Cranial Purge

A Slice of My Life

This is what life looked like.

On that day.

At that time.

Sitting in my van waiting for my son during soccer practice.

Been sick. Couldn't find the tissue box.

TP will do.

Book bag on the floor full of library books to return.

Smaller bag on seat with journal and current read ready to go.

My phone, used tissue, green tea in my favorite mug.

Oh yeah. And reading glasses as it appears my eyes are aging.

This is a slice of my life.

Unedited

As Is

Not Staged

No Apologies

Real Life

I don't think we see enough of this on the internet.

I know I don't.

I see pretty images.

I see edited photos.

I see staged shots.

While lovely to look at, they tend to make real life seem inferior after a while.

I wander around the web looking for inspiration and leave feeling like something is lacking.

I wanna see real life relatable shots for a change! 

Even if it's just for one blog thread.

What does your real life look like?

C'mon! Indulge me!

Love your life as is!

Every slice!

Share with me!

(I would love to learn how to do one of those 'add your link here' things. For now, please share a link to your every day pic(s) in the comment section. I double dog dare you!) 

I picked up a book at the library a few days ago.

The Collage Workbook

by Randel Plowman

It's fun, colorful and easy to read. It's also full of good information!

For instance, the author shares some great online resources for downloadable images to use in your art. Some are completely copyright free, others supply notes and restrictions on how the images may be used. I can't wait to check them out!

Library of Congress Image Database (has notes on restrictions & copyright use)

Library of Congress' Flickr Photostream (no known copyright restrictions)

Reusable Art (copyright free in the US)

Karen's Whimsy (free images courtesy of the author)

Public Domain Pictures (royalty-free stock photos)

Artists

Here are a few I have been enjoying lately.

David O'Keefe has so much fun and whimsy in his paintings, one cannot help but spread a smile across one's face while indulging in his art.

Chasing the Moon - an up and coming jewelry artist who just happens to be holding a give-a-way!

Jenni Horne whom I have been a fan of for many years now. She paints, she makes jewelry, she teaches art to young children, she inspires! I just love her whimsical style and her cheery use of color. I always feel good after spending time in her space.

I love her even more now that she has introduced me to these delicious paints! I must get my hands on some. Pronto!

Alrighty. Enough random time wasting. Back to work for me. Now... where did I put that 'to-do' list anyway... (shuffle shuffle shuffle).

Hey you! You still here? Well bless your heart for staying through to the end. I want you to know how much I truly appreciate you, my dear reader. I truly, truly do. Thank you for making me feel even a wee bit worthy of your time. What a precious gift you have given me. Thank you!

Wowie!

Have you seen Norah Jones' new video?

Watch out! Woman Scorned!

*Warning*

It's kinda dark. It's creepy cool.

Drat! It won't play on Blogger but if you click 'play' then follow YouTube link,

you'll be able to see it there. Go ahead. I'll wait.

I'm not sure how I feel about liking such a dark song, but I do, and with such a catchy tune, it has me hooked!

What do you think?

I was present shopping the other day.

I ran across this book. It made my heart swell.

My husband surprised me with it the very next day!

If you click on this link, you can buy your very own.

Bonus

There's a video of the author/illustrator! He's great!

I just had to share this fun find with you.

People's creativity never ceases to amaze me!

I found the funnest shop a few days ago.

~pause~

(Sorry. Had to take a moment to pause and tell y'all that spellcheck seems to think "funnest" is not a real word! Really? How can it not be a real word? I use it, like, daily! Whatevs.)

Anywho...

I was out with a friend of mine (lunch date, light shopping) and we happened upon the coolest set of stores! The Villager is a really great framing shop which also carries work by photographers, handmade jewelry, THE COOLEST lamps made from vintage cameras and musical instruments and more and more and more sweet goodness (wish I would have taken pictures downstairs but I didn't so you'll have to trust me and pay them a visit). 

