tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48087609443598564142024-03-27T02:36:36.451-04:00Jo Merrill ArtJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16297235802797606646noreply@blogger.comBlogger291125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4808760944359856414.post-84281852841148829512023-12-14T10:08:00.000-05:002023-12-14T10:08:06.175-05:00A Berry Merry Christmas!<p>My last couple of posts have been describing some of my watercolor efforts on Yupo paper. When I was beginning to plan my Christmas card for this year, I was very much in the experimental yupo phase.</p><p>I wanted to do something like I had done with the Pumpkin Patch (see Nov. 8th blog). This time I had in mind a multi-green background. I wasn't sure what I would do with it...maybe fir branches, a pine cone. holly leaves... something 'holiday-like.'</p><p>I began by using a lot of different greens and then added some blues and yellows. I really like the way the different colors add depth to this image. This was not the final background, but gives the idea of how I began.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_6RoPRnqtE5m1l65pubjW48pqkJH_3lQ7LgVlrV84XrIeTXENS7C_oCkw8UIVul8I1f6Oo9TVXdChvp7zypb5LGE7I-7nra8ZdzyNaJQOB0Pw0CrLKDdEwOyELKYfXVcd1G8vXIgrM9dVHLdHDR48nazbABI5VHifMi6XAdoquyA7nn0DVp9ZAYkD05c/s3202/IMG_6935.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2312" data-original-width="3202" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_6RoPRnqtE5m1l65pubjW48pqkJH_3lQ7LgVlrV84XrIeTXENS7C_oCkw8UIVul8I1f6Oo9TVXdChvp7zypb5LGE7I-7nra8ZdzyNaJQOB0Pw0CrLKDdEwOyELKYfXVcd1G8vXIgrM9dVHLdHDR48nazbABI5VHifMi6XAdoquyA7nn0DVp9ZAYkD05c/s320/IMG_6935.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>The fun thing about Yupo paper is that I can paint something and if it doesn't work, I can just wash it off! Beginning with the background which had dried, I wet a tooth pick and began to draw freehand. I draw with the toothpick and then blot with a Kleenex to lift the wet paint. I tried several different branches before I got to this one. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJRD0-zFBwYFfM5vzYswhfKEK8xqHF5XirC8btSCvuzuzTvIXjUqJWbNSXdFwyf2OcHaDSmfbeW25_qW7trK3VkRM_ojQAAECpGc75DTguTjJ64alwdnUdQ-5MSc2jiKz44vDjSGAj8hIUilfCS_wJC0qCH9mxuhYFRvzyimMFJH5Wc-wOGsqFHCI5qKA/s3147/IMG_6822.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2364" data-original-width="3147" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJRD0-zFBwYFfM5vzYswhfKEK8xqHF5XirC8btSCvuzuzTvIXjUqJWbNSXdFwyf2OcHaDSmfbeW25_qW7trK3VkRM_ojQAAECpGc75DTguTjJ64alwdnUdQ-5MSc2jiKz44vDjSGAj8hIUilfCS_wJC0qCH9mxuhYFRvzyimMFJH5Wc-wOGsqFHCI5qKA/w368-h276/IMG_6822.jpeg" width="368" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>It was 'OK' - a good start. I had such a fun time drawing the pine cone, I experimented with just doing the pine cone...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ay8E8nD2rhCzb0w0ohG4jChWo3EQ-pSwGXQwktWmzLyNuf-0w4rB93YNHCpq9a81vdfGh2gkeHQGQRYrXpGOUFYVhmzEPT-l9RP0Wa-hqi4P6aRkRS9f-vfE98r2wzc7AJ8HyrAfFlokdKuJ9fXtFGsCScc_4y1p_euqgep-OICpaBsw4LTee__wMDg/s3528/IMG_6838.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3528" data-original-width="2252" height="363" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ay8E8nD2rhCzb0w0ohG4jChWo3EQ-pSwGXQwktWmzLyNuf-0w4rB93YNHCpq9a81vdfGh2gkeHQGQRYrXpGOUFYVhmzEPT-l9RP0Wa-hqi4P6aRkRS9f-vfE98r2wzc7AJ8HyrAfFlokdKuJ9fXtFGsCScc_4y1p_euqgep-OICpaBsw4LTee__wMDg/w232-h363/IMG_6838.jpeg" width="232" /></a></div><br /><p>It was an 'eh'... what about adding color?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmruzlh1ZsriDxum-xuFwmSbQ-FfzdMqr01yd9xcVC436atp5cGo2zq1DynlyAFBniOOdWCGwg_POJQvDBNccuAKLePTC34Pwx8W14K5Ty4zWuBL4-FsGPCNrt8-VgZLSHKLrBQCnMbRLmjkoYqfvgIg4wooiZyiJWi7soksYLTOkHmbXMcRMEZQdhUnQ/s3528/IMG_6844.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3528" data-original-width="2683" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmruzlh1ZsriDxum-xuFwmSbQ-FfzdMqr01yd9xcVC436atp5cGo2zq1DynlyAFBniOOdWCGwg_POJQvDBNccuAKLePTC34Pwx8W14K5Ty4zWuBL4-FsGPCNrt8-VgZLSHKLrBQCnMbRLmjkoYqfvgIg4wooiZyiJWi7soksYLTOkHmbXMcRMEZQdhUnQ/s320/IMG_6844.jpeg" width="243" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Fun to try, but, no. Back to the branch! I thought the other one had too many small pine needles 'messes.' I splashed some green paints over a few spots and covered them up.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>The branch looks better, but still not happy with the pine cone. I lifted more color from it and added some highlights to make it look more round. Unfortunately, (or maybe not) I do not have any images of these next few 'fixes'. I continued to work on the pine cone and lifted more color from the fir needles.</div><div><br /></div><div>I put it all aside and came back to it a day or so later. It was so GREEN! More COLOR - was what it needed! I look a Q-tip, dipped it in red paint and started adding berries! I got a little carried away, but what was once a chore, became fun again! A dot of white to highlight each berry and I called it finished!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ6r3SezUWhkSEjVGtR7HSqFc_s_edWk3xDMmUpM5GZ5UEebcv65cnT1ovbCVbDrhKm2dJbtXhCm5vVFp9GXeYQksQHlb2LbRRUAztSwon2v1bPadgwas3sIoqY_lcVKGn0qROyQmaJE1zaNvrba1o5IenhjMk0Pcx23idR8ncDQx35mS1aTZZMWRFBUA/s3259/IMG_6891%202.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2581" data-original-width="3259" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ6r3SezUWhkSEjVGtR7HSqFc_s_edWk3xDMmUpM5GZ5UEebcv65cnT1ovbCVbDrhKm2dJbtXhCm5vVFp9GXeYQksQHlb2LbRRUAztSwon2v1bPadgwas3sIoqY_lcVKGn0qROyQmaJE1zaNvrba1o5IenhjMk0Pcx23idR8ncDQx35mS1aTZZMWRFBUA/w424-h335/IMG_6891%202.jpeg" width="424" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">A Berry Merry Christmas to all!</span></b></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p></div>Jo Merrillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08747013106561155695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4808760944359856414.post-68712776127299736762023-12-06T12:45:00.000-05:002023-12-06T12:45:02.894-05:00Honorable Mention!<p>More than 15 years ago I made a commitment to myself to enter artwork in every exhibit sponsored by the St Michaels Art League. For the most part, I have kept that commitment, even entering shows that we not my usual medium. (I began with watercolor, branched out to charcoal, graphite, pastel and then acrylics.) In December each year, SMAL's exhibit is in memory of Martha Hudson, a local watercolorist. It's our annual "Martha Hudson Excellence in Watercolor" exhibit. </p><p>It was time to put aside my acrylic paint pouring for a bit and work with watercolor again. I had no energy for this, but pushed myself to do something. I had done some watercolor on Yupo paper (see last blog) for the November show and had been working on a Christmas card using that same technique (my next blog - in another week or so).</p><p>I decided to just 'play' with color...maybe that would get me to a happier place. I love bold, bright color! I wet the Yupo and began splashing color all around. I wanted to balance the bold reds with the blues and greens and then added some yellows. The wetness of the paper allowed the colors to flow - where they wanted to go - with little help from me. (I'm encouraging myself to 'let go' more!) Well, not entirely...there were a few puddles of color that I blew around with a straw.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2sHg9AKfgoP4SCZrddrG2gpSjRcamL3gZcLGJ7YrryfdhyuXoZ1hH6ju434dn41GfsrAtccfjslMVsO2ifdlSoA5ykiDtgXwzdb6NVXYDi-V_J5QXkwWvwVovLm3y-SnTqLDtOwTaMsI8D85b9LHc-Wepda9c4eHgIK2cdXH6CupS6siNUnK03LAaSGk/s4032/IMG_6851.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2sHg9AKfgoP4SCZrddrG2gpSjRcamL3gZcLGJ7YrryfdhyuXoZ1hH6ju434dn41GfsrAtccfjslMVsO2ifdlSoA5ykiDtgXwzdb6NVXYDi-V_J5QXkwWvwVovLm3y-SnTqLDtOwTaMsI8D85b9LHc-Wepda9c4eHgIK2cdXH6CupS6siNUnK03LAaSGk/w364-h273/IMG_6851.jpeg" width="364" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I let it dry and went back to look at it later. I wanted to play some more. I love this paper! I took a wet toothpick and a ruler, drew three lines across the yellow blob at the top of the paper and blotted them. Liking that, I did it again. I thought the second set of lines were too narrow so I used a wet Q-tip and did it again. The Q-tip made the line thicker and also with a softer edge. I liked the look of the hard and soft edges, so I began making all the lines hard and soft. At this point I wanted something round so I found a small plate, put it down on the paper and drew around it twice with the toothpick and then softened one of the lines with the Q-tip! <div><br /></div><div>I liked that and wanted to keep going... I looked around for other things to trace and saw a pair of scissors! I traced the inside of the thumbhole in three different places - connecting them to each other. I also added a couple of blots of very wet color and blew the color around with my straw. Now I knew I was 'on a roll' and had better stop! Sometimes I get too carried away and really make a mess! Fortunately, I walked away.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfhwvy1u0E3ngQAEINAxo-6HsQmAF-6YYJvCpxV1ogDFYizUvlsWudM4F9RukXfzFAfGStDFggzSHFEx29kXqYRvDJ9xPdvD8Jt4VtDLmCyPH_5qszkObdRTwuZOEwq9u6ZAZuZy7idynh8VQdGR283YdieZ8ucy3r2r_N4H06JUuQKsfmwgHwlYUGbb4/s4032/IMG_6852.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfhwvy1u0E3ngQAEINAxo-6HsQmAF-6YYJvCpxV1ogDFYizUvlsWudM4F9RukXfzFAfGStDFggzSHFEx29kXqYRvDJ9xPdvD8Jt4VtDLmCyPH_5qszkObdRTwuZOEwq9u6ZAZuZy7idynh8VQdGR283YdieZ8ucy3r2r_N4H06JUuQKsfmwgHwlYUGbb4/w380-h285/IMG_6852.jpeg" width="380" /></a></div><br /><div>It's always better for me to go do something else... I came back to this the next day. I liked what was going on but felt it needed something more in the lower right corner. Those three little ovals needed to be connected to the rest of the painting. I got out my scissors and began to make a chain of ovals. I didn't want to intrude on the large round, but decided to subtly connect to the three thinner lines...sort of weaving in and out of the paint. One more blast of dark color in that corner and it was finished. </div><div><br /></div><div>The whole painting felt like fun with a mix of control and letting go.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEDL2qnmR-MlLkjFBx8YLr2oRhI98E83yLv1NRhYngkrJamkNKKy2cOwQLfXzE6nI64PAvRPnvdYrkqxBgMLmEOLe8_0ycaGqwBp_Pe54k8KVqmCYCDYmyGY6SH5Ot44bcd3IBRYKZrJQe6_Y4I2k7dp3G8Rt31-24TxPbeTDrID4slV4rusK0K-Ty2H0/s3736/IMG_6858.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2999" data-original-width="3736" height="339" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEDL2qnmR-MlLkjFBx8YLr2oRhI98E83yLv1NRhYngkrJamkNKKy2cOwQLfXzE6nI64PAvRPnvdYrkqxBgMLmEOLe8_0ycaGqwBp_Pe54k8KVqmCYCDYmyGY6SH5Ot44bcd3IBRYKZrJQe6_Y4I2k7dp3G8Rt31-24TxPbeTDrID4slV4rusK0K-Ty2H0/w422-h339/IMG_6858.jpeg" width="422" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I was so surprised to win an Honorable Mention ribbon! </div><div><br /></div><div>The show will be hanging at the library gallery for the month of December. Stop by and see an amazing collection of artwork.</div><div><p><br /></p></div>Jo Merrillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08747013106561155695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4808760944359856414.post-42774888624663666772023-11-08T16:53:00.000-05:002023-11-08T16:53:07.029-05:00Where has the time gone???<p> I think I just "came to!" I have ignored this blog - not on purpose...just not in the right 'head space.'</p><p>Looking back at my calendar since the end of July - my last post - there is nothing remarkable about it. I think it's just that i haven't been doing much art. Nothing to show for the past few months.</p><p>I do have two pieces of artwork in local exhibits right now though. The Academy Art Museum in Easton has an annual Members Exhibit. Anyone who belongs to the museum is allowed to enter something that they have created in the past year. Most of what I have been doing has been a part of my Expressive Journal, so I framed two pages in a single mat and entered it. The show runs through most of November. I have not seen it yet. I was unable to attend the opening celebration, but hope tp get there next week.</p><p>This is what I entered. It is actually two separate pages that I redid and then put them in a single frame. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb1N_OoUesbBPMhOtu12lyrFpd5NBV48YOy1TWZ-Orq89TM1tBFCANq-QCdldd8cFM9dDOGkHnio7cviXXZUKB6iB8vAwYxL1b0CIUhpnNf2ncPb9HbOUj9B2l_ubZynWnvKYu2PH8ad8TNg4_Hx0Y_R2LfKkYp0v0IYQ2SmQqfWh7gxzqbdXxQ8YDqE4/s1418/IMG_6699.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1418" data-original-width="861" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb1N_OoUesbBPMhOtu12lyrFpd5NBV48YOy1TWZ-Orq89TM1tBFCANq-QCdldd8cFM9dDOGkHnio7cviXXZUKB6iB8vAwYxL1b0CIUhpnNf2ncPb9HbOUj9B2l_ubZynWnvKYu2PH8ad8TNg4_Hx0Y_R2LfKkYp0v0IYQ2SmQqfWh7gxzqbdXxQ8YDqE4/w241-h398/IMG_6699.jpeg" width="241" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTtCH6DiJ6b512u53ss4HX0Av1u7gPRPl8cDykA8LlbtzEHl3E13wXfc42iy4omhcDI42DKdgr4VILLu8n1Drg3WM82q3OwxlMrJUmpEH0GWqdYSTICOH84wVFBP5GjZz_xlNrsE2pVUk3Gcp3vAXzhPvaxB7U8UbFrm7vzNVNpfLBDAgLI3VO-s82XxQ/s1411/IMG_6699%202.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1411" data-original-width="815" height="423" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTtCH6DiJ6b512u53ss4HX0Av1u7gPRPl8cDykA8LlbtzEHl3E13wXfc42iy4omhcDI42DKdgr4VILLu8n1Drg3WM82q3OwxlMrJUmpEH0GWqdYSTICOH84wVFBP5GjZz_xlNrsE2pVUk3Gcp3vAXzhPvaxB7U8UbFrm7vzNVNpfLBDAgLI3VO-s82XxQ/w244-h423/IMG_6699%202.jpeg" width="244" /></a></div><br /><p>I have been trying to be transparent about this grieving thing. the comments I have gotten have been so positive. It seems to have been helpful to a lot of people.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ReNocIaueTnuC4OAiQadSG5UtvSJ1U-4hbDvMB9HYb6DE33jxyLS5Rsbf0T-fuhEZCrbJytZvEa0il3fmikx5S_kclfwPUyFJsDbgQ7_SOb4ADq2CWtWze_sOGSZQswYftqBec17ezIA5gG99CGxM3PkC-4xcAn1g2Ccmc_btkHxQ5i1Ac5EE26nzPw/s3264/IMG_6699.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2687" data-original-width="3264" height="363" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ReNocIaueTnuC4OAiQadSG5UtvSJ1U-4hbDvMB9HYb6DE33jxyLS5Rsbf0T-fuhEZCrbJytZvEa0il3fmikx5S_kclfwPUyFJsDbgQ7_SOb4ADq2CWtWze_sOGSZQswYftqBec17ezIA5gG99CGxM3PkC-4xcAn1g2Ccmc_btkHxQ5i1Ac5EE26nzPw/w442-h363/IMG_6699.heic" width="442" /></a></div><br /><p>The St. Michaels Art League also has an exhibit hanging this month. We are on the gallery wall of the local library. The theme of this show is "Capturing Autumn." We were a little late getting this show going - no one had signed up tp chair it, so I jumped in at the last minute. It has been good for me to begin to get involved in art again!</p><p>I am still not excited about 'going back' to painting like I did before, so I wanted to try something different. This painting is a watercolor done on Yupo paper. Yupo is a 'plastic' paper that doesn't absorb the paint like regular watercolor paper does. </p><p>Capturing Autumn seemed to call for lots of red, orange, yellow with a few darks. I got out my Yupo and paints. Lots of water and color and 'slopped it around on the paper. What fun!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDA7WGU03Gcvp6nPWsDox1ef82wmIO06EW_wYVdMUZXkRLpZkV2_eQyrcq2Vuz6we0HTS6tJyb5Pgg_kF8r97WDVmSHDsNDuNxpmlerd6oBrYoA1qx1IB3yds3jCAjhrpEMrjkNYJMoZJLN37MfgHf4C3pp90anCzIFu5txt8mhgvxGCDpqjj7oPnpBU/s3379/IMG_6769.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2750" data-original-width="3379" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDA7WGU03Gcvp6nPWsDox1ef82wmIO06EW_wYVdMUZXkRLpZkV2_eQyrcq2Vuz6we0HTS6tJyb5Pgg_kF8r97WDVmSHDsNDuNxpmlerd6oBrYoA1qx1IB3yds3jCAjhrpEMrjkNYJMoZJLN37MfgHf4C3pp90anCzIFu5txt8mhgvxGCDpqjj7oPnpBU/w395-h321/IMG_6769.jpeg" width="395" /></a></div>I let it dry thoroughly ...and then... I used a toothpick to 'draw' on it. I wet the toothpick, drew a little and blotted it with a Kleenex. Over and over... Where it was wet, the paint lifts off the paper to reveal the drawing. It's now a "Pumpkin Patch."<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn0AcLdv2dWEUYt_hBAPi_daROqPv49Ytwp_hbqIq1LNW9YRO-peLaZYGkqfTrBWkR06gfeZraK4ZdH-kwb17KWQXLGmXUcEgi709pd79yU6CtiE_8_K437eNgK_hgBcRs2n25ty7HfXd_sYQ18irKNeJ1J6bMTKYvyih3aICAyuHTUVWCmXGbyX2glMs/s2959/IMG_6785.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="2959" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn0AcLdv2dWEUYt_hBAPi_daROqPv49Ytwp_hbqIq1LNW9YRO-peLaZYGkqfTrBWkR06gfeZraK4ZdH-kwb17KWQXLGmXUcEgi709pd79yU6CtiE_8_K437eNgK_hgBcRs2n25ty7HfXd_sYQ18irKNeJ1J6bMTKYvyih3aICAyuHTUVWCmXGbyX2glMs/w409-h318/IMG_6785.heic" width="409" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's a detail do you can see it better...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifmnOBMFjBxvRMBtuJM6A054GPV70xsoUDXG5GBD_tX-3gXU-fxIK7uhGHyw7H47rs7PtNVqNaC3b3fCP1fz7DAQ9MNZMVStAqnraDAFtgIPhGtyHWFEb_MF7xmvNMVcPBeObTzx6L-qitU0YrMEQV4RONVgbXwKkR-A1bWeXe1L9e-pURxY3YavdA3Uk/s1455/IMG_6785.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1455" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifmnOBMFjBxvRMBtuJM6A054GPV70xsoUDXG5GBD_tX-3gXU-fxIK7uhGHyw7H47rs7PtNVqNaC3b3fCP1fz7DAQ9MNZMVStAqnraDAFtgIPhGtyHWFEb_MF7xmvNMVcPBeObTzx6L-qitU0YrMEQV4RONVgbXwKkR-A1bWeXe1L9e-pURxY3YavdA3Uk/w368-h269/IMG_6785.jpeg" width="368" /></a></div><br /></div>It was fun and has gotten me back to art...a little. Hopefully, I can get it together to post again before the end of 2023!<div><br /></div><div>There are some amazing pieces of art in this show. Stop by the St. Michaels Library during November and take a look!