Monday, January 18, 2010

You Light Up My Life...

So I did the page in my art journal on Friday night that I just love :

(art journal page - 01/09/10 - A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood)

(click to enlarge)

I loved it so much that I had to take pictures of it immediately,

in spite of the darkness in the studio.

(left page)

Normally, I hate pictures with a flash so much, so I light a candle to see what I would get.

(right page)

And I have to admit, this one is pretty cool ! Check out the lick of flame on my picture...

I printed this photo of myself onto a transparency so the shine of the plastic picked up the reflection of the flame in this cool way.

On Saturday, I got a huge treat in the mail.

Cosmo was curious about it too !

In my envelope that came as a total and complete surprise to me

from my wonderful Blogland Friend, Paula (Little Scraps of Magic) in Virginia,

were these two packages and this amazing card :

(the card reads " Ever notice how "What the Hell", is always the right decision?").

Inside the card, Paula said that she saw these items in Ellicott City on an outing with her man, and she knew they belonged to me ! How cool is that ? I love thinking that this wonderful woman is out on an art adventure with her hubby, and I pop into her head ! Even though we have never met in person ! I am just so touched by that, I can't tell you !

So check out what is in the packages (love the paper and leather rope they are wrapped in my the way - going to use those somewhere else, for sure !)

Look at these gorgeous tags! All embossed with gold and with lovely ribbons going through them ! Love 'em !

And then, the piece de resistance, check out this amazing charm !!!!

It is not just perfect ???? I love it so very much ! The humor of it makes me laugh, the artistry of it pleases my eye and the thought behind it, well, that just fills me with joy !

Thank you so much, Paula. You have made me feel special and loved with your thoughtful gift. Thank you, my friend.

So this is what it looks like outside of my window of the Martin Luther King Day, January 18th, 2010.

The good news is that David is off and he is excited about using his snow blower today.

(Boys and their toys ! Have to say that I appreciate his love for this toy very much !)

I have an order for 15 brightly colored stuffed birdies, so I will be painting their sweet faces on and beading them up today.

And I think I have to agree with my buddy, Azzy.

He thinks that hanging out in the studio and watching the snow fall is the perfect way to spend this third Monday in January...

Smart kitty...

Happy Monday, Beautiful Ones !

29 comments:

Paula said...

Good morning, friend! I'm so glad the package arrived safe and sound. I always hold my breath until they do...one took 2 weeks, priority to travel 2 states! SIGH.
I love that journal spread, and oh, that reflecion. Too cool for words, as Michelle W would say. Question...could you do pink and silver birds for Valentine's Day? I'm already thinking ahead to my table. Touches of purple or red could be added, but I'm thinking various pinks and silver. Let me know!

Anonymous said...

What a lovely surprise and your pages are just so joyous they make me think
I am on vacation while I look at the freezing snow outside.

Have a great day.

Sherry said...

Way cool Paula!!! ♥ That charm IS so you and little wonder seeing it brought you to Paula's mind!! :)

I love your journal pages...bright, fresh and filled with hope and spirit. And the candle flicker on the transparency is brilliant!!

Enjoy the day...dozing, lounging, watching David use his "toy" and of course creating beautiful art!! ♥

Bethany said...

oh WOW! I loved your pages, before I even saw the candle flicker. But then I was AWED! How fun and magical.
The prezzies are perfect and the wrapping divine.
I love your kitty on the chair. So cozy. Great shot.
Enjoy your day.

Sueann said...

Your journal pages are fabulous!! And the flame in the photo is way too cool!!! The gifts are wonderful! How special you must feel. They are perfect gifts for you!! Just perfect!!
WTG Paula!!
Hugs
SueAnn

theroofcat said...

