A Day with Gramma

Life in Michigan has been pretty good lately. It is finally starting to warm up and the snow is melted! I can see daffodills and tulips sprouting out of the ground and grass beginning to turn green. Its beginning to be light out near the end of my morning walks and I'm seeing more activity in the birds and bunnies who accompany me each morning. Spring is even more miraculous after a very snowy winter.

I spent the afternoon with my Gramma yesterday. My Grandpa is still recovering from some broken ribs so we were not able to venture out. We stayed home and planted a calla lilly bulb together. We then talked for a few hours while she made oyster stew and I sketched some Johnny Jump ups she wanted me to try to draw. I used to spend every Friday afternoon with her and we would paint together. She has definetly been the most influential person in my life as far as being artistic. She taught me so much without ever limiting me to the way that she did things. Grammas arthritist got worse and I had to babysit my neice and nephew and our Fridays fell apart. I'm trying to rekindle some kind of pattern to visit again now that my responsibilities with the kids is over. I love spending time with her and she always brings sunshine to my day. Todays art journal entry is in honor of her-Right down to more Johnny Jump-ups. Never in all my life has a visit to her not put a smile in my heart that has lasted long after I've departed. Its gotta be some special Gramma power.

I'm going to the symphony tonight. I am very excited as they are playing a Beethoven symphony and a Brahms piano concerto! Their opening piece is a Schonberg composition which I'd rather skip because its 20th century dissonance, but its on the short side and then I get to be swallowed up by the pure beauty of the music. Maybe it'll inspire my muse in a new direction.

I hope that all of you have a gorgeous spring weekend. We're hitting the low 60's and I'm going to take advantage of it as best I can.

Another card for the deck

Sorry for the long time since the last post. Time just seems to slip away sometimes. I have been doing art, but just haven’t gotten to posting anything. Anyways, for today I would like your opinion again. I made both of these cards with thoughts for the Healing deck by Mother Henna. I'm not sure which would be better for the deck.

“Beauty Lies Beneath” was made for all the times we judge by first impressions or someone’s outer appearance. When we fall into this trap we miss out on getting to know the true person we have encountered. If we keep an open mind and block out judgment we can look with our heart and discover the treasures and beauty present within others.

“Love Unconditionally” was inspired by my dogs. They are always there with a friendly face and soft fur to bury tears into. They seem to know when you need something. They cuddly up right next to you and look at you with their big soft eyes and say “its gonna be alright” or “you’re the best.” Its been proven that spending time with your pets can lower your blood pressure and improve your health. I would love to see a thorough study of what having a pet does for your emotional health.

The text of both is not really on the card yet, I photoshopped it to see what it might look like, so that may change a bit. The “Nurture with Nature” card will be one of my two. Which of the other two would you rather see included in the deck?

In other matters, my Gramma spent some time in the hospital this week. I am very thankful that she is okay and home now. If you are lucky enough to still have your grandparents around you go tell them you love them. In fact, make a point today of telling people what they mean to you. So often we assume that they “know” how we feel, but can one ever get tired of hearing those precious words “I love you”? Embrace what you’ve been given and enjoy it while you have it.