<br /><div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div></div>Jo Merrillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08747013106561155695noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4808760944359856414.post-63246862217533967032023-07-29T14:57:00.000-04:002023-07-29T14:57:12.864-04:00<p>It's Saturday. It's looks beautiful outside...there is a lovely 'sailing' breeze...but the heat index is over 100 degrees again. Hoping for some 'summer storms' to roll in - which may or may not cool those of us who live around the Chesapeake Bay.</p><p>It's a good day to write about a few more pages from my journal before another month ends.</p><p>This first image is from a month or so ago. There was a man in the grocery store who looked exactly like George (from the back). When I came home, I looked through my picture file and found a picture of him wearing the same clothes!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtClRMGROF2fIm18MSTV6OHYkznM8-ezMIWIu77rspfbS49r6wI6fb0Q0e-bp6V3tJ_VcBAuauTbJyh8QJhh_-LQ-OJ6ltLMNGqE46ykipo3XSo6nv1x9qKZqP0VZIH0ap3IKKvwyygSMRGihVumGMqysCn8J49ubmYQSwxurS1nLQ2W7SVgLzXMtVTG8/s4019/6-11-23%20I%20saw%20you%20copy.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2966" data-original-width="4019" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtClRMGROF2fIm18MSTV6OHYkznM8-ezMIWIu77rspfbS49r6wI6fb0Q0e-bp6V3tJ_VcBAuauTbJyh8QJhh_-LQ-OJ6ltLMNGqE46ykipo3XSo6nv1x9qKZqP0VZIH0ap3IKKvwyygSMRGihVumGMqysCn8J49ubmYQSwxurS1nLQ2W7SVgLzXMtVTG8/w389-h287/6-11-23%20I%20saw%20you%20copy.jpeg" width="389" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>A few days after my grocery store 'sighting', I had another encounter. I had a delightful time singing with what I found out was a Carolina Wren. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMqfatpQMhb2txKwrPo0Pj2LpWKu3V9BFfTx0Lggs-vz-xz6hQ5ubteyLQlZt19ycEOLnVca1L5XbbewkC4xzsytBDIdFUXppAqjZYrgfCHVuWQZ694EO55RTwv0wD2qMxxS0mdfv2-5J1mDDlhfT7Q-oaA--s5VwMNdcvHkVI6n28SC89f7zdU_hPD8U/s4030/6-13-23%20Bird%20call%20copy.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2934" data-original-width="4030" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMqfatpQMhb2txKwrPo0Pj2LpWKu3V9BFfTx0Lggs-vz-xz6hQ5ubteyLQlZt19ycEOLnVca1L5XbbewkC4xzsytBDIdFUXppAqjZYrgfCHVuWQZ694EO55RTwv0wD2qMxxS0mdfv2-5J1mDDlhfT7Q-oaA--s5VwMNdcvHkVI6n28SC89f7zdU_hPD8U/w388-h283/6-13-23%20Bird%20call%20copy.HEIC" width="388" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Grief to Grateful </b>- I'm working on this. I was looking through George's black and white photographs again and found another favorite. The bedforms at Henlopen Beach appear and then water rushes through them to transform them again and again.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwnBWMrIFd9bR3jtvEqKHqEra8wPuZVLab97-WJm3tC01PoaK7junkgW7CRv_14ZdSgxXpBPe0A7_qXxubm3MFcc7ZoJy1lx7pQoo0skmQ2tGfklnCajBeUNiCr7zYghUXU9psBAwJwos0hr_c7Vuj1-HrqeQPBbzxgXYvB_7Vh_6taAsiETs5Na1RVl8/s3935/6-14-23%20bedforms-grief%20to%20grateful%20copy.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2857" data-original-width="3935" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwnBWMrIFd9bR3jtvEqKHqEra8wPuZVLab97-WJm3tC01PoaK7junkgW7CRv_14ZdSgxXpBPe0A7_qXxubm3MFcc7ZoJy1lx7pQoo0skmQ2tGfklnCajBeUNiCr7zYghUXU9psBAwJwos0hr_c7Vuj1-HrqeQPBbzxgXYvB_7Vh_6taAsiETs5Na1RVl8/w380-h275/6-14-23%20bedforms-grief%20to%20grateful%20copy.jpeg" width="380" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>There is something about music...it touches the heart. Every now and then Alexa picks a playlist that includes music filled with memories...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7GtmbsLgwJLVM3QLBX2diVp89xz1cLiF1ZI3P_POT_YHAus-7lYqajBQxyVTlYw8pPg_pHtFZt8n17Ms02pugynuvIn44zqtfH3JhR9o_mxIA0vdEuMQdNtF0cDmvTDtUwXanmNiX5DPvqtV8iHP5xFC8dzJAdqXH5IQHPm4zxi6V305I214mqgbPYqk/s3478/6-20-23%20Something%20about%20music.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2549" data-original-width="3478" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7GtmbsLgwJLVM3QLBX2diVp89xz1cLiF1ZI3P_POT_YHAus-7lYqajBQxyVTlYw8pPg_pHtFZt8n17Ms02pugynuvIn44zqtfH3JhR9o_mxIA0vdEuMQdNtF0cDmvTDtUwXanmNiX5DPvqtV8iHP5xFC8dzJAdqXH5IQHPm4zxi6V305I214mqgbPYqk/w369-h271/6-20-23%20Something%20about%20music.jpeg" width="369" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Again, there is something about music... I needed to include another 'our song.' This takes me back to Emory University where I met my first husband. So long ago, but the music brings the memories and emotional connections directly into the present day.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCaxH3WUKQhfB6Wyaxkz0kbqfCeOAaXHTHGsmvJyqlsHTTseZmtbD4Fh2g5nu8S10zJmHeN-_CPF4BqtEIJD6ermcFQcEMN7doVqc7ZePInRfkJ62fWjgq0rSp5P1sWDIbsg6IRq3MDwFOOwcdsIo9LBz9U6ERJ3nGVSOBA9Y_UVsmfa1FM7Y5kKHc1T4/s4032/6-20-23%20Paul-music.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCaxH3WUKQhfB6Wyaxkz0kbqfCeOAaXHTHGsmvJyqlsHTTseZmtbD4Fh2g5nu8S10zJmHeN-_CPF4BqtEIJD6ermcFQcEMN7doVqc7ZePInRfkJ62fWjgq0rSp5P1sWDIbsg6IRq3MDwFOOwcdsIo9LBz9U6ERJ3nGVSOBA9Y_UVsmfa1FM7Y5kKHc1T4/w381-h286/6-20-23%20Paul-music.jpeg" width="381" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Another of George's photographs. He called it "Significant Other." He was such a stickler about 'highlights in the shadows'...talked a lot about 'black blacks' and 'white whites' when he was doing his darkroom work. I love the phrase about the highlights. I find it hopeful...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXPNfS2HsoALdBg6TW7hVe2F1AZ8AOYgiD63ZEMf3xFpenJmB6C6ksImQgUAcp7F1g42_hna5Pd0KDbU6UZnQQLDehr-QD1hOLUhevvkEnHpRk-qaaXt6X3I-q_VLwk816LnUIKl8d5-RWFACSPCLk-x9KfUISWWngSBXFv3ha7-9SKYOvm9VPN1ChJOY/s3765/7-10-23%20significant%20other.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2822" data-original-width="3765" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXPNfS2HsoALdBg6TW7hVe2F1AZ8AOYgiD63ZEMf3xFpenJmB6C6ksImQgUAcp7F1g42_hna5Pd0KDbU6UZnQQLDehr-QD1hOLUhevvkEnHpRk-qaaXt6X3I-q_VLwk816LnUIKl8d5-RWFACSPCLk-x9KfUISWWngSBXFv3ha7-9SKYOvm9VPN1ChJOY/w372-h279/7-10-23%20significant%20other.jpeg" width="372" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>I rediscovered the quote at the top of this page, but didn't realize I had used it before. It is interesting that after several months the same words can take on different meanings. I think I am trusting myself more and am honored when I can help others find their way. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi97g9_Tm8pGVsjp4ouBxXEpvALA7InGM7n_bs9mfibfeRudJi1DXXDqDZw86C_ojh6zAWMfbbg74jWw7PYELeM6vbpApGvQUhFhH5eMU_xdPofQHwZmwHkpfkxP-JOiuanBxQFrLfZSAWcUkcErOJPsWFcX0izSRbyB-nOh84diBSvAX7QieBhtnQjKRc/s3998/7-10-23%20life%20after%20loss%20isn't%20easy.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3998" data-original-width="2918" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi97g9_Tm8pGVsjp4ouBxXEpvALA7InGM7n_bs9mfibfeRudJi1DXXDqDZw86C_ojh6zAWMfbbg74jWw7PYELeM6vbpApGvQUhFhH5eMU_xdPofQHwZmwHkpfkxP-JOiuanBxQFrLfZSAWcUkcErOJPsWFcX0izSRbyB-nOh84diBSvAX7QieBhtnQjKRc/w332-h454/7-10-23%20life%20after%20loss%20isn't%20easy.jpeg" width="332" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Another black and white photograph... we got so excited when we first saw the light reflected in this way. That was years ago. I am ever more thankful that we had a year together after receiving George's terminal diagnosis. We were able to shed light onto/into some dark places.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYO_ZDAPIIq3GfY9ykTpg80jyjLdTbA1yzoQz4LCM0FlRhBDTTo3OqyZwTL66fOSQ02kv1025mP8N1-oFxZ-SvDYU25408BsiTgY77dH5VD6f4CZ7ClPLmkYfvJkWqUYVzMHK9bnKcpHSNgOLdobC_DfIuIgf0Vem6MyhlSgH__QwzhA0IqhBRzgbEq1k/s3642/7-9-23%20traveling%20light.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2776" data-original-width="3642" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYO_ZDAPIIq3GfY9ykTpg80jyjLdTbA1yzoQz4LCM0FlRhBDTTo3OqyZwTL66fOSQ02kv1025mP8N1-oFxZ-SvDYU25408BsiTgY77dH5VD6f4CZ7ClPLmkYfvJkWqUYVzMHK9bnKcpHSNgOLdobC_DfIuIgf0Vem6MyhlSgH__QwzhA0IqhBRzgbEq1k/w404-h308/7-9-23%20traveling%20light.jpeg" width="404" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Year 2 is hard. And this brings me back to working from <b>Grief to Grateful. </b>Creating new 'firsts' and occasionally being pulled back and forth. It's not as hard giving up my old car as I thought it would be. It is filled with memories of many medical appointments - times together. The new car is a fresh start - and a healthy one... grateful.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj16pRPHi1xcmBBsog06SMuUkJBz_41AW_h9c0LjhsYaB8ZKu7tBAY1jX_7fqrkaRcKmWCTHlHfgc-Q_6uyAmSIxJGWWmmvdM7vrfSBztbuPSlf64Y4T-DQNFr3VwC-4LTTK2lxy7SNz0yL_Hzu3D3JsxKuPzXfrtyB0yvtjmw83Iea19RPYCNxYa_Do88/s3805/7-9-23%20new%20car.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2846" data-original-width="3805" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj16pRPHi1xcmBBsog06SMuUkJBz_41AW_h9c0LjhsYaB8ZKu7tBAY1jX_7fqrkaRcKmWCTHlHfgc-Q_6uyAmSIxJGWWmmvdM7vrfSBztbuPSlf64Y4T-DQNFr3VwC-4LTTK2lxy7SNz0yL_Hzu3D3JsxKuPzXfrtyB0yvtjmw83Iea19RPYCNxYa_Do88/w422-h315/7-9-23%20new%20car.jpeg" width="422" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Sunrise at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. We got there before sunrise on a chilly morning. George had his camera ready... the sun peeked above the horizon and the camera's lens fogged! (Like going outside in the summer when your glasses fog up - air conditioned air to humidity.) <div>All photographs bring back stories! </div><div>Laura Oliver is a writer who now writes an essay each week in the Talbot Spy - the slot that George used to fill. I am using more of her quotes. I emailed her about this one. A portion of her reply is the quote 'in the water.' <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYAk0vzsBuVQvURN0XYjGhV4sGHKypm06yulpdiik0dDeDRtBo-s_IAyw5JYt0abaUXXy5XUV0NRXjhQYDXVZlbOhrmF5OKeDy4kv_1kLmOejWipLOk-mAYJ3SHI-2e-OCQX29Mr7Ws7kHqnYCsjtdfl2j_8LgGqH-7MbUwVDukNGbXLThIzucFz47m7s/s1082/7-15-23Time%20normalizes%20-%20L%20Olicer.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="1082" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYAk0vzsBuVQvURN0XYjGhV4sGHKypm06yulpdiik0dDeDRtBo-s_IAyw5JYt0abaUXXy5XUV0NRXjhQYDXVZlbOhrmF5OKeDy4kv_1kLmOejWipLOk-mAYJ3SHI-2e-OCQX29Mr7Ws7kHqnYCsjtdfl2j_8LgGqH-7MbUwVDukNGbXLThIzucFz47m7s/w418-h293/7-15-23Time%20normalizes%20-%20L%20Olicer.png" width="418" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I know I am sliding into year two with hope and a look to the future. I find that I am not needing to use this journal as much as I had been. We'll see...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thanks for spending your time reading! </div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p></div>Jo Merrillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08747013106561155695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4808760944359856414.post-59894041516779011202023-06-26T14:39:00.002-04:002023-06-26T14:39:38.117-04:00The Expressive Journal continues...<p> I no linger feel compelled to create for this journal everyday... after all, the class was only 30 days. But, I am finding it helpful to continue to put my thoughts and feelings on paper. It occurred to me the other day that it's too bad I didn't use archival paper for this exercise. The old book that I chose to use is truly falling apart and the paper tears easily! </p><p>Thankfully, I do have photos of all these pages!</p><p>These pages come after the anniversary of George's death. Much of the focus is about how to move forward.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv27wxiAkaQ9OY7Jy0EsYMfvMVLNB0TosXkcGOFALIs8bUdOVNdPpMi-EDyLphXHagf_okfMw01jSrtKaIuACHziNvwSmdbkI33zBE0ghfRe1kvjwo0NORZhmITpmHOP6vEsZ9io1U8TdF1t6G8_firudsnhoaX9jazhAWyalqZSu8jDkYdt6pmDJK8Vg/s3826/4-23-23Last%20of%20the%20first.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2891" data-original-width="3826" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv27wxiAkaQ9OY7Jy0EsYMfvMVLNB0TosXkcGOFALIs8bUdOVNdPpMi-EDyLphXHagf_okfMw01jSrtKaIuACHziNvwSmdbkI33zBE0ghfRe1kvjwo0NORZhmITpmHOP6vEsZ9io1U8TdF1t6G8_firudsnhoaX9jazhAWyalqZSu8jDkYdt6pmDJK8Vg/w380-h287/4-23-23Last%20of%20the%20first.jpeg" width="380" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The "What's next?" question will continue to plague me for a long time. I can not be in a hurry - just need to sit with the question and be open to nudges. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoDONDcQG3hmf7cZXyWvKXpYWCu7IcYEKjSy0IZmgMuwuolMLg-NXsMWt0KRq1nNQQ4vtqFF_8UC-L8SGZYe-oJJeFw9LYDm1WCytt6r7iSnhSQ8VV-nmZJVOhcklQ5dk5wBG_F-3c7nq96KryUCewfN2T1_x8aYEB14HjZo0hxZoBvntbU_tzOuq_G9U/s3731/4-23-23Called%20to%20do%3F.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3731" data-original-width="2916" height="393" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoDONDcQG3hmf7cZXyWvKXpYWCu7IcYEKjSy0IZmgMuwuolMLg-NXsMWt0KRq1nNQQ4vtqFF_8UC-L8SGZYe-oJJeFw9LYDm1WCytt6r7iSnhSQ8VV-nmZJVOhcklQ5dk5wBG_F-3c7nq96KryUCewfN2T1_x8aYEB14HjZo0hxZoBvntbU_tzOuq_G9U/w307-h393/4-23-23Called%20to%20do%3F.jpeg" width="307" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><p>These next two have similar themes. It takes a lot of courage to begin something new...and I do have this inertia problem. It's hard to move! I go back to the phrase in the 'Silence' caption - it's just so loud! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip0h6gx42evfa0d8fPNpVMuBluMUy7jAbwVe_3rWRoCZzt1qP-G5gZIypEu5XpFx5W9fOkH7r1tcuBwyZURDgfokQ88e-KbsEYJO7VOaAc8zEVqvrcn4iFxiWlqDH-rhCm6HppdwAnWE7yK3E51hupHuX7ZB4qT4B7w2f_5L8YnIhSAlk2lH8VmcGYInU/s3852/05-01-23courage%20copy.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2868" data-original-width="3852" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip0h6gx42evfa0d8fPNpVMuBluMUy7jAbwVe_3rWRoCZzt1qP-G5gZIypEu5XpFx5W9fOkH7r1tcuBwyZURDgfokQ88e-KbsEYJO7VOaAc8zEVqvrcn4iFxiWlqDH-rhCm6HppdwAnWE7yK3E51hupHuX7ZB4qT4B7w2f_5L8YnIhSAlk2lH8VmcGYInU/w411-h306/05-01-23courage%20copy.jpeg" width="411" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW6LSgLPhd6JvyfZN_6b-MGWPdOFp2BCWLaUe1FWyoDB-Yd9uIxuQTcRnleENOxAl7GAdmPVu7moMq6nZju17UklJevIccRX_gYtkPKcEajj02pvFFZoJPwWdGlDADKGAbYQiR2iQd6j3hh1QKF5jHK4f_4iFT7Q1p2qqBFWtV587Tr3mUR22TssE548c/s3936/05-01-23path%20copy.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2896" data-original-width="3936" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW6LSgLPhd6JvyfZN_6b-MGWPdOFp2BCWLaUe1FWyoDB-Yd9uIxuQTcRnleENOxAl7GAdmPVu7moMq6nZju17UklJevIccRX_gYtkPKcEajj02pvFFZoJPwWdGlDADKGAbYQiR2iQd6j3hh1QKF5jHK4f_4iFT7Q1p2qqBFWtV587Tr3mUR22TssE548c/w434-h319/05-01-23path%20copy.jpeg" width="434" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>A friend, who has been a widow for several years, told me before the first anniversary that the second year was harder than the first. I wondered how that could possible be true! I am finding out... there is something about 'holding my 'breath' through all the 'firsts' and getting through year one that at least had some purpose. Now, in year two, I have to create my own new firsts - alone. It's a wide-open, direction-less future! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLZw71vQVcAikuB8RYejQsiEmnlh16SsPbrtDLcTo0s1JRyYR-i5iX4N_QjgCoso9Mha2Jc5oUHr5laXP2NHq4zPPtg24kjSi7Q2oB09i-P53Nqw8uAYS-iON67XDipfSVJ-SmGSeVEh82CeojHWdshk9SCvjQ3SlSQQIJfOhojgXrckv7cfxOoFR8gCA/s4032/6-7-23.%20stong%20statuejpeg.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLZw71vQVcAikuB8RYejQsiEmnlh16SsPbrtDLcTo0s1JRyYR-i5iX4N_QjgCoso9Mha2Jc5oUHr5laXP2NHq4zPPtg24kjSi7Q2oB09i-P53Nqw8uAYS-iON67XDipfSVJ-SmGSeVEh82CeojHWdshk9SCvjQ3SlSQQIJfOhojgXrckv7cfxOoFR8gCA/w391-h293/6-7-23.%20stong%20statuejpeg.jpeg" width="391" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I recently looked through a lot of George's photographs and found some that would be good backgrounds for my pages. Each of the photos has a story - its own unique time and place. I love this story in the parchment type box. Telling stories does bring them back - just for a little while. I guess that's why I was looking through old photographs!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2-MBynlSkEMeSwpS5QP_xiDm3hs53PlhEw9liWdfX5xBHbPu0ut5R9lkgeYmWmaoqTf1-r3t4trZfPl9Gc4U7Veo_ENrS6_onuQT6evrClYoNpX9cT6LK6LoELZBQrljx9mgSUEDMRXEwNQk_wKQdoZWRw6ittaIcgbaOEd_WtUJq2K46TePmBxhFPZ0/s4030/6-7-23%20magic%20water%20on%20table.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2868" data-original-width="4030" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2-MBynlSkEMeSwpS5QP_xiDm3hs53PlhEw9liWdfX5xBHbPu0ut5R9lkgeYmWmaoqTf1-r3t4trZfPl9Gc4U7Veo_ENrS6_onuQT6evrClYoNpX9cT6LK6LoELZBQrljx9mgSUEDMRXEwNQk_wKQdoZWRw6ittaIcgbaOEd_WtUJq2K46TePmBxhFPZ0/w399-h284/6-7-23%20magic%20water%20on%20table.jpeg" width="399" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>This next one popped up on Facebook one day. It certainly tells its own story. I am blessed with people who reach out to me...words are not always necessary!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6RxwlMOdFtoy4fe4rg-KITpueUeU9i23iPz1h0gAuYDQFm4sOBFkHKekoe6qyFtkeqpyE4L3nLw3oXFu6K_KQ1Ol37harEMA4ZBSrG9PtRNy8Say1u5nyNJbmnWVcpg7c9rJiUtHX3Ai7ruT936fbqQHtioq0ilNMqlTKatGYhKU-tMPOX9ntn5CwfqY/s4032/6-7-23%20bear%20heper.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6RxwlMOdFtoy4fe4rg-KITpueUeU9i23iPz1h0gAuYDQFm4sOBFkHKekoe6qyFtkeqpyE4L3nLw3oXFu6K_KQ1Ol37harEMA4ZBSrG9PtRNy8Say1u5nyNJbmnWVcpg7c9rJiUtHX3Ai7ruT936fbqQHtioq0ilNMqlTKatGYhKU-tMPOX9ntn5CwfqY/w309-h412/6-7-23%20bear%20heper.jpeg" width="309" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div>This last one (today) is another photograph. As it says here, the photo is made with two different negatives, taken on different days. My task is to create my own photo (new life) putting together 'a combination of talents to discover a new image of me...'<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI5tECgR8eYqaOLB8jxWfmk6YDBldqubAsMPKsqoARJjnfMZHO0N5CA47dKdiuTsq6drlVzK9h3gOk_HlqbaQ58FXRY6FsqaRpnGFJ0JztEE2pcLF2qtZi8X1jdpIBNySOQ58nZnB5lmfvJ68nAPH75sq0INSe2wBZ_A7RUh2-KBm-LwB_v3k8dd-UmFs/s3942/6-10-23%202BE%20copy.