michelle ward

still growing

It may officially be fall....and the nights are cooler, but my roses haven't gotten the memo.  Once the first frost arrives I'm sure they will refrain from showing off....but right now they are glorious.  The first one I'm showing you was one of my Mother's Day gifts - called Hot Cocoa.  It is such an unusual color - very rusty red with brownish edges.  I couldn't quite capture it, but aren't they pretty?

 

And this one....I should name her.  She was from the first plantings last July.  Look how much she's grown!  I can't even count the number of bouquets she's gifted me with.  It's interesting how some of the roses have grown at a faster pace.  There is one from last year that is serious lagging behind even the ones from this year.  This one....she is the star. 

ready to climb

In ten days I'll be leaving for Madison....I'm almost done packing my supplies.  It's such a phenomenal experience to participate in an event at Valley Ridge Art Studio.  I feel so blessed to have this opportunity each year.  Next week we'll be climbing the Stairway to Heaven.  I've got so many ideas to share I feel like I'm going to burst.  Can't wait to unload all of them on my students! 

 

 

 

There are a few spots left if you want to come join the fun.  I've been asked if this class will be made available as a kit like my house book...not sure yet.  Stay tuned.

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*

the high road

A favorite line, from a favorite film, DUETS, is this:

"And they say our society is losing its finesse."

Taking the High Road.  Do you sometimes wonder if that is the Road Less Traveled? 

"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I - I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference."  Robert Frost. 

MAKING A DIFFERENCE IS TO TAKE THE HIGH ROAD.  Beyonce showed us that last night at MTV's Video Music Awards.  She has finesse.  If you didn't watch I'm sure you have seen the news coverage.  Classy gesture.  Classy. 

(Ooooh!  Another sneak peek at stamps *grin*)

 

sneak peek

 

I'm nearing the finish line....new stamps will go up for pre-order soon.  I'm not promising a date yet as I have to get ready for a workshop in October too.  Can't wait for both events! 

My first collection of rubber stamps for Green Pepper Press was called HomeWard.  The next one was called WayWard.  Can't decide what should be the name of the new collection.  ForWard, UpWard, BackWard, InWard, OutWard, DownWard, AfterWard.....Graham said AwkWard *grin*.  Good gracious...I'm having so much fun....can't wait to show you!

crusades

 

I've posted Crusade No. 33 ~ Back to School on the GPP Street Team blog.  Come over and play!  It's nearly three years since I started the creativity crusades, can you believe that? 

A different kind of crusade ~ one of loss and love:  Today is the anniversary of The Sending of the Pink Socks.  September 5th we mailed off 700 pairs to the University of Minnesota Hospital, Unit 7B.  They were gathered from generous and giving souls around the globe and the experience left a permanent pink glow in my heart.  Thank you, again.  xoxo

 

saint or sinner?

 

Saint or sinner?  How about both!  Do you do this?  Do you stop in for a spritz of a new fragrance and *try it on* for a day?  I strolled into Sephora and sampled Saint on the right and Sinner on the left.  They are clean and sweet.  I sniffed myself all day.  Didn't come running home to wash it off so they must be good.  I do prefer one over the other but will probably have to buy both.  Do you do that too?  When something is cleverly designed as a set....and even though you can purchase separate you end up doing exactly what they want: buy both.