Karen's Muse and Musings

Surreal

I think my little collage, Evolution, is surreal, but just to be sure I checked the definition.

adjective

1. of, related to, or characteristic of surrealism
2. bizarre; fantastic; grotesque

So then I checked out surrealism — just to be sure.

noun

a modern movement in art and literature, in which an attempt is made to portray or interpret the workings of the unconscious mind as manifested in dreams: it is characterized by an irrational, fantastic arrangement of material

While we're discussing surreal, I've been tagged again to tell you something unusual or different about me. I really am flattered and honored to be chosen by Toni Curtis and by Cheryl Strait, but that pesky little inner voice says, "what else can you say? there's nothing interesting or unique about you!" Maybe so, but my bigger ego voice says, "of course you're interesting! come on, there's lots of unique stuff you've never shared before!"  I don't know which voice is winning, but here goes. I am supposed to tell 6 (okay, one of the blogs says 7, but we're going with 6!) different or unusual things about myself.

1. I definitely have a "Princess and the Pea" persona. I really am particular about what touches my skin. I can't say everything has to be 100% cotton or silk, but it has to be pretty close. You know the wooden handles on beach chairs? Yuck! I have to cover them with my cotton beach wrap before my tender forearms will touch them.
2. I talk to myself. Really! And answer too! Maybe it's crazy, but I've had some of my best conversations with myself.
3. I change my hair color often. Usually it's a shade of red which is my natural color, but not always. I've gone from dark brunette to blonde. My husband says it makes life interesting. (Well, that's not  what he actually said, but I don't think I better write that here.)
4. I'm addicted to American Idol. That's probably not odd since I am a singer, but I love the show.
5. If I like a movie or a TV show, I'll watch it again and again. In fact, I can't fall asleep at night unless I'm playing one of my old favorite movies or TV shows. Usually, I will fall asleep within 5 minutes after hitting the play button. However, if my husband comes in and turns on the news or one of the late night show, I'll wake right up!
6. Oh my gosh! I have to come up with 1 more thing. Okay, here's something. For a while, I lived in a house built in 1902 by Asa Candler, the founder of Coca-Cola ... but that's a whole other story!

Well, that's it. Ciao!

Angels Welcome Here

Here's a spread for Shirley's book in the Stone Angels round robin. I have had a tough time getting in my creative zone since Kitty's funeral, but today I felt it coming back. I hope Shirley likes it. The text is from John Milton and reads,
O welcome, pure-ey’d Faith, white-handed Hope,
Thou hovering angel, girt with golden wings!

Memorial

Last week my mother-in-law, Kitty, passed away. She had Alzheimer's disease, and in many ways had left us several years ago. Still, it is very sad to know that she is no longer with us in this world. Kitty was a remarkable woman, beautiful with a bold spirit. In 1939 she became one of the first stewardesses for Delta Airlines at a time when being a registered nurse was a requirement. This past Saturday, the Atlanta Journal Constitution printed a lovely article about her along with a gorgeous photo of her in front of an old Delta airplane. I scanned the article, and hopefully it will be readable when I insert it at the end of this post.

In one of those interesting twists of fate, this week's theme for Gothic Arches is History. This gave me a perfect opportunity to use this historic photo of Kitty and make a little tribute to her.

Now here's the article. Click on the image to enlarge it.

Found Objects

My husband found these precious little baby shoes and brought them home to me. They are so sweet with the little button-up sides. Years ago someone lovingly stuffed paper inside the shoes to preserve their shape. My mind wonders about the toddler who wore these. There is a little hole in the bottom of the shoe? Did one child wear these long enough to wear the sole through, or perhaps the shoes were passed down to siblings? Whatever, I will honor these shoes because someone long ago loved the baby who wore them.

Old School

This is my entry for this week's Gothic Arches with the theme, Old School Days. I did the photo transfer of the school children a while back, and I dug it out because I thought they would be perfect.

Thinking back on my grammar school days, my favorite memory is of a yellow vinyl raincoat, hat and galoshes that my mother bought me. I actually loved rainy days because I could wear my yellow treasures when I walked to school. Boy, have things changed!

The Fashionistos

Here's a little series of three ATCs I created for a swap. Marion is sponsoring this swap with the theme, Postage People. Click on her name to see some very delightful ATCs. For mine, I used clip art from Dover's Men's Fashions from the Turn of the Century (that would now be the turn of the previous century!) coloring the backgrounds with chalk.

I'm a little concerned that non-Americans may not "get" the going postal phrase, but I couldn't resist using it. Ciao!

The Winner is ...

Donata! Donata, you're the winner of my giveaway, "Haunted." Please send me your address, and I'll send you the book. Thanks to all who entered. I've made several new friends around the world as a result of OWOH, and it's been a fabulous experience.

It's Thursday, I know, but I just now had time to make a card for Wednesday Stamper. The theme is Valentine, and here is my entry. I'm playing with some new colors for me — Light Magenta and French Gray/Blue.

I hope you all have a very happy Valentine's Day. Treat yourself to something special today. Ciao!

Four Faces of Hope

When I first saw the photo of this little girl, I was struck by her expression. She looked sad, but in her eyes I saw hope. This is a scan of the original cabinet card.

I worked on the image in Photoshop, and here are my Four Faces of Hope.

   

Speaking of hope, for all of you who are experiencing the bitter cold right now, here's a little sign of hope for spring — the first daffodil in my yard.

Gothic Arch — Valentine

It's almost Valentine's Day, so naturally this week's Gothic Arches theme is ... Valentine! Here is my entry.

Mossy Angel

Late yesterday afternoon I began to feel better, and I suddenly had the urge to work in Trinka's Stone Angels book. Her book's pages are made of corrugated cardboard, and I love it! This page just flowed from me. In fact it came about so quickly, I kept thinking maybe I need to do something else to it. I made myself stop here.

Debby Harrietha just honored me by giving me a You Make My Day award.

Thank you, Debby! Now I am supposed to pick out 10 bloggers whose blogs bring me happiness and inspiration and make me feel happy about blog land. I have so many wonderful blogging friends out there that it makes it hard to choose, but I'll do my best.

1. Shirley McCutcheon. Shirley's art is incredibly beautiful and has a look of gentler, more romantic times.
2. Joanne Huffman. Joanne not only produces vibrant, energetic art, but she is one of the most prolific artists I know. Ask her to make one of anything, she'll make 30!
3. Sherry's Q's Corner. Sherry takes the most incredible photos of birds. I think she sits outside all the time waiting for the right shot. I always draw inspiration from her blog.
4. Kathy McElroy. Kathy not only produced beautiful art and delightful rusty creations, she also takes terrific photos on her travels. Check out her doors of Europe!
5. Joyce Vance. Do you knit? Make art? Have children and pets? And a full-time job? Joyce's blog has something for everyone, and I usually get a chuckle when I visit.
6. Judy Wilkenfeld. Life-transforming art — that's what I think about Judy's work. I have received so much inspiration and have been truly touched by visiting Red Velvet Creations this last year.
7. Aileen Roberts. Bright, colorful and witty, Aileen usually has a tip or 2 to share.
8. Kris Henderson. Her blog is called Brain Bubbles. I think you get the idea. Kris is funny, and I always leave her blog happier than when I came.
9. DJ Pettit. DJ's art is stunning and soulful. She amazes me.
10. Karen Campbell. Karen's work comes straight from her heart. It's honest, edgy and beautiful.

Okay! I did it. I love all my blogging friends, and you all deserve awards! I also know that the ones I didn't choose will be chosen by the ones here, so it's all good. Oh ... don't forgot to enter my giveaway if you haven't already!