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2904" data-original-width="3942" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI5tECgR8eYqaOLB8jxWfmk6YDBldqubAsMPKsqoARJjnfMZHO0N5CA47dKdiuTsq6drlVzK9h3gOk_HlqbaQ58FXRY6FsqaRpnGFJ0JztEE2pcLF2qtZi8X1jdpIBNySOQ58nZnB5lmfvJ68nAPH75sq0INSe2wBZ_A7RUh2-KBm-LwB_v3k8dd-UmFs/w433-h319/6-10-23%202BE%20copy.jpeg" width="433" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>George and I used to say, "We have all the time that there is!" The process of re-creating myself does (and will) take time. </div><div><br /></div><div>Stay tuned - more to come. </div>Jo Merrillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08747013106561155695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4808760944359856414.post-45286327727595468902023-05-10T17:33:00.000-04:002023-05-10T17:33:16.404-04:00Celebrate St. Michaels - the banners are up!<p>The St. Michaels Art League (SMAL) has sponsored a banner program in our small village for over ten years. SMAL artists create artwork that is scanned and printed and then hung on poles along our main street from April until November. We 'decorate' the for the locals and for the many tourists that visit here. </p><p>Kevin Snelling, owner of Creative Xpressions (shop in town) makes prints of the artwork and has them for sale in his shop. </p><p>The theme for this project has always been 'Celebrate St. Michaels' so I try to think up new ways to 'celebrate.' Several years ago I created 'Mikey' - a St. Michaels crab - who celebrates in various ways. In the past Mikey has been fishing, eating an ice cream cone or an ear of corn, dressed as an artist, captain of a boat, etc. You get the idea.</p><p>This year Mikey is truly celebrating with the town flag. I particularly like the top hat! Look for him as you drive through town.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXlIrRnUI2YrvH81Grc4X667v0-KDsWmlLjHU57fAep2roWrpYTGhPBK58XqBLcKIWU6nvByTQ8gyccAquOxcQunhAo1glfJtA6btq0StA87XlIkftMJi3id3h3buoBQN7VIjiH_We6y-85B1Hchj9vbp6TYUoML9yNmFW2gwS_hIqOvhpvwhuvdsw/s2477/IMG_5854.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2477" data-original-width="2268" height="389" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXlIrRnUI2YrvH81Grc4X667v0-KDsWmlLjHU57fAep2roWrpYTGhPBK58XqBLcKIWU6nvByTQ8gyccAquOxcQunhAo1glfJtA6btq0StA87XlIkftMJi3id3h3buoBQN7VIjiH_We6y-85B1Hchj9vbp6TYUoML9yNmFW2gwS_hIqOvhpvwhuvdsw/w357-h389/IMG_5854.jpeg" width="357" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Jo Merrillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08747013106561155695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4808760944359856414.post-5164868143260371392023-04-22T17:43:00.000-04:002023-04-22T17:43:17.533-04:00The Expressive Journal - Part 5!<p> I ran into a friend today who commented that she had been following my posts. It occurred to me that I hadn't done anything in a long time! Looks like I took over a month off. That last post was the end of February! </p><p>I have continued to create journal pages and continue to find it very helpful. Over these past few weeks I have tried to move ahead, but found that my focus has been on holding on to the last few weeks before the one year anniversary of George's death. </p><p>As you will see in some of the pages that follow, I hung his photographs in an exhibit at our local library and gave a talk about the book...trying to find my way. On to the images...</p><p>This first one is from early March. I am struggling to 'break through some cracks'. I came upon this wonderful quote (I can't remember where so am unable to give credit). It puts things into perspective in a new way.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOMiPdBIQHIRGPANV4a8RuVdqFrW4OEupgr62zIDBPDQJmsMJOfJ_eynSsA27igNqI8tx4tdXBjBfKY9XiohGhJtjhIQNYfEzNaVXMZ0FaLANWN5WdvSAR23_ADhTe2TfNYZDlk-43NqHVRKYc28fHZgKg3301o2K_N0xSKOU8ZZONIV2PhaQR3XX5/s3728/IMG_6117.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2835" data-original-width="3728" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOMiPdBIQHIRGPANV4a8RuVdqFrW4OEupgr62zIDBPDQJmsMJOfJ_eynSsA27igNqI8tx4tdXBjBfKY9XiohGhJtjhIQNYfEzNaVXMZ0FaLANWN5WdvSAR23_ADhTe2TfNYZDlk-43NqHVRKYc28fHZgKg3301o2K_N0xSKOU8ZZONIV2PhaQR3XX5/w385-h292/IMG_6117.jpeg" width="385" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><p>Yes, some things are getting easier - note: not easy, but easier. Looking for a new normal. I love the quote in the black box.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL8rx1coubIwW6LkvZe7EAhgrT7YGfuKkkEI4P1vswC4nesNXhz0elC25lGCV0EFdpktKvSzt27UzDrRjOosNauMvlh-QOuL7SklRhc_hh2weRPIY1ctTrrudI9O_gBwf8yqzzHF_gEj5ijqa7wuDyTY9krBrRS5XW9FkrfnBYlbqzQQlvXg5smqAk/s3607/IMG_6190.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2802" data-original-width="3607" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL8rx1coubIwW6LkvZe7EAhgrT7YGfuKkkEI4P1vswC4nesNXhz0elC25lGCV0EFdpktKvSzt27UzDrRjOosNauMvlh-QOuL7SklRhc_hh2weRPIY1ctTrrudI9O_gBwf8yqzzHF_gEj5ijqa7wuDyTY9krBrRS5XW9FkrfnBYlbqzQQlvXg5smqAk/w385-h300/IMG_6190.jpeg" width="385" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Breakfast was our special time. We were coming up on Daylight Savings time. The mornings were a little brighter. Laura Oliver is a columnist in our local online newspaper - The Talbot Spy. Her Sunday essay spoke of looking for "kickass joy." That seemed like a good idea! This is an acrylic background that I had poured months ago. It fits.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSQNYMb57Sj8TheUkOjLd-vodoeeNru9pQBrJ5vdwAoyyoVzM0r8kPS9iujRvvaTcg68uSaYhRL_LO1kD1D-_wnPLBw1TWG63C8Nub4TUWsjpF2lNr1MIvEBrr8VVwPVVkF8zn66eY5TKdaZBvauTU_91SEWJr8pO1Gh0cEQMiuOPG98GcvprAQ4hf/s3661/IMG_6193.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3020" data-original-width="3661" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSQNYMb57Sj8TheUkOjLd-vodoeeNru9pQBrJ5vdwAoyyoVzM0r8kPS9iujRvvaTcg68uSaYhRL_LO1kD1D-_wnPLBw1TWG63C8Nub4TUWsjpF2lNr1MIvEBrr8VVwPVVkF8zn66eY5TKdaZBvauTU_91SEWJr8pO1Gh0cEQMiuOPG98GcvprAQ4hf/w373-h308/IMG_6193.jpeg" width="373" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div>This is a bunch of random thoughts that come and go. I loved this old acrylic painting and liked the way the colors went with this old watercolor sketch (which gets lost in the whole thing!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheUtd7Qf865Entlz6LTXqSzQSC3BFWTW-n33QxkCob5-NLJA6yAM3xNwtQcvz_GwLTwUkiU1Epx3xp8mQCppcsC5lj_ftWgJEuK-hV7nkDnAKcHKHbu37Fc7ikgeTlhxt8lIHWqn_TMtKf17s3uIlGqTL2jNpqjzqsy-7VmzkNJK7r8HqleywEkyvE/s3628/IMG_6121.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2646" data-original-width="3628" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheUtd7Qf865Entlz6LTXqSzQSC3BFWTW-n33QxkCob5-NLJA6yAM3xNwtQcvz_GwLTwUkiU1Epx3xp8mQCppcsC5lj_ftWgJEuK-hV7nkDnAKcHKHbu37Fc7ikgeTlhxt8lIHWqn_TMtKf17s3uIlGqTL2jNpqjzqsy-7VmzkNJK7r8HqleywEkyvE/w374-h272/IMG_6121.jpeg" width="374" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>More musings about his absence in the mornings. I don't want to forget all those times together, but wonder if they are holding me back..</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFcFH7gctYo-As94mapKQgzSbPi1zhr4hxIh_L1c2fcgxHCk51EX21JG1da8IA7d_0Sj5tcpBQQhmj_aflYDEVubQD83YrghyEVumt27P7qrDF4Io-CJU8dKZKt_rpC4tx9d-A3Sif3tV6NGIq9UnqeUaPMRIyN_pGbT0vVYpCdUzYVT8M6Gvgtu53/s3504/IMG_6136.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2725" data-original-width="3504" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFcFH7gctYo-As94mapKQgzSbPi1zhr4hxIh_L1c2fcgxHCk51EX21JG1da8IA7d_0Sj5tcpBQQhmj_aflYDEVubQD83YrghyEVumt27P7qrDF4Io-CJU8dKZKt_rpC4tx9d-A3Sif3tV6NGIq9UnqeUaPMRIyN_pGbT0vVYpCdUzYVT8M6Gvgtu53/w361-h281/IMG_6136.jpeg" width="361" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>We had this thing about scones. I would make a batch and we would share one for breakfast on Sunday mornings. I 'bravely' made a batch (the first since his death). The quote and sketch are from the book.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVpIp7nTfGVU4PnqAnnhk-IA4vYfsZY-9z0fspqHUS2L4t3kANI8LC20HH7XsthegwyFz08JTd4pW_-7YuP-hTynuKz9X1YbOeeGqkl-942lqeDMd8KNJZtzf9hnnggVIxbmn7DpQGgp0nTkRv-2BxO7qBHExBXNrzgBdIDOLbHvmrqgxDJS1HFbIW/s4030/IMG_6159.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4030" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVpIp7nTfGVU4PnqAnnhk-IA4vYfsZY-9z0fspqHUS2L4t3kANI8LC20HH7XsthegwyFz08JTd4pW_-7YuP-hTynuKz9X1YbOeeGqkl-942lqeDMd8KNJZtzf9hnnggVIxbmn7DpQGgp0nTkRv-2BxO7qBHExBXNrzgBdIDOLbHvmrqgxDJS1HFbIW/w367-h275/IMG_6159.jpeg" width="367" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The stink bug appears again! I know that's weird, but it was our thing and they make me smile. </div><div>It is the unexpected things that bring tears. </div><div>A simple question on a tax form... I guess technically for filing purposes in 2022, I 'am' married, but it's that last time I can check that box. </div><div>Many years ago I gave George a ships clock. Resetting it for the time changes was always a big deal. It's now up to me...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwkwJA-0xdElPFooTHrzfur8uSEVyEc13ZcDWMJhKiNgSV2QYKmHD9iWZaMk9x4YVckNdh13YrmuCIKy0BMqRd5p1X2kPdu4_IVpv-Y8_H4cK0qr8yz0fhYgBcs8-3WZOwYVFFzGpTQZ0XAPXgNwXPdxqhuxemBAtP913W6HZsho5RD24-hqmPO_da/s3316/IMG_6206.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2597" data-original-width="3316" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwkwJA-0xdElPFooTHrzfur8uSEVyEc13ZcDWMJhKiNgSV2QYKmHD9iWZaMk9x4YVckNdh13YrmuCIKy0BMqRd5p1X2kPdu4_IVpv-Y8_H4cK0qr8yz0fhYgBcs8-3WZOwYVFFzGpTQZ0XAPXgNwXPdxqhuxemBAtP913W6HZsho5RD24-hqmPO_da/w372-h292/IMG_6206.jpeg" width="372" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div>This is another painting from years ago that I always liked. It was fun to use it here. The words in the black box came to me one morning. At first I felt guilty for thinking them and then they just seemed so right.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioN6bHd3_L3uvtRtfRTLlOtsVq8og3I-1r7dN8UigQiKM1SVQKbFR0iPSI0aqHVEb2zD7SD48O02XYSHsZ4ilcactrvRAzQhrzqHQGMjP__vOCSFA2qek4WovWmOP2_Xzp_3bCJ2ziUsKOKSWlkFvK0ojcNwmnMmLR09eJhj22CtLpIxwFSud3HJoR/s3238/IMG_6213.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2563" data-original-width="3238" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioN6bHd3_L3uvtRtfRTLlOtsVq8og3I-1r7dN8UigQiKM1SVQKbFR0iPSI0aqHVEb2zD7SD48O02XYSHsZ4ilcactrvRAzQhrzqHQGMjP__vOCSFA2qek4WovWmOP2_Xzp_3bCJ2ziUsKOKSWlkFvK0ojcNwmnMmLR09eJhj22CtLpIxwFSud3HJoR/w402-h318/IMG_6213.jpeg" width="402" /></a></div><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Some days are just gloomy days. I've learned that's OK. It helps to write about it and let it go. This was March 17th -17s are hard for me. George 's birthday was a 17 and he died on the 17th..</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9WZK3feddwhN88N79vtBY0D6ymdM3su2iwEnotMWtonZ-Df8OMvWwZ5mOP7LHI5fQmPPR3Sh59QOiKjJzaqAEE0a0ZZ5neILEGNKNhajy0GP-GGGZq1Z6D5AzpRE5JR5mb5qZik43sBnWXwBmgfLDrDxGWoTpS115R1cERlORHZdAcFdOfd9VyR6I/s3716/IMG_6229.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2830" data-original-width="3716" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9WZK3feddwhN88N79vtBY0D6ymdM3su2iwEnotMWtonZ-Df8OMvWwZ5mOP7LHI5fQmPPR3Sh59QOiKjJzaqAEE0a0ZZ5neILEGNKNhajy0GP-GGGZq1Z6D5AzpRE5JR5mb5qZik43sBnWXwBmgfLDrDxGWoTpS115R1cERlORHZdAcFdOfd9VyR6I/w387-h295/IMG_6229.jpeg" width="387" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>I am getting better at turning my sadness into thankfulness. Instead of focusing on the loss, I am looking at what I do have - the wonderful memories to be treasured.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHM5IWI9p_YIFmwKze6huu0uLO1-rlUsJoum80xpBEDeEBJUhpwZSJ5QyJ875JKWPXcWViYWvp7ZWkcMnVJKGQIl05XHmfQkGfr5D9URvkjOiq-G50wDsExUNi6bKDBugQ92PazzmxwYKeLq-AJwYdg46X1wl_cW5X3gCcA080UlnWLhY_C6Tx4wdi/s3661/IMG_6227.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2678" data-original-width="3661" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHM5IWI9p_YIFmwKze6huu0uLO1-rlUsJoum80xpBEDeEBJUhpwZSJ5QyJ875JKWPXcWViYWvp7ZWkcMnVJKGQIl05XHmfQkGfr5D9URvkjOiq-G50wDsExUNi6bKDBugQ92PazzmxwYKeLq-AJwYdg46X1wl_cW5X3gCcA080UlnWLhY_C6Tx4wdi/w405-h296/IMG_6227.jpeg" width="405" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>I ask myself a lot of questions about moving on... How do I let go of grief? How much can I let go without losing all the memories? If I don't know what's next, how can I move on? On and on ... then it's time for chocolate!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWJvxZxZ10mh5ICzJZENSC_RPblGZxCa8h1LHUZFAcWWn0JZxd3qNObXJcih8ZEBoD9Sv0WqvIKHgfHIsOoWSk6fRJrqTdLQaV2iHxHO_YiNfDukIPTGEpXNgzcm2kg1r4cZddV09qnEUyQ1rQJJfP5Ep7I_nBsrM7R7DoNrxkf31Fr0T9q34Rkv2b/s3462/IMG_6261.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2557" data-original-width="3462" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWJvxZxZ10mh5ICzJZENSC_RPblGZxCa8h1LHUZFAcWWn0JZxd3qNObXJcih8ZEBoD9Sv0WqvIKHgfHIsOoWSk6fRJrqTdLQaV2iHxHO_YiNfDukIPTGEpXNgzcm2kg1r4cZddV09qnEUyQ1rQJJfP5Ep7I_nBsrM7R7DoNrxkf31Fr0T9q34Rkv2b/w380-h280/IMG_6261.jpeg" width="380" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Not all the little things that bring surprises are bad or bring sadness. (If you don't know Alexa, she/it is an Amazon speaker that responds to voice commands) We often 'talk' in the morning. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6jU9t1HRgCtsO_5t9uzEJDJBe5GeRr0sCM_l_c3JIOAAB6vsJAjPTRLFX9sSmDhcPH7bVCsRfluSTB7BTVLm39ut6PyHmQbqZvfyNvCZbAQaBGx2PNuNKazkKg2mDBfh0yJxvBtawBuyFGShgZcNsCOv7TPRfRdoAp9KRzG5bk6ONakP07Qy3N-sl/s3678/IMG_6266.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2727" data-original-width="3678" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6jU9t1HRgCtsO_5t9uzEJDJBe5GeRr0sCM_l_c3JIOAAB6vsJAjPTRLFX9sSmDhcPH7bVCsRfluSTB7BTVLm39ut6PyHmQbqZvfyNvCZbAQaBGx2PNuNKazkKg2mDBfh0yJxvBtawBuyFGShgZcNsCOv7TPRfRdoAp9KRzG5bk6ONakP07Qy3N-sl/w398-h295/IMG_6266.jpeg" width="398" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>These last two images are very personal. I have tried to open my heart to this journal - partly because it has helped me, but also because others have found it a helpful model. </div><div><br /></div><div>Soon after the previous page it was Easter Sunday. The first of the death anniversaries. George died last year on Easter Sunday. I was able to get out of town with family for a long weekend. A change of scene and supportive family helped ease the pain of the memories that came back forcefully. I went looking for images from that time and I do not see that I journaled until after the 17th, the date anniversary. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi19IKv5F-R9JLdOZDlrl36aY3I7NoG-4SKKt1UQkX2kKITW_Np27CYb5xlmPymVIDHPwEvCTtS0bv2qMKnpeWyuf3vJjM1USrH7NN1Jhix-5-Vi4nwS_o7u37cn6G9tZbvGLBDtTU65JpjdN9XGEDyiSPSwLCEDJDV6t12eTIyuwFECRiFH0WVq6wp/s3891/IMG_6286%202.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2955" data-original-width="3891" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi19IKv5F-R9JLdOZDlrl36aY3I7NoG-4SKKt1UQkX2kKITW_Np27CYb5xlmPymVIDHPwEvCTtS0bv2qMKnpeWyuf3vJjM1USrH7NN1Jhix-5-Vi4nwS_o7u37cn6G9tZbvGLBDtTU65JpjdN9XGEDyiSPSwLCEDJDV6t12eTIyuwFECRiFH0WVq6wp/w388-h295/IMG_6286%202.jpeg" width="388" /></a></div>I had been dreading two anniversaries! To my surprise, I now welcome them. The first one gave me an opportunity to embrace the sadness of George's death, to mourn, and begin to let some of it go. My 'plan' for the 17th was so thought out... and then so 'us' in what George used to call 'Hofnagle's Law' (when the toast falls to the floor is it always butter side down). Holding tightly to 'the plan' was no longer possible. I congratulated myself in being able to recognize the absurdity and playfulness of our moment together.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5vbY3QmmgwBlJweJCHR5ZSne8__TqCfIHmi3VqCGA3cgpnzKhOsZTN18UWfsZWdf_qWm4OBaAfoxKtPtTYD_er6IBHTVExE2Ic0YSsKSz6YbLuzsoyimW6Z9_JlHXeQ3F6S31SeNZPL0pVAm6BVzU3BrqsCcB9tcXFYg1zOPmSFTg35nR4OY0b8PT/s4032/IMG_6292.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="508" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5vbY3QmmgwBlJweJCHR5ZSne8__TqCfIHmi3VqCGA3cgpnzKhOsZTN18UWfsZWdf_qWm4OBaAfoxKtPtTYD_er6IBHTVExE2Ic0YSsKSz6YbLuzsoyimW6Z9_JlHXeQ3F6S31SeNZPL0pVAm6BVzU3BrqsCcB9tcXFYg1zOPmSFTg35nR4OY0b8PT/w381-h508/IMG_6292.jpeg" width="381" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>This last image was just finished. If you look closely at the painting you can find a lot of fish swimming upstream! </div><div><br /></div><div>I don't think my journal is finished, but I may put it aside for a bit as I see what's ahead in year #2.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks for being with me through this time!<br /><div><div><br /></div></div></div>Jo Merrillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08747013106561155695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4808760944359856414.post-78573154452257469622023-02-25T15:01:00.000-05:002023-02-25T15:01:21.035-05:00The Expressive Journal - Part 4 (final...maybe)<p>The Expressive Journal course finished last week. I have mixed emotions about that. It was so helpful to be a part of it - the accountability to the other students in doing our 'homework' kept me on track and made me focus on what was going on for me. That said, it is also nice to not have to come up with something new everyday. </p><p>I have found myself thinking about the journal this week though and have created a few more pages! IF (notice the purposeful capital letters) I can keep working on the journal through Easter, I know it will be helpful.</p><p>So, on to the 'final...maybe' images. </p><p>This first one has a quick story: Years ago when we got married, we each added the other to our personal checking accounts. When my new checks came, George was upset that they had printed them wrong. My name was on the top line! Apparently his name had always come first in his 'prior life.' </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgoUp6D-1wXDY4XoOEMqRdKDyxp6l_DtMqpYC1t3z3qacYG3xVrds7RZLx6tUGeUulksvdhZ8yR25_Qefffu2CXTTl9jAHQE0-dlutXfEwck74p-x59miCU8blprv9_aqr-Mgf0ON4SfDc90p9X-0Kz6XCsZOKE6Gu6iGQvYcxoERsOwijZPlVprgv/s3758/IMG_6040.