TICKLING THE MUSE

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I love puzzles. I have loved doing jigsaw puzzles with my children when they were small ~ I have enjoyed having a big puzzle set-up at family gatherings for everyone to work on over the course of the holidays ~ and one of my treasured memories will always be seeing my grandmother, now 98, continuing to work diligently, despite her failing eyesight, on her puzzles every Sunday afternoon at my mother's or on the ongoing project always "in play" at her apartment....yes, I love puzzles.

It was great fun to discover a special site today that not only "tickled my muse" but also tickled the "child" in me (or perhaps that may be heart of my muse...). Art Puzzles, from Susan Reynolds' Studio, provide you lovely "art canvasses" which become jigsaw puzzles online at the click of your mouse. A terrific escape and wonderful way to "feed" the muse and the brain at the same time.

So, pour yourself a cup of tea, relax, select your favorite print, and click away - but watch that timer... :-)

FRIDAY FAVORITES

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A little music, a little smile, a little musing, a little laughter, and a BIG sale ~ TGIF!

• My friend Rob...ok, technically, my son's friend, has a great blog, Politik!; Acquiesce? Revolution. and posted two terrific entries this week titled Songs that are immortal, send chills down your spine, and uplift your soul, Part I and Immortal Songs, Part II. The lists are indeed, timeless, and wonderful to read, revisit, and listen to. I especially enjoyed reminicising on Oasis's Wonderwall which will always remind me of son Andrew who sang the song at his Senior Show in high school and usually would always "wander" onto it eventually over the years to come whenever he was playing his guitar or was at the piano...

• Abby is smiling, really smiling - not gas, not dreaming - real smiles now! We've still to catch a full-mouth grin on camera, but here's a first-day "half-smile" as captured by her daddy.

• One of my favorite parts of the The Artist's Way are the great quotes that "litter" the margins of the pages...here are a few from this week that are really sticking with me:

"What we play is life" ~ Louis Armstrong
"You need to claim the events of your life to make yourself yours." ~ Anne-Wilson Schaef
"The events in our lives happen in a sequence in time, but in their significance to ourselves, they find their own order...the continuous thread of revelation." ~ Eudora Welty

• Last year my sister and brother-in-law sent my parents a Dvd of The Vicar of Dibley, a BBC series we had been unfamiliar with, but now we are fans. Alice, the vicar's "helpful" albeit rather clueless assistant at most times, is one of my favorite characters -- here she struggles with the concept of "I Can't Believe It's Not Butter..."

• And finally....don't forget! The "SPRING FEVER SALE" is still going on now in the shop! That means savings of 15% on ANYTHING with the words GREEN, FLOWER, or GARDEN in the title or description. Just put your items in your cart, proceed to checkout, and put "SPRING FEVER" in the "NOTES TO SELLER" and then WAIT for a revised invoice (or pay immediately and I will refund the discount to you through PayPal). One discount code per purchase. Catch "SPRING FEVER" while it lasts!

DO YOU 'EARTH HOUR'?

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Earth Hour 2009 is approaching quickly, this Saturday, March 28th, 8:30pm. At that time, wherever you are, you are asked to "unplug." According to the source of all knowledge (;-0), Wikipedia, Earth Hour is

"an annual international event created by the WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature/World Wildlife Fund), held on the last Saturday of March, that asks households and businesses to turn off their non-essential lights and electrical appliances for one hour to raise awareness towards the need to take action on climate change. It was pioneered by WWF Australia and the Sydney Morning Herald in 2007,^[1] and achieved worldwide participation in 2008."

Now last year being the first year that Earth Year went "global," I am rather unaware of the U.S.'s response as I was actually in Canada at the time, but I can tell you that Ontario's preparation and response was fairly remarkable. The media, the "buzz," and the resulting response (the city of Toronto reported a 8.7% reduction in electricity consumption during the hour - quite considerable for prime time Saturday night in a city of over 2.5 million).

