michelle ward

i *get* myself :)

While I tend to feel guilty buying anything for myself in December, that doesn't count for November!  Some recent cool finds from Etsy:  crocheted lariat from SewJennyJo,  felted scarf from DutchFeltArt, and more crocheted loveliness from ShelbyRose.  Don't forget to visit ETSY.com for your holiday shopping.  To revisit posts I've made about Etsy finds you can click on the category cloud at the left.

Tonight I posted a new crusade on my Street Team blog.  You know I love *signs*.  I am encouraging you to document yours in your journal, and share the story.  It's a cool thing knowing someone else's signs because when you see them you widen the circle of connection.  I know many of you think of me when you see pink socks, which means that Shannon is being thought of too, right?  It's all good.  Share your signs!

I need to make a journal page with pansies.  They are Mom's favorite flower.  Some years ago I got her a press so she could send me dried blossoms and I have handfuls of lovely pansies I've used to make her cards and gifts but I never have made a journal page about it.  I motivate myself to do it now.....and I will include that she turns 70 today!

got spirit?

I didn't manage to get out the Halloween decorations before I went to Valley Ridge so I got a late start this year.  Check out the coolness that came in the Gift-from-Linda bag....got me in the spirit!  Fallon and I finally hauled out the black-and-orange bins and put out our favorite things for the holiday....11 days away!  Winston is an October baby.  We aren't sure of his actual birthday so we claimed 10/31.  Perfect don't you think?

Linda not only makes lovely packages, the stuff inside them rocks too.  I would love to follow her around to see where she scores all the loot.  Thanks Linda.  You get me.

I do know that Sandy scored this while on a mission in Cuba.  I admit not knowing anything about the culture there and had no idea they had this community of artists making books.  Her eyes glimmered as she spoke of discovering these.  I did a little research and found this link, click if you want to learn more HERE.  The book she gifted me with is very cool book, almost zine-like, with xeroxed pages and individual embellishments and cut-outs.  I managed to find the translation for this one - it's a poem.  Lovely, thanks Sandy.

And another special thanks.  (I keep saying I'm a lucky girl!)  This one is a double gift.  You can see the necklace....this girls gets me too.  She knows it's a favorite shape.   She knew it would make me swoon.  The first part of the gift is a letter.  A lovely letter.  A long letter.  Handwritten with thoughtfulness and honesty.  The kind that makes you laugh and makes you cry.  The kind you read and re-read.  Then tuck away somewhere special.....and read again the next day.  The kind of letter that validates, encourages, inspires.  Aren't words powerful?  Especially when they are used for goodness?  Aren't connections amazing?  Doesn't it blow you away that we can feel like a kindred spirit to someone we have never met just because of the words we exchange?  To you, you know who you are.....there is so much more to say, but for now - thank you.  xoxo

commitment

Just reflecting on the past weekend....and I am feeling so fulfilled.  It's an amazing thing to have an idea, to visualize it, to nurture it, to explore it, and then finally, to share it.  Stairway to Heaven is a workshop concept I have lived with for over a year.  It's been like holding a secret.  I got to reveal it not once but twice to an awesome group of women.  Some were new-to-me friends, some were veteran favorites.  They ALL ROCKED.  It was thrilling to see them take on this project, each with their own flair.  As an instructor you commit yourself to presenting something new and fresh, and hope it takes hold and provides a platform for growth.  You endeavor to teach *process*, disguised as a *project*.  You put yourself out there, hoping that their greatest take-away is enthusiasm for creativity. 

I don't take it lightly that artists choose to spend their time and money on a workshop with me.  I consider it an honor that the time they set aside to commit to art is with me.  While I hope to fuel, or re-fuel them, they most definitely re-fuel me.  Their presence, their eagerness to work, and the results that follow offer me validation on many levels.  I am so grateful.

Unplanned, there was a word I latched onto and repeated during class:  commit.  It was the perfect prompt at the time, as I tried to encourage students to commit to a color palette, commit to a page shape and arrangement, to commit to adding content.  It was appropriate then, and when you think about it, it is the best way to continue moving forward as you build a book, or work on a painting or collage or whatever it is you do.  Small steps, small commitments, inform and direct the following steps, the following choices.  You make a decision and it opens up the possibilities to what happens next.  Mistakes may occur but that is where the real learning often takes place.  It is in making commitments that you evolve.