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2840" data-original-width="3758" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgoUp6D-1wXDY4XoOEMqRdKDyxp6l_DtMqpYC1t3z3qacYG3xVrds7RZLx6tUGeUulksvdhZ8yR25_Qefffu2CXTTl9jAHQE0-dlutXfEwck74p-x59miCU8blprv9_aqr-Mgf0ON4SfDc90p9X-0Kz6XCsZOKE6Gu6iGQvYcxoERsOwijZPlVprgv/w382-h289/IMG_6040.jpeg" width="382" /></a></div>The other funny thing about this image is that I had written 'your name isn't on them.' When I went online to get an image of a non-personal check, I did not pay much attention. On a closer look each check says "<b>YOUR NAME.</b>" So technically, what I wrote is incorrect. It is wonderful to find ways to laugh at myself these days.<p></p><p><br /></p><p>This next one, even though in black and white, really was sort of a celebration recognizing the publication of the book of essays and finding myself in a new place. I love the quote at the top.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7N0qJtVeGLbYpJ2hnvcEOeQcAMOqnfk8YP6I8VTsHN6dQgpDBK71Aj5NggKg9gxhmtVOw1l8E4PRBMfCbVn3CBL3jFMGX5ytoFXBPxGe-mJWKi3W0Da1ZDZ_Tc69AzOFaVtzzTH21A4h2AS2zkstb5xoxiBTf4wZxD3GCqZB-Ch0nuB51387MRvGq/s3820/IMG_6043.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2853" data-original-width="3820" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7N0qJtVeGLbYpJ2hnvcEOeQcAMOqnfk8YP6I8VTsHN6dQgpDBK71Aj5NggKg9gxhmtVOw1l8E4PRBMfCbVn3CBL3jFMGX5ytoFXBPxGe-mJWKi3W0Da1ZDZ_Tc69AzOFaVtzzTH21A4h2AS2zkstb5xoxiBTf4wZxD3GCqZB-Ch0nuB51387MRvGq/w372-h278/IMG_6043.jpeg" width="372" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p>There is no way to understand about a loved one's wedding ring until you are faced with it.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2KtvQkWX82ozrfCM7jtPUF0fe6KTyXIPThbV49JPaEZYnln-Kd-Jy2yhYjgPIQTuT1cRKn4dDjYs_uY77jccNc2MeR5AesDSRireBcZ4RcpU6OCLR6QqH5pBZY6bpdtwjikeQ8q_zC56y3kRURvNp084fBbk3fKG2Az8VNIgvPDbpgy5aLom_wljU/s3573/IMG_6058.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2608" data-original-width="3573" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2KtvQkWX82ozrfCM7jtPUF0fe6KTyXIPThbV49JPaEZYnln-Kd-Jy2yhYjgPIQTuT1cRKn4dDjYs_uY77jccNc2MeR5AesDSRireBcZ4RcpU6OCLR6QqH5pBZY6bpdtwjikeQ8q_zC56y3kRURvNp084fBbk3fKG2Az8VNIgvPDbpgy5aLom_wljU/w391-h286/IMG_6058.jpeg" width="391" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p>I continue to be aware of Lasts and Firsts. We celebrated each event when we knew it would be the last one. This image speaks to our Christmas cards.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW4G9r3HIw5EBkHcq8hrw6kNMRlhBo0wXFWUSeB1Pu6exTviWMURCoHlpQMIne-hewTcTPIg0LF0X1tlOBF_7-OaD5S1ITESbf876h4O1dh5zSoYjf6dorl2KrW3Y9GSwqImcEnjDh44dJALcuZ8YHW060e2qRPIj5UeaDoFZBPW1vr0PyuQLdVWYt/s3979/IMG_6061.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2915" data-original-width="3979" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW4G9r3HIw5EBkHcq8hrw6kNMRlhBo0wXFWUSeB1Pu6exTviWMURCoHlpQMIne-hewTcTPIg0LF0X1tlOBF_7-OaD5S1ITESbf876h4O1dh5zSoYjf6dorl2KrW3Y9GSwqImcEnjDh44dJALcuZ8YHW060e2qRPIj5UeaDoFZBPW1vr0PyuQLdVWYt/w375-h274/IMG_6061.jpeg" width="375" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p>New Years Eve and Day were always important to us. I knew I needed to do something this year that we would never have done.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_0xt936LsigiydLjDjKH10UBxn6kNpjn4g76DaZmtDueHI2oYKMB0zXTtbfphhPWbcWgLKPf50pG0Snjs7I68AM_U-Am94D5DsSV-IkI6BafXmC-3WPpd6ZgNl-K48f1a6YZbwUI9BqNZRkwj1eOkPo0Fso5UsFnoXeoHe0xX5k8-z_Zi3MyQvSYZ/s3730/IMG_6046.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2786" data-original-width="3730" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_0xt936LsigiydLjDjKH10UBxn6kNpjn4g76DaZmtDueHI2oYKMB0zXTtbfphhPWbcWgLKPf50pG0Snjs7I68AM_U-Am94D5DsSV-IkI6BafXmC-3WPpd6ZgNl-K48f1a6YZbwUI9BqNZRkwj1eOkPo0Fso5UsFnoXeoHe0xX5k8-z_Zi3MyQvSYZ/w388-h290/IMG_6046.jpeg" width="388" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p>There are a few more days to be celebrated in this first year since my husband's death. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNw0XStoVpE5YRgwcGtZ6jxwjCN5Aw8Tc-Y9CFtIQly2UVjawbTmEj7NszPk8NE12i32JSS68QZsLFaV_uE-jirY7rqbEKxIO4m9jUV9NHkoLUoZ9LlA1-o_dKtqT4wE_NretqobyS8tCUXw6o8okTHdARTtCJ1eZU5NGXlMY2hAyCUo51edIa9xwK/s3577/IMG_6063.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2847" data-original-width="3577" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNw0XStoVpE5YRgwcGtZ6jxwjCN5Aw8Tc-Y9CFtIQly2UVjawbTmEj7NszPk8NE12i32JSS68QZsLFaV_uE-jirY7rqbEKxIO4m9jUV9NHkoLUoZ9LlA1-o_dKtqT4wE_NretqobyS8tCUXw6o8okTHdARTtCJ1eZU5NGXlMY2hAyCUo51edIa9xwK/w389-h310/IMG_6063.jpeg" width="389" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p>Sometimes I write/speak directly to him... Some people have talked to me about their loved ones communicating as cardinals, eagles, etc. For me, the stink bug makes me feel less alone. (Long story for another time) </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7JVF_zzz0lGrZU6oPnUqD3e3Db5reDuC-9EWkeTQFb9QvbnSnPjK3WZE9GDn4ZnOnPR-nnTpFA6BwiPZ4lv72zH6jwkJw89_GYe4vPDOEAh1PLaZHVBKLLMnMjzaq4eyvPt_i3ZXV4JZC73s0r8ehQUWOeJE4J6NHGbaXrq5E6PO1of57hdiCE6GR/s3677/IMG_6069.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2897" data-original-width="3677" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7JVF_zzz0lGrZU6oPnUqD3e3Db5reDuC-9EWkeTQFb9QvbnSnPjK3WZE9GDn4ZnOnPR-nnTpFA6BwiPZ4lv72zH6jwkJw89_GYe4vPDOEAh1PLaZHVBKLLMnMjzaq4eyvPt_i3ZXV4JZC73s0r8ehQUWOeJE4J6NHGbaXrq5E6PO1of57hdiCE6GR/w363-h286/IMG_6069.jpeg" width="363" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p>This image was one of the ways for me to say thank you to our class for their support. Unlike many of the others which has backgrounds of acrylic pours, this one was stamped with acrylic paint after bubble wrap had been pressed into a pour. Interesting effect.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRZnoiXszWKzhJdk983WMfi13-Da60Oc58xlIyKk1FLmdi4rJDFTKZD7CZj_hSDuLCaD78yny476D0vQhpgA7VkbLxRT7q9QsT38NiP2XONVzAoM85dRNRbYukt6RXg5HKjLfWyzQaRnoPOWCWl4vrEKmd77OPu97wryMbRAdvH9kI0kZCeZ8YC9rM/s3758/IMG_6056.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2925" data-original-width="3758" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRZnoiXszWKzhJdk983WMfi13-Da60Oc58xlIyKk1FLmdi4rJDFTKZD7CZj_hSDuLCaD78yny476D0vQhpgA7VkbLxRT7q9QsT38NiP2XONVzAoM85dRNRbYukt6RXg5HKjLfWyzQaRnoPOWCWl4vrEKmd77OPu97wryMbRAdvH9kI0kZCeZ8YC9rM/w375-h292/IMG_6056.jpeg" width="375" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>These last three have been done since the class was completed. I still work on the question of what's next. It is a confusing image - it fits with trying to answer the question!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNG2fzo4rbE1NfHg7QHIeMnouqE85dd0uZ-7l0f18JWIokGgtRn4Ox4rU1uAXuhTjxfRSqARV-90N3TYgEExh2Kl1xmkB6R6A4fqcpKC7bwltevnPIX9aCvqQ_xq7HrI-OxxTeQ6FPJli_VFkW2WD6pOxwLi6k19pYtmqCOSgnkepHYxSq-6NYMlkY/s3842/IMG_6107.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2942" data-original-width="3842" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNG2fzo4rbE1NfHg7QHIeMnouqE85dd0uZ-7l0f18JWIokGgtRn4Ox4rU1uAXuhTjxfRSqARV-90N3TYgEExh2Kl1xmkB6R6A4fqcpKC7bwltevnPIX9aCvqQ_xq7HrI-OxxTeQ6FPJli_VFkW2WD6pOxwLi6k19pYtmqCOSgnkepHYxSq-6NYMlkY/w375-h287/IMG_6107.jpeg" width="375" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p>My daughter-in-law sent me a package of homemade fudge (which arrived on Valentines Day). I loved the card that came with it. I added color to the card and used it on this image. I used a lot of acrylic paint to cover the pages. I like the look of texture on this one.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBOt0V9vfO2fMv-GB3eT44irKvhuWFiarJNFiuCVKZomb5i34ykTNt3iJTBONTEPslfFE2GnsoDPjV0lTdZwpq4BwRMZ8bKITOI2QKGHxthZa-jqOBPJLsR7r4JU-P3e2QlgTukWk0E8xYZLWh5edUbXI6-75r4QheFGsa_x2F9l6uu7VRKO1geyrR/s3263/IMG_6102.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2539" data-original-width="3263" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBOt0V9vfO2fMv-GB3eT44irKvhuWFiarJNFiuCVKZomb5i34ykTNt3iJTBONTEPslfFE2GnsoDPjV0lTdZwpq4BwRMZ8bKITOI2QKGHxthZa-jqOBPJLsR7r4JU-P3e2QlgTukWk0E8xYZLWh5edUbXI6-75r4QheFGsa_x2F9l6uu7VRKO1geyrR/w371-h289/IMG_6102.jpeg" width="371" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p>I will end with this one. Loss/grief are interesting in that they seem all encompassing to those left behind. How could anyone not know? And then the phone rings...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjirTSW5Y_t1x1L-LutlYK7XlK8YyHs_CjC2HlQQR07QjnG2MNJ161gZcN1SD9_-sJ3SE7qn3673MGq6xLB5250Uj2P0JimSk9zxQ3WVx-FBW9jASxkktcEMHioFlfeY1LwEAvp6_mBv7jkyVLrmGYeVygjJIqHPf1kF7Qo5y5X15iuWQlMfHckcbGt/s3555/IMG_6111.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2788" data-original-width="3555" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjirTSW5Y_t1x1L-LutlYK7XlK8YyHs_CjC2HlQQR07QjnG2MNJ161gZcN1SD9_-sJ3SE7qn3673MGq6xLB5250Uj2P0JimSk9zxQ3WVx-FBW9jASxkktcEMHioFlfeY1LwEAvp6_mBv7jkyVLrmGYeVygjJIqHPf1kF7Qo5y5X15iuWQlMfHckcbGt/w396-h311/IMG_6111.jpeg" width="396" /></a></div>I am feeling less lost and I understand that feeling will be a part of me for quite a while. I am grateful to have more and more days of light.<p></p>Jo Merrillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08747013106561155695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4808760944359856414.post-23378816694158632462023-02-18T10:42:00.000-05:002023-02-18T10:42:14.625-05:00The Expressive Journal - Part 3<p>OK, Part 3... this has been a wonderful experience for me. Putting words, pictures, and color together... and sharing it with others... has been so healing. I have been saying for years that a story is not complete until it is shared. "Putting it out there" with my class and writing this blog continues to help me focus.</p><p><br /></p><p>This background got a little wild. It must have been 'one of those days' as I painted and found quotes to include!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7gmusyjRulQAK1PqhyhEl4vpY_pOPLJJ_vl9dBNaW2erA9erQUol_WpvdyaMlxFj8fFfwlxUF2gOV3PdJNIm0XXzZ1pFlgB4tDSu0l-QcUF3uL6yd9824ryl-TesABORgHivl03ZzpU_V8J39Kl9Tx7GozsDA6SYHTjI5pOBvxf4l2ezpfLSQ6n0k/s3783/IMG_5914%20copy.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2904" data-original-width="3783" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7gmusyjRulQAK1PqhyhEl4vpY_pOPLJJ_vl9dBNaW2erA9erQUol_WpvdyaMlxFj8fFfwlxUF2gOV3PdJNIm0XXzZ1pFlgB4tDSu0l-QcUF3uL6yd9824ryl-TesABORgHivl03ZzpU_V8J39Kl9Tx7GozsDA6SYHTjI5pOBvxf4l2ezpfLSQ6n0k/w388-h298/IMG_5914%20copy.jpeg" width="388" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Moving forward is not easy. I have been talking to myself a lot about walking out of the dark. I put a lot of paint on these pages and then used my heat gun for the texture effects. Obviously, it got a little messy, but it is always interesting to me that our minds figure out a lot of things even when the letters of a word are blocked!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM3mNkf6cIhjkQBdmO4OLG4gQlSvwMqW7Jj0JLinAm-FuZ4U5KwGdVh1pJYiZMcO9WvV66LPVW8_791XQAbIwzHV4zyJjQxwHCEvae2p7aAmdWQIG9gUiRI0F4B1me6bzApJtGp7Pc9OzVQ9-U-0J38K2BLg2vCJSbTTtWtAv2w5JNdkNZK5C1Ou4_/s3802/IMG_5928%20copy.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3004" data-original-width="3802" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM3mNkf6cIhjkQBdmO4OLG4gQlSvwMqW7Jj0JLinAm-FuZ4U5KwGdVh1pJYiZMcO9WvV66LPVW8_791XQAbIwzHV4zyJjQxwHCEvae2p7aAmdWQIG9gUiRI0F4B1me6bzApJtGp7Pc9OzVQ9-U-0J38K2BLg2vCJSbTTtWtAv2w5JNdkNZK5C1Ou4_/w387-h306/IMG_5928%20copy.jpeg" width="387" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>This background is an acrylic pour painting that seemed to fit this message. The drawing is one that I used in a prior book. We were so grateful to have time - even though we did not know how much.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjV2ePQajdFgDoynkudBqVLso2DSeIYAvAgpJ7r3oVZvO4iW9FSAW7APqQBqq_y2R8CGGvOGNtzDg40AlU6tHyzBbA_1bn9IfeFDlapVNlXOV2C69EU15rPUwuLZAJL-VBSLd9UuKlTlWfX880TQsrzEyGd3zby92SUHz3ueDynz1nRAOZYdkhFvcN/s3900/IMG_5944%20copy.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2734" data-original-width="3900" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjV2ePQajdFgDoynkudBqVLso2DSeIYAvAgpJ7r3oVZvO4iW9FSAW7APqQBqq_y2R8CGGvOGNtzDg40AlU6tHyzBbA_1bn9IfeFDlapVNlXOV2C69EU15rPUwuLZAJL-VBSLd9UuKlTlWfX880TQsrzEyGd3zby92SUHz3ueDynz1nRAOZYdkhFvcN/w381-h267/IMG_5944%20copy.jpeg" width="381" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Every now and then, it occurs to me that there are others who are also grieving. When I acknowledge this, I am not so alone. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhImnYDaPyt-whH5a48Aif3vhfcjWtYRoxnmHGLM_jTo18Jigg6vzAJKguPY7SwOL9-CjrYZO-IDBvHOnJKaTcLlBeIGBlzBIQW39eR86TySMgMB-bKVWrjGVEWIo4hzMhE7Spwzxy1l9XujdPdHK9fMOJ9SeOX0QB1J370vNSiTDXueeLECQqsNI21/s3633/IMG_5961.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2670" data-original-width="3633" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhImnYDaPyt-whH5a48Aif3vhfcjWtYRoxnmHGLM_jTo18Jigg6vzAJKguPY7SwOL9-CjrYZO-IDBvHOnJKaTcLlBeIGBlzBIQW39eR86TySMgMB-bKVWrjGVEWIo4hzMhE7Spwzxy1l9XujdPdHK9fMOJ9SeOX0QB1J370vNSiTDXueeLECQqsNI21/w398-h292/IMG_5961.jpeg" width="398" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p>Even thought this one expresses grief, I unconsciously chose yellow - normally considered a 'happy' color. I think the quotes that I had chosen gave me strength through the tears.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkCeo3zYzN1gCA946cfpjxkd-vyKDQLfcB1QTefWVSjU4MgzdqhlK_YxhEE5esL0px5qfpxY224nrZzUSeKOtahu4VQKOXDzQkp2MTgUMECt-iuPq15i8q0OjVWwBCGyaSnenm3QJNxIJe5ixcC7eKfZ8Yv9nURn3F7UIm_HvGj8ngzeVeIJgwLwyM/s3582/IMG_5975%20copy.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2746" data-original-width="3582" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkCeo3zYzN1gCA946cfpjxkd-vyKDQLfcB1QTefWVSjU4MgzdqhlK_YxhEE5esL0px5qfpxY224nrZzUSeKOtahu4VQKOXDzQkp2MTgUMECt-iuPq15i8q0OjVWwBCGyaSnenm3QJNxIJe5ixcC7eKfZ8Yv9nURn3F7UIm_HvGj8ngzeVeIJgwLwyM/w416-h318/IMG_5975%20copy.jpeg" width="416" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The day I did this one, I was feeling sad. Some days I struggle to remember the time before his death...so I want to remember it? Would it be better to forget?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg23uRmtCzwWqK27oiy_RTei3rveuRjcvaI_KT1iSsGhSkCdyRsDlXvoctTwqQWSH3sPwVB-6X7wrMKoo-8O1-GPM8uJiQ7iHbH5pWnVeAswXuFNl_OU8jrRpCQes-61UXwgLcp4d9ebtOcueAUsqQR9Va49x74bqed3iPNaNkAqPJ28UUxYzLGFLes/s3577/IMG_5958%20copy.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2599" data-original-width="3577" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg23uRmtCzwWqK27oiy_RTei3rveuRjcvaI_KT1iSsGhSkCdyRsDlXvoctTwqQWSH3sPwVB-6X7wrMKoo-8O1-GPM8uJiQ7iHbH5pWnVeAswXuFNl_OU8jrRpCQes-61UXwgLcp4d9ebtOcueAUsqQR9Va49x74bqed3iPNaNkAqPJ28UUxYzLGFLes/w420-h306/IMG_5958%20copy.jpeg" width="420" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The drawing in this one was done for a fundraiser for relief in Ukraine. Recently we have had so many disasters - earthquakes with thousands killed, more mass shootings... I am reminded that there is grief everywhere.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqJsHEITB9LSly11gFXhsiLkiGRTueZe1J3KIrgHa5EBK0ZYarggfGXTRrER-NEltWr1SZFGXynmdK8vmUBfVJg1zgloPCm5MVC5AfXSPUehFyL4g3mfPKRL62cZ6jYeA0z62rZjZpN1e8vOINnFVFRmlBmcoxPBYJy6YREVELYslnqxeYpYJbraMw/s3685/IMG_5959%20copy.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2854" data-original-width="3685" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqJsHEITB9LSly11gFXhsiLkiGRTueZe1J3KIrgHa5EBK0ZYarggfGXTRrER-NEltWr1SZFGXynmdK8vmUBfVJg1zgloPCm5MVC5AfXSPUehFyL4g3mfPKRL62cZ6jYeA0z62rZjZpN1e8vOINnFVFRmlBmcoxPBYJy6YREVELYslnqxeYpYJbraMw/w410-h318/IMG_5959%20copy.jpeg" width="410" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>This one got a little sloppy, but it is good for me to post the sloppy with things that are not quite so. Life is such a mix of opposites... The hand drawing was from a sketch I did a few years ago of a friend offering a bunch of flowers.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-fAM6Spo_hXcgc0wblA9NVp9gAKAudS9qq1ZEtd9ULQ5DmaUGIcqSMBcd4aUBp5pvgz5wkF9jl7-cZw-LfKQANbg03pWTyc93gKhREiCfv5HRGVrNoNetdkCISe_g7p6ra6ErqPCDkuWeKZaRRr5dgTnhho69nzXZN6V5zm42gGv9u0gU2_JedQ0s/s3822/IMG_5968%20copy.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2821" data-original-width="3822" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-fAM6Spo_hXcgc0wblA9NVp9gAKAudS9qq1ZEtd9ULQ5DmaUGIcqSMBcd4aUBp5pvgz5wkF9jl7-cZw-LfKQANbg03pWTyc93gKhREiCfv5HRGVrNoNetdkCISe_g7p6ra6ErqPCDkuWeKZaRRr5dgTnhho69nzXZN6V5zm42gGv9u0gU2_JedQ0s/w400-h295/IMG_5968%20copy.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>This is the final one for today. The wisdom of a song and of Winnie the Pooh... I drew the hands just for this page. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlmg-st1zN6MJ7BCc9bpKO0MQel151Wg4_Q6tE8AxtUISgc_zk2-jTEh5QIfe2NAa0FMugVMb4-lkUzw7iAdy5di9yE9Sy_I6iBJ5GR6RQ5rol5f5YyQk_6O7iqb_-kU2RULezgA4uSWYfIICOrpXOIawfKkcDa6uHBK-FPExnorypfpmEVQZtRn4s/s3078/IMG_5971%20copy.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2368" data-original-width="3078" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlmg-st1zN6MJ7BCc9bpKO0MQel151Wg4_Q6tE8AxtUISgc_zk2-jTEh5QIfe2NAa0FMugVMb4-lkUzw7iAdy5di9yE9Sy_I6iBJ5GR6RQ5rol5f5YyQk_6O7iqb_-kU2RULezgA4uSWYfIICOrpXOIawfKkcDa6uHBK-FPExnorypfpmEVQZtRn4s/w408-h314/IMG_5971%20copy.jpeg" width="408" /></a></div><br /></div><br /><p>The course finished this week. I have several more images to share. Will post the rest next week. I am thinking that I may continue working on this journal. Not every day being accountable to the class, but it has been a helpful focus.