Franstuff

Sewing Again... Sophia's Sunsuit

2012-01-20T09:43:00.001-08:00

Sophia's Sunsuiet, originally uploaded by franstuff.

This is the first garment I have sewn in at least 10 years. I made this sunsuit for my roommate's great-granddaughter, Sophia, who will be 2 this summer. I targeted it for her birthday, July 2012, giving me plenty of time to get it done. Yay! It's done and it turned GREAT!

I am so happy to be sewing again. I don't know why it took me so many years to get my sewing machine fired up again, but here I am. It's like the years of pent up not sewing are bursting out!

Romance in blue

2011-04-06T02:38:00.001-07:00

Romance in blue, originally uploaded by ZiZou ArT.

I jsut love this stuff!!

Drawing Every Day for 30 days

2011-02-02T01:16:00.000-08:00

I have been in a serious funk lately. I start to come out of it, and then boom I'm right back there again. I was seriously ill November through mid January, so I am sure that contributed to it. Now I am back to work, part time, increasing slowly so I don't relapse. It is exhausting me though, which doesn't help with the funk.

Now, I know drawing is very therapeutic for me. Whenever I draw, doodle, sketch or paint it makes me feel good. The problem is when I am in a funk I don't want to do anything, even if I KNOW it will make me feel better.

While surfing one of the drawing groups I belong to on Flickr I saw a lady who had joined a challenge to draw every day for a year. That sounded like a good idea, except I decided to make it 30 days for now, since it is a smaller bite to chew, and I will have a "win" sooner. I can always extend it. I started on the 28th of January, so here's what I have done so far;

Drawing Every - Day 1- Jan 28

Untitled

This was my first drawing with my new Hero Japanese Calligraphy Fountain Pen, which I LOVE. More about the pen later.

Drawing Every - Day 2- Jan 29

Bird of Insanity

It's a bird? It has a bird beak, it has bird feet...the rest is insanity

Drawing Every - Day 3- Jan 30

Mrs. Valentine

Be nice....she's in charge of Valentines Day. One friend of mine said she could tell by the eyes that it is a self portrait, while another told me it looks like she had found the mushroom patch. (shhhhh...don't tell anyone). They gave me a much needed laugh!

Drawing Every Day - Day 4 - Jan 31

Controlled Insanity

Drawing controls my insanity. It calms me down, is meditative and makes me smile. My ex used to make a lot of comments about the time and money I spend on art, when I should be doing something more "constructive" like cleaning the house. I responded he was lucky I did spend the time and money on drawing, or I may have murdered him. He no longer comments about my art, except in positive way. One of my friends sees hats in this one, and has requested hats.

Drawing Every Day - Day 5 - Feb 1

Happy Sun

Well I tried to draw hats, but I ended up with a sun. Judy saw something entirely different, and I think she may be right... "Now, to me, this looks like skeletal Barbie on a very bad hair day. (:D"

I'm curious to know what you see in any of my drawings. I am sure some psychoanalyst could find soe deep inner meaning to them, but who knows. Some of my co-workers say my drawings explain a lot.....

Well, I guess we'll see what kind of drawing tomorrow (today) brings. Ground Hog's day is my daughter's birthday, so I will at least be making some kind of Bday card.. Have a GREAT day! Fran

Posting Again.... What I've been doing lately of Pincushions and Going Green

2011-01-28T13:25:00.000-08:00

Well, I haven't really been keeping up with either of my blogs. I am going to find a focus for each one and post on a regular basis.

I spent from November through half of January sick with something that affected my lungs dramatically. Thank goodness I have short term disability insurance! I am just getting back to work slowly, and getting my strength back after spending so much time stuck in bed. So far it's going pretty well.

Of Pincushions

While I was laid up I did spend a little bit more time crafting than I have in a long time. I have taken to making those bottle cap pincushions that are so popular. I have been using the pop bottle caps that most people use, but I have also been using different size caps, like Sobe, and even the lids to prescription stock bottles from the pharmacy I work in. I wash my old flattened out pillows and use the polyester fill in them to stuff my pincushions, or I use the cotton I save from the pharmacy.

and Going Green...

