and Hope, but now I am starting to see that slowly chip away. I have instilled in my son the keys to understanding what our past was, in hopes that the future will be brighter.

So for July my tag represents Freedom in the form of 4 women taking to the beach on a hot summer day shedding off the constraints of bondage (i.e. constrictive clothes) to bath in the glory of god’s creations.

Happy 4^th to all. May Freedom Ring.

How I created the tag.

Homemaker Tags

2011-06-30T11:02:00.000-05:00

Here are my tags so far

Dream A Litte Dream of Me

2011-06-05T20:04:00.000-05:00

It is June which means Summer time fun, my hubby's birthday and my monthly Homemaker Tag. This month's tag is titled "Dream a Little Dream" for my wonderful hubby. We met 12 years ago at work I had lost my mom a year before meeting him and my son was 8, I had given up on men or a happy ending so I stopped looking. When I first met him I didn't really like him, but as time went by I started to get a crush on him. He was with me when I lost my father and my beloved aunt he has held my hand when I was scared and let me fly when I needed to. He has helped to shape me into the woman I am and has loved me without question, though sometimes he wonders what he did to deserve me. He is my dream come true. So I decided to make this tag with him in mind..the background is from a German Opera to symbolize his time in Germany in the Army. The woman is me with my butterfly wings flying into his heart. So Happy Birthday to you honey and to all who are celebrating this month. Dream a Little Dream with Me.

Honoring their Service

2011-05-11T10:37:00.000-05:00

This month Happy Homemaker Tag I decided to salute the troops for Memorial Day...keeping with my theme of women I decided to honor the WAAC’s. My aunt joined the WAAC in order for her to go to Nursing School in the early to mid 40’s, she graduated in 1947. She once told me the story about going to nursing school with Bill Clinton’s mom and somewhere there is a picture of them all , my whole family was from Shreveport Louisiana which is where she started and then moved on to finish in New Orleans’s. So here is a Big Thank You to all the Soldiers past and present who have given their lives in service to keeping us safe and free at home.

Will be adding nice ribbon once it dries

How I did this

I found a picture through a Google search on WAAC’s I then went to picnik to edit the photo. Picnik is free and if you have photos on Picasa, flikr and off your computer it has multiple was to enhance or edit your photos. Once there I upload my original picture

I then went to create-effects-black and white (changing the color)

Once that is done I went to pencil sketch and using the fade, sharpen and radius I was able to create the picture to my liking.

I then used the finish project to create the my tag.

I used my color pens and embellishments I had on hand to create the rest of the look. I used for the first time alcohol ink to create the background.

Hope everyone has a safe and wonderful Memorial Day. My May is crazy with my nephew's wedding next week and showers galore it is run run run.

Virtual Mother's Day

2011-05-05T14:56:00.002-05:00

2 years ago during SXSW I had the pleasure I watching one of the most entertaining magician play to a crowd of Diggnation fans his name is Brian Brushwood Home Page he is a magician, podcast host for Twit NSFW and scammer extraordinaire on Scam School Scam School. After meeting him during 2009 SXSW I started to watch his podcast called BBLive became a great fan and told my son about it, he to became a fan. On Tuesday during a NSFW episode 74 Michael Rooker and your Mom at 35:07 they start to talk about us.

During this episode my great son got to send me a Mother’s Day Virtual Card from the great actor Michael Rooker , I have been a fan of his since Eight Men Out and recently The Walking Dead’s Merle.

My favorite part was the flub by Mr. Brushwood saying that my son and I yearly track is a mother-daughter moment. Luckly, my son is used to playful teasing so the reaction had him in stitches.

Today I sent a email to the guys of NSFW to thank them for the card the following is the email

Brian, Justin and all the NSFW gang,

I would like to sincerely thank you guys for the wonderful shot out and great Mother's Day card that I was given. I was unable to watch the show, but was elated to receive the shot out and card, thou it came with my son being outed. I worked so hard for years to keep his sex change a secret, but in one slip of the tongue from you Brain it imploded. I have had to destroy all my precious memories of Wilma as a little girl so that William can raise his head high while in Chatrealm knowing that I did this for his sanity. So thank you guys because living in denial has cause a strain in my mind, but today a weight has been lifted and we are able start anew.

Really, thanks alot guys I laughed so hard and was deeply touched. You guys are some of the most genuine people I have had the pleasure to meet, keep it up.

Brian, make sure the invisible wife is pampered on her special day.

Thanks

Shean (pronounced like Sean) Valentine

P.S. the way you guys said my name is how everyone does

Here is the direct card.

I feel so loved.

