Blog award...

Ok, I created a new blog/life award… hey I'm an artist I can do that right? I have a friend and she has a great blog and she is always so up and positive, (and also a great artist!) she is a spreader of peace and love. So, I have created a new award specifically to recognize her!

So Jana here is to you! May your life always be filled to the brim with peace and love!

Jana's blog Folk Art by Campbell Jane.

Please everyone feel free to pass it forward, recognize everyone and anyone you know who looks on the bright side of life, keeps it positive, spreads the love, ignores the negative, shines with brilliance, puts positive energy into the universe and inspires you! Just right click and copy the jpg below… they are my originals, you have my permission! And be sure to tell them to pass it forward!

Peace and love to you all! Tj.

5 rules to happiness!

Quilting… oh no a new passion??

So, you may or may not know, I've been a fabric freak for years. My mom taught me to sew when I was just a girl, through my life I've made my own clothes, curtains, dolls, costumes, pillows, kids stuff you name it, if it's fabric I've probably made it but… never have quilted. I always thought I'd enjoy it but never took that on. Well my friend Patti is an amazing quilter, and while she has been here visiting I've been introduced to that passion. I know right? How many hours are in a day???

Anyway, I found this quilt pattern called Attic Windows and I love it! I have all these small pieces of fabric that has great graphics on it, that would look really cute in the windows! So, I'm going to give it a try. I can always call on Patti for help if I get stuck!! Love you Patti!! Here is a photo of the finished pattern. My windows will have different things in them, but you get the idea!

I spent this last Saturday at Carolee and David's home again. What a difference a week made, it was so hot there! Their end of the year party was a great success, it was just spend in a different part of their home than usual, way too hot to be on the back deck or the bocce court! But as the sun went down we all made our way out there! Great food, great conversations, great company! One of the things I love about being there is watching the humming birds. I could sit for hours and take photos of them. They dance and fight, eat and squeak at each other. Quite a ballet! They have hundreds of hummers that feed at their feeders! Here is a couple of photos I took (2 out of about 70!)

Here is also another photo of my best friends, Carolee on the left and Patti on the right. This was taken at The Tides restaurant in Bodega Bay CA, one of the places the movie The Birds was filmed! It's been great spending all that time together!!! I love you both!

Be well, be creative! Tj.

Friday wishes!!!!!

A little wish for Friday. Ok, I am posting just part of a painting. The whole painting was a collaborative piece, there is a girl blowing into her hand on the left in the whole painting, but I didn't do that part so I cropped it out for this. I can do that right? I think I am going to have to recreate the whole thing, in concept anyway, someday… because I just love it! So, the part that I added was this pitcher hanging on a rusty wire with dandelions blowing in the wind. Brings back memories of childhood, collecting dandelions and making wishes. So, here for you my wish for Friday.

May your friends be true, your heart be pure, and may you live full and laugh often!

Really.

Laugh, belly laugh, you know you want to! Find the joy in the everyday!

Be well, be happy and go create! Tj.

Friends and friendships

Great wonderful friends are truly a blessing. In every possible way aren't' they? I have been very fortunate to have girlfriends in my life for, well ok I’m not shy, over 40 years! Carolee and I met when her family moved down the street from my family, we were in 6th grade. Our friend Patti we met in high school, I believe it was 10th grade. And the 3 of us have been best friends ever since, through thick and thin. Of course we don't see each other like we did back then, but when we do it's like rolling back time! Patti's husband is in the military so they move around quite often, right now they are in Texas. Carolee and her husband moved to wine country a few years ago, so she is closer but still a drive to see her.
But, Patti is here in Sac visiting her dad for 3 weeks. Yahoo! Last weekend we went to Carolee's home and spent the weekend! What a great time we had, her home sits on a little hill surrounded by vineyards. Just a beautiful spot to be. And we had a blast together!