Which brings us to my next topic...going green. I have been recycling for years...I have always had to fight the rest of my family about it, but they are getting better. It is pretty easy to recycle where I live. We don't have to sort, wash, or peel of labels, which are all things we used to have to do. So I don't know why it is such a hassle to the kids to recycle. I have a bin in the house, so it's either recycling or not. They do have to rinse out food from cans to keep the dog from going through the recycling, but that's it. We have this HUGE recycling bin, and this tiny garbage can. Recycling is free, garbage is not...I told the kids to do the math if they didn't care about he enviroment.

So, I thought they were doing better, they don't like to watch me dig though the garbage and pull out the recyclables. Today is garbage day, and we forgot to put the bins out. So I yelled for the kids to help me and started hauling things out. When I got the bags from the kids, I asked which was recycling and which was garbage. My 20 year old son says "Oh mom, it doesn't matter one time".... So, I took the bags out to the cans and went though them. At least 75% of what they wanted to throw away was recycling.

So, how do you get your kids and other family members on the recycling bandwagon? Not to mention, upcycling, re-using and reducing. Which brings us back to my pincushions, which are made entirely from recycled or reclaimed materials. I'll try and post some pictures later.

Sally Melville

2010-05-12T23:25:00.000-07:00

Sally Melville

Listening to this lady on a podcast of "Craftsanity" has made me think I that I might possibly be able to learn to knit. I am going to check her website out and perhaps her beginning books out, and see what I can do.

recycled window conservatory

2010-04-26T18:24:00.001-07:00

recycled window conservatory, originally uploaded by liquidskyarts.

I really want to do this!

Vintage Fabric Label

2009-10-01T18:16:00.001-07:00

Vintage Fabric Label, originally uploaded by Suzee Que.

Suze Que spends a lot of time posting public domain images to the Collage Images group on Flickr. She has posted a ton of these beautiful vintage fabric labels on flickr.

light reflections

2009-10-01T18:11:00.001-07:00

light reflections, originally uploaded by *carolion* is on holidays. YAY!!!!!!!!.

This artist does some WONDERFUL things with light!!! This is only one of a whole bunch of beautiful images she has shared on Flickr. Check it out!

Focus Friday

2009-08-13T11:25:00.000-07:00

Well, my house is looking better this week than last week, so I think my focus is improving. It is rubbing off on my roommate also, who is trying to pick up after herself.

Steven, a friend of mine's high functioning autistic young man, has been staying with us. He is a very sweet young man, and has been helping me with Donna and he loves to organize things, which is not my strong point. He has been a HUGE help in my house looking better, and Donna's health turning around 180 degrees. We were about to call in hospice, and when he started staying here, everything changed!

So my focus this week will continue to be the living areas of my house, specifically the mountain of mail to be sorted, my bedroom floor, and laundry -- including putting away all of the clean stuff.

Focus Friday

2009-08-07T22:02:00.000-07:00

Well, I guess I missed last Friday, and certainly this past week was NOT very focused. I live in the Greater Seattle area, actually out in the middle of nowhere, and Everett is probably the closest town you have heard of if you aren't from the area, but ANYWAY, we had a record heat wave last week, which melted me, and this week my feet swelled up as I guess a late reaction. I am finally back to normal today, so we will try for focus again.

This coming week I want to focus again on my kitchen. It's overall level of cleanliness is better than it has been, but still has a long way to go on the organization... I want to focus on the island, with it's pile of junk mail, and the computer alcove with it's pile of unrelated junk. The other thing I would like to focus on is the family room coffee table, which has a huge pile of stuff too. Plus I would like to make sure I send a few boxes of stuff OUT the door and too a charity.

Time Heals: Out of the Cave, and into the Peaceful Light....

2009-07-20T05:09:00.001-07:00

Recently I have begun to notice a feeling of peace and calm that I cannot ever remember ever feeling before. Stress, chaos, desperation and fear are terms I would have used prior to now.

There was ALWAYS some kind of emergency or chaos going on, and I mean always. Especially the last few years, as I fought to save a dying marriage, draining myself to a husk that functioned only in reaction to whatever emergency was closest. I didn't take care of myself. My creativity was drained, and doing things for "fun" didn't even come up on my radar, and I wasn't a very good friend.

Now I feel this since of well being and peace that is just magic. I am still just taking it in. It didn't happen all at once, it's been a slow, slow, process of over 3 years, with changes happening so slowly I didn't really notice, until now, just how much had changed.

