The Ordinary Life

Hi Everyone! 

It's been awhile but I found myself playing in my art journal this week between working and caring for my grandchildren.  In my Monday night theology class we were discussing the spirituality of vocation and the fact that God is in everything we do, our work, our relationships, in our ordinary life. I was thinking that my vocation and ordinary life intermingle and sometimes it seems that my life is mostly the same day after day.  Maybe you feel that way too. It's not a bad thing, the ordinary and I'm not complaining, I'm just saying there is comfort in living the ordinary life. Looking around and seeing the blessings of each day, in the ordinary. So this week I suppose I was recording ordinary life in my journal pages. 
You can check out this ordinary life by clicking on the page tab above: ART JOURNAL. I'll share my personal art and stories behind the art with you. 

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Tell me, does your art imitate your personal life, your vocation and your relationships? 

Happy Painting!
Suzy

Linking to: Paint Party Friday, Art Journal Every Day,

DELICATE BEAUTY

Hi Everyone!

It's the first hibiscus of the season! Right outside my living room window this bush/tree blooms it's little heart out. The pale peach blooms with hot pink middles are gorgeous. The blossoms last only for a day and then they are gone. Luckily, the bush has more than one bloom at a time and puts on quite the floral show each day. 

On my front porch is a collection of orchids, blooming at various times.  These phalaenopsis are from our daughters wedding last July. They have bloomed twice since the wedding.  

And finally, this small little beauty. Another phalaenopsis orchid. Sorry about the photo, the wind was blowing and I was trying to hold it still enough for the camera. I love the creamy pale yellow under the magenta veining pattern on the petals. Delicate beauty. 

Guess you would say we are lucky to live in the tropics where such beautiful things grow in abundance. What's blooming in your area? 

Have a wonderful day!
Suzy

New Baby....Chinese Coin Quilt.......Nursery Canvas Art

Hi Everyone!

Yeah, it’s me again.

Posting TWICE in one week…must be some kind of record.

I couldn't wait to introduce our new grandson, JACKSON and to share two of my latest art and quilting projects with you! Earlier this week I shared the Lap top sleeve I made before jetting off to Texas to visit our daughter and hubby and our new grandson. 

So here's what we've been waiting for: Official photo of Jackson with his Mimi! 

To hold him in our arms at last!  Precious, precious, precious! Mimi and Papa are over the moon in love with Jackson!

You might remember, I was working on a Chinese Coins quilt for Jackson and I promised to post a photo (or two) of it when it was finished. 

  

Last minute Suzy was putting binding on just before we left for our trip. LOL!

You can see that Jackson loves his new quilt! In fact the whole family loved it so much, each person used it while rocking the baby (and napping too).

I also painted this 8" x 10" canvas for our baby grandson, keeping in mind his mommy’s simple yet modern style (and color request of green, brown and blue). 

Although Jackson doesn’t officially have a nursery yet, it will be a great addition to his room. 

Just can't resist sharing one more photo of our little guy! 

Happy Weekend!

Suzy

Linking to: Sew Many Ways; Paint Party Friday,Sunshine & Summer Breezes

LAPTOP SLEEVE ON THE GO

Hi Everyone!

My old laptop recently retired after 10 years of excellent service.  I needed to replace the oldie with more updated features. Skype, I’m all geeked up about THAT feature!! It drives my family and friends crazy because I want to Skype.  

Knowing that we would soon be traveling I wanted to get a nice laptop sleeve to protect and carry my new baby (laptop) in. Searching around locally and online nothing in the pre-made laptop sleeves appealed style-wise. SO, I Googled “laptop sleeves” and found the perfect pattern on Crap I've Made blog, you can check it out here.  I love the zippered sleeve, especially for traveling and loved, loved, loved the embellishment details! 

A quick check in the fabric stash and would you believe it, not a piece of fabric that jumped out!?! LOL! With time running out (only 1 day to sew) I dashed to Wally World (Walmart) and fell in love with a black polka dot on white background (love me some polka dots)and a printed black fabric (I know, ho hum...) When I got to the cutting table and was waiting F O R E V E R, I spotted a  lovely piece with orange hibiscus, gray palm trees and a bit of yellow mixed in. PERFECT. I ditched the black fabric. Gleefully I purchased fabric, iron on fleece and a nice long zipper (I went for the heavy duty jacket zipper) and rushed home. Later I found the orange dot fabric in my stash to use on the detachable flower pin.

I’m pretty pleased with the way my laptop sleeve turned out following the easy peasy pattern/tutorial.

 BTW, I made up my own flower pattern and it is detachable. Love the way it looks.

Oh, I lined the inside of the sleeve with the polka dots and each time I unzip the sleeve, it makes me smile!

Happy Sewing!

Suzy

Linking to:Sew Many Ways

Hiking and Gourmet Grilled Cheese

Hi Everyone!

Thanks for joining me today for the last few pages of the Travel Journal. We're hiking in Cascade Canyon up to the falls and then running into Jackson Hole for the afternoon.  

If you have missed any of the Yellowstone/Teton series, please check them out under the Travel Journal tab above.  Be sure to check back soon for more travel journal features!

I’ve enjoyed sharing my personal journal pages and photos with you and I hope you have enjoyed the adventure too! 

Happy Travels and Happy Journaling!

Suzy

THE RIGHT FORK IN THE ROAD

Hi Everyone!

Please join me today as we take the right fork in the road at Grant Village and drive along Yellowstone Lake through wooded areas of pine. 

Come and read more about this day by clicking on the TRAVEL JOURNAL tab above. Thanks for coming along of the journey, next week I'll be wrapping up this Travel Journal and I hope you will join me for the final adventure on a hike above Jenny Lake. 

Happy Travels and Happy Journaling!

Suzy

MUD POTS, GEYSERS AND BOARDWALK ADVENTURE

Hi Everyone!

Welcome back for another Travel Journal Thursday adventure!

 I'm so happy you have stopped by!  .  This week we journey further into YNP encountering much wildlife and fun times along the way. 


Just click on TRAVEL JOURNAL tab above to get the entire journal pages along with personal photos. I'd love it if you would leave a comment. 

Enjoy the adventure!

Happy Travels and Journaling!
Suzy