empty frames...

empty frames
overlap against paneled walls

once held images of a life within
and now, weather worn without

they've seen better days
memories shaped, lives lived
and so remain

a patina
that ceases to tell individual stories
though volumes adhered
to every pore of their time worn wood

their vintage charm holds a sense of pleasure, pain,
joy and deep sadness

imprints from another place and time

empty frames overlap against freshly painted walls
in anticipation of new memories, fashioned, captured

then treasured...
by US


image source: google search

© 2010

just dreaming me some sunshine and mini travels...

With the holiday weekend behind us I find myself dreaming (what else is new ;) of traveling;
of seeking, searching and capturing with my mind's eye, heart and camera ~ LIFE. The sun will not shine today but I simply love days like this. Puts me in a dreamy state. The birds are chirping and the sounds of the season are among us.  I was going through photos this morning doing some research and came upon so many that inspire me to live life more fully;  to engage when my heart desires something new. I have been so one-track minded these days and so determined to wind down some projects, that I left my free-spirited bohemian soul-self, at the curb. She needs to spread her wings. She needs a good old-fashioned road-trip equipped with camera equipment, sandals and a cooler packed with fresh fruit, and other road-trip, hands-on-the-steering-wheel-worthy-food. That would include a pack of red licorice and let's not forget my thermos of coffee, preferably a StarBucks French Roast Intensely Smoky X-Bold blend. Warning: That stuff is wicked strong so you best love coffee enough to chew on beans themselves or not have an issue with growing hair on your chest ;) cuz you're in for an experience. Back to the road-trip. It's nearing time. As soon as the kids go on vacation with their Dad, I'm off to blue skies, my beloved Green Mountains and some serious fave spot hopping. The Desert was calling but I think I prefer New England travels this go around.~ Here's a lovely place that I hope hasn't changed one iota since I was last there. This is a gorgeous bistro with an old world ambiance. Many fond memories of this place. ........in downtown, Burlington, VT

Lake Champlain facing our gorgeous New York, Adirondack Mountains.

and once I hit the road and begin exploring maybe sweet surprises will be discovered along the way.  One never knows...;)

I'm mean let's face it, if we're not open to such experiences what is the use of living. I need to shake things up but my number one rule...Safety First! I am hyper-vigilant! One must be as a parent and as a single woman in the world.  I mean hey, there are a lot of sick and dangerous people out there.
 I need to take along a travel journal this time around. I always come across these little tiny out of the way charming towns or antique shops and then forget how I got there. I am never worried tho' about getting lost as the main roads are pretty easy to navigate but isn't that the fun of traveling when you can simply EXPLORE; taking the road less traveled, cliche' ? maybe, but true! While dreaming of Burlington, there was a time when I wanted to relocate there, more than anything. I think the only thing that stopped me was that my eldest daughter was still quite young and us being on our own after a wicked break up felt a bit overwhelming. I have always had an independent streak but at times, would not or could not attempt to come out of my comfort zone. But I just fell in love with the atmosphere there. Ideally, to live nearby in the country with Burlington just mere minutes away would be perfect. The first time I looked up at those lovely old buildings on Church Street, I saw an artist working at their easel at night with the light on and realized what a vibrant, lovely place to create; overlooking the quaint, cobblestone street with  eccentric mimes and street musicians below. It's so peaceful at night, couples walking hand-in-hand browsing store fronts, sipping cappuccino's on patio's of some very jazzy places, like the aforementioned Bistro;) ...Oh, and, the restaurants there are so great!There is a fantastic, palpable atmosphere which totally draws me in. You know that scene in movies where many friends, misfits and the like come together to share great wine and delectable food, well that is the atmosphere in Burlington. So inviting. So eclectic. Very diverse and many creative people. Right up my alley.  Perhaps, if I lived there it would lose some of its charm, but probably not. I have a country heart with the inner energy of a city girl and in Burlington, I have met my match. Ahh, to dream.  No other place has given me the same inner feeling of joy that I simply have never been able to put into words. Just the mere *thought* of this place gives me that feeling. It is a transcendental experience within and gives me a sense of knowing; of belonging, that I cherish.  Maybe when my youngest kids are grown? I never rule anything out. 

I hope all my American friends had a fun Memorial day and that all of our soldiers, past, present and future, heard our praise  and prayers.
God Bless America! 

Until next time...