What I want to share with everyone is Time Heals, and that it takes time to do it. It's one of those cliche's we've all heard when we are hurting, and that make us want to SCREAM and hurt the person who is saying it. I guess the reason things get to be cliche's is they are true. Just keep plugging along, find time for yourself and your friends and CREATE. Give yourself permission to be happy!

Focus Friday

2009-07-17T02:17:00.000-07:00

Thrifty and Chic Mom has a Focus Friday Challenge/Support thing going. It sounds like a GREAT idea to me. Especially after getting so behind on EVERYTHING in my life during the past 3 months Donna has been so sick, I have a bad time with procrastination and becoming exhausted and giving up just from thinking about what I have to get done. Taking things in small bite sized pieces would be much more productive.

Here's what she has to say about Focus Friday's. I also have her button over on my sidebar so you can check her site out for yourself. I want to get serious about coupons and sales to make my money go farther, and she is a great resource for this.

"New to Focus Friday here is the scoop: As we enter a new year everyone, myself included, has a list as long as their arm of things they want to accomplish. So I have decided to hold myself accountable by choosing one thing to focus on each week. It can be big or small, it doesn’t matter just as long as I specify what it is and get it done.So each week I will post my focus for the upcoming week as well as give a recap of how my week went with the previous focus. Now here is the fun part, I want you to join me on my little focus challenge. Grab my fancy button from above and post it along with your Focus Friday each week on your own blog. Then come and leave your link here in the Mr.Linky below. I promise if you participate that I will cheer you on and help you to stay focused and please do the same for me and all the participants. If you don’t blog just leave your focus in a comment below."

This next week I will be focusing on:

-getting and keeping my floors clean
-getting and keeping the kitchen counters clean
-taking care of snail mail backlog -- incoming
-sending some late packages and swaps -- outgoing
-making special time for my daughter and I
-making special time for just myself

It's all pretty basic stuff, but basic is where I need to start. What are you going to focus on?

GREAT NEWS!!

2009-07-17T01:16:00.000-07:00

Ok, I have a concrete good and wonderful thing which has happened to me because of the Obama administration. The homeowner's assistance program. It's been difficult adjusting to being a single mother. The bills didn't magically cut in half just because Jim stopped contributing money to the household. I am only now actually making enough money to pay all of my bills. The problem is getting caught up from when I was NOT making enough money. Fortunately, my church helped me stay out of foreclosure, but I have been in default for a long time.

Prior to the Obama thing, the only thing Chase wanted to do was INCREASE my mortgage payments. Like that's going to help!! With this new bill, they immediately CUT my mortgage by 600 per month for 3 months, while I fill out paperwork and they figure out how best to help me get caught up and staying in my house. They will probably lower my interest rate and add a year or so to the end of my mortgage term to roll the behind payments into and lower my monthly payments permanently. If they keep my mortgage at 1200 per month, I will be able to get caught up, save some money and not have to take in any more roommates when Donna is gone.

I have worried about how things would work out without the income from her rent and the care I give her. Granted, I would go back to pharmacy full time, which pays double what the state pays caregivers, but I probably still would have to take in a roommate to make the 1800 payment. I have been trusting God would work things out, I just didn't know how. It is a real testimony builder that there are solutions to problems out there that we cannot even begin to imagine. Just because I can't figure out how it will work doesn't mean there isn't a way for it to work. My job is to keep my eyes and ears open and watch for opportunities. Opportunity may knock, but we have to open the door!

Back from the Brink

2009-07-17T01:05:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, I'm the caregiver to a close friend who lives with me. She has been very, very sick since my last post in April. I have pretty much let everything go except caring for her, my daughter and work. Even then, I still managed to get pneumonia twice myself, this last time pretty badly.

Once again, Donna has beaten the odds, and is medically stable again. It isn't really possible for her to get "well" again, but we are hoping she will get well enough to go on a few day trips this summer. She is having platelet and hematacrit problems, as well as chronic infections. She's one tough cookie though, and she's not done living yet. I am really grateful, as she has been a pillar in my process of recovery from this divorce. I know I wouldn't be nearly as healthy, or happy, as I am becoming, were it not for her love and support.

