Artful Adventures

Shop to Remember Tracie Miser

 
Feel like shopping?  A lot of you may remember Tracie Miser, who was very active in altered art of all kinds, and also very good at it.  She was a good friend of mine that I met through the yahoo group for Altered Books where she was the first to volunteer to act as a mentor, and I was her first "mentee".  A friendship was born that I feel very lucky to have had in my life.  She did so much more than offer advice (which she freely offered up), but also introduced me to Valley Ridge Art Studio, insisting I go take some classes with her, something I can't thank her enough for.  That's where we first met in real life, sharing our lives, sitting up late chatting, trying to solve all our problems and had a lot of laughs, too.  If you knew Tracie, you know how much she liked to shop-unbelievable!  I swear she had every stamp, paper, tool, whatever that was out there for sale.  Keep reading, more about this coming up.  Sadly, Tracie passed away last fall, you can read about it here.  Since then, her sister Erika and husband Ron have left their home in WI and moved to Tracie's neighborhood, buying a house near Tracie's house so they could take in her her 3 boys and not disrupt their lives anymore than it already has been.  This will allow them to keep their old friends nearby, go to the same schools, stay in the same sports, etc.  A huge loving sacrifice on their part!  Ok, now to the shopping part, Memories & Beyond in Downer's Grove, IL has agreed to do a sale/benefit this coming weekend to liquidate all of Tracie's supplies-we're talking well over 3000 stamps alone, not to mention everything else she had!  100% of the proceeds are going directly to a trust fund for the boys, since the store is donating all their time, space & staff to this, they're asking to not use charge cards so no more expenses are incurred.  The store is located at 1400 C 75th St, Downer's Grove, Il and the phone# is 630-217-0610 if you have any questions.  Ron, Erika and the Boys will be there during the sale on Sat, 6/26 from 10-6 and again on Sunday 6/27 from 12-6 with a collection of pictures and a collection of Tracie's work.  If you're in the area & can make it, it's going to be amazing!  Sadly, I can't be there, but I will be sending a donation.  If you can manage to do so, all donations would be appreciated and can be sent directly to First Community Bank, 2728 West 75th St, Naperville, IL, 60564, attn: Tracie Miser Children Fund.  I've also got Erika's address if you'd like to send a note to the family, just let me know  I'll send you the address.  Tracie will be missed, but here's a unique chance to help the family, something I feel really good about.  So on this longest day of the year, I'm hoping you all strongly consider shopping or donating-you'll feel great either way!

A Must Read book!

 

Several years ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Annie Lockhart (that really does sound too formal!) at a class taught by Nina and held at Valley Ridge Art Studio, which is an absolutely magical place.  Turns out that Annie & I share a birthday, and the fun started from there, turning us into "Sweet Sistah's".  That said, I couldn't be any happier or more proud of Annie for this book that she wrote and was just released.  It is WONDERFUL!!!  Seriously, I buy a lot of books, and this is hands down, one of the best.  She makes you think about what you're creating.  After reading this book, you'll never again glue something to something-just because.  Or because it's trendy and all the kids are doing it:)  You'll think about those elements and what they mean, what do they add, and you'll soon have something that reflects you, not so & so.  Oh, just buy the book-you won't regret it!

Another Year Older & Still Kicking:)