</p>Jo Merrillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08747013106561155695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4808760944359856414.post-51158470569455944782023-02-04T12:30:00.000-05:002023-02-04T12:30:12.077-05:00The Expressive Journal - Part 2<p>It's February. It's 16 degrees outside. The strong winds yesterday blew the water out of Broad Creek. There is ice around the edges of the water. The geese must be freezing! </p><p>And, I have finished week two of The Expressive Journal. It continues to be a very helpful exercise for me as I put my thoughts into paint, color and collage.</p><p>Several years ago, a friend asked me to do the illustrations for a book she was writing after the death of her husband. This is one of the sketches from that book. She talked a lot about the difference between being lonely and being alone. Moving past the loneliness and accepting being alone.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgijrSYzBghXTwm8wYwwwvx54ZXUqWoKz5ARcTVZxfeQb-4AICit3iGYso0ZFosgXsZwaB2jrkl6vQ6CHmpFOzn5Eaybc0Xxyxsm85BYYV_txxM7-olEwfRO6R5HdxLoU5jMCW-Zgggnitu_Ug1ee9T6-iRlN2vhoLwjX7wRIZZYf80ZCsb2HjMz_E/s3935/IMG_5898.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2889" data-original-width="3935" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgijrSYzBghXTwm8wYwwwvx54ZXUqWoKz5ARcTVZxfeQb-4AICit3iGYso0ZFosgXsZwaB2jrkl6vQ6CHmpFOzn5Eaybc0Xxyxsm85BYYV_txxM7-olEwfRO6R5HdxLoU5jMCW-Zgggnitu_Ug1ee9T6-iRlN2vhoLwjX7wRIZZYf80ZCsb2HjMz_E/w379-h278/IMG_5898.jpeg" width="379" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This next one uses one of the sketches in <i>Living into Darkness and Finding Ligh</i>t. I love the idea that a heart can embrace pain. The background of this one is an acrylic skin. (acrylic paint poured on wax paper, dried and peeled off) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje0DdHeXa7fT0E8ZlvLs11Gp6SaFf_qrl1P4lbn9-_V68INLFrVJsNzEzT_BiGZcbT8UtQbwHyixcMNdu35lpJJSbmMrGS_T3r2YEYYpQloLjoeTSpoByrfPvlcImYiko-AxGgOSB33ZtUAeczi9Aq1pGoRBhZ46NgFwX-t-t-pFeWgdR8jeos54jY/s3648/IMG_5901.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3016" data-original-width="3648" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje0DdHeXa7fT0E8ZlvLs11Gp6SaFf_qrl1P4lbn9-_V68INLFrVJsNzEzT_BiGZcbT8UtQbwHyixcMNdu35lpJJSbmMrGS_T3r2YEYYpQloLjoeTSpoByrfPvlcImYiko-AxGgOSB33ZtUAeczi9Aq1pGoRBhZ46NgFwX-t-t-pFeWgdR8jeos54jY/w372-h308/IMG_5901.jpeg" width="372" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This 'grief thing' is sneaky. I am fine and suddenly I have tears running down my cheeks. A thought, music, a picture, the date, the weather... can bring on a 'grief burst.'</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFKKPuDFaWSX2OsbAYMZhziYCRzokTJC9aCJGfRdBensvH8sJlsYvmBQP27RTMCeINT0L5qNoMhDgaDYT1l9EoykO9A_WF7EzOqpWfCPm4PyVl2GT0lv2S4DAwNy8CBTF57YMTbKZMLXjRCTnZ4s5x4bM29a6M0Srzx84mRIPMlKYds2k_wbpFSALo/s3529/IMG_5905.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3529" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFKKPuDFaWSX2OsbAYMZhziYCRzokTJC9aCJGfRdBensvH8sJlsYvmBQP27RTMCeINT0L5qNoMhDgaDYT1l9EoykO9A_WF7EzOqpWfCPm4PyVl2GT0lv2S4DAwNy8CBTF57YMTbKZMLXjRCTnZ4s5x4bM29a6M0Srzx84mRIPMlKYds2k_wbpFSALo/w377-h293/IMG_5905.jpeg" width="377" /></a></div><br /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This one is a poem by Liz Newman and some torn up puzzle pieces from a sketch with an old acrylic pour background.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipv22hkh7PwjlpYqfYNaho0qAEpWQZ5FHoG1qYfTJoICrIdj8hJJM8m6qoB4bgDdmShqsZ6TKLIHjE3f-boFIm5XDfLkLxPnGeg5kU-GhbMAvTj4xHki5aBH1mSuIW5XBe8M8XXlYtcXCbTY1zIn7V_VSeX8B2w5MIHlXzCz7q6HloOe6kTgTLAHMp/s3826/IMG_5907.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2795" data-original-width="3826" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipv22hkh7PwjlpYqfYNaho0qAEpWQZ5FHoG1qYfTJoICrIdj8hJJM8m6qoB4bgDdmShqsZ6TKLIHjE3f-boFIm5XDfLkLxPnGeg5kU-GhbMAvTj4xHki5aBH1mSuIW5XBe8M8XXlYtcXCbTY1zIn7V_VSeX8B2w5MIHlXzCz7q6HloOe6kTgTLAHMp/w384-h281/IMG_5907.jpeg" width="384" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Another old acrylic pour with some phrases that I pulled out of various books. I had printed out the phrases before I rediscovered the background. I love how they went together.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj37MaERg_-N65PSUxbGWRcoFL9SCNZgfBW_j4JGXCuWQg3aJtuCHEzfI9xJcRp_yYaHwrA0zMYwELV0twop3xrq0lUawCouwpq0mR3ySSt3_T3SQvoMZ59SMo83YHH9ONOgHF3rsey-gsRXJ0BEqZ9DGldetJp4HixiccNUJhGV1PehUd26AMKNTvl/s3650/IMG_5929.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2853" data-original-width="3650" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj37MaERg_-N65PSUxbGWRcoFL9SCNZgfBW_j4JGXCuWQg3aJtuCHEzfI9xJcRp_yYaHwrA0zMYwELV0twop3xrq0lUawCouwpq0mR3ySSt3_T3SQvoMZ59SMo83YHH9ONOgHF3rsey-gsRXJ0BEqZ9DGldetJp4HixiccNUJhGV1PehUd26AMKNTvl/w383-h299/IMG_5929.jpeg" width="383" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A good friend of mine always reminds me to just breathe... The background is an acrylic pour directly on the book pages.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs_urEblqnEAAAF5pwPH0pTTMulp6E7pXStITDPY4ozg5yAV4VH7KQ_f3smH_FsNsQJ5PNsyerzN7ZKGVi0_lFp_FYz6li8-uA49zNE7b4XCvdeh6cfFtyLqy-yN36HDmeiHIscOvMtyf1I26Tr3OMEoxlzCblT2VCik-77RTO8OyP4NFC_aH6_5_U/s3594/IMG_5930.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2935" data-original-width="3594" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs_urEblqnEAAAF5pwPH0pTTMulp6E7pXStITDPY4ozg5yAV4VH7KQ_f3smH_FsNsQJ5PNsyerzN7ZKGVi0_lFp_FYz6li8-uA49zNE7b4XCvdeh6cfFtyLqy-yN36HDmeiHIscOvMtyf1I26Tr3OMEoxlzCblT2VCik-77RTO8OyP4NFC_aH6_5_U/w375-h306/IMG_5930.jpeg" width="375" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I love this sketch that I did for the other book. Hearts do mend...heal. This acrylic pour seemed made for this.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk8Rr2dRPErQxPZZKItpDh8HwX6uwjNAQtpCWhl_Jc3vZdKuSs9GA2a7ThmcPHZmcQfsk7CNGT2YFGNTzN2FHNlqa4wDMcI9IBVJxKfYqOHSGLUWUxJBmCEFQrq4KleVAUdOK0RLoXnyqcKnAYxpU0upLspaM8dHT73RG0uUwYkxtl34esBKrHslZW/s3845/IMG_5934.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2786" data-original-width="3845" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk8Rr2dRPErQxPZZKItpDh8HwX6uwjNAQtpCWhl_Jc3vZdKuSs9GA2a7ThmcPHZmcQfsk7CNGT2YFGNTzN2FHNlqa4wDMcI9IBVJxKfYqOHSGLUWUxJBmCEFQrq4KleVAUdOK0RLoXnyqcKnAYxpU0upLspaM8dHT73RG0uUwYkxtl34esBKrHslZW/w410-h297/IMG_5934.jpeg" width="410" /></a></div><br /></div><p>When I went looking for an 'old book' to use as a journal for this class, I found SO MANY old books on the shelves. Many were textbooks from the 50s and 60s. Titles like - Modern American History (copywrite 1956). I have been ripping off the covers and bindings and throwing the paper in the recycling bin. (Actually another really great form of therapy right now!) </p><p>However, as I go through all these, I am reminded of the interests we shared and things we have done; family stories and memories come flooding back to me. The books sit silently on the shelves.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEnOIEMscv7LQI45BZ1cSgw8c4P0AQ5-tn96wFurVpNaxpqf42p7lpUQ3Wctx9fQvMIGkhrIwYCg56xKj8NjRyiivB2fZ1AXlMbH9_HFChNNNZE6MU8V3MyQqcw7XsCaytzW07uxUYPmOQLebF-MGLy3Ou1QwMq2gqBYDk-9DeELUL-PpwoHE5D6Ys/s3670/IMG_5945.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2632" data-original-width="3670" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEnOIEMscv7LQI45BZ1cSgw8c4P0AQ5-tn96wFurVpNaxpqf42p7lpUQ3Wctx9fQvMIGkhrIwYCg56xKj8NjRyiivB2fZ1AXlMbH9_HFChNNNZE6MU8V3MyQqcw7XsCaytzW07uxUYPmOQLebF-MGLy3Ou1QwMq2gqBYDk-9DeELUL-PpwoHE5D6Ys/w402-h288/IMG_5945.jpeg" width="402" /></a></div><br /><p>The course is now in its third week... I'll be back.</p> <p></p>Jo Merrillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08747013106561155695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4808760944359856414.post-27189842595590387482023-01-26T18:07:00.002-05:002023-02-04T12:33:31.841-05:00The Expressive Journal - 30 day challenge<p> After 'getting through' 2022, I could hardly wait to welcome 2023. However, it's typical January weather - rainy and gloomy...dreary!</p><p>It's been difficult for me to get back into any kind of painting mode so I made the decision to sign up for a class. I find that classes and workshops help me to be accountable. The Academy Art Museum is offering a class titled "The Expressive Journal - a 30 day challenge." The idea is to take an old book, open it to two pages and express myself every day with paint, ink, collage material, whatever. The class meets for an hour on zoom once a week for critique and to share what we have done. The rest of the time, it's up to me.</p><p>I have been going through LOTS of books on my shelves - cleaning out - so finding a old book or two was easy. I dug into my recycle box and began going through magazines and the other 'stuff' that I have been keeping around for years for grandchildren to do arts and crafts.</p><p>I gathered up all of my supplies and set to work. Here are the first two pages. Since I have been pouring acrylic paint I still had a lot of paint mixed up...I poured it on the pages and swished it around with a foam brush. Then poured more paint splotches and dragged a comb through all of it. I turned on my heat gun and some cells appeared, giving it some texture. I added some words...and stopped!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRceg6D_PpkRUj02cEQaDNs6Pk9CAVy_8c3X7wzMlbad1nzRo7XzYUIhNAGJ-z9jFXphLNHxdv62-ZOcISqi_IF5uM5e8GVNxuFOuKTDOUeiVSPFa7a_a41YFRsNcm3BnGz20WW-ivYfwb8KTj-wBnJ-UxGOfKC-sTEVRzq2F0CFZoDFEOcWESGnJD/s3844/IMG_5856.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2951" data-original-width="3844" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRceg6D_PpkRUj02cEQaDNs6Pk9CAVy_8c3X7wzMlbad1nzRo7XzYUIhNAGJ-z9jFXphLNHxdv62-ZOcISqi_IF5uM5e8GVNxuFOuKTDOUeiVSPFa7a_a41YFRsNcm3BnGz20WW-ivYfwb8KTj-wBnJ-UxGOfKC-sTEVRzq2F0CFZoDFEOcWESGnJD/w431-h331/IMG_5856.jpeg" width="431" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I was having fun so I did a second book! It was a similar process, different colors, marks and phrases.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinZoK0tEkwmD_4szGBneyEX0B77RFFOTHasV9gX9jEZ42fECxBpWhOVztTQg3H6Ev72t9D7I0g1b2owXHdb737_sMgvZtVJLnscnmRKHifByWd1hb0NyRvsV9MjiZqwxeZ5NSXDPgilW21HAAX5_SVfd04VhsumHDoTltaq-tQIifat_3k47_Uk9W7/s3841/IMG_5868.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2995" data-original-width="3841" height="337" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinZoK0tEkwmD_4szGBneyEX0B77RFFOTHasV9gX9jEZ42fECxBpWhOVztTQg3H6Ev72t9D7I0g1b2owXHdb737_sMgvZtVJLnscnmRKHifByWd1hb0NyRvsV9MjiZqwxeZ5NSXDPgilW21HAAX5_SVfd04VhsumHDoTltaq-tQIifat_3k47_Uk9W7/w431-h337/IMG_5868.jpeg" width="431" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The next day I was in a different mood. I began exploring some of my grief readings. Under this plastic netting are a few phrases that may be difficult to read: a poem - "I write only until I cry, which is why so few poems this month have been completed. It's just that " ; A book title - "HEALING AFTER LOSS" and a phrase - "THE WILL IN CRISIS"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_VvRUE2HYoQNakGZGn5fh9v9nNhuxjewB0M8q_Z1L4G3bjosZ6GtE2meZ_VCpVyLH4LfsOsJD04AZ7dnoIZ0e68DB3zRJGCHJAsn0lwYrDzgAA5KcPddxxmd9-cAYHObxth4wQYt2Oe5aEer3kV-EzTG8qLEYnsCBjtKIQQxIUzsopdOtKyC7miKw/s3524/IMG_5869.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2643" data-original-width="3524" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_VvRUE2HYoQNakGZGn5fh9v9nNhuxjewB0M8q_Z1L4G3bjosZ6GtE2meZ_VCpVyLH4LfsOsJD04AZ7dnoIZ0e68DB3zRJGCHJAsn0lwYrDzgAA5KcPddxxmd9-cAYHObxth4wQYt2Oe5aEer3kV-EzTG8qLEYnsCBjtKIQQxIUzsopdOtKyC7miKw/w413-h311/IMG_5869.jpeg" width="413" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>The next two are more thoughtful phrases that I cut out.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6cr7fw0wd15pXqmez2tT0iMj9aZmDYbJ-TRvzjZnVs-EIwv4ZMGpoA1ICnLaRRk5_XBAf-UCY-iIwJxIaRIXvc3UKwDFBRzpTuic_yoO08APooaROU85YDXc6-CcAe-xsb8-VjFKWvOYqtBcXfPTm75dFj69KKr4FqYZyYKi45u90TFi4s2cOFlyJ/s4032/IMG_5873.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6cr7fw0wd15pXqmez2tT0iMj9aZmDYbJ-TRvzjZnVs-EIwv4ZMGpoA1ICnLaRRk5_XBAf-UCY-iIwJxIaRIXvc3UKwDFBRzpTuic_yoO08APooaROU85YDXc6-CcAe-xsb8-VjFKWvOYqtBcXfPTm75dFj69KKr4FqYZyYKi45u90TFi4s2cOFlyJ/w411-h308/IMG_5873.jpeg" width="411" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG7C4YeDKVs53UBqogwjDNlMY8waPxm-NNpf8-FXUXVGhkJEUhTFYrknilFEG1qXuZf_IpsztUTvBR_foSy2xwEWw51Nz0UKzUBqm5Qg9iRfXkiNvSw4fNlMuVR8f3j3wWTNnP1lR95BDerxVsMM-t8JFQZVTin7-GavLaOiyJgW215hsxuWH4Cdcl/s3502/IMG_5871.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2780" data-original-width="3502" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG7C4YeDKVs53UBqogwjDNlMY8waPxm-NNpf8-FXUXVGhkJEUhTFYrknilFEG1qXuZf_IpsztUTvBR_foSy2xwEWw51Nz0UKzUBqm5Qg9iRfXkiNvSw4fNlMuVR8f3j3wWTNnP1lR95BDerxVsMM-t8JFQZVTin7-GavLaOiyJgW215hsxuWH4Cdcl/w407-h324/IMG_5871.jpeg" width="407" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Then I discovered some old acrylic paintings that I had stacked up on a shelf. I thought they would make great backgrounds. I glued them onto the double pages and pasted phrases on them. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC_xzkJt1WYNB5GugNUt8SqVm4xlYWfeOrb1KwvXKJI3pGkpZ9NBsyK3RgGSRSol6hDi1tYIHvmPcz9MW9KIbHnNmSbIw-c3rB5ra8zBAPxItY4oN9CJRv2D_ZSg6DHvmR_jQ_izPT8xOIc1CCjD8sFmK91y4xYmqUPL8TA7PeH2cf06UBJ7h6sOod/s3706/IMG_5887.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2633" data-original-width="3706" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC_xzkJt1WYNB5GugNUt8SqVm4xlYWfeOrb1KwvXKJI3pGkpZ9NBsyK3RgGSRSol6hDi1tYIHvmPcz9MW9KIbHnNmSbIw-c3rB5ra8zBAPxItY4oN9CJRv2D_ZSg6DHvmR_jQ_izPT8xOIc1CCjD8sFmK91y4xYmqUPL8TA7PeH2cf06UBJ7h6sOod/w393-h279/IMG_5887.jpeg" width="393" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUHIvrMgNhzWhu5muM80qvx3_4Ds3577GWplxSibbme4_cjGufBvAOX9AXP_15joF97Pd_ivINaRHRC4zQ3QjHTtwoGS1FbHosBkj4qJTfqAg1WRprZ4WsWfzdSW9ryf_StGcXVm9ZK7uOgwxdzpCmhfbwBpsOESml8_NU2t5fljmsT_rVP3HSsw9G/s3739/IMG_5888.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2804" data-original-width="3739" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUHIvrMgNhzWhu5muM80qvx3_4Ds3577GWplxSibbme4_cjGufBvAOX9AXP_15joF97Pd_ivINaRHRC4zQ3QjHTtwoGS1FbHosBkj4qJTfqAg1WRprZ4WsWfzdSW9ryf_StGcXVm9ZK7uOgwxdzpCmhfbwBpsOESml8_NU2t5fljmsT_rVP3HSsw9G/w394-h296/IMG_5888.jpeg" width="394" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkle0ahnsRwve9OfQjK30cLPguKbR1Zd3_i4a0evmVSdh2vP8TFgJvGfFv5QJMS7vLDnfKGBgJ_lHOlP5ZFc-VQ-XyPwZtBzHHSWNmdUmCxIwAffezdbJQVPNTYggW7ymCAs2p6DRJFfuWsMvTKEQQFvJd9hfELD-DCQ6yFtHqsvi7XaczNUepT6rG/s3927/IMG_5889.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="3927" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkle0ahnsRwve9OfQjK30cLPguKbR1Zd3_i4a0evmVSdh2vP8TFgJvGfFv5QJMS7vLDnfKGBgJ_lHOlP5ZFc-VQ-XyPwZtBzHHSWNmdUmCxIwAffezdbJQVPNTYggW7ymCAs2p6DRJFfuWsMvTKEQQFvJd9hfELD-DCQ6yFtHqsvi7XaczNUepT6rG/w400-h305/IMG_5889.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This one is a poem by Liz Newman. I discovered her online and have bought her book of poetry "I look to the Mourning Sky."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxhv9s1uSjAyhdU_XCpoyTld9OMvMkKXXgI8QAEM10ppkUJYLRBBMPJkYrtpBmyZHUBPPPqpj6C74hJEpL-bmDOVMPIa5TEXLt9PN-4YKzA8Xx4pdRs6Ruk9hJkHs9bL7uJXO28ZojloEV848wzvzfrJSsBXU2lpJ-2KqLNxnf9_tcX4MHFYJkufbG/s3678/IMG_5908.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2861" data-original-width="3678" height="327" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxhv9s1uSjAyhdU_XCpoyTld9OMvMkKXXgI8QAEM10ppkUJYLRBBMPJkYrtpBmyZHUBPPPqpj6C74hJEpL-bmDOVMPIa5TEXLt9PN-4YKzA8Xx4pdRs6Ruk9hJkHs9bL7uJXO28ZojloEV848wzvzfrJSsBXU2lpJ-2KqLNxnf9_tcX4MHFYJkufbG/w421-h327/IMG_5908.jpeg" width="421" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>I went back to painting the pages with this one. I can't remember where this poem came from, but it spoke to me at the time. The right hand page is a hand I drew for the book (the essay called "In Touch")<br /><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbOwHaGfnh6wpAFnDrPX9jW5VXedcYiSXD1-5Uk4eGi7zf82wc4hoSLBF9XYqOt3E5qvS_eh7e1AiLcN9OVUipPFbHlU-Db66A4y6_5aE4sSECFvP0xNyM_I-QULzw5nsVifVWmsbGgLhkqWspLZu_M5GroC6DLvrR871RFwuYUrVu-dKs55YFykz8/s3852/IMG_5885.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2922" data-original-width="3852" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbOwHaGfnh6wpAFnDrPX9jW5VXedcYiSXD1-5Uk4eGi7zf82wc4hoSLBF9XYqOt3E5qvS_eh7e1AiLcN9OVUipPFbHlU-Db66A4y6_5aE4sSECFvP0xNyM_I-QULzw5nsVifVWmsbGgLhkqWspLZu_M5GroC6DLvrR871RFwuYUrVu-dKs55YFykz8/w398-h302/IMG_5885.jpeg" width="398" /></a></div><br /><div>This last one, that I painted this afternoon, also comes from the book and is glued to an acrylic painting from the stack of old artwork. I added a few more tears...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkxaNz_MMZmQ177T4m5mlF0-wgr74onDcDosxfwCzLsw25s3EqbnEiOaEjMiJ5AFKn02K3qLTUlWaSeIh9iHJxEb6vVpgNj5oA68A8VZDeZ2PHM5e_AdL8NbLLPXRReOgWHjZ73HzTGpl6IA0JTAzK1qW2XHwH8LPvrbuHo1RcwcR7K06-yFmh9pt4/s3886/IMG_5884.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2727" data-original-width="3886" height="329" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkxaNz_MMZmQ177T4m5mlF0-wgr74onDcDosxfwCzLsw25s3EqbnEiOaEjMiJ5AFKn02K3qLTUlWaSeIh9iHJxEb6vVpgNj5oA68A8VZDeZ2PHM5e_AdL8NbLLPXRReOgWHjZ73HzTGpl6IA0JTAzK1qW2XHwH8LPvrbuHo1RcwcR7K06-yFmh9pt4/w468-h329/IMG_5884.jpeg" width="468" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p></div></div>Jo Merrillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08747013106561155695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4808760944359856414.post-28543407983257403092022-12-22T13:25:00.004-05:002022-12-22T13:25:39.003-05:00Merry Christmas<p> When I began this blog in 2011, my goal was to post at least twice a week. Some years I have accomplished that - this year, not even close. It's been a rough year - my head, heart and art have been in a different place. (and I did get a book published!)