I have also recovered from my illnesses, and am back at working 2 jobs, and I have hope that someday my house will be clean again. It is common knowlege thta I am NOT MARTHA. I am the messy artist type, a diehard collector, clutterbug, and I don't dust. I have way too much stuff, and am only now learning to get rid of some of it. I sold on ebay for years, but their new fee structure and rating system make it harder for a small person to be successful. Also, more importantly, I really don't have the energy to be a pharmacy technician 100 hours per month, a caregiver 180 hours a month, a mom, AND sell on ebay. Not unless I want to crash and burn again.

So, for now I am sitting on the boxes of stuff I need to sell. They'll still be there, along with the bills I will pay with the money. Thanks for everyone's support and prayers.

Mom on a Mission

2009-04-07T00:34:00.000-07:00

Ok, so now I am on a mission to learn about this whole blogging thing. I seem to have been left behind somehow. I have faith. I am a geek, I can conquer this!!! I even found a blog whose entire mission is to show me how to do this whole blog thing, save money, tweet, whatever. That Blog is called "Mom on a Mission". I am putting her gadget up on my sidebar. She hunts down freebies and shares them, along with her knowlege with us! How cool is that?

Another day...hmmmm

2009-04-07T00:04:00.000-07:00

I guess I am a little depressed right now. My son is constantly on my about my house, as is my ex husband, and I am tired. Just plain tired. Well, this isn't a very exciting post so far. I need to pep myself up, or get pepped up, or something. My son's cat, Teddie, is laying across the back of the chair I am sitting in, with his paws around my neck. My daughter has made a bed on the floor in front of the TV, because I finally was able to get cable back again. My Pomeranian, Poofers, is laying on the floor next to her. How can I be depressed when I have been blessed with such a beautiful daughter, wonderful animals, a good friend as a roommate, and 2 jobs that somehow manage to stretch and pay the bills. I need to look at the positive things in my life, and make them work for me.

If anyone reads this, thank you. Right now I am new to blogging, and I am not even sure what to do with it, except put other people's gadgets on my blog for extra entries in contests. I guess that is something. I will get this all figured out eventually! Any tips? I would be happy to hear them! I need all of the encouragement I can get!

I need to find the determination I had a couple of years ago, when my husband left, and I was told I would never make it, would not be able to work, or pay the bills. Well, I am working, I am paying the bills, and I still have my house. Most importantly, I have a wonderful daughter, who loves me very much, and a wonderful son, who loves me, even when he is being a pain. Teenageers tend to do that from time to time.

I have friends, who love me, even when I am being a flake, and I have a church family who also love and support me. I have faith that keeps me going. I know Heavenly Father has a plan for me, and I just need to trust and be patient.

I feel much better now than I did a few paragraphs ago. Healing is a process, and it takes time. Unfortunately, time just takes time. You can't rush it, or avoid it. It is what it is.

Humor for the day

2009-04-01T00:44:00.000-07:00

Cute singing Cat Video....

When a Gel Pen Stops Gellin...and other tidbits

2009-03-23T00:51:00.000-07:00

So I find some gel pens I have had lying around, and check to see if they work. About half of them do. Then I search the web for a way to restore life to pens you KNOW have ink in them. The collected knowledge says either it's hopeless, soak in hot water, rubbing alcohol, blow in the back, and I can't remember what else.

I decide to apply heat...which does NOT make the pens work, neither do any of the other tips. One person mentioned instead of wasting the perfectly good ink, she sticks a paint brush into the end and paints with it.

Hmmm..... blowing... ink... heat... twisted imagination... I take the pens apart, blow out the ink onto paper, paint with it, do contact prints, mix it, and basically have more fun than a little kid with finger paints for the first time. Of course, I have to take it one step further... Out comes the heat gun, not the wimpy little embossing gun, but the big daddy hardware store heat gun. I NUKED those pens, and all of their little pieces into an interesting looking little ball of twisted ink. With proper ventilation of course.

In the end, I have 2 "pictures" and a creation. The pictures are title are what to do when a gel pen stops gellin' and I don't know what I am going to do with the "Creation" I may mount one of the pictures on wood, and mount the creation to that... leaving the other one in my art journal. Or I could make a necklace or a pendant.

Sorry, my digital camera is hiding right now. I just used it to take a picture of one of the cats, who wasn't happy about that. Perhaps that is whay I can't find it. I will post some pictures later, and let you know the final fate of the "creation".

