Christmas is coming! Well, it's almost here! I haven't done any baking yet. I've tried to get some art done. Here's one of 3 pennants I made using Moonlight Journey images. They're a present for a friend who is knee deep in snow, they're on their way to her tonight. The right hand is still rehabbing, I'm told 2 months of PT and to wait at least 6 months before my handwriting improves. It needed improvement before surgery anyway! LOL! Hope to be back with another project before Christmas...it involves snowmen! 

It has been a while since I've been here. My right hand has given me problems since surgery. I finally called the surgeon's office for a script to occupational therapy. My hand has gone through the "wringer", I guess, or is it old age? Hmm...debatable. Anyway, significant swelling and a lot of pain throughout the whole hand, especially the knife edge of hand down into the wrist. If I make a sweeping motion (like to sweep crumbs off the table), forget it, the pain feels like I've sprained it. She's not sure why, unless it's nerve damage. So, I have 3 new exercises to add to 3 I've been doing, was doing the massage of the bump from trigger release all wrong (never told how to do it)..but big problem is I can't write more than 25 words or so before I have to quit. So art making is slow going. Even using the mouse is painful. But, I have made some things.  My Moustache is a simple schmooch of gesso, once dried, I colored with Lyra aquacolor crayons and went over them with a slightly wet brush. I'm trying!

Witch Bottle

With my DIL's help, I created a witch bottle using an image from MoonlightJourney.  I scrubbed some silver and red polish on the inside, hoping to tone down the glass.  Kathy did all the wire work, being in a cast prevented that, any she does much nicer work than I ever could, so she's a great partner!  Turned out not too bad for someone who's not supposed to be overworking her right hand! LOL!  Hope all is well, and as ever, mighty glad you stopped by

Surgery Done!

Long absence! I'm in a hard cast. The 3 surgeries are done on my right hand, but the carpal tunnel redo was not what I expected. When the dressing came off, while I don't normally faint, I did get really sick to my stomach. What should have been 2 stitches turned out to be 12. The scar is ugly and raised and my DIL says she'll be surprised if the whole thing isn't one big keloid. But it needed to be done. The thumb is fixed, too! Yay!  The cast comes off early November. That will be like an early Christmas present...but I do have a bright green cast!  LOL!  I'm not being the best patient, supposed to rest the hand, but have tried to do a little bit of art work. Surprising how tired and sore the hand gets. I usually require a pain pill by day's end. Tells you how bad I am! So I made a little Halloween treat for my GF in Chicago and for Moonlight Journey who have been very patient with me through all my absences!  Missed everyone!  Ok, enough typing, time for the pain pill.  Take care...love to all!

Take a Word - Clockwork

I've been involved with family, my son and his family have moved across the street, and I'm getting ready for a major kitchen remodel (wahooo!!!!!) and facing hand surgery on 25 September.  So, this is the first time I've been able to participate in anything related to the art blogs.  But, phew, at least I got one done.  Also, am able to use the piece for my art group!!!  Yahooo!!!  Thanks for hanging in there!  Hope your summer has been good.  I certainly am glad to see it go for so many reasons.

Three Muses - Windows & Doors

I've been "out of it" since my mom passed in June.  I have been doing some art, but really struggling with it.  I created this piece for my group, Altered Designs.  Luckily, it meets this challenge and maybe this will get me started working on my blog, too.  Hope so...thanks for hanging in there with me and for the kind words!

I've Been Missing!

I have been gone ever so long.  June undoubtedly was the worst month of my life.  I had to rush to Chicago to move my elderly mom here to live with me in Virginia after she got out of the hospital.  She fell, was ill and finally I had doctors on my side telling her she could no longer live alone.  Then I began the huge job of cleaning out her house and selling it.  Let me tell you, that was work.  I sweat a lot, no A/C, poor me!  Break out the violins.  Well, I won't go on and on, because the month got worse and worse.

Mom got here with the help of my beautiful Kathy...unfortunately, a few weeks after Kathy got her here, Mom's health took a turn for the worse.  On 28 June, my little, tiny Mom (she weighed 99 lbs) passed away.  I am full of grief and unable to do much of anything. 

I miss art, I miss seeing all of your work...I miss the friendships here...I just miss everyone.  Period.  And I feel like I'll never bee happy again.