</p><p style="text-align: left;">With all the distractions from normalcy, I did paint a card for this year. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Here's a little history. When my first husband died almost 50 years ago, I looked for an appropriate card to send at Christmas. (That was long before I had gotten into art. My focus was raising two small children!) I finally found a card that spoke to me and got up the courage to mail it out. </p><p>The image on the card was of an old tree stump that had been cut off and new growth was happening. </p><p>In the past several years, I have drawn and redrawn that card and shared it with friends - as a symbol of new life. Here are a few...</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhH44zomcubpFHL-7RP-mHUtQZAQXUl62DJ_8zvLC5n3QwjpQvx5Cu212oodzTJ_iwLjHLJLg9QobwnfQ_RmzSuKExUxBk4XLjvB5bl3I_mpcYryl7b013WobcnPcs6LhwDxYVTeBRUcf84bJ0A82xtsGevXP3X2tRA_CM3oiEd94Nli6_sZ2RSJbJc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="881" data-original-width="1270" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhH44zomcubpFHL-7RP-mHUtQZAQXUl62DJ_8zvLC5n3QwjpQvx5Cu212oodzTJ_iwLjHLJLg9QobwnfQ_RmzSuKExUxBk4XLjvB5bl3I_mpcYryl7b013WobcnPcs6LhwDxYVTeBRUcf84bJ0A82xtsGevXP3X2tRA_CM3oiEd94Nli6_sZ2RSJbJc" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh4ia-QoZDOq35l3LrifJtnoaN5jWo0JVKsNfIY50yJDTQ8wslfSbkk1bS2ns8NRa-vjSYlx9Rxm1xQiJ0tTT1LFR6IVV7w0HMceiAKz9DoxMCYINVgJ7Y--Hr_cZ9SvcbX7owezxvPRI32qwHphUWfKa2Le3zUpzBAXOPZod698wJS-qr5AgytyTR7" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="2505" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh4ia-QoZDOq35l3LrifJtnoaN5jWo0JVKsNfIY50yJDTQ8wslfSbkk1bS2ns8NRa-vjSYlx9Rxm1xQiJ0tTT1LFR6IVV7w0HMceiAKz9DoxMCYINVgJ7Y--Hr_cZ9SvcbX7owezxvPRI32qwHphUWfKa2Le3zUpzBAXOPZod698wJS-qr5AgytyTR7" width="319" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGYMUc--VwHz1KofBim7-tyiBzQW-70xWrftcQjUElR_t-9NxwrxaVi-7wD9a93EacC44tW5XvQghD5_5x0EWjySR_-4-xKK41Wo_ER-6d3wsef74cJQJC1zI7_rzLzF4UpArLOrMLi7Cm9I4DP3llb0Vmvqloz75nl7UN48XAXTcxoZH5Wq2STTgk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1706" data-original-width="2297" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGYMUc--VwHz1KofBim7-tyiBzQW-70xWrftcQjUElR_t-9NxwrxaVi-7wD9a93EacC44tW5XvQghD5_5x0EWjySR_-4-xKK41Wo_ER-6d3wsef74cJQJC1zI7_rzLzF4UpArLOrMLi7Cm9I4DP3llb0Vmvqloz75nl7UN48XAXTcxoZH5Wq2STTgk" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thinking about starting over again after the death of my husband this year, I came up with a new version of this old favorite. For me, it says in a simple image, who I am right now. It speaks of lives cut short, new life and hope.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiEa1HcKZMnioUGC-bJzKQnimTguPbAwziKxFfLa95IXvwuqPgEw61SWO570kYEB4n_sGBbGE2t-xfyz_rR57sJYEVncaK_L6ux94VYLUSxoiuysYISGyHgF6o5Ebz0DbswpLlSpPxJD2xEgUinmKY05fByLSUdj2b8uZwElMqC3iFW3TOugMSQshCh" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3065" data-original-width="2658" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiEa1HcKZMnioUGC-bJzKQnimTguPbAwziKxFfLa95IXvwuqPgEw61SWO570kYEB4n_sGBbGE2t-xfyz_rR57sJYEVncaK_L6ux94VYLUSxoiuysYISGyHgF6o5Ebz0DbswpLlSpPxJD2xEgUinmKY05fByLSUdj2b8uZwElMqC3iFW3TOugMSQshCh" width="208" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Merry Christmas, everyone. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hopefully...I'll find renewed energy in the coming year</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and get back to this blog more regularly!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy New Year!</div><br /><br /></div><br /><br /></div><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><p></p>Jo Merrillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08747013106561155695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4808760944359856414.post-23955311603956522822022-11-27T14:03:00.001-05:002022-12-22T13:36:46.927-05:00Living into Darkness and Finding Light<p> <span style="font-size: large;"><b>The book is in print! </b></span></p><p>If you get a copy ...and read it... would you please consider leaving a review on Amazon? I am told that more reviews help others to find the book. </p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjWeTV_IdaOwbjehBc9g7j_d3QyanKCb7Tsll9Me3clMiqDNpJHnVkpGsDPfFcnKhHIviyyZ_YcQlSSZF53z4fJZOky89M6B5PXCW5xs-e1dSKp3hF3g3vGHf-fJB6Cpog1gm9-btMvxl4BQsV90kUk4-X39MQk5GRN5se4cWHRVddQ9jlHHBCO3GEK" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1364" data-original-width="884" height="355" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjWeTV_IdaOwbjehBc9g7j_d3QyanKCb7Tsll9Me3clMiqDNpJHnVkpGsDPfFcnKhHIviyyZ_YcQlSSZF53z4fJZOky89M6B5PXCW5xs-e1dSKp3hF3g3vGHf-fJB6Cpog1gm9-btMvxl4BQsV90kUk4-X39MQk5GRN5se4cWHRVddQ9jlHHBCO3GEK=w231-h355" width="231" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I am excited to share with you the announcement of the publication of George’s essays in today’s<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Talbot Spy</i>.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a contenteditable="false" href="https://talbotspy.org/coming-to-the-end-the-journey-of-george-and-jo-merrill/" style="color: #0563c1;" title="https://talbotspy.org/coming-to-the-end-the-journey-of-george-and-jo-merrill/">https://talbotspy.org/coming-to-the-end-the-journey-of-george-and-jo-merrill/</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">The following is the press release which is going out.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center; text-size-adjust: auto;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Experience the Journey of Life Before Death with a New Collection of Essays<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center; text-size-adjust: auto;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">“Living into Darkness and Finding Light”, by George Merrill available now</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="Normal1" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.8667px; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">EASTON, MD<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">(November 27, 2022</span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">) –</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Living into Darkness and Finding Light,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></i>a new book of essays by the late George Merrill, well-known author for the<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Talbot Spy</i>, is now available.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Living into Darkness and Finding Light</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>is a collection of essays written by George after he received a terminal cancer diagnosis. Each essay reflects on the last year of his life, and he invites the reader to join him on a reflective, spiritual journey through his last year of ‘living into dying.’ Share the pain, darkness, fear, curiosity, strength, and love, with George and his wife, Jo Merrill, as they navigate this journey together. With them, discover inner resources, and a sense of the divine mystery as they find the light and walk toward what is to come.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br />“George’s decision to write about his experience of living into his death was his gift to both of us. Our breakfast conversations had always been our ‘special time,’ but they took on a greater significance after his terminal diagnosis. Our discussions of life and death were about us at that moment,” states Jo Merrill, George’s wife. “<span style="background-color: white; color: #0d0d0d;">For several months before his death, he and I talked about compiling his essays into book form and he asked that I provide sketches for each essay, It would be a final 'us’ thing.”</span><span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">George R. Merrill was an Episcopal priest and pastoral counselor. After retiring from his professional life, he moved to Maryland’s Eastern Shore and began his writing career. A life-long searcher, he felt that the essays he wrote in the final year of his life reflected his true calling. An award-winning essayist, his writings were published in regional and national magazines, as well as in<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><i>The Talbot Spy</i>, a local online newspaper. He also published his first book,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><i>The Bay of the Mother of God</i>, a collection of essays about the Chesapeake Bay.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Jo Merrill is an award-winning watercolor and pastel artist. Her sketches have been published in a national journal and can be found in the book<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Thoughts from my Bench.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></i>She currently lives on Broad Creek in St. Michaels, MD. To see more of her work, visit her blog at<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><a contenteditable="false" href="http://jomerrillart.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0563c1;" title="http://jomerrillart.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">jomerrillart.blogspot.com</span></a></span><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: #0563c1; text-decoration-line: underline;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: #0563c1; text-decoration-line: underline;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="Normal1" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 22px; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 28px;">The book is available online at<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 28px;"><a contenteditable="false" href="http://amazon.com/" style="color: #0563c1;" title="http://amazon.com/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Amazon.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; text-decoration-line: none;">com</span></a></span><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: #0563c1; text-decoration-line: underline;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 28px; text-decoration-line: none;"> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: #0563c1; text-decoration-line: underline;"><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 28px; text-decoration-line: none;">Living into Darkness and Finding Light</span></span><span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p>Jo Merrillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08747013106561155695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4808760944359856414.post-83057247212192132672022-11-05T16:13:00.001-04:002022-11-06T13:17:13.757-05:00Watercolor on Yupo paper<p> I got out my watercolor paints for the first time in a long time. Time to get back to painting - playing - experimenting.</p><p>I began just dropping color across the top of the wet yupo paper. I sprayed it, held it up, and watched the paint run. More color and more spray. When I turned it upside down, I saw this.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGxNlLzN_p71L8xLPRUQAmPL7lR9F0TbxQG-ScyA2yoiK2DgQjVirI-2cUDQ0_wY8gukbg3mygkmOY0biTuXMTpA5UpwHSEauvvn53FLXtfuuZTAY-TzTmxrsrgjmm71OeJ2B9c8F_0igAC2IthiN-SCvYqfK7ygFrxMrS73k74L39fG9GXQ9fiYTB/s4032/IMG_5705.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGxNlLzN_p71L8xLPRUQAmPL7lR9F0TbxQG-ScyA2yoiK2DgQjVirI-2cUDQ0_wY8gukbg3mygkmOY0biTuXMTpA5UpwHSEauvvn53FLXtfuuZTAY-TzTmxrsrgjmm71OeJ2B9c8F_0igAC2IthiN-SCvYqfK7ygFrxMrS73k74L39fG9GXQ9fiYTB/s320/IMG_5705.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>So, what do you see? Maybe the beginning of a forest... If I drop in a little sunshine and 'find' the trees. <p></p><p>Yupo paper is such fun. To find the trees, I wet a toothpick and trace the trees with it. Then gently blot the paint and it lifts off!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhukmRitBSxYaIWSbqieqT7uzAuNINIdzoZMM0Zm2gVIlk9N8Exn2sA5BL3TOo2pYbzPwGiKJ_E_BJQw0Mhlp35ZITEIL-HdHv7QiT2P3qmI-OTSw7qcayfghQD09oVWjupurvSo-la_3aP_7MUhacUxb2EWU4cQBydn6AggDogs8ia9sdbtqglCnVM/s4032/IMG_5707.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhukmRitBSxYaIWSbqieqT7uzAuNINIdzoZMM0Zm2gVIlk9N8Exn2sA5BL3TOo2pYbzPwGiKJ_E_BJQw0Mhlp35ZITEIL-HdHv7QiT2P3qmI-OTSw7qcayfghQD09oVWjupurvSo-la_3aP_7MUhacUxb2EWU4cQBydn6AggDogs8ia9sdbtqglCnVM/s320/IMG_5707.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div>It seemed too RED ! I darkened the sides and defined some more of the trees. I also gently touched some of the wet paint here and there for texture. <div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Mtp3BAr81Jy5O3C-HBE7VM8Zi7BVlUmJOTeuNqjdWw8LyH6FHcWGGNmwCr7OuztbiAVfCeEqzKUjcLJ_wrw6n_T7zEA14Y3aHnBPe5dcrnhU9HKQJW3tiNP_Kxcfi054OQJ25wxpJPNTRdZsqNAsipARxnAvj0uzMhigE8nTL1jnr_SHtgmUvIJ0/s3141/IMG_5711.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3141" data-original-width="2395" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Mtp3BAr81Jy5O3C-HBE7VM8Zi7BVlUmJOTeuNqjdWw8LyH6FHcWGGNmwCr7OuztbiAVfCeEqzKUjcLJ_wrw6n_T7zEA14Y3aHnBPe5dcrnhU9HKQJW3tiNP_Kxcfi054OQJ25wxpJPNTRdZsqNAsipARxnAvj0uzMhigE8nTL1jnr_SHtgmUvIJ0/s320/IMG_5711.jpeg" width="244" /></a></div><br /><div>Getting there. Still too much red in the undergrowth so I added some 'background' and more tree definition.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh93k3ZqEVsPhru3mpMBjHQfEGUv06DL8Yqb1ui-CZQQ2sjXQbXcs8gTYbY8tXBhyv568nR_bI23TKaIbzxmWW0Mue9GSJORE0LEwb2YvglfScm6mjyxbkolX6e4wWU4l9upqxss4fj8U2wzBmcezKrZiAkPoz918b7emoWj3g7FGIzokl6y7CYPUdO/s2850/IMG_5714.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2850" data-original-width="2174" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh93k3ZqEVsPhru3mpMBjHQfEGUv06DL8Yqb1ui-CZQQ2sjXQbXcs8gTYbY8tXBhyv568nR_bI23TKaIbzxmWW0Mue9GSJORE0LEwb2YvglfScm6mjyxbkolX6e4wWU4l9upqxss4fj8U2wzBmcezKrZiAkPoz918b7emoWj3g7FGIzokl6y7CYPUdO/s320/IMG_5714.jpeg" width="244" /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">"When the sun shines through the forest the trees begin to dance"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Kind of a long title but I like it!</div><p><br /></p></div>Jo Merrillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08747013106561155695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4808760944359856414.post-16394220840699009852022-09-22T15:27:00.000-04:002022-09-22T15:27:29.101-04:00Living into Darkness and Finding Light<p>Last month I wrote about the book in process...it is still making its way through the mysteries of the publishing world. (for background on the book, see prior post)</p><p>It now has title and a cover - thanks to one of my granddaughters who has art, computer, and public relations skills! The title comes from many conversations that George (my husband) and I had about living into his illness. The photograph is one of his favorites. He loved black and white photography!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxpOYM2kN3TOMTZ9gOUuq7nJ8xYa_g-byX1dNyvLmiHHK1Bt5EhHaKNvDVymrFf-sIJYBZi6b0pQQt4HVMK-eEeTsmCzuzQvVElNr5SM7bP5eTF3EHNLA-2ugzGXsNxrJzbsWiDKNqIOacDS5XFpkZV9VyluUxaEinReI5XcEZu22ue1mQTPKnwENb/s1228/Front%20cover.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1228" data-original-width="772" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxpOYM2kN3TOMTZ9gOUuq7nJ8xYa_g-byX1dNyvLmiHHK1Bt5EhHaKNvDVymrFf-sIJYBZi6b0pQQt4HVMK-eEeTsmCzuzQvVElNr5SM7bP5eTF3EHNLA-2ugzGXsNxrJzbsWiDKNqIOacDS5XFpkZV9VyluUxaEinReI5XcEZu22ue1mQTPKnwENb/s320/Front%20cover.png" width="201" /></a></div><br /><p>This is the "About the Cover" description in the book: </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiP2o8iS87xCBq0dxrotRy_QgOJtjQXCiQX6H-1DrBP-R57t3lZR2_zz6949oK-W1nSgXclURKaSvvoKfxPc6JAFrzyrfbZ62HUYuHW31Wn_QDmQztLIX8hgK5ySQNtlr4gmFWMSS66yZLJkrxj8L397jxgRi-3hbE3AiB3OnQEerb8qNkc9R82lzVZ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img data-original-height="250" data-original-width="936" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiP2o8iS87xCBq0dxrotRy_QgOJtjQXCiQX6H-1DrBP-R57t3lZR2_zz6949oK-W1nSgXclURKaSvvoKfxPc6JAFrzyrfbZ62HUYuHW31Wn_QDmQztLIX8hgK5ySQNtlr4gmFWMSS66yZLJkrxj8L397jxgRi-3hbE3AiB3OnQEerb8qNkc9R82lzVZ=w640-h170" width="640" /></span></a></div><p><br /></p>At this point about half of the essays have been reviewed and edited by the publisher. I do not have a date when I will actually hold the book in my hand. However, I am offering a few more of the images that I sketched along with the phrases from the essay.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC5xNWjtRvdjg5GdaI8snN6NvOByiUfOB36zuPPMU4GLffY-8nef2oFV6PxIjhXHNgCmXZbNdqy23Xlp6AAOyoEepzWV1HkhfTu3Hs-Bu0exMXRyNZPJlknEL-HGNE10mzuXqBs_KfefogAJmHBWEJJTikTLQ4eYQZgs9kRebffzIM1hRgyXst7OzM/s434/Screen%20Shot%202022-09-22%20at%209.00.41%20AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="322" data-original-width="434" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC5xNWjtRvdjg5GdaI8snN6NvOByiUfOB36zuPPMU4GLffY-8nef2oFV6PxIjhXHNgCmXZbNdqy23Xlp6AAOyoEepzWV1HkhfTu3Hs-Bu0exMXRyNZPJlknEL-HGNE10mzuXqBs_KfefogAJmHBWEJJTikTLQ4eYQZgs9kRebffzIM1hRgyXst7OzM/s320/Screen%20Shot%202022-09-22%20at%209.00.41%20AM.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguY9OWIlZR-l1D_Nukvpfnt841ejYMaAFhONrYn5FUOlWMS8HG9p07zQLzUYwGnufS1xRqrz5fvng5BBxwFHAhdJbZI4YiEr68J4LHZwH3w58WggkBhK4iA8ei6JWLTdGFRghHSdK0_xUDeT40CG0TJoS40bMBMjirQBn6r36pGPiA13-nsw4QNMzc/s420/Screen%20Shot%202022-09-21%20at%2012.03.07%20PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="362" data-original-width="420" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguY9OWIlZR-l1D_Nukvpfnt841ejYMaAFhONrYn5FUOlWMS8HG9p07zQLzUYwGnufS1xRqrz5fvng5BBxwFHAhdJbZI4YiEr68J4LHZwH3w58WggkBhK4iA8ei6JWLTdGFRghHSdK0_xUDeT40CG0TJoS40bMBMjirQBn6r36pGPiA13-nsw4QNMzc/s320/Screen%20Shot%202022-09-21%20at%2012.03.07%20PM.