Overall, I rate this an extrememly entertaining past time. Be careful about plastic fumes, I hear they can cause all sorts of problems, besides just a nasty headache. If you go do something silly with a heat gun or torch, and hurt yourself, don't blame it on me!

Dead gel pens will never be safe around me again. One more thing saved from the landfill, whilst my 18 year old son attempts to throw EVERYTHING in the trash! You would think he would at least understand the economics behind recycling is free, and trash costs money, but he doesn't seem to get it, or care. So I sort all the garbage when he is done. Drives him NUTS.

How to Make a Thriftstore Pillowcase Skirt - CLOTHING

2009-02-03T05:39:00.000-08:00

How to Make a Thriftstore Pillowcase Skirt - CLOTHING

WAY COOL idea!! There are some absolutely fantastic

A 1950's Fridge gets restored to provide weather and dust proof storage outdoors - HOME SWEET HOME

2009-01-31T19:58:00.000-08:00

A 1950's Fridge gets restored to provide weather and dust proof storage outdoors - HOME SWEET HOME

This is one of the coolest ideas I have seen!!

Shiny New Craftroom in Red and Turquoise!!! (Image Heavy) - HOME SWEET HOME

2009-01-31T19:55:00.000-08:00

Shiny New Craftroom in Red and Turquoise!!! (Image Heavy) - HOME SWEET HOME

I REALLY want a craft room like this!!

Micky Maus Modpodge Wood = Necklace and Bangle - JEWELRY AND TRINKETS

2009-01-31T19:39:00.000-08:00

Micky Maus Modpodge Wood = Necklace and Bangle - JEWELRY AND TRINKETS

The jewelry this person made with comics and wooden beads is AWESOME!

hair curler sewing tutorial � life with monkey

2009-01-31T19:34:00.000-08:00

hair curler sewing tutorial � life with monkey

This looks like it would be a fun thing to make!!

Rainbow Patchwork Skirt - CLOTHING

2009-01-31T19:10:00.000-08:00

Rainbow Patchwork Skirt - CLOTHING

I just LOVE this!!! Absolutely LOVE this!! I REALLY want to make this skirt!!! By the way, Craftster.org is the coolest crafting website I have found! There are TONS of GREAT ideas, and many people willing to share their knowlege!

YouTube - Illustration Techniques: Watercolor, Ink, & Colored Pencil

2009-01-28T16:22:00.000-08:00

YouTube - Illustration Techniques: Watercolor, Ink, & Colored Pencil

On a less dry note....

I have been wanting to take an illustration class for years, and just have not found the time or money to do it. It finally occurred to me, there are youtube videos on EVERYTHING, and sure enough, this guy has about a gazillion videos on illustration! This particular series is from a "chapter book" he is illustrating, and he has many varieties, such as Manga.

He uses an unusual technique that mixes watercolor, permanent ink, and colored pencil; going back and forth between the different techniques as he builds his drawing.

Free Personal Finance Software, Online Money Management, Budget Planner and Financial Planning | Mint.com

2009-01-28T16:14:00.000-08:00

Free Personal Finance Software, Online Money Management, Budget Planner and Financial Planning | Mint.com

My roommate just found this site touted in a magazine, as the way for the rest of us to budget. I don't know about you, but I really need to learn to budget! I am going to give it a try.

Big plus: IT'S FREE! How many times have you purchased some software or whatever, and then never used it. At least this one won't cost any more of that hard earned money. I'll give more details once I give it a whirl.

One World-One Heart Giveaway

2009-01-23T04:43:00.000-08:00

Ok, It's still unreasonably early, or late, depending upon how you look at it, but I had a brainstorm. I realized the only reason I was worried about participating in the giveaway was I didn't know what I'd giveaway.

Well without even getting out of bed, actually off the couch, since I've been sleeping on the couch to keep the fire going, and be able to check on my friend, who shares my house with me, and I am also the caregiver for, I remeberded that DUH I could give away a piece of my handmade jewelry!

I am afraid I am not up to getting up and photographing something right now, so you will have to wait to see what I pick out, but I promise, it will be a nice piece! I promise I will post photos as soon as I physically can.