 By this time of year, you just never know what to expect.  I've seen it be anywhere from 80 degrees or snowing and everything in between.  But the one thing that happens for sure, is that I have another birthday.   Funny how our priorities change as we get older, what's important now and what's not so important anymore.  Think about it for a bit, you'll be surprised.  I remember chuckling years ago, when someone quite a bit older would say something like "if you've got your health, you have everything".  That statement didn't mean anything to me back then, I lived my life like a crazy woman, taking risks, being the daredevil all the time, with no thought to my health at all.  I figured if I didn't break anything, I was good.  Well, I'm paying for it now, but I'm done bitching about it.  There's too many good things in my life that I need to concentrate on instead.  
Like this deck-I Love this deck!  It's not huge, just right, on the east side of the house and weather permitting (and sometimes not) that's where you'll find me.  It's a place where I can watch the birds, have a bonfire, sit quietly or have it jammed with friends and family.  It's a GOOD place, a favorite place, a place to be grateful for and grateful that I have friends to share it with.  Friends and family are everything, and something I never take for granted.  So on this birthday, I'm celebrating the dreams that have come true over the years, like being an artist.  That got put on the back burner for so long that I never thought I'd have the opportunity to give it a shot, but it happened!  A husband that's stuck around for over 30 years, through the good & the bad, 2 kids that are wonderful and can turn me into an angry banty hen if anyone messes with them.  Friends, how important you all are-those who I've known forever, some not so long, but you all play a part in my life.  So Happy Birthday to me-I have a lot to celebrate!
   

Rings & Things Strikes Again!

For months now, our calendar has had the innocent enough looking words "bead tour" written on yesterday's date.  But let me tell you, everytime I saw those words, my heart raced a bit, a little smile crept over my face, and then I'd count the days.  This event, put on by Rings & Things, hits Green Bay in September & then again in the spring.  Gary & I met Amanda & her Mom there, and we had a friend, Julie meet us there.  Julie & Amanda's Mom were BSV's (bird show virgins), a little term I just made up-they're the ones with the biggest smiles and normally you hear the word "overwhelming" coming from them, all good things!  This event runs so smoothly, that I'm always amazed.  After working retail my entire life, I know all too well that it's not always easy to be calm, cool, and collected in a room full of women all shopping with enthusiasm.  In fact, last year when we checked out, it just happened that the lines were particularly long at that time, and yet, the gentleman that checked us out actually chased us down out in the parking lot to make sure that we had gotten our coupon for free shipping on our next order. THAT'S service!  Now the fun begins, pricing & putting the beads to bed (almost done), where they'll patiently wait for me to create something with them.  But they won't wait long-tomorrow morning it begins:)  Oh one more thing, after we got in the car to leave, Gary mentioned the tray of beads that he was carrying around, which I just assumd he wanted since he's played around a little with making jewelry and wants to do more.  Turns out, he claims they were beads he thought I might like and I was supposed to go through them and choose what I wanted, not just buy them-whoops:)  Personally, I think he really wanted them all along, he's not THAT easy when it comes to spending money!  If you hear of a Rings & Things show coming your way-go!  If not, you can always shop their website, you won't be disappointed either way.

A Tribute to Tracie Miser

Way back when, a lot of us started out and met in the Altered Book Yahoo group, a place where we mentored each other and friendships were made that will last forever.  One woman in particular, Tracie Miser, made an impact on my life and many others.  She was a mentor to me and had the patience of a saint.  Generous in sharing her skills and even sometimes her supplies, but she was especially generous in sharing her time and making sure that we learned & grew as artists.  Over the years, I got to know her quite well and we had some good stories to tell, stories we laughed about in emails just a couple of weeks ago.  Tracie was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer just about a couple of months ago, and her funeral was today.  There wasn't enough time to say a proper good bye, maybe it was better this way, I don't know.  Here's a copy of her obituary and the details for a Children's fund that's being set up, she left 3 young sons behind her.  Tracie, you'll always be missed!   And for anyone reading this, please remember that life can be so very short, be good to those you love & let them know you love them.

