michelle ward

thorns and roses

Did you see the American Idol finale?  Even if you aren't a fan of the show it is always a terrific evening of surprise guests and great performances.  The highlight for me was the Bret Michael's duet with Casey James.  The song has stuck in my head...and the lyrics too.  You know I'm a fan of roses.  And I get it that they come with thorns, just like life.  I'll take both.  I wouldn't give up roses because I don't like getting stuck by the thorns, just like I don't give up on life because sad things happen. 

This reminds me of a favorite quote - here is a graphic I made for it some time ago.  Complain or rejoice.  I choose rejoice.

 

I am behind on my RT journal, but will use this photo in it soon, along with the lyrics.  Some photoshop trickery:

Thank you for your kinds words of sympathy on the last post.  I am truly touched.  Wishing you a glorious holiday tomorrow - enjoy the day off with your family as we honor Memorial Day. 

going home

I will be heading home for a few days to help celebrate a life....to listen to stories, and maybe tell a few.  I will cry for the departure of my cousin Kathy.  I will cry for her young family.  I will cry for her sister Molly, because I have been there.  I will weep for all the losses we have endured.  I will be grateful to be spending this time with family.  My journey through the sometimes murky place called grief has had many moments of light.  It is in those times that I can imagine heaven....where there is no illness, no longing, no sorrow.  I will visualize the trumpets sounding as another beautiful soul enters the gates.   She was not afraid.  May we all be that prepared.

 

Thank you for your kind words of support and encouragement this week.  I love being able to share that SHE MATTERED.  xo 
 

ruby tuesday: fortysix

 

I feel lucky to be 46.    I feel lucky to be surrounded by love.  I feel lucky to be healthy.  I feel lucky that yesterday I could make the beds, shop for roses, read a book, communicate with friends via phone, email, and texts, have a lovely dinner out, sleep soundly.  In another part of the country, a beloved cousin is under hospice care, facing an uncertain future with grace, with faith.... I wish I was there, helping where possible, offering support.  But I'm here.  So I pray, I listen, I squeeze my eyes tight and visualize less pain, more peace.....PEACE.....it's a beautiful thing. 

step into my garden....

As many of you know, today is not only my birthday, it is Shannon's too.  Two summers ago she left us, after gracing us with her presence for forty years.  We planted a small rose garden, in remembrance of her....and it has not only grown, it has multiplied.  Today I am allowing myself to be a little sad, missing her.  So many calls and messages have come in, wishing me well....thank you.....but I can't hold back the tears, some happy, some sorrowful.  So before I head out to the nursery to indulge in one more rose bush, I will take you on a tour.

The above grouping is just outside my studio door.  Below are the newest, planted in April.  We have learned our lesson about spacing...and have given these beauties much more room to grow.

 

Below are the gifts from Mother's Day 2009....one didn't make it through the winter....so that is the mission for today.  The new one will make twenty in total.  I'm getting pretty good at this....and decided I will start a new journal project, keeping notes on my experience as a Rosarian.  xo

Our annual Sam party was postponed this year as we were holding out for better weather than we usually get in April.  Thanks to all our friends, classmates, and teachers who came to celebrate on the glorious Saturday we were blessed to have.

 

recovering and recap

Oh right....back to real life.  I'm late with posting...but at least I did it!  These pages chronicle the wrap-up of the HIM tour.  I documented the set lists from the four concerts we saw, and journaled about the experiences.  Still in recovery after a three-night-stand staying in the city.  Whew!  It was a gas.

I found these terrific new tools at AC Moore.  They are perfect for making toner transfers with Goof-Off.  Also good for blending with watercolor pencils, brushing on glue, painting and smoodging.

 

The rose count is insane!  With the recent rain the bushes are heavy and leaning.  Need to find a way to support them.  *adds on the to-do list*  Here is one until I can take more photos.

Fallon was able to finally get photos with three of the guys Friday night.  Perfect little addition to a fantastic tour.  We were definitely spoiled.  They are all back in Finland now.  When-oh-when will they be back? 

This week Seth @ The AlteredPage is revisiting True Colors with commentary each day from the participants.  I thought all the artists would be included in a one-day-post so I kept my remarks brief.  I could talk endlessly about the fabulous experience of making pages, then seeing it go to print.   Fun to be reading his blog as we reminisce out loud.  Check it out HERE. 

thank goth it's friday

(happy mothers day graphic with sneak peek of new stamps)

 
I will be away, so I am sending you wishes for a Happy Mother's Day.  Hope you have a grand day, and wonderful weekend.

 
Look at this enthusiasm.  The roses are all eagerly growing straight up toward the sun.  We now have twenty bushes - and countless, literally cannot count them, buds about ready to show off.  Check out the evidence on this one.  Can't wait to get back after the weekend to see them.

New crusade is posted.  Come play!  (The Roman Numeral for 40 is XL, get it?)

Oh, where am I going?  You mean you haven't been keeping track, counting the minutes like me?

 

I will have a small collection of new stamps up for pre-order next week.  I can't wait for you to see these!  I'm just finalizing a few sizes to match up with some paper punches.  Sneak peek in the top graphic.

Again, Happy Mother's Day ~ especially to my cute little mom with the big heart.  xoxo

working in multiples

 
Often I will work in multiple journals.  Love to try on another size using the same tools and materials just to see if I learn any new lessons in composition.  I recently started working in this mini moleskine (found at Borders).  My RubyTuesday journal is almost complete so I will transition to this little one in the same theme, and will tuck it in to the larger one somehow.

The above is a sneak peek into the next crusade, posting tomorrow.  We are at the 40th!  My mission of spreading creativity and building connections through online challenges has been an utter delight.  How cool to have a gathering of interest from around the globe in our cyber studio!