Toronto Skyline 2008 ~ top: during "Earth Hour"; bottom: before "Earth Hour"

No, the city did not "go black." Not every single business and household turned out every single light and unplugged every appliance...restaurants kept cooking, but used candles during the hour for lighting. We wandered into a wonderful pub for dinner during the hour, and I'll admit, it was quite dark and reading the menu was a bit of a struggle by candlelight, but we knew we were a part of something bigger, a part of a global experience and statement of awareness. No, we weren't changing the world overnight, but it is these small steps, each of us can take.

So, what about Earth Hour 2009? Where will you be? Have you thought about what steps you might take for this hour, to continue or begin the journey of awareness? Think about it...

Here's a great article about one reporter's "relationship with electricity" that makes us consider our own:

http://www.thestar.com/living/article/608082

TICKLING THE MUSE

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I have to admit I'm enjoying this new weekly feature as an excuse to take a break and "play" a bit - who can argue with that!? As I was blog-hopping this past week, I found and bookmarked this site which I knew would be perfect for today's "tickle" and indeed it has been great.

WORDLE creates "beautiful word clouds." As the site explains, Wordle "is a toy for generating 'word clouds' from text that you provide. The clouds give greater prominence to words that appear more frequently in the source text. You can tweak your clouds with different fonts, layouts, and color schemes. The images you create with Wordle are yours to use however you like. You can print them out, or save them to the Wordle gallery to share with your friends."

I experimented with WORDLE today, using first my blog http address ~ simply typed it in and a "wordle cloud" appeared and then I started "playing":

Next up was my Artfire shop http:
Finally, I wanted to try my hand at WORDLE's free text entry so I entered words that I would associate with SignatureSterling in general and then "toyed" with that cloud for a while - quite happy with how that turned out!
So, grab your words, your website, and stop by WORDLE ~ get tickling!

MONDAY REFLECTIONS

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FOR TODAY, March 23, 2009

Outside my window...I caught a beautiful sunrise ~ a wonderful way to begin a Monday, to begin the week.

I am thinking...of how long my to-do list is for today and how there is no way I will ever get through it!

From the learning room...I continuing my study of "The Artist's Life" and finding myself more open to it this time around.

I am thankful for...spring sunrises.

From the kitchen...I'll need to check with Sarah to see if I can bring something as we've been invited to dinner tonight ~ how nice!! :-))

I am wearing...a pair of favorite, comfy pj's that I found at the bottom of the drawer last night, LOL! Yes, laundry is on the to-do list.

I am creating...2 new pairs of earrings and/or bracelet to "meet" my new rule/guideline from last week since I completed another necklace :-)...wait, I don't think creativity likes "rules"! :-)...just finished "sketching" a Mimi necklace that I want to work on as well.

I am going...to Hannah's soccer tournament this weekend.

I am reading..."The Artist's Way," a stack of "delicious" new beading books, and finishing "Moon-Calf."

I am hoping...that Sandy's mom and families continue to be wrapped in peace and love; also hoping that doctors will find help for Blake, a friend of Hannah's friend:
http://wwwphp.10tv.com/vplayer.php?clip=2009_03_23_Student_Battling_Rare_Infection.wmv

I am hearing...Bob Patin's "Blackbird" - pandora

Around the house..."out with the winter clothes, in with spring and summer" week. I love doing this - like "shopping" every year without spending money! :-)

One of my favorite things...will be finding time to watch Twilight with Hannah!

A few plans for the rest of the week:
helping Hannah complete her soccer contacts now that spring break plans seem finalized; spring newsletter

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

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TICKLING THE MUSE

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Last Tuesday, I started a new blog "practice" designed to promote my "artistic energies" or what I call ~ "tickling the muse." Now ideally I am doing this in different ways throughout the week - for example, I'm learning to play golf and my instructor, aware of my "creative, artistic bent" and background is approaching it by telling me that I need to find the rhythm and tempo of my swing...spending time outside in this newly springtime weather is always refreshing to my mind...quiet time with Abby, considering the miracle of new life and hearing the wonderful newborn noises inspire and renew me.

But, yes, on Tuesday, specifically, I'll be searching online for special sites that might be helpful in "tickling the muse" in an "outside the box" approach. Today, especially as one who is not a "traditional artist type" (as in can't draw a straight line and struggled with traditional "art" classes in elementary and junior high school...), I encourage you to visit the National Gallery of Art's site for "kids" of all ages - designed for online painting creations.