Tracie Miser

Tracie Miser Tracie A. Miser (nee Gross), age 46, a resident of Bolingbrook, IL for 17 years, formerly of Naperville, IL, died Thursday, September 10, 2009 at her home after a short struggle with pancreatic cancer. She was born June 27, 1963 in Brooklyn, NY. Beloved mother of Ryan, Michael and Anthony; adored daughter of Jean and the late Carl Gross; cherished sister of Erika (Ron Week) Pearson and Kori (John) O'Connell; loving aunt of Hunter and Carson O'Connell and Nicholas Week; special friend of Susan Kurm and family; former spouse of Robert Miser. Tracie was a graduate of Naperville Central High School. She received a bachelor of nursing from Aurora University, Aurora, IL and a masters in nursing from Rush University, Chicago. Tracie was currently working as a nursing instructor at Joliet Junior College, Joliet, IL. She was a member of St. Elizabeth Seton Church, Naperville and actively involved in the artistic community. Visitation Sunday, September 13, 2:00-7:00 P.M. at Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home, 44 S. Mill St, Naperville, IL. Services will begin Monday, September 14, 9:00 A.M. from the funeral home and will proceed to a 10:00 A.M. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Elizabeth Seton Church, 2220 Lisson Rd., Naperville. Interment: Assumption Cemetery, Wheaton, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to: Tracie Miser Children's Fund. For info. (630) 355-0213.

A little entertainment---

Just recently, Eli Mattson announced that he's going to be the new spokesperson for Cellcom, the company that our daughter works for.  A couple of weeks ago, there was a small intimate kind of concert given by Eli, that some of the lucky Cellcom employees could attend, and Jessie was one of them!  She could bring a guest, and because her partner couldn't attend she decided to bring either
Gary or I with her.  Hmmmmm, who to go with her:)  As much as I'd liked to have seen this concert, I told Gary to go ahead & go.  I knew he'd love it, and a little father/daughter bonding is always a good thing, so off they went. 

But I did tell them to get some pictures, and Gary also brought home an autographed CD.  Cool!  Eli went to high school out here with the kids, I'm think he was a couple of years behind Jeremy, and I'm not 100% sure, but he & Jeremy most likely performed together in one of the high school musicals that LC was known for.  This photo of Jessie & Gary with Eli, will be one that'll bring back memories for Gary & Jessie for years. 

A little over 10 years ago, when our good friend Russell tried to explain to me what winterguard and WGI were, and that Jeremy should be doing this, little did I know that it would change his life for the better, enrich our lives for having been involved in this activity from the sidelines, and that he'd still be active in what is referred to as "The Sport of the Arts".  His marching days are over, but this past year, he was a staff member for Velocity, helping to write some of the choreography for this year's show.  Click here and you can watch the show that they performed this year.  Watch closely, it's hard to see that besides the obvious dance movements & flag work, they're tossing rifles and sabers up into what seems like the sky, and catching them.  Beleive me, it's not as easy as it looks!  Here's a few more pictures from the dress rehersal.  I didn't realize how much I missed hanging out around all the kids & the activity, until we went to watch this.  Maybe next year---

Unless you're lucky enough to be involved in this activity in some capacity, you wouldn't believe how hard these kids work!  And they learn life lessons that put simply, helps them grow into good people, learning teamwork, work ethic, and good sportsmanaship to name a few.  Ask me sometime and I can elaborate much more:)  This year's season is done, but if you have a chance to catch a show somewhere near you, or better yet, have an opportunity to volunteer & help them out in some way, do yourself a favor and participate-you won't regret it!

Jeremy's on the right, Alyssa on the left, and Russell in the middle-all staff for Velocity and friends for life.  They're like proud parents after watching the perform their dress rehersal!  And by now you've all quessed that I despise being in front of a camera, but I'm breaking that rule for a moment.  A picture of Norm, a good friend, my fellow chaperone when we took the winterguard kids to Amsterdam for a show in 1999, and well, just one of the nicest men you'll ever meet, was there and we had our picture taken together, me with my bad hair day & Norm with his arm in a sling from having shoulder surgery earlier in the week.  But it was so much fun chatting with him, talking about the fun we had in Amsterdam (hush up, Jeremy!), and just catching up on things.  That's all for today-hope you all have a great week end!

Necklace, anyone?

