Surprise!

I was honored to see my artwork and photograph posted at the Yosemite blog. Check it out at:
http://yosemiteblog.com/ - scroll down to the entry for March 26, 2009. I about fell off my seat when I saw these two creations of mine there!

New drawings

These are a couple of my newest drawings. For those who don't know, "EDM Challenges" is a list of drawing opportunities. EDM stands for Every Day Matters which can have a double meaning. The list includes everyday items to draw - AND every day should matter to us :-)

Instead of scanning these drawings/paintings, I decided to take a photo of them with my digital camera. I have some adapting to do to make this as clear as possible.

The first drawing is from a photo I took in Zion National Park. It's a combination of watercolor and watercolor pencils. The second drawing is a combination of a couple rubber stamps - and the rest was done with ballpoint pen. I have a long ways to go with this technique, but I like the thoughts that I put down on paper. I'm trying to have a more positive outlook on life!

New Posts at Flickr

Since I was unable to upload any photos here on my blog, here's the link to my journal entries on my Flickr page. Gotta love computers.....

http://www.flickr.com/photos/summersfire/sets/72157606086572144/

photo op

We've had some beautiful sunrises and sunsets, so I've posted some pics that I took at my flickr site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/summersfire/ and at picasa: http://picasaweb.google.com/mindy.thmpsn

Winter scene

This didn't scan well on the left side due to how I constructed the sketchbook, but I wanted to post it anyway! I love mountain scenes -especially when snow is involved.

Not really M.I.A.

I haven't been posting here much lately since I haven't been drawing... I've been knitting more than drawing. At some point, I'll even post some pics of the knitting!

sunset pics

http://www.flickr.com/photos/summersfire/ more sunset pics here at Flickr

Beautiful sunset

While running errands "down the hill" in Antelope Valley, my daughter and I were treated to this beautiful sunset. I wish I'd had time to paint it but I knew it would disappear FAST so I settled for a few digital pics.

More of my favorite subject (Yosemite)

These are the latest "morsels". I am pleased with how I created the waterfall in this watercolor of Vernal Falls in Yosemite National Park. I've struggled before with water since it's (usually) in constant motion. I haven't known how to capture it in a way that I was satisfied with the finished result.

I feel like things are *starting* to click better in my brain. Things on paper are closer to how I'm seeing them in my head. I have a long ways to go - but I do feel like I'm on the road.

And the Award goes to . . .

These are the blogs that I wanted to nominate to receive this award! My apologies if you've already received this award. I did my best to pick new blogs to nominate.

And my thanks to Shirley ( http://www.paperandthreads.com/ ) for nominating us "newbies" which included me :-)

Deb: http://fromthemountainsofvirginia.blogspot.com/

"Witness": http://leakingmindjuice.blogspot.com/

Sharon: http://flatsoundofwoodenclogs.blogspot.com/

and Sharon: http://kitchencanvas.blogspot.com/

Jennifer: http://jenniferlawson.blogspot.com/

Terry: http://terrybanderas.blogspot.com/

Desiree: http://myclothesline.blogspot.com/

And finally: http://seniorscribblin.blogspot.com/

Right click on the award to save it to your computer. Then you can insert it into your blog.

The rules of acceptance are:

1. Put the logo on your blog.

2. Add a link to the person who awarded you.

3. Nominate 7 other blogs.

4. Add links to those blogs on yours.

5. Leave a message for your nominees on their blogs.

Follow the bouncing ball

EDM challenges: #166 Draw a fish and #60 draw an automobile or part of one...

On the trip back from LA County, I saw one of those TALL, skinny vans that are fairly new. The day before, I'd seen one at the dealer while dropping off our truck for warranty repairs. As I looked at it with my tired mind, it reminded me of a fish - one of those fish that are tall, yet skinny. On the net, I tried to find a picture of what I seeing and the best I could come up with was an angelfish. The quick sketch was the best I could do after a day of driving 300 miles of endless humidity, heat and humanity.

EDM #15 Draw a tree:

Last week at girls camp, a leader shared with us how it is very easy for a giant sequoia tree to fall down due to high winds or a heavy snowpack. The weakness of the sequoia (which was something I knew from working in the Mariposa Grove of giant sequoias in Yosemite National Park when I was 16) is that the roots only go about three feet deep. This huge tree is very vulnerable because of how shallow the roots are - even if they spread wide. No matter what our spiritual direction takes, we should desire to stand steadfast and immovable to withstand the storms that hit us in life. It's important for us to know who we are... and what is important to us.

http://www.spousebuzz.com/blog/2007/09/september-11-20.html

As we approach the 7th anniversary of September 11th (which btw is my birthday), I hope we never forget the day our innocence changed...