There are many options - select different pattern, brush designs; use an auto color option or pick your own colors; once you've made a "painting," apply special effects; or try the "auto" painting creation and see what "pops up." Each of your masterpieces can be framed and saved, printed...and certainly something will inspire you later if color and design is something you use in your work. Most of all, have fun and laugh with joy - after all, that's what tickling the muse is all about!

Peace...

http://www.nga.gov/kids/zone/brushster.htm

AW, SHUCKS! AWARD TIME!

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I was so very honored to receive the following award from one of my favorite goat bloggers, Pricilla (The Maaaaaa of Pricilla), ...well, actually, she's the only goat blogger that I know personally, to be honest with you, but she is still one of my dearest friends (hmmm, just wondered what that says about me!), writes an awesome blog, and makes the most incredible soap I've come across in a long time! So, when dear Pricilla bestowed the Kreativ Blogger Award on me, indeed, I truly felt my day had been made ~ thanks, Pricilla! A big "MAAAA!" right back at you, girlfriend! :-)

Now in lieu of an acceptance speech, this blog award comes with rules. I am to list 7 things I like and then pass the award on to 7 people, being sure to comment on their blogs to let them know to come by here and pick up their award. And so, I begin...

7 Things I like:

1. My new granddaughter

2. Watching my daughter play soccer

3. Getting lost in bookstores

4. Reading cookbooks

5. The first few minutes of settling under the covers in bed at night before drifting off to sleep

6. Having my cell phone calls to Andrew in Tanzania get through on the first try

7. The ocean - anytime, anywhere

I pass this award on to:

Not Your Everyday Super Goddess

Deronda Designs

The minor FALL, the major LIFT

Lenox Knits

AinseLife

BeadNestDesigns

Rosevine Design

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

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TICKLING THE MUSE

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As I begin to study "The Artist's Way," this week, I considered that one way I might commit to "tickling" my creative muse on a regular basis was by every Tuesday (Tuesday ~ tickling...see, sometimes there is sense in my nonsensical randomness...) intentionally seeking out and sharing new (or perhaps, tried and true) ways of jump-starting the creative process ~ thinking outside the box ~ heading in a different direction ~ or seeing potential creations with new vision.

Today, I returned to a site I was first introduced to last fall through our Artisan Beaders Street Team Fall Color Palette Challenge ~ colourlovers.com. There you can see already created wonderful assorted palettes and patterns or create your own, sometimes even creating your own new color!

Knowing that I wanted to focus sometime this week on a new "Pretty in Pink" piece, I headed in "that direction" and first began working on a color palette with that title:

Now as it turns out, the center color was a "new" color and needed to be named in order to be included in the palette (and now forever in the system) :-), and so "Gerbera Pink" has bloomed.

Then I wandered over to the "patterns" and simply browsed through using "pink" as my keyword search to find some favorites that might add some further design and color inspiration for me as I'm working later this week.

My muse is already gearing up and anxious to "play" with these colors and ideas....it will be interesting to see what appears later in the week as a result. Stay tuned!

FRIDAY FAVORITES

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It's Friday and I've got a BIG list of favorites to share with you today...

• FIRST....the windows are open and it SMELLS like SPRING!! Woo-hoo!! YAY!!!! Loving this weather :-)
• Guess what arrived this morning to make my day!
  

Yep, it's my very own copy of Alphabet City by Stephanie Chisholm - the "Chiz" - that I raved about in last week's Friday Favorites!!

• I have been a HUGE fan of SOCK MONKEYS ever since my "little" Sarah (now a "mommy" herself) was a premature little sweetheart and her daddy placed one in her hospital nursery 'bed' right after she had been released from the NICU...

• So, I had a great time window shopping and "faving" some great sock monkey finds this week -- take a peek and see what you think! I'm hoping to share some of these soon with my new sweetheart, Abby! :-)

From Shop3pm on Etsy, what could be cuter than this traditional sock monkey doll - oh, it does take me back!!


Any little one would be stylin' with these coveralls from JustKiddn ~ how cute are these!!


At this time of year, who could resist an adorable sock monkey "tip-toeing through the tulips" from Sockmonkeycards?