 

 

If you haven't had the pleasure of meeting Amanda before, now's your chance!  She's having her first blog giveaway right now and if I were you, I'd be running over there to sign up for it (I did!)-she's giving away one of gorgeous (and I do mean GORGEOUS!) necklaces!  And while you're over there, she had a birthday last week, you could flood her with belated birthday wishes, too!  Amanda is a good friend of mine, and I'm fortunate enough to live close enough to her that if weather permits, we can get together occasionally and "art" the day away.  Now that spring's officially here, we can start doing that again, although spring in WI translates into you never really know what the weather will be like.  For example, they're talking 7"-8" of snow starting tomorrow sometime.  The good news is that it doesn't stick around long now.  The giant allium is already up a few inches, and I noticed the bleeding hearts poking through in spots, too.  So soon, very soon, spring will be here to stay!  Will try to get some studio pictures up tomorrow, at least that's the goal, so see you then!

Growth

 

Now isn't this the most innocent, unassuming, walk right past it & never give it a second look, kind of potted plant?  You couldn't be more wrong:)  When I first bought this plant about 15 years ago, it had 1 little stalk and was in a 4' pot.  What you're looking at in this picture is not the plant at all, but the flowers that grow after a winter dormancy.  When they open, the flower is a gorgeous burgundy almost calla shaped bloom-that smells like the most rancid rotting whatever that you could ever imagine thing, which is why it also goes by the name "corpse lily".  You don't water it all winter, the bulbs form in bone dry soil.  After they're cut off (as soon as they smell) then the plant grows, and grows, and grows.  Much like an artist, give us the right tools, the right mindset, cultivate our style, and we grow.  Yep, we may produce some stinky stuff in the process, but can thrive if we take care of our needs, learn, and grow.  A growth that can actually be measured daily, as the flowers can be!  If you want to learn more about the plant, it's at The Flying Pig right now for entertainment as it was wintered there, and you can see more photos of it here.  And for even more history and to find out why it's called the plant that only a mother could love, go here and be amused:)  It is spring after all, time for some plant knowledge! 

Even though spring is almost here, it's not nearly far enough along for this peony bloom, not to mention that I've never seen one colored quite this this.  But it's a good example of how things change.  If this bloom were an artist (and that's how I'll refer to it from this point on) you can see that it's changed, some may say for the better, some may not agree.  But this artist has changed her style a bit, enough to still be recognizable as that artist, but has learned new things, new techniques, has morphed into whatever she is today, and who knows what she'll be tomorrow, but still has & always will have, the same roots, same essence that makes her what she is, it's just that today her work looks a little different, mediums have changed, skill levels increased, and different tools used to make her work look like it does today, instead of that plain peony that her art used to be-now it glows a bit, and has a little more confidence, but humble enough to always remember where she came from and not let go of everything, see that touch of original color left?  That's needed to remember who she is, was, and will be.  Still with me? There's a point to this, really!  If you click on over to my friend Debi's blog, The Junkin' YaYa , you'll see that she does a biweekly feature of an artist, and this week it's me!  She had a computer crash and lost the images that I had sent her, so she chose the ones that you'll see on her blog instead.  It's all pieces that I had done 6 or 7 years ago, how things have changed!  If anyone had told me back then that today I'd be painting or making jewelry, I'd have laughed in their face, seriously.  But you know what-I am doing those things!  Most of us look back at our older work, say a quick "blech", and quickly get away from it.  But you know what?  This is where I started, this is what my art was built on, so in all honesty it would be foolish for me to not look at these as a measurement of sorts.  If I'd have chosen to stay stamping, fine, but I didn't.  But I also wouldn't have learned anything new if I hadn't figured out how to do those pieces first and then move on, step by step, inch by inch, and sometimes even a step or so backwards.  I've often heard artists say that they're embarrassed by their older work, or can't believe they used to do______fill in the blank with whatever, but we all had to start somewhere.  And this was my somewhere!  So where did YOU start?  I'd really like to know!  To end this post , one day last week, we went over to the Flying Pig for a cup of coffee, and as we're sll sitting there talking, we noticed that we were each wearing a different pair of Solmate Socks.  It's a line of socks that has mismatched pairs, which is just too much fun!  They say "Life is too short for matching socks", and I have to agree!

Treasures!