Not my first Rodeo

2011-04-06T15:04:00.000-05:00

Houston Rodeo is over and a great time was had by all. Here are some photos I took from the last day of the Rodeo. Enjoy

Houston Livestock Show

When Star Trek is not Enough or My Saga in Geekdom

2011-04-06T14:48:00.000-05:00

When March approaches the vibe in the house changes from watching the SyFy Channel to listening to TWIT, Twitter and podcasts. March rings in my yearly trip to Geek Mecca in Austin, Texas or also known as SXSW Interactive. From March 11-13 a large group of Geeks converge on Austin to mix and mingle in the realm of Interactive Media and Film, with Music following for another week. This was my son and I 3^rd year to go, usually it is just us two but this year we decided to take my 16 year old nephew who as he put it felt so out of place like a cat at a dog run. We began this year with hitting up the multitude of food carts located around the city; we had cupcakes, waffle and chicken, hot dogs and found the best old school soda shops. If you every go to Austin I suggest heading to S. Congress to Big Top a true blue soda fountain/candy store, we had Dublin Dr. Pepper’s made by the soda jerk and must when I go back to Austin this summer. We embarked on the Coventition Center to check out the new games coming out (this is where I begin my free shirt collection) then check out shops for artwork. We watched as Brian Brushwood of NSFW podcast and Scam School interviewed people standing in line for the IPad 2 which was a first for us to watch. The next day we stood in line from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. so that Liam could be first in line to Diggnation’s (another podcast) which proved to be monumental for Liam as he was pulled on stage for a magic trick and commented on by the other host. This was the year he enjoyed the most meeting everyone again and them remembering him. The guys from NSFW welcomed me with open arms as they comment on my son, it makes me happy that he gets to meet his idols every year.

While in Austin I had the pleasure of having the best breakfast every. A little place called Full English, I had homemade bangers, eggs and bacon which was organic from local farmers in the area. A must to go to in Austin you will not regret it.

So I plan for next year when my son will be 21 and able to enjoy SXSW more fully with parties etc. So I am saving up for next year to get the passes and look forward to an experience that beats all. So now normalice reins in the house with Star Trek blaring in the background. Live Long and Prosper.

sxsw

April Showers Bring May Flowers

2011-04-06T10:41:00.002-05:00

It is April and with it comes this month’s Happy Homemaker Tag Along. March madness has passed and it was full of adventures I am in the process of writing about it. Yet, April full of promise of new birth and a renewing spirit shines. Living in Tomball Texas (Houston area) we have two seasons each year hot and hotter, we don’t really get to see the beauty of changing season like my friends to the North and East, but when a nice cool front comes in and the humidity drops a beautiful spring day can make me smile. Texas has being lacking in rain so the Bluebonnets have been dismissal so to help ring in April in style. With her parasol to reflect the sun she also can shield the rain. The women in my banner is my grandmother this photo was taken at a park in Louisiana around 1923. Hope all have a beautiful Spring.


I begin with my picture

I use Prismacolor to color

I used this stamp to add texture


My stash of ephemera and embellishments

I used glitter this time man that was messy

Brightness is defined on this

Know When To Hold Them

2011-03-02T13:12:00.000-06:00

March here in Houston is Rodeo time. As a child I would look forward to Go Texan Day my mom would dress me in my best western wear with a red bandanna, cowboy boots, hat and denim. I would walk to school with my friends looking like something out of Lone Ranger we were excited, because we knew that once we got to class we would pick our partner to walk the block in a half down the street to watch the Trail Riders heading for Memorial Park. We would line up on the sidewalk holding our Texas Flags as the men and women would be on their horses along with wagons, they would make our day. We would head back to class for treats, punch and music. Even now I tear up when I am driving down the road on Go Texan Day and see the trail riders heading in and I still wave like the small schoolgirl with a smile and a flag. So for March I decided to share with everyone a little bit of Go Texan Day, my cowgirl is wearing her fancy boots and just waiting for the gambler to take her money. March is a busy time for me with working the Rodeo, Spring Break at the Geek Mecca (Austin) and Mardi Gras I am wiped out. I will have pictures up tomorrow of what the Rodeo looks like as I am working tonight Trace Adkins is the performer. So as with life my cowgirl is remembering the golden rule of Gambling---Know when to hold them, know when to fold them. Happy St. Patrick’s Day

Here is a brief history of The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo:

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, also called RodeoHouston, is the world's largest live entertainment and livestock exhibition. It also includes the richest regular-season PRCA rodeo event. It has been held at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas, since 2003. It was previously held in the Astrodome. Since its beginning in 1932, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has committed more than $265 million to scholarships, research, endowments, calf scramble participants, junior show exhibitors, the Rodeo Institute for Teacher Excellence™, School Art participants, and other educational and youth programs. Of that total, the Show has committed more than $152 million in direct educational program support, since the first scholarship was awarded in 1957.