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGJlF_LZbapPySluiDb9mgvgQOOelFZ2u4jHdFobc0Tf5QxthyKrOp1F3RfiktOz2SDBElJnMUTQHC-zh6VcbiVtKRW_5g1_kxgXOeRUulpijyF94M-OYJDlTp_F8wSkKHZ98veHFTd-cSOMBFIq06Xw3PTjnxLwQOtES70e-T4-f6faP53Z2Nw7Wl/s446/Screen%20Shot%202022-08-10%20at%2011.15.47%20AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="358" data-original-width="446" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGJlF_LZbapPySluiDb9mgvgQOOelFZ2u4jHdFobc0Tf5QxthyKrOp1F3RfiktOz2SDBElJnMUTQHC-zh6VcbiVtKRW_5g1_kxgXOeRUulpijyF94M-OYJDlTp_F8wSkKHZ98veHFTd-cSOMBFIq06Xw3PTjnxLwQOtES70e-T4-f6faP53Z2Nw7Wl/s320/Screen%20Shot%202022-08-10%20at%2011.15.47%20AM.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtt1D45spWg4VUhDBGIRQgZX1k6h38fFntQgOiHVNpMCBblnrh3IqFY1B2e5biBSJBAo_VpoQTREoZO0T88sINzP9NsrYJPxNgbjZaMjnMraAEut70E0URoOXin3waIeAZoFaYH8lomlsfElzWj1CZtGw9K8pJXcgXRgLRCjMPPEQ8-Ne1LGg9qPkU/s790/Screen%20Shot%202022-09-21%20at%2012.05.09%20PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="676" data-original-width="790" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtt1D45spWg4VUhDBGIRQgZX1k6h38fFntQgOiHVNpMCBblnrh3IqFY1B2e5biBSJBAo_VpoQTREoZO0T88sINzP9NsrYJPxNgbjZaMjnMraAEut70E0URoOXin3waIeAZoFaYH8lomlsfElzWj1CZtGw9K8pJXcgXRgLRCjMPPEQ8-Ne1LGg9qPkU/s320/Screen%20Shot%202022-09-21%20at%2012.05.09%20PM.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hopefully, in another few weeks I'll have a publish date!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><p></p>Jo Merrillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08747013106561155695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4808760944359856414.post-65716152993064431922022-08-10T11:26:00.000-04:002022-08-10T11:26:40.295-04:00Moving Forward Slowly - Book coming...<p>I see that my last post was April 2. I need to offer an explanation about my absence on this blog. A year ago in April 2021, my husband was diagnosed with a terminal form of cancer. We spent the following 12 months going to medical appointments - including two hospitalizations and numerous chemo injections and blood transfusions. He died on Easter Sunday, April 17 of this year. </p><p>It was a challenging time for us and we were so thankful for the support of our family and many friends.</p><p>During that year, George wrote about his experience of 'living into death.' (Before his diagnosis, he had been writing a weekly column for a local online newspaper.) These new essays, written following his diagnosis, elicited comments from all over the country.</p><p>For several months before his death he and I talked about compiling his essays into book form and he asked that I provide sketches for each essay, It would be a final 'us thing.'</p><p>So, as part of my personal grief work, I have finished 22 images, edited the essays, worked on a title and cover page...and the book is 'in the works.' </p><p>Each essay will be headed by an image and a phrase that was picked out of the text. I want to share a preview of a few of the sketches before they are published.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8Kin_9C1hXFs864JQst7rItRAgjvuM0rWWCqhxHSml4uHgkX__rXV_vXNkXxtCeAmd9IpOirRqtYy2gtfGoenWxQVakqOww7dUBe-zWGHEBh2w6elcO7-HNBOHTnBa75YC-M_1VXytrNn95scb_C9Mppr3WLw-PwEmrGzUNU4as8qvmcplPkUZ8F/s432/Screen%20Shot%202022-08-10%20at%2011.14.46%20AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="368" data-original-width="432" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8Kin_9C1hXFs864JQst7rItRAgjvuM0rWWCqhxHSml4uHgkX__rXV_vXNkXxtCeAmd9IpOirRqtYy2gtfGoenWxQVakqOww7dUBe-zWGHEBh2w6elcO7-HNBOHTnBa75YC-M_1VXytrNn95scb_C9Mppr3WLw-PwEmrGzUNU4as8qvmcplPkUZ8F/s320/Screen%20Shot%202022-08-10%20at%2011.14.46%20AM.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8TsR_2J_xGYlbNzNcB_k_KY6zBo05Iw77jrXA73RK6nCTXB34egC3Wn94ilq_jA6B5xKbmAu-j6ct67Vqp-E8UR4zM17aY7IiUDU1JPOXq15-h8uI1CQPcMEIwQBlpIlr9mq0hEiFoWjASBURDRB8Nd9WoYYq5ziBEadxsUTdscSUzRnjQWb7Qbo/s452/Screen%20Shot%202022-08-10%20at%2011.15.23%20AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="424" data-original-width="452" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8TsR_2J_xGYlbNzNcB_k_KY6zBo05Iw77jrXA73RK6nCTXB34egC3Wn94ilq_jA6B5xKbmAu-j6ct67Vqp-E8UR4zM17aY7IiUDU1JPOXq15-h8uI1CQPcMEIwQBlpIlr9mq0hEiFoWjASBURDRB8Nd9WoYYq5ziBEadxsUTdscSUzRnjQWb7Qbo/s320/Screen%20Shot%202022-08-10%20at%2011.15.23%20AM.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrYl1P78s2q1Dn0d5bpH6hhpsy_tu1HtSIXns9SQoufz5Kawabvm6XJllTQufwGVmGnWn2vtcQYrzxuKoTw_5Lr1wUV-Vwck3GvrxzGB2e_ccWcPSjPctSZ11Ww_iGyp1tJgOOmF0JWz0Nnjgm0VJjrvaTJ49QFA6IyT85sUNAwXVXuKtNLiNBUVUe/s436/Screen%20Shot%202022-08-10%20at%2011.15.08%20AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="398" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrYl1P78s2q1Dn0d5bpH6hhpsy_tu1HtSIXns9SQoufz5Kawabvm6XJllTQufwGVmGnWn2vtcQYrzxuKoTw_5Lr1wUV-Vwck3GvrxzGB2e_ccWcPSjPctSZ11Ww_iGyp1tJgOOmF0JWz0Nnjgm0VJjrvaTJ49QFA6IyT85sUNAwXVXuKtNLiNBUVUe/s320/Screen%20Shot%202022-08-10%20at%2011.15.08%20AM.png" width="292" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I do not have a time frame or a publishing date, but will probably have time to post a few more images before the book is actually in print. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I will post notice of the book!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Jo Merrillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08747013106561155695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4808760944359856414.post-88350461913175593212022-04-02T11:35:00.000-04:002022-04-02T11:35:26.598-04:00Puzzle candle holders<p>In 'another life', before I began painting, I was a woodworker. I had always wanted to work with wood, but grew up at a time when girls were not allowed to take shop. Boys took shop. Girls took 'home economics.' Looking back, I have probably used the skills I learned in home ec more than most of the courses I took anywhere, but I always regretted not having the opportunity to take shop.</p><p>So, several yeas ago, when I received a flyer from a local community college offering 'Basic Woodworking - Hand and and Power Tools', I signed up! I ended up taking four semesters of night classes and loved it. I learned how to use all sorts of power tools. I made a workbench, tables, bookshelves, cabinets with panel doors, toys and puzzles for grandchildren.</p><p>I got involved with Habitat for Humanity and built lots of houses...until I was diagnosed with Lyme Disease and could no longer hold the lumber without my hands cramping. The disease crippled me for several years and I had to give up sawing, hammering...and the intoxicating smell of freshly sawn wood. </p><p>Then I discovered watercolor painting... and found a new creative outlet which has led me to drawing, pastels, acrylics... and the abstract painting and pouring that I have been doing recently. </p><p>So, on to today's project...I woke up this morning with a new idea. </p><p>I have loved the colors and shapes of the acrylic pours and was trying to think of ways to make some kind of base for the votive candles. Maybe I could combine that with some wood. I had been reluctant to get rid of my woodworking 'toys/tools'...and still had a lot of milled lumber from a cherry tree that we had to cut down years ago. </p><p>I picked up a piece of the cherry wood, found the right size bit for my drill press, and began. I drilled holes for the glass votives and then began to randomly cut the pieces apart. One thing led to another and I had begun to make a puzzle! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMIfHLQzJhsnEI6QCGxLY8fGaOk45PtbzEqwuSJb66nioX7Gk2omLckemQJCkiiH_igRkEamNshfqfdn3DvQH_OtqU7R5hw3fa8IPWU5r9zfXKTdtgAlURNOYv6IZ7aJPAdz3rm8XXY1YU4ZlaJNwZuuEYGx0PNddZsDvmXhOINn9rriKbrSc_XrhA/s4032/IMG_4429.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMIfHLQzJhsnEI6QCGxLY8fGaOk45PtbzEqwuSJb66nioX7Gk2omLckemQJCkiiH_igRkEamNshfqfdn3DvQH_OtqU7R5hw3fa8IPWU5r9zfXKTdtgAlURNOYv6IZ7aJPAdz3rm8XXY1YU4ZlaJNwZuuEYGx0PNddZsDvmXhOINn9rriKbrSc_XrhA/s320/IMG_4429.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>All these pieces could be used individually as candle holders, or they could be fit together in different groupings.! </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpcv-62OK7bwUVfngFLCvYOxTeLNoLbpM_CgJOCtfGLxYcOeRCALDMlyWdv_qU20UCZ7Etz41M6p_Snlq6tLOENeCka2_Wj_9HyDogJqcMXYRbpB4wDbRXBcQflrqaCX7nAY3gq83SWdm-zGDM47XRi79kuk9r3_u6Xb342U47A7th99F7etOXgWAD/s4032/IMG_4430.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpcv-62OK7bwUVfngFLCvYOxTeLNoLbpM_CgJOCtfGLxYcOeRCALDMlyWdv_qU20UCZ7Etz41M6p_Snlq6tLOENeCka2_Wj_9HyDogJqcMXYRbpB4wDbRXBcQflrqaCX7nAY3gq83SWdm-zGDM47XRi79kuk9r3_u6Xb342U47A7th99F7etOXgWAD/s320/IMG_4430.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2HlwdGJBMclp-o_qE1loF6TIq7T9yJSz9AjI3_wkPBlTmOa1ZurRESOmbWM2tSK5QMb_nazH9HZq4mDMdqH7zfnKPedy_XQDi7OxofnDqzQgzw3nq9pAX4CqLIHeACenYmV84QowM7g9v9dlsw-hgaxXMYg7hJlzwO8P8tEg7jbEL87T1iB5featW/s4032/IMG_4431.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2HlwdGJBMclp-o_qE1loF6TIq7T9yJSz9AjI3_wkPBlTmOa1ZurRESOmbWM2tSK5QMb_nazH9HZq4mDMdqH7zfnKPedy_XQDi7OxofnDqzQgzw3nq9pAX4CqLIHeACenYmV84QowM7g9v9dlsw-hgaxXMYg7hJlzwO8P8tEg7jbEL87T1iB5featW/s320/IMG_4431.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here are some photos of the puzzle pieces with the candles. There are two sets of three...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglsM-aMJP4-Tb1is0R6A-rmInHmR1oGhGtk930EBlRIEhKjjvzGjhyyvQoCQNEQw45h3xmHL380U5l8uG29MjFEbXrN_kCQhLDzD1ZKVbCQDryggObaMbne8hvOH2WubadcvmkYTIep4ZI4Dl1JgFxMRLyI_79tU-RIAxKuLC53F3o5OO8XRMPx_Wz/s4032/IMG_4425.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglsM-aMJP4-Tb1is0R6A-rmInHmR1oGhGtk930EBlRIEhKjjvzGjhyyvQoCQNEQw45h3xmHL380U5l8uG29MjFEbXrN_kCQhLDzD1ZKVbCQDryggObaMbne8hvOH2WubadcvmkYTIep4ZI4Dl1JgFxMRLyI_79tU-RIAxKuLC53F3o5OO8XRMPx_Wz/s320/IMG_4425.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAThHLcj3aUfrrs52hD-vTLRiAV76pe3JwzfirGN5ZJU3lLQ4-xhkdGOuCm-7pgAd8IM3DCyTUAokGMUxDgNdNgbC_6xRJbKlAd2Jk-p7582lBzCsvXI7RrtN6IKvwAPQgkKVWgq63jUGN3dqeGuULSJbhK8dq-m_f7_9_zdzw00-1fZ2YbVUSarVk/s4032/IMG_4424.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAThHLcj3aUfrrs52hD-vTLRiAV76pe3JwzfirGN5ZJU3lLQ4-xhkdGOuCm-7pgAd8IM3DCyTUAokGMUxDgNdNgbC_6xRJbKlAd2Jk-p7582lBzCsvXI7RrtN6IKvwAPQgkKVWgq63jUGN3dqeGuULSJbhK8dq-m_f7_9_zdzw00-1fZ2YbVUSarVk/s320/IMG_4424.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Second set of three...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBTuTOeleFCLZmbyr_fN9FRt48vFAL3BvbJq9BgSRIgFhWDdf8d0NL6LXDFBc0ee2ET8hg9vXf4BoYkL7L2iAG2dEI9YuMFfLXMMXPHo2Jzme-wsvCIOjB-dn0TxhcMZWfYWpWPPso8k4zS98G_ByJz3EAjBCe34vAE0PkO1FvXUsWhnf4pdaIqjb1/s4032/IMG_4422.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBTuTOeleFCLZmbyr_fN9FRt48vFAL3BvbJq9BgSRIgFhWDdf8d0NL6LXDFBc0ee2ET8hg9vXf4BoYkL7L2iAG2dEI9YuMFfLXMMXPHo2Jzme-wsvCIOjB-dn0TxhcMZWfYWpWPPso8k4zS98G_ByJz3EAjBCe34vAE0PkO1FvXUsWhnf4pdaIqjb1/s320/IMG_4422.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj08zV_WLHdPnbzJHwNkxjaMyvCmxtFxckTcaWsNbW8Z9qSbjyNFrnL1llBYalHqkM3hZ8p604gR9qgc0WIKVc0Ogo1iPsWJwIhEMRexFRXrMwynBFhzhbOI8_aqfae52NYjki3XDbb0F4BBYsP4157tjH16ptmea3AXbizimDKfoe4yeBPeF141LC2/s4032/IMG_4423.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj08zV_WLHdPnbzJHwNkxjaMyvCmxtFxckTcaWsNbW8Z9qSbjyNFrnL1llBYalHqkM3hZ8p604gR9qgc0WIKVc0Ogo1iPsWJwIhEMRexFRXrMwynBFhzhbOI8_aqfae52NYjki3XDbb0F4BBYsP4157tjH16ptmea3AXbizimDKfoe4yeBPeF141LC2/s320/IMG_4423.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">And here is a set of seven! Imagine having the candles all </div><div style="text-align: center;">over the dining room table </div><div style="text-align: center;">and asking our guests to put the puzzle together!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZwzd-Yb2-vV9-b52trkUwnSiEgsJhQAQLmC6erI7NSr3l94uRQExjxQckjQOZI4Je9xzFQhkT9NdE-BofBDKTITwHwzcliLz53B7n7n6wox24nVu_FKpjxOWpTqLG6LjHwhgQ1WoYjX6az7XeoOyxlArT4YHPyYJErvLjOkQ1Ql1sYcTCJgvDJwSp/s4032/IMG_4427.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZwzd-Yb2-vV9-b52trkUwnSiEgsJhQAQLmC6erI7NSr3l94uRQExjxQckjQOZI4Je9xzFQhkT9NdE-BofBDKTITwHwzcliLz53B7n7n6wox24nVu_FKpjxOWpTqLG6LjHwhgQ1WoYjX6az7XeoOyxlArT4YHPyYJErvLjOkQ1Ql1sYcTCJgvDJwSp/s320/IMG_4427.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">=</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmyl_NurXY9wyq2oZ8sLccNIpwGx1IxF6oPCm-OfeTcS7qUWMfnjd7Jb2URfTe5biHVOuPRKUnvxVT5I-83Qkr1wzHdkd0fAuOkrAkEURW1SYhBqLsLDLnxR9DaC5BaYo4YZTQMe3Tv7Diqe7nhHEBDfRYcad7bEt7b_nEVhgmLYxYnhP7HTdbh6Uh/s4032/IMG_4426.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmyl_NurXY9wyq2oZ8sLccNIpwGx1IxF6oPCm-OfeTcS7qUWMfnjd7Jb2URfTe5biHVOuPRKUnvxVT5I-83Qkr1wzHdkd0fAuOkrAkEURW1SYhBqLsLDLnxR9DaC5BaYo4YZTQMe3Tv7Diqe7nhHEBDfRYcad7bEt7b_nEVhgmLYxYnhP7HTdbh6Uh/s320/IMG_4426.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Since all these pictures were taken, I have put a finish on the wood and added felt to the bottom. It's now a non-scratch surface so they can be put anywhere. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It was a fun project!</div></div><br /><br /><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Jo Merrillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08747013106561155695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4808760944359856414.post-15959419362170119902022-03-19T16:18:00.000-04:002022-03-19T16:18:01.253-04:00Acrylic pouring....<p> Tomorrow is the first day of spring! Where did February go...and half of March???</p><p>It seems I have been pouring a lot of acrylic over glass, but not so excited about it that I had to rush to my computer to post any of it. Taking refuge in my art space has been wonderful during the winter months. Some of the pourings have been interesting, but 'nothing to 'write home about.'</p><p>I'll start this post by showing some square glass that had been hanging around for some time. I had used these as candle holders in clear glass... what if, I poured them?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBeB--Cc496k_BVB8maWdzFpnREsnMislL9xktfTJ8JbPAIzPlsNje2HgbwfMfqAR84-huWC8l3v3H-iE09Jy4G8U4rqHC5BYt0MNgYbFFGv8eTFnETO5-HC7SCGn2Alr04LMHXHG9EmSEWA77nyZRv7eLhDeWfLp1YZK1QH1irTUhazQ_fjWmuF61=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBeB--Cc496k_BVB8maWdzFpnREsnMislL9xktfTJ8JbPAIzPlsNje2HgbwfMfqAR84-huWC8l3v3H-iE09Jy4G8U4rqHC5BYt0MNgYbFFGv8eTFnETO5-HC7SCGn2Alr04LMHXHG9EmSEWA77nyZRv7eLhDeWfLp1YZK1QH1irTUhazQ_fjWmuF61=s320" width="320" /></a></div>Interestingly, these are poured with the same colors, (wanted to use them together) but came out quite differently. They do sparkle when lit.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhTnqMwvBNlRtWzxnLH4go0Ya61T85IdKSFyO8N5qfIWDay8N9q7guGxiQjnH5YP-cjTtS821hLXK-gmZea3c8M09kyhvPR3iNOQ8NWaYpTBz-g0ogW4rJS7fkI002XpJlVKwTc74tnwF2dliC5GZNNenx5pM779Bk2s4gfdMTWv-z4yKHQPdOfDHmM=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhTnqMwvBNlRtWzxnLH4go0Ya61T85IdKSFyO8N5qfIWDay8N9q7guGxiQjnH5YP-cjTtS821hLXK-gmZea3c8M09kyhvPR3iNOQ8NWaYpTBz-g0ogW4rJS7fkI002XpJlVKwTc74tnwF2dliC5GZNNenx5pM779Bk2s4gfdMTWv-z4yKHQPdOfDHmM=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>A few weeks ago, a friend of mine gave me several vases that someone had wanted to get rid of. I had put off using this one because I thought it's shape would be challenging. First of all, how would I get it to balance upside down? I needed it to be stable enough to paint. I found some long nails that I hammered into a base and wedged a paper towel cardboard over a dowel. At least I felt confident that it wouldn't tip and shatter on the concrete floor.</p><p>The second challenge was how to get the paint to drip toward the top. (that would be the bottom in the photo) As the paint runs down the vase, it tend to drip straight down and onto the paper without flowing under the rounded part.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFU4DTjYsMo0zWSQSRnAzlj7MOG9dnvMsILeosKbkjXmqM12T12a_EeoDihX4cJUoE5X6VPsp1fkwsT0_fdFDyi5PiMkqH81hVobj8VBEQ1MRzficieconMdDjC3Aphxh3yllKJO8kUhjr_AW4eeoIipArx48wkIrfXen6DDnbIzLLO4-lY2R02R1L=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFU4DTjYsMo0zWSQSRnAzlj7MOG9dnvMsILeosKbkjXmqM12T12a_EeoDihX4cJUoE5X6VPsp1fkwsT0_fdFDyi5PiMkqH81hVobj8VBEQ1MRzficieconMdDjC3Aphxh3yllKJO8kUhjr_AW4eeoIipArx48wkIrfXen6DDnbIzLLO4-lY2R02R1L=s320" width="240" /></a></div>What I discovered is that once there is paint on the glass, the rest of the paint will follow. So, I used a paint brush to coax the paint to cover the rest of the vase.<div><br /></div><div>Here are three views of the finished vase. I'm also posting some close-ups. I love what happens to this paint... and I never know how it will turn out! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhbY18cDCckf2UA_1LPd-I1R789kj1MiE2qCUPpFHxWT9o-T7dJLPCO5FSTLlSD_vE7-3y55zmlPsXAimMh2WrMF9RCtqb6CyjOxk2VFx_gw-hn0M1VBSK9vLi3MKN8sTAI5NVD7aZDYopeX9vCnqjuslfk8DzJe70GctEWU2126Cnjw8L47rGaYlKg=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhbY18cDCckf2UA_1LPd-I1R789kj1MiE2qCUPpFHxWT9o-T7dJLPCO5FSTLlSD_vE7-3y55zmlPsXAimMh2WrMF9RCtqb6CyjOxk2VFx_gw-hn0M1VBSK9vLi3MKN8sTAI5NVD7aZDYopeX9vCnqjuslfk8DzJe70GctEWU2126Cnjw8L47rGaYlKg=w202-h269" width="202" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgS8vVIkqAaC4fe_UGv2vgLDyqNCr3TSHXz5MhHWFc_GhDcYHvXAnsrdKvPrhBY-FryNyR7x98ttcXEPQKYvTrebECGiF4gYHFLF74OO2UVPOxILd_wGvq1V4_g-5tDMc-vXtOxlGyuVl9ShFEcLGbqk4YGkb37uaWp0DlS_o9CB8e5CraUiUnwHCiC=s3404" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3404" data-original-width="2764" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgS8vVIkqAaC4fe_UGv2vgLDyqNCr3TSHXz5MhHWFc_GhDcYHvXAnsrdKvPrhBY-FryNyR7x98ttcXEPQKYvTrebECGiF4gYHFLF74OO2UVPOxILd_wGvq1V4_g-5tDMc-vXtOxlGyuVl9ShFEcLGbqk4YGkb37uaWp0DlS_o9CB8e5CraUiUnwHCiC=w202-h249" width="202" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The color on the close-up is not too good, but I love what happens with the white paint!