This is a picture of us standing in front of Carolee's house. We arrived Friday night, after fighting traffic on Hwy 101, bla. Ate shrimp tacos, very yummy! Stayed up late just chatting and catching up! Saturday we took a little tour of the area, went to Sebastopol saw some really great sculptures. Drove to the little town of Bodega and toured the old school building where the movie "The Birds" was filmed. Then we went into Bodega Bay and ate clam chowder at The Tides, another spot where "The Birds" was filmed. We fed some gulls french fries… yes we were trying to encourage the birds!! Eeek! Took a drive up the coast. The northern CA coast is so very beautiful! Made our way back to Carolee's. That evening, we ate a wonderful meal prepared by Carolee and her hubby David. And then played dominoes! Sunday we went into Santa Rosa, to go to a little stitchery store Carolee found. Patti is the stitcher really, although I've attempted one or two. Patti is a wonderful quilter too, and we share a fabric addiction. We passed a little store called Material Girl and said hey can we stop there?? Carolee was kind enough to u turn and go back. She neither stitches or sews much well if at all, but she is a truly great friend and took us back. She sat and watched as we mulled over fabric in the sale bins. Material Girl is an independent quilt/fabric store and had some really great fabric patterns!!! So cute! Check out their website: http://www.materialgirlfabric.com/
We did each end up with some fabric for our collections! Too much fun! The weekend was a blast. Thanks to Carolee (and David) for hosting us at The Nest!

I started a new health habit. I can say it's a habit now… I think… because last night was my 10th time in 2 weeks. I am attending water aerobics classes at the YMCA. Well mostly classes, there were 2 or 3 times I went during an open swim and used the water dumbbells and noodles and did the exercises I've learned. I feel so much better already! My hubby is going too, but not to the class, he goes and uses the equipment while I'm in class. Go honey!!! And Lindsey my daughter is going to class with me. Yeah!!! We are all trying to be healthier! I told Patti and Carolee about it, they were both curious so Patti went as a guest last night, she was funny! She kept giggling, just like I did my first day or two, doing those moves is awkward in the water! I think Patti is going to come with us again tomorrow, I'm looking forward to it! We get to see Carolee again on Saturday, they have an annual end of summer party at The Nest and it's is this weekend! So the 3 BGFL (Best Girlfriends For Life) will be together again!

On another note. This last week I struggled with issues that were happening in a women's art group that I did belong to. There is so much gossip and yammering going on in the group, I couldn't take it anymore, life is too short, so I quit. Sad because I've made some great friends, and I hope we'll keep in touch, but at the same time it feels so good to be done. So I'm putting this out there… As you make your way through your life, don't take to heart hearsay, gossip, or 3rd party information ever. Someone says that someone said about you… bla bla bla. Don't let it hurt you because it could be just unkind untruths, words that have been twisted and taken out of context. And that can unravel things faster than a kitten pulling on a ball of yarn!

Go forth, be well, be creative, and mostly be kind. Thanks, Tj.

Love you BGFL's!!!

Fun New Challenge

I found this great blog, another painting challenge called The Virtual Paintout The artist must use a view found through Google Street View as the reference for the painting or drawing. There is a different city postd every month, and you go explore that city using Google maps to find an image you are interested in! This months challenge was London England. I have always been intrigued by the London Eye, in fact I believe Sacramento should have a Sacramento Eye, wouldn't that be fun! So the London Eye is my subject.
Here is a photo of the street view from Google Maps and also my painting. It is 11x14 acrylic on gallery wrap canvas. I'd like to challenge all my artist friends to join in the fun! I sure learned my way around London!!

Be well, be kind. Tj.

Latest paintings

Well I'm back from vacation now for a few days, finally feel like I'm back in the swing of it... real life that is. Seems to get harder as I get older to re-adjust after not working for a while. Anyway, we had a great vacation, spent the week on the Russian River in Guerneville with the family. And the dogs. First time we took the dogs on vacation with us, I really enjoyed them and they did great! I did do some painting, so I thought I'd share...

The first I call "Wheres my glasses?" on your head of course! This was inspired by a gargoyle shelf that was hanging on the wall at the vacation house. It is acrylic, 6X6 gallery wrap canvas.