Then... we saw a steep staircase inviting us up to another uber cool store. I am IN LOVE people! My Apt. @ 429 is sooooo fun! They have gently used vintage and vintage style clothing, vintage kitchenware, books, jewelry and so much more. It is hands down the coolest resale shop I have ever been in (and I have been in loads). It is set up to feel like a ginormous upstairs apartment (more like a flat as it is the entire upstairs of an old downtown building). I wanted to move in instantly!

One of the most creative items for sale were these skirts.

Someone took a whole bunch of men's ties and assembled them into skirts! Some of the skirts had ties simply sewn side by side. Others were designed a bit more roomy and flowing by taking the seams out of the ties, spreading them wide and then assembling the ties together. How fun and cute is that? Do you see the decoupage collage of vintage pages on the wall heading up the stairs? Seriously! The walls were full of fun art, there were dress displays hanging from the ceiling, there were animal crackers and candy sitting out for customer consumption pleasure, and fun signs all over. Example? Sure! Here's one now!

Too fun! 

I know I said it would be a quick share and then I went on and on and on and on and I know that this was an exciting post for me because spellcheck is having a hay day with my choice of words-

funnest

Whatevs

Anywho

uber

ginormous

-so I will let you off the hook and sign off for the day. In the event that you enjoyed this post and the stores I have mentioned, I will leave you with more fun pics! So many creative ideas here!

(sorry in advance for the shoddy photography, my little digital takes horrible inside shots)

I am a serious book addict.

I have been known to squeal at the delight of a good book find.

When my family hits the library (all avid readers)

we never leave with less than thirty books.

We have had upwards of 80 library books checked out at on time.

I try to limit myself to two or three active reads at once,

but others sneak in.

There are more patiently waiting on the shelf for me

but for now, these are my current reads.

What are you reading?

Do you (or someone you know) suffer from a debilitating condition?

Do you (or someone you know) suffer from chronic pain?
I have a story to share with you.

You'll have to follow the link as I did not request permission to post and it is copyright protected.

Go ahead. Take the time. It's worth it.

I'll be here when you get back.

The Spoon Theory

Great! You're back!

That story was shared with me by a wonderful online friend.

She knows I suffer from fibromyalgia and knows I have good days and bad.

My initial reaction to the story was, "Wow! I'm not alone. Someone gets it!"

I felt relief and understanding.

The story has stuck with me. I have shared it with many people.

It has given me a new way to look at my condition and my life.

It has taught me to take care of myself and pay attention

to the amount of energy I use and how I dish it out.

More recently, it has inspired me to make a new piece of art.

After finishing the piece and finding pleasure and satisfaction in it,

I have decided to do a "Spoon Series".

More to come...

You know how you wake up every morning,

go out into the world and share your sunshine?

How you throw compliments that make others blush with pride?

How you lend a hand when you see someone in need?

How you build the confidence of your children with love and praise?

How you see the beauty in everyone you meet?

How you appreciate the gift of friendship and let your friends feel your appreciation?

How you love and accept every flaw in Mother Nature not as a flaw but as perfectly imperfect?

Will you do me a favor this morning?

Before you head out the door,

will you look in the mirror

and start there?

Throw yourself compliments and watch yourself blush.

Do you see need in your eyes? Fill that need.

Give yourself the love and praise you deserve and the confidence will follow.

Look at the beauty that is looking back at you.

Appreciate yourself as the best friend you could have.

Love and accept every perfect imperfection you were blessed with.

Start with beautiful you.

I am mega frustrated today.

Like MEGA!

Like speechlessly so.

Me. Speechless.

 I know, right?

(yup. I'm down with the teen lingo)

My anger today is aimed at creativity killers. Art Assassins, if you will.  Instead of dumping my anger (which is all I seem to have to offer at the moment), I will share some art inspiration. I will turn the negative into a positive. Go ARt!!!!

1.

Did you know Jim Carrey (the comedian/actor) is an artist?

Totally! Check the LINK.

2.

This looks like a BlaST!!!!!

3.

A blog chok full of art from various artists

using various art forms and mediums.

Learn, explore, get inspired.

LetsLoveArt

4.