Somerset Studio Gallery Winter 2010

I just received the newest issue of Somerset Studio Gallery. I have two pieces that are published in this issue. The first one I knew about, the second one I didn't. Nice surprise!! The Haunted Neighborhood (p. 74) I knew was going to be published. I love this piece! I even taught it as a class at Mystic Paper over a year ago. It actually stands up and if you place the light just right, the round windows in the attics of the houses glow with the scary images in there! Several images are from the vast stores of my BFF Mike Putman of Jack and Cat Curio.

This next piece I didn't know was going to be published. I had submitted this over a year ago for the Black and White call that Somerset Studio had. Didn't make that issue but it made the Gallery.

I love this Hollywood Vamp (p. 139) is a favorite of mine. I love that woman. She is really a vamp! I got this image from Mike, too. Thanks, Mike!!

Books to alter

While doing some thrift store shopping late last week, I came across these old books. They were not priced. I had to wait until earlier this week to find out how much they wanted for either individual books or the whole set. They are all printed in German -- that lovely German font. They date from the late 1860's through the late 1890's. As you can see, they are in very poor shape. Most of the covers are loose or not attached to the spine anymore.This picture shows the covers as well as the inside. The book on the bottom right is the only one that has the mottled cover. The rest all have the same cover as the one on the bottom left. I think they are connected to the Lutheran church -- missals or some kind of teaching tool. I don't know. Can't read German and the thrift shop employees didn't know either.

Most look like this one with the browned edges and spots. A couple of the books are still in their original condition -- white pages with no stains or foxing.

This is the inside of the book with the mottled cover. As you can see, it is not in very good condition. Due their age and condition, they are not worth anything. I see altered book projects.

I see a reliquary of some kind. I have wanted to do an altered book that has a niche cut out of the pages where sacred artifacts/relics could be placed. That is a reliquary. Look it up. And, check out Judy Wilkenfeld's blog, Visual Anthologies. I am sorry now that I didn't have the money to attend one of her workshops earlier this year that Dede Warren hosted. Should have gone. Won't miss that again if Judy returns to the US.

Remembering the Veterans today

This is my dad in July of 1943. He served in the Navy during WWII. He is standing in front of the home I grew up in Los Angeles.

This is the caisson taking my husband's remains to the ceremony site at Arlington National Cemetary in May of 2005. My husband served as an officer in the United States Air Force for 20 years -- including time in Vietnam and Korea. I still feel like I am a part of the large military family. The ceremony at Ft. Hood brought me to tears once again. The playing of "Taps" still brings tears to my eyes.

I saw a young man in the airport two weeks ago wearing Army fatigues. He was on his way to Texas. I personally thanked him for his service. I hope you will do the same today -- thank a veteran for their service. Remember, it is because of their service that we are a free country.

God Bless America!!

It was a dark and stormy night...

It really was!! Although the temperature was in the upper 60's, the sky was cloudy and it was sprinkling. But the intrepid trick-or-treater's were anxious to get started!

Here they are being very patient while their mom and I took pictures! Then we were all off to trick-or-treat! I had a ball!!! But I am glad to be back home!!