Leaving On A Jet Plane

So today's the day . . . . .

. . . I'm off on a three week vacation visiting family in the UK.  See you when I get back.

Happy Mothers Day

. . . . .  and is it really such a bad thing

to be like a woman who would do anything

for her children and her closest friends

to have the kind of love that transcends

that of almost every other

so a big thank you to my mother

Extract of a poem by Kathryn Dyche Dechairo

Where Women Create by Stampington Company

I recently picked up the new copy of 'Where Women Create' - I boiled the kettle, poured myself a cup of tea and then settled down in my favorite chair to leaf through the pages of this wonderful magazine.

I loved reading about the diverse range of artists and taking a peek behind the doors of the spaces where they choose to create.  There we so many great work areas but I have to say my favorites were Elizabeth Maxson (whose workspace  is featured on the cover), Nancy Stanchfield, Nicole Sisco Heller and Norma Rapko.

There were also an amazing eye catching spread on three books titled, Imagine A Day, Imagine A Night, and Imagine A Place.   They looked spellbinding and I can't wait to check them out next time I find myself in a book store.

Have you read Where Women Create?  What was your favorite feature/workspace?

Putting Away My Toys - Operation Clean Sweep

In just one week I'm hoping to be on a plane to the UK for a long awaited visit with my family.  I can't believe it's been about two and half years since I was home last (even though I live in the US I still refer to the UK as home, it can get a little confusing).

There have been some big changes since I was there last, most noteably that my mother and my sister have both moved house and my brother is now a godfather).  I'm really excited to see all the changes and spend some quality fun time with everyone.

Before I head off we have some family members visiting us.  My husbands aunt, uncle and cousin are going to be stopping in for dinner tomorrow and then my mother-in-law and her husband arrive on Saturday for a 4 day visit.

All of these things have meant that I've had to pack away my toys (sewing machine, art supplies etc) and I've spent the morning cleaning like crazy, trying to get the house in some kind of order.  Even though I have a dedicated craft room I find that I spread out into other areas of the house depending on what project I'm working on.  Please tell me I'm not the only one?

Right now I'm taking a breather before I start phase two of 'Operation Clean Sweep'.  Where are those cleaning fairies when you need them?

'Scarred Heart' - Mixed Media Art Canvas

Mixed Media Artwork

'Scarred Heart' 

(inspired by the scars that each of us carry)