The second, I did for my dear friend Carolee for her birthday. We all turn 53 this year this lady came to me with her sparkly glasses... seemed appropriate! It is acrylic, 5X7 gallery wrap canvas.

Happy Birthday Carolee!!!

Then I did this conga player guy. He is acrylic on 4X12 gallery wrap canvas with the sides painted in harlequin. I think the side view more accurately reflects the color.

And I did one plein air, sitting in the redwoods. Acrylic on 8X10 gallery wrap canvas. Of course you just can't capture the magic of the redwoods.

I did start one other musician painting, but it isn't done so I'll share it later!

I had a show for Second Saturday at VOX studios. What a great space, nice people who run it too. Lots of people came through, thanks to you all! Here is a pic of me standing by my exhibit

I hope all is well in your world!!!! Until next time... Tj.

Quote for today

Be yourself,

everyone else is taken!!! :)

Cutest Dog Competition

Vote for Bosco Carl!!! He IS the cutest dog... just look at those ears!!!!

Latest paintings

Here are the 2 paintings I did on retreat, they are both acrylic on a really great little canvas I found, 12"X 4" gallery wrap. The first one is called Mendo shed, and the second is girls in sunset.





And then the 2 new music paintings I am going to take to see if they can be shown in the VOX show for August Second Saturday. The first is 11X14, drummer rasta man, and the other is 36X18 called wear some red!












Ok, that's all for tonight. Be well, Tj.

What?

I'm feeling weird… out of sync… not useful… lack of direction… let me clear my throat to sing… Am I blue… am I blue… ain't these tears in my eyes telling you… Ok enough! At work I’m nearly board. There is just enough work to keep me busy, barely. That is going to change soon, we have a big project that will be coming in, I am not involved with right now. So for now… the work I'm doing lacks importance. Or most of it anyway. Just hang on till you can retire Tj!!! (Note to self)

I went on a retreat with my Swell Sisters over the weekend, and although it was great fun it lacked the magic of the first retreat and so that kind of bummed me out. Now don't misunderstand, I totally enjoyed the weekend, loved the time together, great company, loved the house, LOVED the location. But this time I did not come home jazzed and energized and ready to conquer the art world! Maybe it's me, but there was some drama this time, and the first time there was none, so that might have something to do with it. What do you expect when you get 13 women together in a house for the weekend? Really I totally missed most of it, I was outside painting. But I did hear about it and I'm sure it had some little affect on the chemistry for the weekend! But it was a totally fun time! We explored the coast, went shopping in the village, ate great food, they drank (I don't), played games, they drank some more, laughed a lot, sang karaoke! In fact… Petra and I scored a perfect 50,000 points on one song! We were rockin! But by that time, all of the others had left the room, taking some girly photos and getting in their suits for another round of Sister Soup in the hot tub! Petra took a photo of the screen so we have proof! It was a blast singing with her! We came home to horrible heat and bad air. Gotta love Sacramento in the summer… I guess.

I did get a couple of small paintings done on the retreat. Once I have photos, I'll share. I am in a show at VOX studios for August. It is a music show, and he liked my music pieces that I already have so I didn't really need to do any more, but I can't do that! I have 2 that I'm working on. One I started last week, and one I started last night. I know finish one already! See... I'm just waffling!
I do have another vacation coming up. A week long vacation with the family. That will be really nice. We rented a house on the Russian River, we'll be floating and swimming and just doin nothin. I always love our family vacations! Well that is it for today, I hope everyone is having a great day! Be well… Tj.

Georgous!