Hey, if you know babies...you know babies burp and you know that you want to have one of these handy from ClaireandJanae!

And from one of my favorite Etsy artisan friends, how could I resist this special one! Marcy - you've done it again!! :-) Check out her work at StudioMarcy!!

• And, what I think will be new favorites in my Etsy shop (once I get them listed...soon -- probably tonight or tomorrow) :-)
  

~ SPRING GREEN Necklace


~SPRING GREEN Earrings

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

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(Happy Birthday to the Dr.!)

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY (Thanks, Hannah!)

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GOODWILL HUNTING

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Those of you who know me well, know by now that this title does not refer to a very good film, but to my shopping fetish...yes, at a terrific nearby Goodwill Store where I always find, sometimes after a bit more hunting than other visits (that's part of the surprise factor) amazing deals ~ designer and mall-brand fashions, rarely worn (even occasionally with store tags still on!) at GW prices!

Here's an example of last week's successful "hunt" :-)

• 3 pairs of very gently worn jeans (great condition - ready to wear!) - Lee, Casual Corner, J Jill...$5.99/pair

• long wool plaid pleated skirt (looks brand new condition) - Talbots...$2.99

• black dress blazer (also looks brand new condition and looks terrific with skirt above) - Alfani...$4.99

• long brown herringbone blazer (again - did anyone ever wear this???) - Ralph Lauren...$4.99

• fun denim blazer/jacket (I know you think I'm making this up, but seriously - swear it looks brand new...) - Ann Taylor...$4.99

Yep, grand total, after necessary sales tax...$38.36.

Now, to date, I have tried unsuccessfully to share this shopping venue with my 16-year-old daughter (her reaction - "no way!). But, I may be making some headway. When I walked in the door this week with my BIG bag of goodies, she exclaimed, "You went shopping....can I go shopping?" To which I replied, "Sure, I'll take you where I went." That' s when she noticed the bag more closely and responded "Oh, you went there." I did tell her that I would be happy to give her the same amount of money I had spent shopping and she could spend it shopping wherever she wanted to - :-)....she, of course, jumped at that offer (I mean, c'mon, no 16 year-old is going to pass up $40). But, then she did look very carefully through the bag and commented, "Wow, well, you know I might want you to take me there some time so I can try to find some dress pants."

Aha - Mom has maybe scored!

One Woman's Simple Pleasures - C'mon, Get Up and Dance!

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Found these awesome red boots on Saturday - or should I say, they found me as I've been looking for a pair for more than a year and just couldn't justify the price. See, waiting for something what you know you want is worthwhile. Can't tell you the smile they bring to my face! :-))))))))))))

SNOW DAY (S??)

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The "unofficial" report just announced on the TV news is 13" of snow from the storm for our city ~ still under a "Level 2" snow emergency and schools have already announced a "delay" for tomorrow...but now the weather is calling for the winds to pick up tonight....so with the new wind chill advisory and 13+" of snow drifting on the roads, I'm guessing that our "one" snow day will be extended.

So, how did we celebrate? And, yes, we celebrate snow days - the wonder and beauty of the falling, swirling flakes, the unexpected "vacation day" for Hannah, the "excuse" to practice the "art of doing nothing" and not feel guilty....

• Waking up, then seeing the giant "snow-globe" flakes and snuggling back under the covers, and catching just a little more sleep, knowing that school had already been cancelled the night before.
• Good oatmeal...the REAL kind - with brown sugar and blueberries. OK, and yes, mine had a couple big scoops of flaxseed, too, for good measure.
• Having the time to catch up on emails and laughing...
• Finding time, at my leisure, to do my yoga - and inviting Hannah to join in....she passed.
• Watching Hannah snowboard again out the back door!
• Sharing great hot chocolate after the snowboarding --- check out Penzeys Spices Hot Chocolate Mix (they are now ONLINE!) - awesome, especially with a sprinkle of Penzeys' cinnamon on top! Mmmm!!'
• Watching a DVR'd Anthony Bourdain's "No Reservations" - trip to the Azores (never knew about the connection to Fall River, MA - home of my mom and Grandmother....although they are pure Yankee!)