Enough of my preaching for today!

Fashion Statement

I'm back from about a week on the Kern Plateau in the Sequoia National Forest - for Girls Camp with the Young Women in the Bakersfield California East Stake. The photo at left is a goofy pic of me wearing an apron, capris and hiking boots - OOH la LA (eyeroll). I look pretty dumb!

Every Day Matters #100 Landscape

I didn't have a digital camera to take a photo back when I was on TOP of Yosemite Falls, since there was no such thing as digital cameras back when I was 16! I know I'm aging myself. I used an uncopywritten photo from the net to paint from. The photo doesn't do it justice nor does my watercolor - but it was amazing to be at the top of this waterfall. The hike down is 135 switchbacks so I don't recommend it to anyone who's not in shape. I couldn't do it now! But it's a good memory for me :-) Maybe one day I'll be able to handle this hike again because it's a good symbol of what Yosemite is for me: wonderful places that are away from the throngs of people. The majesty of this Park is something that I shared with my own husband and children, so the legacy of those mentors from my 16th summer lives on.

An Award

I'd like to give Shirley a big thanks for giving this award to those of us newbies who, as she said, have been brave enough to share some of our work. Here's the original email:

I received two lovely blog awards this week and now must pass them along. Thank you Clare and Lisa. I would like to give them in turn to all of the new EDM members who were brave enough to stop lurking and share some of their work with us. So head on over to my blog and pick up your award.<http://www.paperand threads.com> You should then post it on your blog (you can right click on the image, save the award, and upload it to your blog).I joined EDM in September 2005 - and everything I know about sketching, watercolors, and visual journaling comes from the inspiration and instruction that I get from our members. Thank you all....Shirley

The rules of acceptance are:
1. Put the logo on your blog.
2. Add a link to the person who awarded you.
3. Nominate 7 other blogs.
4. Add links to those blogs on yours.
5. Leave a message for your nominees on their blogs.

I'll make sure to do all of these!

EDM #133 Draw a peach (or two)

This exercise was a stretch for me since I started with watercolors first - instead of my usual manner of drawing with pencil, lining over the pencil, and then adding the watercolors. This often results in me feeling like I'm a grown-up doing a coloring book! Hence, the need to stretch my abilities.

While I was doing this, the phone kept ringing, other commitments kept "calling", and a man stopped by to give me an estimate on replacing the roof on the house. I think the clutter in my life is reflected in this painting - but I wanted to post it anyway to remind myself (again) that everything doesn't have to be perfect. Intellectually, I know this. Now, I am waiting for my emotions to catch up.

Having said that, I do like the peach and soft violet colors together. About a year ago, I made a bracelet with these colors out of Swarovski crystal. Hmmmm.. that gives me an idea for future exercises: explore color and what combinations appeal to my eye.

"Hello Mindy"

Sometimes I just think too much. When I drew my water brush, I was wondering WHY I was drawing it. Then, I realized that's the point of Everyday Matters. I need to stop thinking so much and just enjoy the process, even when my results are less than perfect. I want the freedom to just create, enjoy, and learn.

I've decided that my art brings me joy, so why do I resist it at times?

hmmm, this makes me think of a 12 step program. "Hello. My name is Mindy and I'm a perfection-holic." "Hello, Mindy."

Sandwich Generation

As I wrap my brain around the fact that my mother really can't take care of herself, I'm facing the reality that she needs to live with us. I've seen this time coming for the last couple years and I watched my mother-in-law go through the same thing 4 years ago. I drew this picture of a sandwich since it's what I've heard my generation called - kids moving out of the home while parent(s) move in. The emotional side of me wants to run and hide, knowing this isn't going to be easy - but the rational part of my brain knows that she can't do this for herself - AND it's not fair to her neighbors to have to do *my job*. I love my mom and I want her to have the chance to live the winter of her life in dignity. Now, if she'll just accept that she can't do this for herself.....

What's in a name?

I have a friend who is a little less than computer savvy and she calls blogs "blobs". My daughter keeps calling my blog a "blob" as a reminder of this friend's cute error so the name has stuck. I officially have a blob...... well sometimes I feel like a blob, especially after the long drive from Kern County to my mom's home in LA County. How did I ever survive that awful smog and humidity? I love where we live now! And, I hope that I never have to return to live in a place that squashes my spirit.