Because college is only a dream for so many students, the Show has made an extraordinary impact on the lives of countless young men and women in its quest to benefit the youth of Texas and support them through education. Currently, more than 2,000 students are on Show scholarships, attending more than 100 different Texas colleges and universities. The value of these scholarships is approximately $30 million.

All recipients of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo scholarships must demonstrate academic potential, citizenship/leadership and financial need, and they must attend a Texas college or university.

The Houston Livestock Show is a volunteer driven organization, with committees heading up the different areas of the show. The make it possible for the large amount of the proceeds going to the scholarship funds.

The event is 20 days long. It is kicked off by the Downtown Rodeo parade and the World's Championship Bar-B-Que Contest. The Show features championship Rodeo action including bull riding, livestock judging, concerts, a carnival, pig racing, barbecue and shopping, sales and livestock auctions. Traditional trail rides, which start in different areas of Texas and end in Houston, precede the Rodeo events. The rodeo has drawn some of the world's biggest recording artists, including Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, Brooks & Dunn, George Strait, Reba McEntire, Garth Brooks, Willie Nelson, Selena, Bon Jovi, Selena Gomez, Justin Bieber, Demi Lovato, Miley Cyrus, Jonas Brothers, ZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynyrd, among others.

The Friday before the Parade is also known as "Go Texan Day," where the entire population of Houston is encouraged to dress in Western attire. In 1952, the Salt Grass Trail ride was the first trail ride that was formed by only a few men. The following year, the publicity from that ride attracted more people to join. All of the Trail Riders converge on Memorial Park to camp out for the night before heading down Memorial Drive to where it empties out onto Texas Ave to line up for the parade. The parade has approximately 115 different groups joining in the festivities. There are 15 trail rides, 20 floats, 15 commercial wagons and stagecoaches, and 10 to 15 university and high-school marching bands in addition to Show officials, other elected officials and dignitaries on horseback and in vehicles

The Trail Rides (cavalcades) are a long tradition with the rodeo and gather at Memorial Park to camp for a rest and party before the big Annual Rodeo Parade through Downtown Houston.

Salt Grass Trail Ride - 85-mile ride from Cat Spring, Texas
Sam Houston Trail Ride - 66-mile ride from Montgomery, Texas
Old Spanish Trail Ride - 216-mile ride from Logansport, Louisiana
Prairie View Trail Ride - 102-mile ride from Sunnyside, Texas
Valley Lodge Trail Ride - 72-mile ride from Brookshire, Texas
The Spanish Trail Ride - 112-mile ride from Coldspring, Texas
Texas Independence Trail Ride - 92-mile ride from Brazoria, Texas
Los Vaqueros Rio Grande Trail Ride - 386-mile ride from Hidalgo, TexasSouthwestern Trail Ride - 100-mile ride from Brazoria, Texas
Northeastern Trail Ride - 108-mile ride from Beaumont, Texas
Texas Cattlemen’s Trail Ride - 85-mile ride from Anderson, Texas
The Mission Trail Ride - 210-mile ride from San Antonio, Texas
Southwest Trail Ride - 120-mile ride from Rosenberg, Texas

The World's Championship Bar-B-Que Contest, also simply known as "The Cookoff," started in 1974 takes place on the southern parking lot of Reliant Stadium, with over 250 teams participating every year.

Tales from the Great Aunt

2011-02-09T21:02:00.000-06:00

I found out about two weeks that I am going to be a Great Aunt again. Coming from a family of 4 siblings I have a lot of nephews and nieces and have been blessed to have 2 great nephews and 3 great nieces. The only thing is with them is I have not had the pleasure of seeing them in a number of years. When I found out that my sister was to become a grandmother for the first time I was excited because of the relationship I have with her children. My nephew who has wanted to be a father for a long time has been blessed and we will get to meet the bundle of joy sometime in late August or September. This is the same little boy at the age of 3 told me as we were swinging in the backyard that he wanted to marry me someday, it was hard to tell him that though it was a beautiful thought he couldn’t because I was his aunt. I used to change his diapers, babysat him and his sister, singing him songs, chase him through the house to give him hugs and hold him when he had his tantrums yelling he hated me. There is 16 years difference between us, but has been a joy to watch over the years going from a boy to become a father. Once I heard the news I began to pull out all my craft books making plans on the projects I can’t wait to dive into for this little person. My first project I decided to take an 18” x 22” canvas painting it turquoise, I then took the snippet fabric by moda cutting out the kids. I glued them to a scrapped file folder cutting them out and glued them to the canvas. Using wonder under I cut out the outfits heating them to the kids, I then took wooden ovals painting them white and adding thought bubbles. Each bubble represents what they want, my nephew loved the fairy if I would have put a dragon also I would have hit the trificta. This is just the beginning of the projects next on the WIP is a circus quilt.

The beginning

The middle

The End