Anyone can enter my contest, just comment on THIS post. I will figure out how to use the random generator thing by Feb 12th to pick the winner. If you don't have a Blogger account, please make sure you leave your email so I can reach you if you win!!

Have a GREAT day!! Fran

One World-One Heart

2009-01-23T04:40:00.000-08:00

One World-One Heart

One World-One Heart Event
Make New Friends from Around the world, and enter to win a piece of art from each of the over 400 Participants.

I don't have anything to give away yet, and it is WAY to early in the morning, on a day I have to go to work at "day" job, so I can't decide if I can actually give something away myself yet.... I can at least give a link to the event's main web site, and tell you it is TONS of fun to pop from blog to blog, discovering new friends and artists along the way!!! As a bonus, after you've made all of these new friends, you may well win one of the awesome creations of the participants!!

Heart of Mary: Some 'firsts' for 2009 ( a new bag and a giveaway!)

2009-01-23T01:16:00.000-08:00

Heart of Mary: Some 'firsts' for 2009 ( a new bag and a giveaway!)

Another GREAT giveaway! I am having so much fun cruising around the blog world! Check out her website and enter o win a couple of great patterns!

Button earring

2009-01-18T22:40:00.001-08:00

Button earring, originally uploaded by shyan_k.

Found this person on Etsy. I really like the jewelry she makes, especially with buttons!

Pattern for Crocheted Beads (Patroon voor Gehaakte Kralen) on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

2009-01-18T18:46:00.000-08:00

Pattern for Crocheted Beads (Patroon voor Gehaakte Kralen) on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Pattern for Crocheted Beads (Patroon voor Gehaakte Kralen)

2009-01-18T18:44:00.001-08:00

Pattern for Crocheted Beads (Patroon voor Gehaakte Kralen), originally uploaded by Made by BeaG.

Here's a free pattern from Bea G for making crocheted beads!

Something Snappy

2008-12-24T13:39:00.000-08:00

Something Snappy

I am SOOO happy!!! I just found out I won the Manor Hall Soap Gift Bag in the Something Snappy Birthday Bash!!! What a wonderful way to brighten up the day!!!

Something Snappy Birthday Bash Giveways!

2008-12-12T20:34:00.000-08:00

From December 7th through 21st Dianne, formerly a chef and currently a freelance photographer, is having a GIVEAWAY EVERY DAY!! Great Blog! Click the link below to enter her daily giveaway and learn about her!

http://somethingsnappee.blogspot.com/2008/12/birthday-bash-day-1-flip-video.html

Creativity..

2008-12-12T20:21:00.000-08:00

This is a copy of an email I sent an Etsy jewelry artist I REALLY liked! She has great designs! Simple and STUNNING! I am posting the email as well as a link to her store on etsy. I am always amazed at what kinds of insights I can have when I am writing. This one really just started out as a quick "love your stuff" and turned into a long missive....

Kaskaad's etsy shop: Kaskaad: Beautiful Beads, Simple Designs.
Link: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5035970

The email I sent her:

I have to tell you I am absolutely enthralled by your beautiful creations! I love your use of crystal and other components. They complement each other to make a beautiful and unique statement! I am sure you are very successful in selling your wonderful jewelry. I cannot imagine anyone not liking it!! Your work is a wonderful inspiration to me. When I am in a more stable financial position I will be adding some of your wares to my jewelry collection!

Some people do not understand why one jewelry maker would want to purchase a piece of jewelry from another artist, when they could perhaps make something themselves. I think it is of the utmost value to support one another, and applaud one another.

At this time I am not selling anything as I try to put some kind of organization (organized mess) and order to my sometimes chaotic and cluttered home and life. I find it interesting that the state of my home often reflects the state of my mind. I am going through a divorce, and am finally at the point where I am trying to re-form the house into something I want to live in, with my eldely roommate and my 9 year old daughter. Something that will inspire all of our creativity and bring us joy.

In my marraige of 22 years my art was not appreciated or even allowed at some points. This was going on for at least the last 9 to 10 years of the marraige, which I did not see at the time. It has taken the past 2 years of having him out of the house for me to even begin to unlock my creativity again. As I rediscover my creative side and add more joy to my life, I look forward to creating beautiful things and having them bless other people as well as myself, as I am sure your pieces do.

