Friday, March 27, 2009

Long time no blog!

I can't believe how long it's been since I posted an actual blog... what's going on?? I have had some great times recently. Beginning with a weekend retreat March 6th to 8th with my swell sisters! Yahoo!!!! I haven't laughed that hard for so long in a really long time. What a hoot! We stayed in a vacation home owned by the brother of my swell sister Jen. It was a beautiful old home in McCloud CA, 5 bedrooms 2 baths. The sky was blue, Mt Shasta just glowed in the sunlight. The first night, Friday, we stayed up and talked, watched the movie Frida about Frida Kahlo, a famous woman artist from Mexico. I think I went to bed around 1. But Saturday was a whole different story! We were up till after 5am! I have not stayed up that late in years… and because Rebecca had to get home on Sunday semi early, we got up at 8am to come home… so yes I had about 2 1/2 or 3 hours sleep. I was tired for days after but it was all worth it! We played games, did karaoke, did art, laughed, danced, and even had a snow ball fight at 2 in the morning… ok, I just watched but it was fun! The weekend went by really fast. We are planning to do it again in the summer, 3 nights this time!

Last weekend was a party weekend also, Friday night was the retirement party for a long time friend. Rick. He had a big bash… great food, good music (one of my hubby's bands), good company! I danced my socks off… in fact I hurt my foot doing that. It is better, but I'm still limping a little! Saturday was my dear mother in laws birthday and we had a very nice dinner with her and much of the rest of our family. She had a wonderful night I think, it was so nice to spend with her. Yummy food again and great company!

Lindsey is in Oklahoma City right now. She was supposed to be home last night, but their connecting flight through Denver was snowed out. Or in… I am not sure. Lindsey and Kelsi, her girlfriend, went on Wednesday to check out the University there. Kelsi has been accepted to the theater department, she is studying to be a stage manager and apparently that is 'the' school to go to. So Kelsi will start in the Fall. They are coming home tomorrow now. Gave them an extra couple of days to explore the campus and city. I am taking care of my granddogger while they are gone. Lindsey got a puppy a little over a month ago. So, I am watching Pixi while she is gone. She is so cute!!! But I am pooped! I forgot how much energy a puppy has!!! She loves to play with Bosco and Chester.

I did get some sad news recently from one of my best friends since 6th grade, Carolee. Her sister Mary Ann passed away. Mary was 48 and never expected to live as long as she did. She was a down syndrome baby and born with a hole in her heart. They were told if she lived to be 10 she could have open heart surgery, well she did. After the surgery they were told she probably would not live for very many more years. Well, 38 years later, boy she really beat the odds! Mary was a bright star with a open loving heart. She had a very mischievous sense of humor, and love to dance! In thinking about Mary I realized how much she helped to make me who I am today. I was probably 11 when I met Mary, she would have been 7. Growing up with her taught me to be compassionate to others who are not like me. She taught me about the power of laughter and brought so much of it to my life. Being a witness and recipient of her love taught me how to love unconditionally. Her hugs were always heartfelt and her joy for life always so very pure. It has always given me something to aspire to. I will always be grateful to have had Mary in my life. I know she is now an angel and will watch over us all. If I can do one thing to honor Mary in my life it would be to live true, love openly, and dance like there is no tomorrow. Mary, I am going to do just that, we will all miss you very much.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

30 30 Show... success!

Well, I had a very satisfying show with the 30 30 project. Lots of great feedback. A BIG thank you to everyone who purchased a part of the Luna Tunes series. It was really a joy to create, and I am so glad they are going to homes where they will be appreciated and enjoyed! I am so happy and grateful.

I picked up the paintings from the 30 30 show that did not sell. Well actually the gallery kept 3, he is going to have a small works wall and wanted to keep 3 to show. But I picked up the others and thought I would post them here. If anyone is interested in any of them, please shoot me an email! I might list them on ebay and see what happens too. I'll post it if I do. Be well!! Tj.

The Luna Tunes series are acrylic on 6X6 stretched canvas, sides painted black. $25 each.
The remaining paintings available from the Luna Tunes series are:

Day 5 - no longer available








Day 9









Day 10








Day 11 - no longer available









Day 16









Day 19








Day 27

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Spread the Love blog award!!!

A few days ago I received a "Spreader of Love" blog award from my Swell Sister Janet at http://folkartbycampbelljane.blogspot.com/! I am so honored to be included, thanks Jana! Everyone should check out her blog and lovely Etsy shop. She is an awesome creater of angels and other whimsical stuff, and a great Swell Sister!





Here are the rules:

1. The winner may put the logo on their blog.

2. Put a link to the person who sent you the award.

3. Nominate 5 blogs.

4. Put links to their blogs.

5. Leave a message for your nominees.


I am going to have trouble with rule 3. I don't know that many bloggers! So here is one I know, a couple that I have followed and one that I did a blog search and whala... Hey maybe I'll meet some fun fellow bloggers along the way! So, here are my nominees...