 

This past week, the mail was good to me, but so were my friends:)  For Christmas, a friend of mine, Tammy Vitale, got the equipment needed to make her own beads.  In just over 2 months look what she's making already-a goddess bead!!!  She was generous enough to send it here to live with my growing collection of special little things, all things that were gifts to me that one of these days will be turned into a necklace of my own.  Thanks Tammy, she went to a good home!  And while we're talking about Tammy, be sure to click here to read an interview that Tammy did as a guest artist for the MMCA Marketplace blog.  It's a great interview, you'll enjoy it!   

An old friend of mine was cleaning out her closets and decided to get rid of broken and/or jewelry that she wasn't going to wear anymore, so she boxed it all up & sent it my way.  It's funny how a pile of someone else's cast offs can look & feel like such a treasure, but it really is a treasure to me.  Something I can rummage around in, and pull a piece from here & one from there, and put something together that's wearable-now that's fun!  It's funny though, I don't think I've ever owned that much jewelry in my life, let alone have that much laying around to get rid of.  As good of friends as we've been for well over 30 years, she was always a girly girl with tgeh perfect clothes, make up, jewelry and wore about a size zero.  Then there was me, just about the complete opposite, but we did have fun!  In the box with the jewelry, she also sent along an old photo album with every page filled with her family pictures of her ancestors.  That's here for a visit, long enough for me to photocopy or scan the pictures and then it's out of here!  A generous act on her part to trust me with this, but it makes me nervous to be responsible for someone else's treasure, and it really is a treasure.  Another project for me to get done relatively soon and then send it back to it's home.  Even though I have a ton of old pictures, having some "new" ones to play with is always a treat, isn't it? 

A new month/a New Year!

 

January was a bust, in every sense of the word, so for me on this day of Feb.1, 2009, I'm declaring this as my New Year, and will start all over again, there's no doubt that it'll be better.  Plenty has happened, the good, the bad, and the ugly.  One of the good things was that Gary had a birthday on Thursday, but the celebration will be delayed until sometime later this month.  A couple of weeks ago, his aunt, who was truly more like a 2nd Mom to him because she finished raising him when his own Mother died when he was just 16, fell & broke her hip.  At 92 years old, that's a hell of a hurdle to get over, and she couldn't do it, passing away early Tuesday morning.  The funeral wasn't held until yesterday to allow time for out of state relatives to attend.  Making this past week feel like a lifetime-waiting.  To complicate matters, with the stress level high, I screwed up on taking the correct amount of Warfarin, which sent my bloodwork plummeting right back down to close to the level that I had in the hospital.  It's corrected now and all is well on that end, but between that & the blood clot, I wasn't allowed to attend the funeral.  Even though I knew I couldn't go, the tremendousus guilt that I feel for not being there to support Gary when he needed me the most, is something that I'll have to live with.  It's a shame that it takes something so dramatic in life to realize just how fiercely you love someone, and want to protect them from anything that hurts them.  After being married to him for over 30 years, and as angry as we can get at each other, sometimes wondering what's the point, now I know without a doubt that the point is-we really do love each other.  A good comforting thing to know. 

After several phone calls & a little sit down with the docs, it was explained in a language I could understand, that my version of taking it easy & theirs, wasn't the same.  To keep everybody happy, I haven't left the house much at all (they hadn't explained that car rides were bad) and now have  footstools in several places all over the house, so that no matter where I sit I can put that foot up.  We even have a drafting table set up in the living room so now I can do art with my foot propped up under the table.  But the best was getting a laptop, so now I can get back to spending some time on the computer, back to posting here, and catch up on the rest of you-all with--you quessed it-with my foot propped up.  But January wasn't all bad, I got art shipped to PA to  Arts On Union for a show that runs the month of February, featuring the artists of MMCA Marketplace, how exciting!  But more on that tomorrow:)  And I can't let the good things go by without thanking Amanda for being coming here to work on art together, for sitting with me yesterday while everyone was at the funeral, in general for being a friend and going out of her way to help-thank you again!  Lots more to tell, but one day at a time, in the meantime, being cooped up isn't so bad when I have these kinds of views right outside my window.