Tonight's celebrations plans? Home-cooked meal...chicken piccata, couscous, spinach salad; some time with "the beads" :-); and then mother-daughter bonding over the latest episode of LOST....and then I'll be catching the return of "Life on Mars" Woo-Hoo!

PEACE IS THE WORD...

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Anyone who knows me well, or well enough to have received an email from me..., knows that for several years now, I have "signed off," using "Peace" as my closing. Now, it's official -- "PEACE" is "my" word ~ at least according to the latest "blog" quiz I took tonight! The link that follows will take you to the quiz so that you can find out what your "word" is, too!

Your Word is "Peace"

You see life as precious, and you wish everyone was safe, happy, and taken care of. Social justice, human rights, and peace for all nations are all important to you. While you can't stop war, you try to be as calm and compassionate as possible in your everyday life. You promote harmony and cooperation. You're always willing to meet someone a little more than halfway.

What's Your Word?

A NEW DAY...EVERYWHERE!

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Got an email from Andrew overnight and was able to catch up with him finally by phone today to learn how he experienced Inauguration Day in Tanzania. Here's a "snippet" of his email:

"In Moshi for Obama and it was amazing! Watched the entire thing with 3 other volunteers, an American, a Canadian, Dutch, and a New Zealander. The power in the city only went out twice, but it was during some crucial moments like Biden's inauguration and the very end of Obama's speech. Nonetheless, was very happy to be an American and a volunteer in the UNITED STATES Peace Corps, something that I'm now comfortable adding onto my introductions. ;)"

When we talked today, he explained that the atmosphere was very joyous and crowds were large, but they had opted for a smaller canteen-type restaurant to dine in and watch the event...and that he was glad for the choice. He said that one of diners was a former PC volunteer from the 60's and related her experiences with the Civil Rights movement. Noting the various nationalities also in attendance, Andrew said the discussion post-inauguration regarding politics, world-impact, etc. was very interesting and engaging. He said they were glad they had opted out of one of the larger "bashes" that was occuring throughout Moshi for the more intimate setting.

WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD

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I see trees of green, red roses too

I see them bloom for me and you

And I think to myself

what a wonderful world.

I see skies of blue and clouds of white

The bright blessed day, the dark sacred night

And I think to myself

what a wonderful world.

The colors of the rainbow so pretty in the sky

Are also on the faces of people going by

I see friends shaking hands saying how do you do

They're really saying I love you.

I hear babies crying, I watch them grow

They'll learn much more than I'll never know

And I think to myself

what a wonderful world

Yes I think to myself

what a wonderful world.

It's late, I know, but I couldn't help but think that it's already Inauguration Day ~ January 20th ~ a very special day that many have been waiting to celebrate, not just here, but around the world.

I've been watching the news (yesterday, now, I suppose) and have been amazed, overwhelmed at the crowds and stories that are pouring forth out of our Capital....and learned tonight that a dear friend's daughter will be there tomorrow as well - a "young girl" last I saw her, now an adult ready to live history. I smile.

And Andrew ~ half a world away ~ texted, yes, texted me a few days ago to double check on the ceremony in "Tanzanian time" as he is planning a trip to Moshi - the closest city where he can try to watch everything on a television. No doubt there will be other PC volunteers with him ~ when I called him on election night, they were gathered in Moshi around a canteen TV, cheering in youthful exuberance at one moment, frustrated at the next when the "network" would cut to some "insignificant" bike race! LOL! Fortunately, his village and Moshi are very close to the Kenyan border and television, when he can find it, is following President-elect Obama (only need to use the "elect part" until noon today!) very closely! I will be calling Drew at some point during the activities to see if they have succeeded in securing a TV connection and to get his feedback on the Tanzania/Kenya response to today.

Ok...and now on a lighter note (and no getting mad and huffy with me....) - this is all in good fun, 'k? Found these on the Huffington Post blog and thought they were worth sharing for the day! Enjoy....or not!

First, a game to try as you say "goodbye" to our "outgoing" jCommander - in - Chief

Goodbye, Mr. Bush!

Secondly, a FUN video look at what LEGOLAND can do with the inaguaration...yes, LEGOLAND:

LegoLand Inauguration