There were a few jokes about *fear of commitment* but it was all in fun.  I'm sure there were moments we could have asked to be *committed*.  They did commit big time by creating really wonderful, special, unique books.  They committed by making time for art and friendship, and by sharing in the creative process as we all learned things from one another.  That's what happens in workshops.  ESPECIALLY at Valley Ridge.  We all extend our thanks to Kathy and Bill for their commitment to providing this spectacular venue where magic takes place.  I'm certain there is fairy dust in the air.

How cool is that?  You see my cute little Mom?  She committed a weekend to join us in the fun! 

Right now I am committing time to wrap up my proposals for 2010 at VRAS.  I am psyched for the ideas that are channeling in.  I am giddy about going back next September.  The workshop schedule will be posted soon, I'll let you know when to hop over for a look.

Thank you ladies, for your commitment.  You have gifted me with energy and validation and satisfaction and fulfillment.  I am a lucky girl to have climbed the Stairway to Heaven with you.

  

mattering

It doesn't seem that long ago that Jenny told me Janice was sick.  But it was years ago that I first learned Janice was talented.  And some time ago that I learned that she was generous and vibrant, as Jenny described visits with her daughter to Janice's studio.  We know her as an artist, as seen on the pages of Somerset Studio over the years.  Others know her better.....call her teacher, mentor, friend, wife, mother.  I admired her from afar, and the occasional email of praise.  Because Jenny loved her, I did what we tend to do, granted her an instant friendship because she was a friend of my friend.  So I joined in with Jenny when she wanted to honor Janice with a tribute from fellow artists.  All I could think of to say was You Matter.  Isn't that what we all hope to hear?  Whether we are facing the end, or facing each new day....that we matter? 

Janice's site:  http://www.janicelowry.com/  Her blog:  http://janicelowry.blogspot.com/  And a great video glimpse of her in her studio HERE.  Her journals are now at the Archives of American Art at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC. 

*blowing kisses toward the sky*

before i go....one more reveal

This would be the mother of all reveals, if one were keeping score.  I thought I was going to skulk off into the sky, flying back to Minnesota, carrying with me the cloud of grief, but instead I will be carrying this Book of Love, to share with my family.  How does one go about finding and composing the most apt words to convey how you have made me feel?  You obviously know me well enough to know I am utterly moved.  Picture me surrounded with rays of light, casting a pink glow.  Both eyes filled with tears.  One for sorrow, one for joy.

 

I will let the photos do the talking.  Special thanks to Secret Agents JeriAnn, Julie, and Lisa who schemed and plotted and gathered a generous, thoughtful, loving, talented team of participants.  I thank you all for the quiet, gentle embrace.  I feel you.

 

 

 

  

Julie has loaded the pages onto flickr, you can visit HERE.

 

I know, can you imagine?  I'm blown away too. 

I am missing Shannon so much, but look how many art-sisters I have (plus an art-brother, Seth).  A swarm of angels.  I've said it before: You make grief endurable.  With humble gratitude, Michelle.

revealing...

Some recent updates.  (If you are reading through a feed you'll notice I don't approve full posts or graphics to appear so click on in.  I appreciate feed services as a way to be notified that a blog has been updated but it's my preference to limit the excerpt and invite you to come on over.)

 

New crusade is up, come over and play!   I've been working behind the scenes on assignment for my friend Lynne.  She had the impulse to try a slide show and before I knew it she had created 28 new pieces and some banner graphics.  We not only launched a new web page featuring these but we also got her set up with an Etsy shop where you can purchase her original art.

 

And because you asked for it.....

 

When I went in for my Shannon tattoo in May there was time for a quickie 2nd one!  The ankle ink is a repeat of a much larger one on my lower back but since I don't reveal that one too often I thought it would be fun to have it in a more visible place. 