© 2010
image source: theres_a_thunder_in_our_hearts_baby_tumblr

Bohemian Classic...

Just stepping in to say hello to those of you readers who did not get my update post on my other blog. Here's the link if you'd like to peek in: 
Shades of Grey
Speaking of other blogs, I am trying to come up with a way to merge the two. I am stuck. I love the background and concept and design on the poetry blog and love the clean lines of this one. This is a prime example of my aesthetic in design. I am eclectic and am drawn to a free-spirited bohemian way of decorating as well as to clean lines and simplicity. And, so as I merge these differing traits in my real life, I will attempt to do the same here.  I took a fun quiz once (can't find the link) that determined that I was a 'Bohemian Classic' as far as design goes. Um, yep, pretty much true.
If i haven't mentioned it before all things Design are my other love. I am drawn to this more and more. I love taking something old and making it new and even more beautiful. At times, I prefer to keep something in its old and worn state because its patina lends a warm and welcoming charm. My future projects will be where fashion meets fine art and where fine art meets design. Designs are in the works! That is my only hint. I just felt the need to shake things up a bit and take my creativity to a different level. I am still painting on a regular basis. I am also, if you read on my other blog, renovating and re-designing many rooms in my home. Unfortunately, I have taken on too much at one given time so I need to ease back a bit and go slower. I'd love to post pics of my happenings but my USB port(s) on my laptop are apparently malfunctioning and will not recognize my cameras. That will be rectified soon, I hope. If anyone knows how to fix this issue, please do let me know.
For now I leave you with these...and one has nothing to do with the other ~ just random pics to peruse :)
These are my new accent chairs but this is not my photo. The chairs are much larger than they appear and darker in real life.........I love my chic accent chairs!!!

Just a *very old* watercolour painting of mine. I rarely work in watercolour now.

This was a lovely send from my awesome friend RO and I wanted to share it with YOU! See you soon~
© 2010 
peace sign pic and painting by me

Flights of Fancy?...No way!

In a secret place
a heavily guarded fortress for one
designed and implemented
to protect
to serve
An inner chastity belt ~ tightly secured.
 all the while...
the breeze wisps by and speaks loudly and with authority!
"It is open to you!
You must believe"!

"There is no war between two"

"There is no winner or loser"

"Only a right ONE, a right CHOICE".

Solace disturbed by this breeze that speaks as if it knows
what the heart does not. Penetration, regardless of chastity.
Damn this disturbance...damn this! The breeze is simply wrong,
naive, even feeble minded.

I just want to rest!

The breeze wisps by again and says, even more loudly and with even more authority!
"You have been loved with promises and where did that get you"?

"You must know your dreams will come true".
"You've done your part so yes, rest now but know it shall be done and soon".
"Time is the only delay".

"Rest now, for you will need all the energy you can muster"...

Still uncertain as to the breeze's knowledge and message;
skepticism remains.

after a lengthy sleep and soothing rest...

This heart opens like a blooming flower
Full with Fever!

Yet opening gently ~ carefully.
Can this be?
I can just be?

An affirmative, resounding 'YES' comes from far off in the distance
followed by...
"We will find
no boundaries,
no hindrances,
no confused emotions or intentions on my part or yours, my beloved.
Things that were issues in our respective pasts are just that ~ past.
They need not plague the love we are about to embark on.
Walls will crumble and fall"."We will both be FREE~ to just BE".
"This, you and I have designed together...and together we will  BE".


~AMEN to that! ;)


© 2010

image source: KnightsTreasure_LG2
I'm so sure I've used this image before but funny after my words were written I came across this pic again and low & behold...it fits perfectly!
 * Gotta love fairy tales because they can and do come true! ...
for a cute little fantasy click here: 
from the French film 'Happily Ever After' ....I just LOVE Johnny's smile/grin ~ it's so hot! and what a cameo role for him! Loved it!  ;)

*Once again, I have been an absent blogger. I'm not even sure I can call myself a blogger these days.    I am still so busy plus my laptop and connection have been
challenging me big time. I can't upload any new paintings or pics because my laptop usb ports are apparently shot.  But I wanted to make sure to pop in to say Hello!
Still renovating. Still setting up my new Studio. Still painting and working diligently on my new *secret* projects. I cannot wait for the reveal of those, at least in part at some point before September. 
....And,  Still missing you guys! 

the patina of a life expressed...

