Back Cover Of My New Year Journal

This is the back cover of my January 2010 New Year's Journal. I started following along with Misty Mawn's journaling prompt and got lost somewhere along the way. I finished her entire January Journaling assignments last year, managing to create something in a journal every day. This year it took me clear into February to finish. It's OK though as I am pleased with this journal. I made it myself using Teesha Moore's tutorial. I used some different techniques and even worked through something that was bothering me. So this little 8x9 1/2" 12 page journal has taught me many things and I've had fun with it.

This drawing is inspired by Picasso. I definitely need practice with proportions. LOL! I wanted to make it my own so I added a watch to one wrist and bracelets to the other. Now that I look at it I think they each need a ring or two. And that yellow flower needs a smiley face. :)

Thanks to Tristan of Enchanted Revelry I got to play with Caran D'Ache Watersoluble Crayons. I love them. So would anyone care to tell me what watersoluble means? Can I get the colors wet and paint/blend with them? I'm afraid to try anything other than coloring because I don't want to ruin them or mess them up. Oh geez, now I feel really ignorant. I'm just being honest here. I really don't know what all I could do with them. He sent me the Neocolor II set and the colors are wonderful. OK, enough about the crayons....

So here's a thought, What if you bought or picked a bunch of flowers and gave them to a stranger?

Maybe the person behind you in the check out line,

Or the next person on the street that smiles at you,

Or your day care provider on her day off,

Or the waiter at your favorite bistro,

Or the librarian,

Or, Or, Or,

Have fun with this one. A random act of kindness can be contagious.

Be Happy, Be Healthy, Be Yourself,

Tess

A Gift from Nancy

Look what I got in the mail this week.

I had forgotten that Nancy requested my snail mail address. I was surprised and delighted to receive such a wonderful piece of artwork from her for no apparent reason. A just because she wanted to "Random Act of Kindness".

I had so much fun holding the package and guessing with my Mr. what could be inside.

And then the unwrapping and unveiling of the most inspirational and beautiful painting.

Prayer has been constant in my life lately as I suppose it should be.

This angel, a guardian angel I am sure, will remind me to pray in the good times also, not just the bad. I must remember to send up thankful prayers too. I have decided Nancy's gift will be that reminder for me. A reminder to pray through the good times and the bad. To pray with a quiet mind and a thankful heart.

This piece is so beautiful. I believe the term is encaustic. It feels smooth to the touch and the image seems to be sitting on top of the paper. She is real, it's the feeling I have when I look at her.

I have so many questions to ask of Nancy or any who may know the answers. How do I care for this wonderful piece of art? Can I frame it? Can the glass touch the wax or should the glass be above the art? And if no glass what about dust, cat hair? Will it melt? I love it so and I want it to last forever.

Thank you Nancy for this beautiful and inspirational gift. I do promise to pay this generous Random Act of Kindness forward one day. If you haven't lately please visit Nancy's blog. She is always posting such wonderful photographs and lately has been making some really beautiful new pieces of jewelry.

I am wishing all of you mothers, step mothers and "surrogate" mothers out there a very Happy Mother's Day tomorrow.

Tess