  1. Jamie Ellis and family http://jjjjellis.blogspot.com/ Jamie and her family are very close friends no they are family!. Because Jamie alway spreads the love!

  2. Susan Beauchemin http://paintsee.blogspot.com/ she is a daily painter that I have admired for quite some time. Her art makes me happy, and feel the love of her family.

  3. Deb Disalvo http://artisticflairbydebdisalvo.blogspot.com/ she is a glass artist and very talented! Her work is so detailed and amazing!! Got to spread the love...

  4. Jax Baxter http://jaxonbaseball.blogspot.com/ I stumbled on this blog some time ago, it cracked me up! Jax the dog baseball blog... specifically the SF Giants! Go Giants!!! Spread the baseball love!

  5. Federick http://mystartrekscrapbook.blogspot.com/ ok, this one I found today and I'm so excited! I am such a Star Trek freak. I have been since I was a kid. It's too late now it's in my blood! This find makes me happy!! I can't wait to to explore the archives! Star Trek lives in my heart so I had to spread the love here!

I hope they participate, but totally understand if they don't.


Be well everyone! Tj.

Sunday, March 1, 2009

3 more altered pages


I seem to do these in 3's, not sure why??? Hum... anyway, here are 3 more. The book I am using was found in a book sale, 50 cents, it is a pre teen book all about magic so I'm finding some interesting things in it! Be well... Tj.

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

More altered pages

Here are 3 more altered pages I did this week. I've also been working on a painting for my son Nick. He moved into his own apartment a month ago, and I promised him a painting. After I give it to him I'll post it! Lets just say it's poker related, yet has an element of nature! I don't want to give too much away. He knows I'm painting him something just not what! Ok, well that is all for now... be well. Tj.

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Altered pages

Ok, my swell sister Janet Campbell has started us on a new obsession! I was starting to feel a little, hum let down I guess after completing the 30 30 show, and this was just what I needed!
The rules are simple:
1. You must use an old paperback page.
2. No ripping or tearing or making holes in the page.
3. You can not have more than 7 words in one line across the page.
4. You must have more than 1 word on the entire page.
5. You must use only a black marker.
6. The art and drawings must make a little sense.
Janet posts Altered pages submitted to her on her blog on Tuesdays. Folk Art by Cambell Jane.

Here are my first 4. It was fun, and interesting how the words on the page influence the doodles! You will have to click on the image to read the words left from the book!
Enjoy and be well!! Tj.




Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Almost forgot!

My "Big Juciy Heart" painting, 28X22, will be included in the February Second Saturday show at the Cafe Refugio 1901-C Del Paso Blvd Sacramento, CA.

Thirty Works in Thirty Days show!

I am so very honored to be part of this exciting art event! The challenge, each artist was to create 30 small masterpieces in 30 days (AND I did!). Thirty Works in Thirty Days will include art in a variety of mediums from local Sacramento artists and include some of my swell sisters like, Jennifer Jacobsen, Rebecca Rizzo, Laurelin Gilmore, Alyson Murphy, Jillian Wilkowski, Sue Dedina, Cree Hudson, Lisa Geren, Janet Regan, and Mikie Spencer. Go SISTERS!!! The evening will also include music provided by the Tyson Graf Band. It should be a fun evening of inspiring art, tasty food, great music and interesting conversation, I invite all my readers to join us! For more information contact the Marco Fuoco Gallery (916)455 0225



Here is the postcard, and also here is my label for the show. My little Luna Tunes look great hanging all together!! I am sooooo jazzed!!!!!!!!!! Be well, Tj.



Tuesday, February 10, 2009

A Painting a Day... Day 30!!!!!!!!

I realized yesterday I was a day ahead of the project. So I waited to finish until today. Wow, finish I can't believe 30 days of painting has come and gone. It has been great for my creative flow, and my chops as my hubby would say. I have so enjoyed this! AND am so very much looking forward to the show! So, here is day 30, Jug Band man. Don't forget to come to the second saturday reception on Saturday, 2-14 from 7 to 11 at the Marco Fuoco Gallery. I will post the post card again tomorrow, so no excuses not to come! :) Be well and be creative! Tj.

Sunday, February 8, 2009

A Painting a Day... day 29!!!


Ok, day 29, hippie bag pipe player in the full moon!!! One more day and we're right back at the beginning of the moon phases. Now I can't believe this challenge is almost done. What a great learning expierence it has been for me. WOW!!! Yes! I am almost done and love the result, both in the paintings and in myself! Be well everyone!! Tj.

Saturday, February 7, 2009

A Painting a Day... day 28


Only 2 more! Wow and I think I'm finally getting the hang of these! Ok, day 28 dude sittin' on a hand drum.

A Painting a Day... day 27


Day 27 keyboard player with hat!

A Painting a Day... day 26


Day 26 a girl playing the auto harp!

A Painting a Day... day 25


Day 25, Albert King...

Friday, February 6, 2009

A Painting a Day... day 24


Wow only 6 more... I can't believe it!
Ok, day 24 my swell sister Laurelin and her violin! Thanks for being my model Laurelin, I hope you like it! Tj.