As I posted on my other blog, I have been in a whirlwind of activity, hence my absence from blogging.
I have many wonderful happenings and hope to share more soon...
but for now here is a hodge podge of photos...

me in sepia tones...

this is an oil on board of a girl named Anna ~ painted in 1860, when she was 20 years old. She lived to be 80. There are details with her full name, mention of grandchildren etc on the back of the painting. I wish the photo was nicer to show the richness of the colours. Something drew me to her. I had the frame but bought the painting for $20 at my local antique shop. She's haunting...and she's my new Lady in Red,  as Steve has the other...:)

This is my dining room chalkboard and I change the message on a regular basis. Sometimes in french, sometimes displaying a menu ~ anything goes! 

These are my words..."In the Garden of Life, you'll always find Beauty, if you look for it"...

My studio is on the move...It will reside in its own special place very soon. 

Under construction ..;)

the stain of pain (close-up) ~ 16 x 20 charcoal and coffee on canvas

This is a lovely vintage card table that I recently picked up. I just fell in love with it! I love the style of the legs and it looks like a very old oil painting. 

This photo was going to be titled: 'Pain Lives Here'...because among all the good happenings in my life, I am spending more and more time with my Chiropractor :((

in his office is a large print of Picasso's 'Blue Nude' and it along with my back pain ~ ugh!  inspired me to paint these...but I try never to dwell on the negative. 

coffee and charcoal on canvas when they wips (works-in-progress)

(crazy? I know, but I love my coffee :) 

me in b & w ...somebody needs a haircut ;)

Anyway, I hope to see you soon! I have not been able to make my round of visits and for that I am sorry. At times, life moves at such a wicked pace and weeks go by before you know it. I leave you with a smile and much love...
© 2010

intricacies of...

contemplating evanescence
comes a breath of life
nirvana

a soulful love

perceived emotions
movement
tangled in its intricacies

a parade of feelings
thoughts
wonderings...

deciphering
the story of ~
what was dreamed
and what we have BECOME.

© 2010

image source: 2tumblr_krk5a9S0uw1qzpe8uo1

Love for Keats
you think it almost crude to loveso fair; so much
conceived in quiet beauty
love can feign the faint of heartit springs forth from buds of weakened desiremade strongmade wholesustaining all elsefrail health ~ so cruel
 love requires its chanceits favourallow it its  earthly place, season,  time
let history know his love
let the romantic poet live within us all...
© 2010* inspired by the film - 'Bright Star' ... and by my beloved poet John Keats (1795-1821) 

as I wait for the antidoteto fuel my cure
as I was  living a liethat now revealed ~ obscure.
drifting in and outas I rest now amonglily's baredrenched in their scent existing everywhere
and yet nowhere...
© 2010

image source: tumblr*note: I have been dying to use this image ~ it's so unique! and so it may not match my prose, but hey!  :) ...and I been living that whirlwind of activity so my absence has been extended. I am making many changes, updates to my life,  my home,  my blogs and to my Art. I cannot wait to reveal my latest endeavor but time is needed, quite possibly a few more months...Instead of being absent, I hope to post my *little happenings* ~ if only to keep in touch.  Miss you ALL!!! Much love~ ME

more pics over at:

G A R A H S T A H 

Hi everyone! ...Spring is here!!

beautiful mistake in my studio
Hi everyone! Sorry it has been ages since I last posted, two months...wow!  I have been increasingly busy but wanted to make sure to pop in to give an update. I also want to apologize for being MIA from visiting your blogs as well. I miss visiting all of you!

This is just a pictorial post showing some of the things I've been up to...

this (work-in-progress) painting was prior to my trip to Arizona ~ Me thinks I had the desert on my mind...she is titled: 'My Aboriginal Self' and is a 16 x 20 mixed media on canvas.

Sunrise my first morning there...ahh

outdoor wedding in AZ 

taking an old black/grey weather worn window and giving it a nice patina! 

and a shelf...

Ali *creating* a snowman after the last major snowfall

getting the art table ready for 3

Logan painting a volcano!

Ali (God I LOVE her auburn hair) 

Amidst these busy times taking time out to *reflect* and *meditate* is necessary...

My waterfall ~ the largest of several...oh the lovely sounds they make when flowing...a sanctuary in our own backyard.  As I write this post at my desk I am looking up and my view is of this waterfall. 
See You Soon!

all photos by Calli ~ 2010