 

 

I'm not going to apologize for showing tattoos on my blog....I know some people don't like seeing ink so I should probably have posted a warning.  I don't like food photos but people never warn you before they visually assault you with their dinner do they?  ;)

 

They say once you start....Of course I'm kidding with these.  Besides, no time for a tattoo, I'm hitting the road.  I've packed some pink socks - I know you are with me.  See you next week.  xoxo

navigating

Serendipity, synchronicity, coincidence.....I pay attention and feel like I'm in tune to the meaning of what happens around me.  I look for connections, significance, in art-making and in life.  Not long ago Lisa pointed me toward these books.  Mr. Rushnell is my kind of guy.  He not only identifies with my favorite, *winks*, but he takes the position that they are God-sent.  I'll buy that.

 

This month my friend Kathryn posted to her True North Arts blog about serendipity and synchronicity, and the role it plays in the creative process.  I was honored to be an invited guest - you can read her interview with me HERE.  She then challenged her readers to invent a compass.  I didn't have the time to create something this month, but in my studio overhaul I came across a portfolio of old sketches.  Synchronicity!  Check out my compasses.

 

This doesn't really count as an entry to her challenge, but the message is timely....especially as our oldest has just graduated.  The deadline for Kathryn's prompt is Friday, therefore I'm not-so-timely in directing you her way.  Don't let that stop you.  There is alot to read and think about over there, and I'm certain she has more up her sleeve with future projects.

rosarian

 

The other day Martha's guest was a 'rosarian" from the New York Botanical Garden.  I learned a few things about planting - good to know as we just introduced 3 more rose bushes TODAY...making 13!  I love that title and figured it was reserved for official rose specialists or rosologists...is that a word?  When I looked it up at Merriam Webster is simply said:  cultivator of roses.  I'm that.  I'm a rosarian ;) 

 

Above is the view of my five original bushes.  If you are considering getting one for yourself let me suggest Double Knockout.  Ours are really growing up and out and I have been cutting roses from them daily.  Here's the thing - when I first got these last July I was afraid to cut the roses off.  Once I finally did it I was rewarded with many many more.  Don't be afraid to cut some and bring them in to enjoy.  I promise you they grow back.

 

I have lost count of how many roses I have cut this year.  The first bloom opened only two weeks ago and I'll bet I have had 100 since then.  Seriously.  I did some reading and came across a great trick - have a bucket of water out with you to drop the roses into when you cut them.  And cut early morning or late afternoon when it's cooler because the stems are more likely to be filled with the food that keeps them nourished and they will last longer in your vase.  I'm sure that's good advice for any kind of flower you cut from your garden.

 

I noticed our newest roses came in a container from Jackson and Perkins - the same company that Martha promoted on her show.  I went to their website and uh-oh.....I think I found a few more things I need for the sunny spots in our yard.  Climbing roses called Stairway to Heaven?  Need 'em.  I'm ready to tackle climbers (I think) and so I was looking at the arches and trellis options when I saw these dome things.  Need 'em.  Yep, I'm a rosarian.

EDIT:  Linda commented about using coffee grounds on roses....my mother-in-law in England does that too, so we have been saving both coffee and tea and have used it on the Mother's Day rose bushes as a test.  I'm still waiting for that garden to begin showing optimism.  (I think the rabbits have been enjoying them.)  My morning check brought this.....just yummy....it's yellow down in the center.

signs and symbols and strides

Oooh!  Up for pre-order is the new Dan Brown novel The Lost Symbol.  And this weekend Angels and Demons hits the screen.  Can't wait.  I loved the Da Vinci Code (book was better than the film) and soaked up all the connections made with signs and symbolism.  On my drawing table is a study of symbols, with my own personal connections....the obvious:  a cross, a pink rose, and a four leaf clover.  and the secret:  an "S".

 

 

Friday @ 4:15 I will be honoring my sister with this permanent sign.  If I could see her reaction I know it would be a roll of the eyes, just before they well up with tears.

On Sunday, Shannon's husband Andy will be honoring her with a team of walkers for Great Strides to benefit Cystic Fibrosis.  Love that their mantra is to turn CF into Cure Found.  Love that it is on our birthday.   

may flowers

 

I can't really count these lovely Diana roses as my first blooms since I recenty just bought her.  She makes me so happy.  This weekend she will finally have a permanent home in the garden after days of rain. 