It's very cute!

www.theroofcat.blogspot.com

Sxxx

lyle baxter said...

kim, the perfect gift for you! I love it! and your journal page is a happy thing! we finally got rid of the snow. temp is up near 50! hooray. lyle

beth said...

what a great gift....

and that charm is fabulous....I have one too with a similar saying on it....about throwing a hissy fit if I can't make art....which was perfect for me a few years ago...damn, now I need one about how not taking photos causes a major upset in my internal universe...

oops....and your face on that transparency and the flicker of the candle.....way wonderful !

Janet said...

Love, love, love the journal pages! And the flicker of candlelight is perfect in that one photo.

Aren't you the lucky one! Those tags are gorgeous!! Don't you just love it when the mail has something fun in it!!

Genie Sea said...

Those are very stunning journal pages, Kim! Love the colors and the Scheherazade quality of the drawings. At first I thought that was a mirror reflecting your face and the candle!

And what great prezzies! The charm was obviously made for you!

Love the pics of your kitties. Cosmo's pic made me chuckle; and Azzy is one smart kitty. :)

Snap said...

A beautiful day in the neighborhood indeed! Love MAIL CALL!!!

patti said...

I absolutely love these journal pages! All that lovely red and orange and pink - delicious!!

jgr said...

Hi Kim,
I love your package of goodies, the charm is awesome! Your journal page, with candle flame reflection - way cool my friend. Stay warm!

Jennifer said...

So many wonderful things Kim! I love the page. The package you got was magnificent, I love the pendant and Cosmos curiosity about the whole thing, lol!

Enjoy your snowy MLK, Jr. Day and I yay that your hubs loves his snowblower toy!

Olivia said...

I too love the page, Kim. So much beauty! YOU have a good snow day, Beautiful Queen! xo, O

FAQ said...

Oh Kim I love this, you know how I love those oranges and reds and bright colors. It is lovely.

Cindy said...

First I love your pages, so joyous and I like what the flame does. what an absolutely wonderful gift for you. It is perfect for you and I have only been here for a short while. I am very excited for you. Take care.

The Bodhi Chicklet said...

Lovely! Lovely! Lovely! gifts - so "you"! I especially love what the card said - so true! I heard there was snow in them thar hills. MLK day in the USA, the most depressing day in Canada - just goes to show the difference in attitude. Happy Monday, Oh Queen.

Kate Robertson said...

Oh you made my day, what a wonderful post. Love the page of course its full of wonderful vibrant stuff. The candle picture was pretty cool. What a great gift from Paula too! I love the charm and the sentiment too.

Lorrie Grainger Abdo said...

Wow, you've had a great couple of days! Love the colors and movement on the journal pages. And the statement about "what the hell" made me laugh out loud and disturbed the dog at my feet. :)

DMG said...

Feeling the warmth of joy and kindness flow from your journal pages. And I have to aadmit that I totally covet that charm! May your creativity continue to be nourished by the spirit of love, dear Kim.

Karin Bartimole said...

Those pages are beautiful Kim, and I just love the flame licked image of you!! How wonderful to be thought of, and the recipient of such thoughtful gifts. The pendant couldn't be more perfect! Wishing you sunshine and warmth through the depths of snow!! xox K

Susan Tuttle said...

i am LOVING the luscious color!!!

xoxox

Rita Vindedzis said...

That's a great journal page. I thought you had glued in a mirror with the reflection. The transparency is a nice effect. How nice to receive such a kind and thoughtful gift. I'm waiting patiently for my package to arrive. :-)

Elizabeth Halt said...

that charm is SO you! what a perfect surprise

MB Shaw said...

Those journal pages are fabulous! Really effective and beautiful and just perfect. Love how the candle lit your face too, very sweet.
xoxo

arlene said...

Oh, you are blessed! I love the charm...hehehe Hissy fit indeed! It made MY day, that you were the focus of such inspiration and kindness.
arlene xoxox

deb did it said...

Kim, your art makes me wanna do THE HAPPY DANCE!

Anne said...

Hi, Kim! I love, love, LOVE the self-portrait reflection with the candle flame with your journal page! How cool! By the way, what kind of white pen do you use in your journals? Just curious! :-)