Thank you for listening (reading?) I really do absolutely LOVE your creations! I wish you the best of success. Thank you for the joy and inspiration your work has given me. One day I will own some of it so it can inspire me in person! Keep on creating! Fran

The Giveaway: Sarahs Sky Etsy Giveaway

2008-12-12T13:12:00.000-08:00

The Giveaway: Sarahs Sky Etsy Giveaway

The Giveaway is a blog that lists contests and giveaways from Etsy and Mommy. The Sarahs Sky Giveaway is for a stunning stained glass necklace. The designer combines simple glass forms with intricate metal and findings to create a simply stunning combination! By commenting on this blog you will be entered into a giveaway for one of her dazzling necklaces! Click the link above for entry page. Good Luck!

Transformational Self Portrait Art Therapy | Transformation of Self

2008-12-12T11:51:00.000-08:00

Transformational Self Portrait Art Therapy | Transformation of Self

I LIKE this idea. Using art, specifically a form of self portrait, to help us get through a change, to help us change in a positive manner.

Here are the first 2 paragraphs from the link, to get you started.

"This activity is based on the idea of transformational therapy and art therapy for life changes. People tend to go through many changes and transformations in life. These changes can really run the gamut, but it’s important to reflect on our experiences and how they affect one’s self…whether it be our self-esteem or self-image, our self-confidence or self-doubt, our mental and emotional health, etc."

"Think of an experience or event from your past that still has a negative impact on your life today. It could be something big or small, recent or long ago. Think about what happened, how the event(s) played out, and how it affects you today. Feel free to write your thoughts down if you want. Now think about what you would like to change about yourself as a result of that negative experience. It could be a transformation related to your self-esteem, self-confidence, mental/emotional state, etc."

Check out the web site. I will post my journey here, when I get started and as I go along... Fran

Art Therapy | Expressive Arts Therapy

2008-12-12T11:46:00.000-08:00

Art Therapy | Expressive Arts Therapy

A website devoted to Art Therapy. Instructions, ideas, how and why it works, quotes, videos and more. I have always believed Art was important to healing, yet I guess I didn't believe it enough to pursue that aspect actively, which I now plan on doing.

If you are at all curious about Art Therapy, this is a good place to get started, or just find out about it.

journals � curiously crafty.

2008-12-12T11:30:00.000-08:00

journals � curiously crafty.

Very cool pictures and descriptions for making books and journals. It's actually the best and simplest tutorial I have seen for making hand bound books!

Art Junk Girl~: Collage, Interrupted.

2008-12-12T10:48:00.000-08:00

Art Junk Girl~: Collage, Interrupted.

I LOVE this lady's blog! She works like I do, and gives me the inspiration and helps me to accept, that it's ok to just create for the sake of creating, being more concerned with the process than the final product. Art Journaling.... Art Therapy.... Not everything has to be "for sale" or even for anyone elses eyes!

Impossible Tex-Mex Pie Recipes - Impossible Main Dish Bisquick Pies Recipes

2008-11-27T21:53:00.000-08:00

Impossible Tex-Mex Pie Recipes - Impossible Main Dish Bisquick Pies Recipes

This is another Impossible Pie I would like to try...

Impossible Cheeseburger Pie Recipes - Impossible Main Dish Pies Entrees Baking Mix Pies Recipes

2008-11-27T21:50:00.000-08:00

Impossible Cheeseburger Pie Recipes - Impossible Main Dish Pies Entrees Baking Mix Pies Recipes

I made an impossible pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving today, which turned out really well. This impossible cheeseburger pie looks REALLY good too. I don't really even have very many leftovers, so I won't have to look for recipes for that. One day of sandwhiches is about all that is left...

It was a good Thanksgiving, the best one I've had since before my dad got sick. My 18 year old son came over, and my roommate's grandchildren, along with my daughter, of course. My ex even had a plate of food when he came to pick her up for his visit. It was a good day.

Thank you Lord...

Comfort Doll Project

2008-11-25T02:41:00.000-08:00

Comfort Doll Project
Click on the link above to be brought to a project that collects handmade dolls, less than 6" long, to be sent to women's shelters. The founder had never heard of any similar project for battered women's shelters, and there has been a good response. A small piece of beauty and comfort for a woman who has more than likely lost much, if not everything.