I'm sitting at a desk in an ole house in Mendocino looking out at a bright sunny morning! Blue sky, light fog. Just Beautiful! I wish I could bring you all with me!!! This place is amazing, huge old historic home, 6 bedrooms, 5500 square feet. http://www.spring-ranch.com/ Enjoying my time here with my Swell Sisters... Crazy bunch of women! It's 8:25 am, and most are still sleeping! I think we are going into Mendocino village today for the 50th annual art and craft show, hope to find some kind of treasure! The weather is perfect here... not looking forward to coming back to the heat in Sacramento. Did do a little painting yesterday and hope to get more in today! Miss my family and my baby Bosco... my dog. Actually I have had reports that he misses me terribly. Poor baby. I am looking forward to my next vacation... soon after my return... to the Russian River! Ok, that is all for this morning. Be well! Tj.

Tired but excited!

Yep that is how I'm feeling today. A little tired, I guess from the busy weekend. And really excited because I am going on an art retreat to Mendocino this weekend!! Several of my Swell Sisters and I rented a house in Mendocino for 3 nights/4 days. It's a great big house 6 bedrooms, and 5500 square feet, lots of room to spread out and make art! And it is going to be HOT here in Sacramento this week so it is perfect timing! Here it is supposed to be highs around 100, 104, in Mendocino highs in the mid 60's! Woohoo!!! I just hate the heat, love the ocean, so that sounds perfect to me! I hope to come home with several masterpieces! From being very relaxed and cool! :) The Clothing Optional Show went fairly well. I loved that my bestest friends came! Thanks Carolee and David!!

My next art show is at VOX gallery downtown Sac. Or at least it is suppose to be. I went to a meeting last night, or it was supposed to be a meeting, but well, there wasn't one. I'm sure it was just a miscommunication. Hopefully. I got to see the gallery though, it was nice… some great brick walls!

Now, on to other things… Furloughs. Bla. I now have 3 unpaid furlough Fridays a month, 15% of my income and the Governor is looking at possibly a fourth. That would be 20% of my income. I am all for doing my part, but is my family really responsible for over $1000 (20%) a month to balance the budget? Really, how much are non state employees giving a month? Sorry. I just think that is unreasonable. And those families who have 2 state worker incomes they are giving almost half of their monthly income. It's wrong. Those younger state employees who were only grossing $2000 or $2500, must really be hurting. I feel really bad for them. This won't help the economy at all, CA is in a hole. All Californians need to pitch in. There has got to be a better way. Oh wait how about pass the budget and furlough those in higher positions!!! Come on Arnold!
Ok, I'm done for today.

I hope the world is being good to you! Be well. Tj.

A little reflection on Tuesday

Well, this was a fun filled weekend that just passed us by! Friday night I went with my hubby Joe to Mok Hill… or Mokolume Hill to the Ledger Hotel. He was playing with someone he had never played with before, it was a kind of audition… for him and for them. Wingnut Adams Blues Band. http://www.wingnutblues.com/ And WOW it was great! Joe loved playing with him, and they loved Joe! So, he is the first call bass player guy now, yahoo! Wingnut put on a heck of a show… highly recommended!

My brother Tim and nephew Thaddeus returned from boy scout camp on Saturday afternoon, so we all went to Tim's to celebrate the 4th and also his birthday, which is on the 3rd. We ate pizza, and cake and ice cream, and shot off a couple of boxes of fireworks. Fun fun! Tim was tired and bruised up… sounded like the parents had to pass more tests than the kids did! Hey Tim you aren't a kid anymore you know!!! :) but really I hope you had a great Birthday!!

Most of the rest of the weekend was spent painting. Getting ready for the Clothing Optional show. I really had a great time with these big beautiful women! I hope they go over well. Here is the postcard for the Second Saturday event! Be well everyone!

One more for the Clothing Optional show at Marco Fuoco Gallery

I had to do one more. She really I think was the inspiration for this whole series, so she couldn't be left out. The Venus of Willendorf. 16x20 gallery wrap canvas.

She is a statuette of a female figure estimated to have been made between 24,000 BCE – 22,000 BCE, discovered in 1908 by archaeologist Josef Szombathy at a paleolithic site near Willendorf, a village in Lower Austria near the city of Krems.

I just love her, she is very powerful... this is my interpretation of her, I hope I did her justice!