The dark clouds made me turn to my journal to work out a few thoughts and to write down some memories.

 

You may remember that this time last year I was able to sneak in a visit with Shannon after my workshop at Valley Ridge.  Here's the amazing thing:  I usually teach in October.  Kinda cool that it happened I was there in May, and made this visit to Minnesota happen.  Tucked in the envelope are some of the last emails I got from her.  One of them mentions what a "day-brightener" it was to receive all your blog comments filled with good wishes.  Thank you for coming through for me back then.  This is the last photo I have of us.  That day she told me I was a great hugger.  I never knew that.  Do you see that pink and black sleeve?  I was wearing it for her.

 

The sun was out today - finally!  I inspected the roses and was gifted with this.  There are many teeny weeny buds but only one revealing petals.   Even better than a rainbow.  Send your good vibes the sun sticks around tomorrow as we are having the annual party for Sam (bumped from April in hopes of better weather!).

sheesh, it's hot

We melted today.  95* is too hot for April.  At least it didn't rain and I could do a little spraying.

 

I love collecting type from magazines but I don't really care what it says.  I will scudge up these pages tomorrow with some sandpaper and then spray paint so they look like decaying posters often seen on random surfaces in New York.  This Walls Notebook is perfect for that. 

I confess, I've put up a few posters myself - although it's been a while since my HIM Street Team sniped in the city.   We need a new album so we can launch a crusade.  Here's some old Evidence.  Kat didn't mind getting the heartagram sticker...she's a fan.

Speaking of crusades, No. 30 is coming to an end.  We are discussing journaling in your journal with Cat Got Your Tongue?  Come play before it's over!

i'm a lautrec dunce

 

I admit it, I don't know much about the artist or the man.  But lucky me, I have good friends who adore him, and we are off for a girls weekend together where we will visit an exhibit at The Clark.  There will be some driving involved so I gathered some tunage, and had to include the Moulin Rouge soundtrack.  I got stuck on youtube for a while this week - watching Susan Boyle wow us all.  THAT girl can wink!  Then I had to re-watch Paul Potts from an earlier Britains Got Talent.  Some great goosebump moments that I love watching over and over again.  Don't you?

I ended up back here:

light

 

 

 

dark

 

 

bursting

Some days are better than others.  Today is Sam's 17th birthday.  I can't believe it.  Lots of calls from family.  But there won't be one from her, his God-mother.  I sometimes need to listen to sad songs on mornings like this.  Afterall, music is what feelings sound like.  THIS ONE makes me cry.  Everytime.  After listening about 3 or 4 times I latched onto the phrase....and quick went outside for a look at my still-covered garden.  It brought more tears, the happy kind.  A sign.

 

And when I'm in that place, I have to make stuff. 

 

And another page from the WN, because I found the perfect size Ville Valo photo.

 

today

Last day of January....how are you doing on your To-Do list?  I'm moving like a snail on my self-imposed goals.  It's ok.  There is the real-life stuff we have to get done, then there are the things we kinda hope get done.  I saw this slogan in a magazine ad and it fueled my fire.  Turn To-Dos into Ta-Das.  How's that for motivation? 

Maybe you don't have a To-Do list, but that shouldn't stop you from starting a Ta-Da list!

 

love connection

 

I love when you connect, when you make a connection between seemingly unrelated things.  Like this:  two horned friends in a watermelon boat, and the Chinese New Year.  Huh?  I'm not sure what came first in my mind.  I was taking a photo of this lovely gift from Lisa, and I think that's when it all came together.  I thought of these guys as two buddies, sisters or friends, riding along in their little watermelon boat.  Keeping each other company on their voyage to who knows where, maybe China?

 

You know that Lisa sent me this gorgeous and meaningful deer friend earlier, so I was drawn to the deer and didn't really notice the ox.  It clicked that tomorrow begins the Chinese New Year, the year of the Ox.  And then I made the connection - ox equals OX, as in Hugs and Kisses.  Right?  So how cool is it to have the deer, a loving sign from my sister, riding tandem with Hugs and Kisses?  Very cool. 