Artists In Canada Visual Artist Directory - Canadian Artists Tutorials for Artists

2008-11-25T02:26:00.000-08:00

Artists In Canada Visual Artist Directory - Canadian Artists Tutorials for Artists

Lots of great tutorials from Canadian Artists!!

Rolling Dog Ranch Animal Sanctuary

2008-11-25T02:06:00.000-08:00

Rolling Dog Ranch Animal Sanctuary

I just found this site on someone else's blog. They take care of disabled animals on a large Montana ranch. I was just talking to a very close friend of mine about animals today. She was explaining about being very black and white about how animals in general and pets in particular should be treated. I am glad there are people like my friend, and the people who run this and other animal sanctuaries, who are black and white, and outspoken about how animals should be treated....animals can't speak for themselves, and sometimes it's easier to forget about them amid all the other problems we have.

I especially like her reply when someone at work told her "there had to be a line somewhere" when referring to the amount of money one would spend on a pet .... "Why?"

Fran's Life Goes On...the rename

2008-11-25T01:10:00.000-08:00

I decided to rename my blog. I don't know who I am blogging to...it doesn't really matter. I want to be known for what I create in life, and my divorce is only a very small part of that. My divorce will end, since it cannot live past my own life. There are more important things in my life, like my children, who will live on past my divorce, and hopefully both live long and productive lives. If they both live to be 100, they will have to outlive me....I doubt I will make it to 135, which is how old I would have to live to outlive them both living to be 100!

So, my life DOES go on....in spite of my own dire predictions that it would not go on if my marraige ended. The only thing my marraige is still alive in is legality. He hasn't lived here for 2-1/2 years, and is not contributing financially to our well being. I am happier than I had been with him for many years. I can only expect my happiness to increase as time goes on.

Time really does heal. I experienced many losses in a short period of time, and I hurt so bad I couldn't imagine healing, and yet I am healing. The main thing I can say about that is healing takes time, and time takes time. It just can't be rushed, or ignored. When I tried to do either of those things in the past, it only postponed the time needed, it didn't shorten it. Like not letting a wound heal properly, the partially knitted skin will rip open easily, then taking even longer to heal, potentially leaving a bigger scar. Or maybe you only let the surface heal and an abscess develops beneath. Perhaps that is what has happened to people who seem very bitter.

Update.....

2008-07-17T01:06:00.000-07:00

As I said earlier, the endless divorce is still endless, and I am still not divorced. My lawyer bill is growing, my son is now 18, but he does want a mother now, so that is an improvement. My daughter is 9 and is a constant joy.

My soon to be ex is doing much better than he was. He is in treatment for his addictions, which makes him much easier to get along with. It's funny that we are getting along better now than we have in years.

His off again on again girlfriend is on again. She seems to show back up everytime Jim and I are getting along, like she is afraid we might get back together again or something. Not really sure what to think about her. She's nice enough, and no longer tears my soul apart, since I really have no desire left to remain married to Jim, no matter how well we get along.

I can't help wondering what would have happened if he had went into treatment 2 years ago, instead of moving in with an AA buddy and taking up with that buddy's neice. We had a good marraige once, but then some people tell me what I thought was good wasn't even that good.

I have to trust God and the Spirit to guide me. I know they are in charge and have a plan, even if I don't always understand it. I never thought I could survive alone, and I have and am. I am stronger and happier now than I have been in a very long time. There is hope.

xo

2008-07-17T01:04:00.001-07:00

xo, originally uploaded by jdyf333.

This is cool...we should never forget it, even when it doesn't always go right...

My endless divorce is still endless..... I keep thinking I see and end in sight, and then it gets put off more. I think Jim is finally seeing that it needs to happen. He says he is getting the paperwork together he needs.... I hope he really is... I am soooo very tired of it.

Moment

2008-07-17T00:09:00.001-07:00

Moment, originally uploaded by rosethistleartworks.

This artist has wonderful talent and is inspiring to the world. How can anyone feel depressed when looking at such beautiful art?

The Dilemma of Obedience, VerseVisions Art; 1 Samuel 3:15

2008-07-16T23:56:00.001-07:00

The Dilemma of Obedience, VerseVisions Art; 1 Samuel 3:15, originally uploaded by Marketseq.

This beautiful piece of art reminds me that God is in charge of everything, including my "endless divorce", which will end, in His time.