The creative and spiritual journey of a (textile) recycler. . .

I have thought about starting a blog for a long time now. I just couldn’t seem to get started. I thought. . what would I say, what would I do and really . . . . . who would care.

Last year I had the great fortune to witness a ‘happening’. As a spouse at a reunion (I know, groan) I was both an observer and participant. This reunion was attended by some of the most creative and talented people on the face of the planet. Really, no exaggeration! But many were holding onto life long insecurities. They didn’t think they were talented enough and embarrassed to perform in front of each other for fear of . . who knows . . . finger pointing, whispers, laughter, ridicule of some sort for sure. Once it was revealed that many shared the same feelings, the healing began. And I was the lucky one. I got to witness it all and benefit as well.

So, the message is that we all think we are not good enough compared to someone else, but we are. Don’t let your fears and insecurities stop you. We can’t measure our own success by someone else’s talents.

This revelation and the kindness / support of strangers has propelled my creative journey to a place I had given up ever getting to. Tho I thought my creative juices were dried up forever, they have merely been reawakened. Many thanks to all involved in my process, including in-part . . Victoria B, Mrs. W., Charles Mc., Claudia H, Mary B, Cindy G, Sandy B, Traci B., Kat C, and my IAA family. So, thank you. I dedicate this blog to all of you!

Saturday, September 21, 2013

Summertime Scavenger Hunt 2013 - Final Photos

Today is the last day of the Photo Scavenger Hunt and I am sad.
What fun this was!
The hunt combined with some unexpected travels this summer 
resulted in some really great and very unexpected photos
that I was happy to share. 

I call myself a 'drive-by photographer'. 
Most of the photos were taken from a moving car and
not one photo was touched up or altered in any way.

Here's the rest of my photos, closing out the hunt for 2013:

Dinosaur #20

Tower #8

Plane #4
City Hall #

Animal #11

Police/Fire Vehicle #15

Bike #

Windmill #16
this was just outside my motel room
in a store!

Sunset #5





My art tool #21
... is my camera! I'm never without it...

Please click on the Photo Scavenger Hunt label
at the bottom of this post to see all of my photos 
and be sure to click here to see what everyone else has posted. 

This year was very challenging for me.
At times, actually most of the time, it was very stressful
and while also dealing with increased depression that became quite severe.
If it wasn't for you Rinda and your scavenger hunt, 
I'm not sure where I'd be right now.

From the bottom of my heart, I thank you Rinda! You are a gem.

Friday, September 20, 2013

Summertime Scavenger Hunt 2013 - Benches, chairs & more...

Here's a variety of list items that I found interesting: 

Benches #10
I love the bits and pieces that someone put together for this bench!

Rows of hand painted benches. Who doesn't love that!

A bench in a nice soothing spot by the lake.
 
This one is just cool!
 
Woodstock!


Open Air Markets #1
Just before the crowds descended.

Outdoor Cafe, Pub #18
 


Performing Arts Theater #2

Tomorrow is the last day of the challenge. 
Be sure to come back and see the rest of my photos!

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Summertime Scavenger Hunt 2013 - Taking a Nap


More scavenger hunt photos..... napping!

the obvious...

love this painting, artist unknown...

this was hanging outside my motel room
during my summer travels!




Saturday, September 7, 2013

Summertime Scavenger Hunt 2013 - Stained Glass/Mosaic


This post is number 14 on the scavenger hunt list:
stained glass or mosaic items

I've always loved church stained glass windows

There were lots of stained glass windows on this abandoned building....I was told there were ghosts there...
see anyone in the window?

Another fave of mine.... anything covered with broken dishes and do-dads creating a cool, colorful and bumpy mosaic

A funky sidewalk mosaic

 This is a stained glass piece that separates 2 sections in a restaurant

This is a section of a mosaic that covered an entire wall with itty bitty pieces. The wall is so huge that I could not get it all in one photo!

A mosaic bench with circles of glass



In case it seems like this hunt will never end, below is a list of photos on the hunt and which ones are yet to come....
1. Open air market
2. Theater for performing arts (not a movie theater)
3. City Hall, Capitol or other similar civic building
4. Airplane
5. A sunset
6. Someone or something taking a nap
7. A sign that is intentionally or unintentionally funny
8. A tower
9. A photo with someone or something that is clearly out of place or doesn't belong
10. A bench that is outside
11. An animal in a zoo, aquarium, nature preserve, etc.
12. A cloud in the shape of something (please specify what you see)
13. A fence
14. A stained glass object or a mosaic
15. A fire truck or police car
16. A windmill
17. Candle(s)
18. Your local pub/bar, coffee house or tea shop
19. A fisherman
20. A dinosaur

21. A photograph of you with an artistic tool or craft supply (you cannot substitute for this item)
Bonus/substitute items:
A person wearing an outfit (or item of clothing) that symbolizes your country
A sundial


To check out all of the other bloggers photos, click  here.

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Summertime Scavenger Hunt 2013 - Something Wrong

Still working on the photo scavenger hunt and today my post is things that are wrong or out of place. Tell me what you think....

The parking lot was full.
Every car in the lot was muted silver, blue, burgundy or similar colors.. except this one and it was day-glo green!
No lie.. I've never seen a car color so bright in my entire life!

Was at a world music & jazz festival.
There were all kinds of things for sale, like congas, African masks, rain sticks, textiles from India, belly dancing do-dads with
sparkle n spangle bling and the like.
So do you think a Beiber rug fits in?

My artieries clenched when I saw this one: fried butter

Graffitti on museum wall is just wrong, wrong, wrong...

Overgrown gutters...like over the whole roof!

Steep angled bridge..wow, scarey

Huh?

An immature adult is just wrong...at least in my world

Yipes, a multi colored house

Bongs on a shelf in a market caught me totally off guard

Giving ski lift rides in 99 degrees

 A tree growing around a headstone

When was the last time you saw a phone booth?

This sign was at a rest stop of all places!


To see more images from other scavenger hunt bloggers, 
click here!