 

Another connection:  the other night my fortune cookie told me "Spirit guides accompany you" and the back was the Chinese word for "watermelon".  I know, hcit!   My favorite Ugly Doll, found earlier this year:

Make this connection:  The Year of the Ox, can be the year of OX.

she's a dear one

 

Tina sent this card for Christmas.  She gets me, and knows I would be so touched by the deer.  Inspired by her beautiful card, I wanted to make some pages so I could place it in my journal.  That's why I was taking photos of falling snow at night - I was somehow compelled to set the deer in a faux snowy woods scene.  The journaling, which you can't see, tells the story of my friendship with Tina, the significance of the deer, and the meaning behind the snow, and the captured orb that looks like a wink.  A family friend told us recently that when she was watching over us as little kids she had asked my brother and sister and I what we might want to be if we couldn't be people.  My sister chose a snowflake.  Layers of storytelling.  I think of this as a triple wink page. Love that.

 

vision in white

 

A beautiful, slow falling, silent, large flake snow blanketed the day.  Perfect for staying in on a day off, watching.  It wasn't until evening that I tried to snap a few photos for a journal page I'm working on.  Snow, like fireworks, is hard to catch on film.  The gloriousness can't be freeze-framed like a smile or a flower.  But we try anyway, to remind us of the experience.  What we see through the viewfinder isn't always what we get in print.  Sometimes there is an unexpected surprise.

you knew it

 

See?  Wasn't it obvious that my word found me?  Rise.  Looking & moving upWARD.   

New word = new tools.  Stencils and stamps with my default comfort palettes.  This counts for Crusade No. 27 ~ Shape Up!  A new shape that I'm running with.

 

  

I love it that you figured it out.  All the guesses were good.  Thanks for chiming in.  You Get me.

there it is

 

I'm not one to 'pick a word' for the new year.  However, this year, one came to me.  Don't you love when that happens?  When you least expect it, there it is.  I have been working on some journal pages to wrap up and document thoughts, and processes, and evidence from '08.  I looked back through my journal and there are a lot of roses.  The year began with red roses, but ended with pink ones.  I know that roses will always be a favorite image and will continue to show up in my work, my studio, and my home.  One of my defining words for 2008 would be *rose*.   And there it was, my word for 2009...... 

 

  

My friend Kathryn presents a prompt on her Soul Journal site to discover your defining word or words.  It's a worthy exercise, to esteem toward something, to attempt at achieveing something, so set the course for '09.  As I said, I don't usually define myself until the end of the year.  But *rose* led me to *_ _ _ _*.  I used the word in my last two posts (oops, 2 of the last 3 posts).  That's how I knew the word came to me.  It was an obvious choice to claim it, and has several meanings for me - creatively, spiritually, and cleverly.  Can you guess what it is?

   

confessions of a packrat

Do you tear off the used postage from your holiday cards every year like I do?  It's a habit I started years ago, and I'm happy to admit I have stashes of lovely stamps to use in my art.  I'll take yours if you don't want them.  Really.  Tear off the corner, and save it for me.  P.O.Box 73, Piscataway, NJ 08854

 

Tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. Central Standard Time, registration begins for the workshops at Valley Ridge.  It's the only place I have committed to teach at for next year.  If you are thinking of taking the class with me you might want to save your used postage, right now, and tuck it away until October.

    

play your *drum*

 

Follow me.  I was watching the lighting of the Rockefeller Center tree (so I could tell Sam when Miley Cyrus was on), and Faith Hill performed Little Drummer Boy.  I couldn't find it on youtube, but found her on Letterman HERE.  Beautiful.  That made me want to revisit Bing & Bowie's version HERE.  LOVE that one.  Then I wanted to see the original.... HERE.  So dear.  And you know when you are on youtube you can spend a whole morning clicking through the 'related videos'.  And whether you prefer the Bob Seger version of the song, or Josh Grobans, the message is clear....

 

I know it may be hard to find the time as the holiday approaches to make gifts which makes it even more special to actually Do It, and Give It.  We often underestimate ourselves and our work don't we?  Shake that off.  You have the Stuff, you have the Talent.  Use It.  Made with Love, Wrapped with Love, Sent with Love.  Do It.