Three Muses - Words in Art

What a great challenge.  I decided on a quote - Always remember the beauty of the garden, for there is peace.  I used stamps of poppies I've had for a while, but just didn't fine the right project for.  I used the Twinkling H2Os to paint the background and poppies, but the colors just don't look quite the same.  Well, they're close, I imagine I'll have to break down and invest in a better scanner, but right now, I'm saving up for my son's wedding (the last one...finally!!!!) and probably for surgery on my right hand...I'll see the ortho on 3 May.  I really thought I'd need surgery on my spine, but the spine doc took a look at all the tests and determined the hand was in real need of repair or else.  I can't imagine how I'll manage being in a cast for 6 weeks or so if it comes down to that.  LOL...the family will probably want to ship me off somewhere...well, best wait for the hand surgeon to tell me what's what!

Take A Word - Skinny

I've been having a lot of trouble with my computer, scanning and resizing. Grrr...well, this is a skinny, I promise.  Except for the butterfly who is trying to escape.  

Sunday Postcard Art - Birds of a Feather

I didn't think I'd get anything done for this theme because I kept playing around until I gave up on it last night.  This morning I looked at it and decided maybe it wasn't so bad.  I started off with swiping ink pads for the background and using Recollections rubberstamp circles for my borders.  The rubberstamped bird is from Stampotique Originals. I started off by coloring him with copic markers which didn't make me happy, so this morning I finished with watercolor pencils!  Holy smokes!  The stamped words "Happy Spring" comes from RedLead.  Thanks for stopping by!

Take a Word - Green

I've been away from Blogland for a while.  Was in Oklahoma, had to pack up my stuff and come home to Virginia where I had to unpack (horrors, I shipped home an 18 cube box I'm afraid to open now...have to find room for all the goodies inside!  LOL!) Anyway, one of my promises for the new year was fewer doctor appointments - last year was pretty incredible, but that's what happens when you get old...ah, older...anyway, something that's been with me for a while decided it really wanted attention. I have bilateral spurring in my cervical spine. One doc told me I'd be paralyzed, that was back in 2006. However, mix it with arthritis, it is not a great feeling. While in Oklahoma, my migraines saw fit to return. Now, we don't know what's what and we're trying to sort it out. So, besides my GP, I saw my neurologist and will have an MRI and we'll go from there.  This getting older business isn't for sissies!  LOL!  Anyway, I've been neglecting my art to a fare-thee-well and really feel awful.  So, here I am again...hoping a wee bit of luck rubs off from this Irish lad.  The image comes from Moonlight Journey and the tag will be used for a bookmark swap I'm hosting on Altered Designs.  Now, I have to catch up with everyone!  Missed you all! 

Take a Word - Old Fashioned ATC

I made this ATC for a swap at my group (Altered Designs) and she's kind of just right for this theme!  Thanks so much for taking a peek! 

SPA - My Heart Belongs to You

Haven't tuned in here for a while.  But here's my postcard for this theme!  Thanks for stopping by.

Three Muses - Musical Instrument

My offering for this challenge!  Thanks for stopping by!

Take a Word - Moo

This Sunday our theme is a Moo card with a vintage feel to it.  I really enjoy these challenges!  Thanks for stopping by!

Three Muses - Animal Kingdom

Still in Oklahoma!  But, as I worked on my piece this week, I remembered a long lost friend I worked with years ago who was full of the devil. I'm going to share one of her stories. She and her Army Colonel husband were stationed overseas with NATO. They had to attend several parties and functions, and formed a close group of friends from all over Europe. She and the Colonel were with the group and they were all drinking. One of the men was Scottish and dressed in full uniform (meaning a kilt, too). Being of an enquiring mind, she asked if it was true, what she had heard that the men didn't wear underwear. She wasn't the only one full of the devil, for he flipped up his kilt. Getting an eyeful, she turned to her husband and said, "Honey, if ever I have an affair, it will most surely be with a Scotsman." 

Working with Diana was probably one of the best work experiences I've ever had...she was a hoot!  God bless her!  Thanks for visiting!

Take a Word - Fish

There are times when it seems you don't know where you are going with your art.  Logical conclusion is to keep on going without any preconceived notions.  There's a little fortune on the tag that says "You may be inclined to use fish in your art more."  Well, I didn't need a klunk over the head (or did I?) to keep on going with it.  I guess it's done...hard to tell.  :o)

Take a Word - Nature

I know I'm super late posting this, but I finished a postcard sized piece I call "Nature Babies". 

Thanks for looking!

Here in Oklahoma

I've been in Oklahoma since 12 December, so I haven't contributed to any challenges, which I do miss, but I'm having a wonderful time.  Christmas with my 3 year old grandson was great!  New Year's was noisy...Tammy has a big family and they had a party here.  Wii Dancing gets going, and look out, they tear up the floor!

Anyway, I am doing some artwork, I used Moonlight Journey's new pastel collage sheets to create this piece...I really like how Becky has colored the images on these sheets...awesome to create with.