HAPPY NEW YEAR

I am  a little behind this new year;  the flu bug got ahold of this household.
I read a lot, and watched the Hallmark Christmas movies.
In December, I  played with drawing an illustration each day.
Although I enjoyed this, I did not stick with it every day. One of my journal pages is of the
"Green Tara", the goddess of compassion. She is practical and down to earth; that is  me.
She also has her foot stretched out in front, on the ground, so she can jump and run, when she is needed.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to all! 

Buttons, buttons, I've got the buttons!

Vintage, and found buttons are great to use for jewelry.
With the help of epoxy clay, I fashioned a bracelet and a ring.

Daily Zen Doodle

When I received this book to review, it didn't look all that special, since I have doodled for awhile, however I changed my mind when I saw the detail inside.  The book offers a quote, and a start for a doodle for each day of the year.  Meera suggests that you settle down, breathe deep, relax, meditate on the quote, and then let your pen flow. There is no right way to doodle; just do do doodle it!
Daily Zen Doodle by Merra Lee Patel -- Ulysses Press

Creativity beyond!

Smither Park in Houston TX is so inspiring; creativity oozing out of the walls;  literally!
This is such a delightful place to meet with friends. If you want to watch the artists work, be sure to go on a Saturday.

Mandalas

I have always loved mandalas; drawing, and painting them. I even made one in my little garden with shells,  rocks, and anything that happens to be blooming.
It was with pleasure that I received this little book of Animal Mandalas by Wendy Piersall. I think the cover is beautiful, and I couldn't wait to color a few animals. I tried my Inktense watercolor pencils, but found them hard to use within the tiny areas. I had better luck with the Faber Castell Pitt pens. Perhaps the answer for my more" mature eyes", would be one of those visor magnifiers. The designs are very creative, and someone with younger eyes, and a sense of

 detail, would love this little book.

Beautiful!

Spent the day at the Buckstaff Bath House, in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
A wonderful experience! Nothing like a mineral water bath to refresh the soul.