 

 

 

If you didn't click on my links above (they open in a new window so you can listen and keep bloghopping) stop for a minute.  And listen.   You can blame me for the song playing in your head all day.  Keep painting, keep knitting, keep drumming.

 

masters of illusion

 

I think Bergdorf has a total of 14 windows (edit: 18 windows!).  What a task to complete these scenes.  They change over several times a year - the holiday windows are worth a visit.  The 5th Avenue showcases will mesmerize you, but don't forget to go around the other two sides!  I wish you could get a sense of the dimension on these - lots of layers, lots of huge props, and tiny details.

 

 

 

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

The backdrops for these windows are enlargements from one of my favorite clipart books.  I adore the white windows on 5th Avenue, but I swooned at all the black&white&red on 57th.

 

  

We make the journey by train into the city every December just to see the windows, but we were lucky to catch them this year in November.  Hope you've enjoyed the illusion from your chair, wherever you are.  It's been a visually intensive few posts but I wanted to show you as much as I could - it's hard to capture the total wonderfulness with my humble camera, the glare, and other window gazers about.  How dare they get in my way?  Here are a few more from 5th Avenue, and 58th Street.

 

 

All credit for the Bergdorf Goodman holiday windows goes to Linda Fargo and David Hoey and their team of visual magic makers.  I saw David directing positioning of props and really wanted to interrupt for a fangirl moment and autograph but I could tell he was trying to beat the clock.  Very cool to see him right out on the street while hands behind the glass moved things around in the larger-than-life assemblage art.  I have seen a few local newscasts covering the window displays with sneak peeks into the workrooms.  This morning they interviewed David and he said it takes 9 months to prepare the Christmas windows, and they do it to entertain and inspire.  Mission accomplished!

Linda has a book, Dreams Through the Glass, that is hard-to-find (copies go for around $100).  I wish they would release a yearly publication with professional photos of the overall windows, the details and secrets hidden in each vignette, and some behind-the-scenes shots.  I'd buy it, wouldn't you?

Oh, and I dug up a photo taken of the phrenology heads from the 2006 holiday windows, wonder where they'll show up next:

 

   EDIT:  an article about Fargo and Hoey from 2007 HERE.

spring's aviary

 

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

Almost done.  Can you imagine how much fun it was to compile this stuff?  I notice a few repurposed things from previous years, like the phrenology heads.  Very cool.  Told ya, *swoon*. 

iridescent summer

  

  

  

  

  

My fave is next - Spring.  After that I'll show you the 57th Street side windows, more swooning. 

the moons of autumn

 

  

  

 

 

After the Windows, we took rode a rickshaw to dinner, and walked the busy streets to Madison Square Garden for Cirque du Soleil:  Wintuk.  This was my 3rd CDS, but the first that had a skateboard ramp and BMX-style bikers, and a grand finale with snowflake confetti which dropped throughout the entire audience!

 

Still more windows to follow.....

  

painting winter

 

  

  

   

 

 

More tomorrow........

tip of the iceberg

The five main windows at BG are all white.  Summer, Spring, Autumn, Winter, and Holiday.  Breathtaking.  Wonderous.  Over-the-top cool.  Here is "Holiday":

 

  

  

  

  

Much more to come.............. 

behind window no. 1

 

I love anything with little windows and doors, especially when there are secrets behind them.  Today I got out my collection of Advent Calendars.  Here are a few, collected over the years from BasBleu.  Can you stand it?  Russian and Italian architecture with WINDOWS AND DOORS! 

 

Here's one I made a few years ago - behind each window is my collection of Madonna & Child Christmas postage stamps - looks kinda lame now so I'm about to start a new one.  Not a real advent calendar, but still a countdown of sorts.  I'm determined to make a little something each day before Christmas as inspired by my friend Kathryn who has prompted her posse of Soul Journalers on her blog.  Kathryn challenges you to chronicle gifts of gratitude....on the heels of Thanksgiving, it's perfect.  Two inches a day on a journal page seems do-able, and it will keep me plugged in to good vibes taking me right up to Christmas.  The day is almost over....gotta get Day One made.