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhVh8ECKwfS0iRy26qC8_dev56-bvo-DQEYeZrNJldbY68sjo2rhq-wTdpBhD2yeXU8Irpgm-PM-Q37Ux5bYshpvXtrhEwfx5CEoKEZi3wYJlNQP0nq2HMY4BmSCQitW3LHDCDpGViWBYoToZ6TpnCG3rEKE-_J9lbQPEAuJGWN4_-H9kxIa82CBZW1=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhVh8ECKwfS0iRy26qC8_dev56-bvo-DQEYeZrNJldbY68sjo2rhq-wTdpBhD2yeXU8Irpgm-PM-Q37Ux5bYshpvXtrhEwfx5CEoKEZi3wYJlNQP0nq2HMY4BmSCQitW3LHDCDpGViWBYoToZ6TpnCG3rEKE-_J9lbQPEAuJGWN4_-H9kxIa82CBZW1=w179-h239" width="179" /><span></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiRMDogvKjAnZv2T_EK3YedIzERTBpRLfi6GfCUzla76O7tOz6Vbsk4xpvyluWUQVYadp14jt1cBWlhOoIdtD5rLzuDlNkZBQd_cKzE380fLoFW0unh8YGXh-XbuGd2TZ8N9wPCvkZ9jrEHB_cSijHmxl0m3q04cRieG-r6MtScwy77Ogry51iqkk11=s3922" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3922" data-original-width="2510" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiRMDogvKjAnZv2T_EK3YedIzERTBpRLfi6GfCUzla76O7tOz6Vbsk4xpvyluWUQVYadp14jt1cBWlhOoIdtD5rLzuDlNkZBQd_cKzE380fLoFW0unh8YGXh-XbuGd2TZ8N9wPCvkZ9jrEHB_cSijHmxl0m3q04cRieG-r6MtScwy77Ogry51iqkk11=w153-h239" width="153" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Letting the paint do the work is amazing...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEggqtAKaeLRfvbq1bKC0qRkuSGk7CFlT7O5InLWHoQu5lOTz72x2SKUgOc2dUuTMiLLoTf-Bg2dzhh4lHyP99WTUueBX-0erMtL1D7D92DYxfYnqlmZCGe4RZw48Cw88TVxtsdDTsVBSvj1ifGvo7SAh26h69z6tDMeYzo4icbwHBKJcuFFew7G3lwJ=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEggqtAKaeLRfvbq1bKC0qRkuSGk7CFlT7O5InLWHoQu5lOTz72x2SKUgOc2dUuTMiLLoTf-Bg2dzhh4lHyP99WTUueBX-0erMtL1D7D92DYxfYnqlmZCGe4RZw48Cw88TVxtsdDTsVBSvj1ifGvo7SAh26h69z6tDMeYzo4icbwHBKJcuFFew7G3lwJ=w156-h208" width="156" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEisRhUoigxjMHlyduQt0p1unCkQIDOOyqq0d5-uv8GolRAmtHsEOfi85G-sEUqdz0QEmktCy9d0wn2IlSnzF_Hhi7yx32ffOQTn3_WR8HtauHrP-WUKZH2Zy9hlYSCueZZjYpAo7hRF0pG376wayv-gqvY-Hj71h94TYz8BEEVwD-1s-q_DVpCRuAds=s1969" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1969" data-original-width="1281" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEisRhUoigxjMHlyduQt0p1unCkQIDOOyqq0d5-uv8GolRAmtHsEOfi85G-sEUqdz0QEmktCy9d0wn2IlSnzF_Hhi7yx32ffOQTn3_WR8HtauHrP-WUKZH2Zy9hlYSCueZZjYpAo7hRF0pG376wayv-gqvY-Hj71h94TYz8BEEVwD-1s-q_DVpCRuAds=w129-h199" width="129" /></a><br />I love that squiggle on the third view! Wish I knew how to make that happen again somewhere.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have a few more odd shaped vases. Hope to get some paint on them in the next couple of weeks.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Jo Merrillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08747013106561155695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4808760944359856414.post-11246934088095290562022-01-29T11:48:00.000-05:002022-01-29T11:48:51.629-05:00<p> Yikes - It's almost the end of January and I just realized that I haven't posted since Christmas! It is perhaps a little late for be wishing everyone a Happy New Year, but here is a photo of an acrylic pour with a candle and two champagne glasses....welcoming 2022.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixhCbBiAzZU-ibKig8r-e72xB7XjNdnd1qqQN7czQcn_NawSHArmBwajpuvpoXImyk2ox1LxSyEER560okqAF-10u20Cq6uwZQaeYLACNEp4oLIzzPtZhkwuc66KuQy_011w4nUUnrnLDO-TxQ0C0X4tc_2ydgzZ8R1MwEhvMLg5s6fV1bRqijiGky=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixhCbBiAzZU-ibKig8r-e72xB7XjNdnd1qqQN7czQcn_NawSHArmBwajpuvpoXImyk2ox1LxSyEER560okqAF-10u20Cq6uwZQaeYLACNEp4oLIzzPtZhkwuc66KuQy_011w4nUUnrnLDO-TxQ0C0X4tc_2ydgzZ8R1MwEhvMLg5s6fV1bRqijiGky=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>This new year is bringing some medical challenges in our family and I have been tied up with various appointments. However, whenever I can, I get into my shop for a little 'art therapy.' I put on some music, get out my paints and I am transported into another world. Here is a vase that I completed recently. It began with red, blue, beige, white and green. It's freshly poured in this photo and continued to drip and change for quite a while.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEheXPynR8B9KLK3Qs6HVjH5EHr9xz4c0WpWOJdMikKsYnLP58NcUKU_JOYNff9CKFFvDs8ug6QmcayEiUSSBQNoahXaw3xuwNrM99C_3J8Dg4BLsPZtk-KZnMCvMEAz-5SMcsne5EOvZ3B_kxaHmnHNAnuOTeeUvnoR8I8KOtzht3n4fAWZQ5LJ_JL2=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEheXPynR8B9KLK3Qs6HVjH5EHr9xz4c0WpWOJdMikKsYnLP58NcUKU_JOYNff9CKFFvDs8ug6QmcayEiUSSBQNoahXaw3xuwNrM99C_3J8Dg4BLsPZtk-KZnMCvMEAz-5SMcsne5EOvZ3B_kxaHmnHNAnuOTeeUvnoR8I8KOtzht3n4fAWZQ5LJ_JL2=s320" width="240" /></a></div><p>I was very surprised when I returned to it the next day. Most of the darker blue and deep red had disappeared and green and orange took over! Before putting resin on it, it looked like this.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhuVgTuDbGIjN10kQKbx4n3QW5tUoOHEc10z3iO5kUT5hUQ1X3BjwFfoBNsV5SJSvLEbKQxek34FYuDNbrbTjeXEcpAE2GFSjTMGZUTjAwEoTPifAhADm7yNGvS6XgBe0ezyXyhyc6mOTldyhTnHWsFrr4inQzaYLypnIsUIlG6jzQUp0zGNdnRC4Xu=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhuVgTuDbGIjN10kQKbx4n3QW5tUoOHEc10z3iO5kUT5hUQ1X3BjwFfoBNsV5SJSvLEbKQxek34FYuDNbrbTjeXEcpAE2GFSjTMGZUTjAwEoTPifAhADm7yNGvS6XgBe0ezyXyhyc6mOTldyhTnHWsFrr4inQzaYLypnIsUIlG6jzQUp0zGNdnRC4Xu=s320" width="240" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Here is the finished vase.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNc_8zRDxqFwHIqMMWJON58anOJUNMc_kbX7QiHGWEhvKc9akpnuQu1SWhz1UbYIQcpi8VQL08De2BCnuaQUBkp8nCibAtMslqPlpcWhFYvBho2OpEFo3wFUZxte_LKUfe3th0gnrf3DyRP2okjzVk908dAjVcPv8PS3ntCk_MBYk24x8f1H5yciE0=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNc_8zRDxqFwHIqMMWJON58anOJUNMc_kbX7QiHGWEhvKc9akpnuQu1SWhz1UbYIQcpi8VQL08De2BCnuaQUBkp8nCibAtMslqPlpcWhFYvBho2OpEFo3wFUZxte_LKUfe3th0gnrf3DyRP2okjzVk908dAjVcPv8PS3ntCk_MBYk24x8f1H5yciE0=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The larger pieces obviously take a longer time and sometimes my time is limited so I have been doing more smaller pours. These two square candle holders were fun to do and look wonderful when lit.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi0lzrWJRoTK85vW5r2B7QXrUWoS7JjyH4BrLtKIy3AacQiR-qjyAkAAjOMYN1ofE8g2pyOwSRtz-JbMrQVHi_ZI4Coolyr-1zQFp-NCWIgp-O8labu-eqcL2Xl56ggQgv-GNmCsouTqYCdTBtE1C2LqTl5sp4HisXUoC8Mkriqm8vGDuLMoSN9-7gb=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi0lzrWJRoTK85vW5r2B7QXrUWoS7JjyH4BrLtKIy3AacQiR-qjyAkAAjOMYN1ofE8g2pyOwSRtz-JbMrQVHi_ZI4Coolyr-1zQFp-NCWIgp-O8labu-eqcL2Xl56ggQgv-GNmCsouTqYCdTBtE1C2LqTl5sp4HisXUoC8Mkriqm8vGDuLMoSN9-7gb=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEifwGJARreDVktl0gShfbglnjo7-NbVkI2XQsGRrRbqlJSDGizb9Ahc-HPPBJM3Mrf2UWY73WWJ6Oen3flpjnXVUZdkteLLLCbuvhuOELd7uoAxTbduzX0-OugjXhkd2UHOQ3X5n3wJWyz1MU-xlV7lKx0cGW9e0byw8ps2KTJuhVjaxxEwE_8YGnRP=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEifwGJARreDVktl0gShfbglnjo7-NbVkI2XQsGRrRbqlJSDGizb9Ahc-HPPBJM3Mrf2UWY73WWJ6Oen3flpjnXVUZdkteLLLCbuvhuOELd7uoAxTbduzX0-OugjXhkd2UHOQ3X5n3wJWyz1MU-xlV7lKx0cGW9e0byw8ps2KTJuhVjaxxEwE_8YGnRP=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Friends of mine are 'supporting my habit' and have given me a box of 72 small glass votives. I learn something new with each one and have enjoyed experimenting with color and different ways of pouring. Here are just a few in various stages - the ones in the back have a first coat of resin. The ones in the front awaiting their first coat.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUNmNKJlPg4YRyCsl53gW19woBZ96v6hy7nS4PMrsGlRqgGOlxS6LXmupCqH_svSAY2ZuE0EH6YJhrL4SCcxXLe-Cp9xh6mJPuGyzixygQR7FowwEvKuouQXvNPeLeN3huf262C2tFH_WryJtoAPXNeUh39t53MKrbzBsOCzqwRsqsTjk2KiHWlSmq=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUNmNKJlPg4YRyCsl53gW19woBZ96v6hy7nS4PMrsGlRqgGOlxS6LXmupCqH_svSAY2ZuE0EH6YJhrL4SCcxXLe-Cp9xh6mJPuGyzixygQR7FowwEvKuouQXvNPeLeN3huf262C2tFH_WryJtoAPXNeUh39t53MKrbzBsOCzqwRsqsTjk2KiHWlSmq=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One of my discoveries was using my heat gun to add additional sparkle/crackle to the paint. When the candles are lit, they are quite dramatic. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgL58bFIioXksu5aoitjmg2mrP_xhm7EJvCp9lHV7Ry8x_U0SJVu6yjV4jfxq43dMOfHe8N1pzOFEjQ6Mu8VomooXjhfPDH2FddwNI-jSPf7V0Op931boFNoEoxktreJGz4wPhlOjA8SpG3jkboCTK1fDDIO4OWQaHHdYwJhAGjfDMdTiQ_vsG4wgNX=s2869" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1545" data-original-width="2869" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgL58bFIioXksu5aoitjmg2mrP_xhm7EJvCp9lHV7Ry8x_U0SJVu6yjV4jfxq43dMOfHe8N1pzOFEjQ6Mu8VomooXjhfPDH2FddwNI-jSPf7V0Op931boFNoEoxktreJGz4wPhlOjA8SpG3jkboCTK1fDDIO4OWQaHHdYwJhAGjfDMdTiQ_vsG4wgNX=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKKNvplf8hq9w4mIWxDNWHgqXqmWKlmAzPeMznCrScKlpqA-s7xoqU09BuPtEgNzthB7cTXV6LUmYo0QbX1_j2lECKc0SRxVqm596TB2Kl4rYWOSg6U-jbeLriwCZYJpksM5HO7GaBKlopDWwzK9KK79G0FoVkXjrSnp0DOvk_-vXYQ4sJmyyhiclQ=s2807" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1582" data-original-width="2807" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKKNvplf8hq9w4mIWxDNWHgqXqmWKlmAzPeMznCrScKlpqA-s7xoqU09BuPtEgNzthB7cTXV6LUmYo0QbX1_j2lECKc0SRxVqm596TB2Kl4rYWOSg6U-jbeLriwCZYJpksM5HO7GaBKlopDWwzK9KK79G0FoVkXjrSnp0DOvk_-vXYQ4sJmyyhiclQ=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's been a lot of fun...and as long as that continues, I'll keep experimenting...and then keep posting!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><br /><p><br /></p>Jo Merrillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08747013106561155695noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4808760944359856414.post-64620523994126763432021-12-25T12:49:00.001-05:002021-12-25T12:49:11.062-05:00"Bittersweet"<p> I have always loved the bittersweet vine. Usually I think of it around Thanksgiving. It was always fun to decorate our Thanksgiving table with the vine. I love the colors and the shapes. </p><p>This has been a challenging year in many ways. In addition to COVID restrictions and uncertainties, some family medical issues have kept us busy running to doctor's appointments. For the past several months we were not sure that we would be celebrating this holiday season at all - but how grateful and blessed we are feeling to have this time together. </p><p>So, when I was thinking of a card for this Christmas all I could think about was 'bittersweet.' It doesn't look as holiday-like, but it conveys a feeling that a lot of people share around this time of year. It's a time of reflection, of Christmases past, and of times of joy and sadness. It is truly a bitter-sweet time.</p><p>Merry Christmas everyone. Take the time to treasure the moments we all have and to make memories for the times to come.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdfTzHhTzLyJg-TP5IiHQ6fp9fPdb4gV83deZ8hrRdezaqQO8joztcdxszXfb--5U3zJeguD3ry_OOtjcbv_rmxlomDYyer4c318h02259ryAORwUUseLNU10Lcowz_8YqxRJC4LJSafUZT30iiMoiPA0zRSa7sScRCFLLBVnWhv80jljHJRC7gKWh=s1146" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1146" data-original-width="820" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdfTzHhTzLyJg-TP5IiHQ6fp9fPdb4gV83deZ8hrRdezaqQO8joztcdxszXfb--5U3zJeguD3ry_OOtjcbv_rmxlomDYyer4c318h02259ryAORwUUseLNU10Lcowz_8YqxRJC4LJSafUZT30iiMoiPA0zRSa7sScRCFLLBVnWhv80jljHJRC7gKWh=s320" width="229" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Jo Merrillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08747013106561155695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4808760944359856414.post-18967850109349877472021-12-04T16:42:00.000-05:002021-12-04T16:42:57.006-05:00Watercolor magic<p> It's that time of year - the St. Michaels Art League hangs a watercolor exhibit at our local library each December. (except last year...COVID restrictions kept the library closed)</p><p>Years ago I had 'promised' myself that I would try to put something in every exhibit that the art league put on. So, even though I haven't been using watercolor lately, I needed to get back to it! Since I have enjoyed the looseness of acrylic paint pouring, I knew I didn't want to go back to realistic scenes of Maryland's Eastern Shore. What to paint?</p><p>One of the best ways of creating something new would be to get out my Yupo paper and experiment with it. I began with wetting the paper and dropping color onto it. I love watching to see what the paint will do. This was my first attempt.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEguz7o5KyRzkneiJ1L_qB_xOHG7E4933DK-ypOlpkLFkMMmWgeNLIGWbLSeBJ-y5rcv9yHPykyiX5L5XPKLZ8brLvvFnLTWdWU4TO8NMCtt7497reQyeKWct-l0j-7xcWfCVHLqHKYr9uTiXTDNd3h5dUrENpd6j5KkqGIXQV3K56ZpryK1PdJ816tt=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1609" data-original-width="2048" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEguz7o5KyRzkneiJ1L_qB_xOHG7E4933DK-ypOlpkLFkMMmWgeNLIGWbLSeBJ-y5rcv9yHPykyiX5L5XPKLZ8brLvvFnLTWdWU4TO8NMCtt7497reQyeKWct-l0j-7xcWfCVHLqHKYr9uTiXTDNd3h5dUrENpd6j5KkqGIXQV3K56ZpryK1PdJ816tt=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was fun to do and did loosen me up. When I showed it to my art group, they politely said things like "It looks like a salad." They particularly liked the green. OK, I would play with that. I began adding more greens and filled in all the white spaces. Maybe a salad in a wooden bowl. I could add wooden serving fork and spoon...let them go out of the painting onto the mat... So, I played with it a little... I put a little paint around for a bowl and then tried some scrap paper cutouts of fork and spoon. The more I 'took it over' the less I liked it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXR09kc9FwN1Jqx3tPRYGsDMkobJDvhhGfbakWlYyLiO1D9_Z8q8LD81JJjRI7MYXhRljATocM131UhyPGJYdz03Ohx7nKZAc07YtRDXtPu4ryOUprXG3kCSCmojMA4lyKJqKhLwyGMzVoddM1XZ4LjDyEXyijL2ZNCtMkcVQAtZ_kriah9Grni-iu=s2048" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1604" data-original-width="2048" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXR09kc9FwN1Jqx3tPRYGsDMkobJDvhhGfbakWlYyLiO1D9_Z8q8LD81JJjRI7MYXhRljATocM131UhyPGJYdz03Ohx7nKZAc07YtRDXtPu4ryOUprXG3kCSCmojMA4lyKJqKhLwyGMzVoddM1XZ4LjDyEXyijL2ZNCtMkcVQAtZ_kriah9Grni-iu=w277-h218" width="277" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYhR6Cx3JCwFtyNS2Gp1ecokQF5zyh5jiOgzFJ76mf2rXvyc0tWIajHZkbwJHxZIuAK0XaKbYvCYAUMhKdWCmRrcvvXZYnv3tuHdp1lNnWjAnRjS6mQi7zxYBKY4PE-ZosFHPJkxGD3UMqfMgtjhyexmvNIHoZzD6iMsHWx3r7gVJBYtX68jHpY0hc=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1645" data-original-width="2048" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYhR6Cx3JCwFtyNS2Gp1ecokQF5zyh5jiOgzFJ76mf2rXvyc0tWIajHZkbwJHxZIuAK0XaKbYvCYAUMhKdWCmRrcvvXZYnv3tuHdp1lNnWjAnRjS6mQi7zxYBKY4PE-ZosFHPJkxGD3UMqfMgtjhyexmvNIHoZzD6iMsHWx3r7gVJBYtX68jHpY0hc=w268-h216" width="268" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Time to get out another sheet of Yupo! This time I wet the paper and washed over it with different greens and blues. It turned out mostly green. While it was very wet, I just began making circular shapes with my paint brush - having no idea what was happening. I let it dry thinking I would go back to it and add some other colors. When I showed this to my group... they were again polite. They saw various things including fields..maybe ready for harvest? It really wasn't meant to be anything at that point.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLN7AbwZlGQffamECd2D89Z1VL9rynh2Tr4gPO4818QnX9DkFeac8gNA4vrONQ7GSfhWouFmH-LLlaiVOtKAMzQKsfalTHyZzlmYgoNnBf42MNFJsYIv25-JdDxqcYY95MUTEylMa1Z9nO6w7W35eUTM2RIdDCO-B2Op__9TaAv0UxoO_yZSNBduJP=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1570" data-original-width="2048" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLN7AbwZlGQffamECd2D89Z1VL9rynh2Tr4gPO4818QnX9DkFeac8gNA4vrONQ7GSfhWouFmH-LLlaiVOtKAMzQKsfalTHyZzlmYgoNnBf42MNFJsYIv25-JdDxqcYY95MUTEylMa1Z9nO6w7W35eUTM2RIdDCO-B2Op__9TaAv0UxoO_yZSNBduJP=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The following day, I began to dab various colors of paint on it just to see what would happen. The wonderful thing about Yupo is that you can wash it off completely, so what did I have to lose? I dabbed the paint here and there and then blotted it off with a tissue. I was having such fun! The tissue got wetter and wetter... Then I 'let er rip' and began to swipe with the wet tissue. It picked up the paint leaving some wonderful ragged edges. I liked what was happening....it was hard to stop!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEicN6CNOjs4HtwvC6YUtQeFY5cEHPRwsaRUoPG-URMYG9FlGcD26QBgh5qAlhD20QEzU7ylhnT92KpocOHCegWDjq5ZwFliHNBDk-T7Vl5_NG2f7jn4lcG3FJRT2h3WwX2xdEeiqkfMsghMX9GsE48hYYBtkA3pinpHss5q89HWrobwT06D3703rCsa=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1548" data-original-width="2048" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEicN6CNOjs4HtwvC6YUtQeFY5cEHPRwsaRUoPG-URMYG9FlGcD26QBgh5qAlhD20QEzU7ylhnT92KpocOHCegWDjq5ZwFliHNBDk-T7Vl5_NG2f7jn4lcG3FJRT2h3WwX2xdEeiqkfMsghMX9GsE48hYYBtkA3pinpHss5q89HWrobwT06D3703rCsa=w359-h271" width="359" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm calling this "Fall into Winter." </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It makes me think of a snowy winter wind blowing the fall leaves.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I wanted to put two paintings in the exhibit so I had one more to work on... The next day I went a little crazy and experimented with the watercolor to see if I could get it to pour like acrylic paint. Well, no it doesn't. I wet the paper and started blobbing on color. It wasn't wet enough to do much so I sprayed it with my water misting bottle. I held the paper up vertically, added more paint here and there and watched the paint run. What a mess! I kept adding paint in various places, trying to balance lights and darks. Knowing that watercolor dries lighter (and knowing that I could wipe it all off the next day and begin again), I decided to walk away and take a look 24 hours later.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1718GK_odnZmTwDkVUdBXv2bjI952-6Zwn_ebv8LEwPWUhPzUCkhC7hFwwxoAPHmhoHavQFvBk5SuLbfY8Fog3zNJKx5sa0tIa_HVkR55tK4fwvmvzIehxHz76zS2WHHMX5na6LCx809LkKjV81xeJAr6kzbEuqMqrzAhsQGanrCabimtf5h9Fo40=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1718GK_odnZmTwDkVUdBXv2bjI952-6Zwn_ebv8LEwPWUhPzUCkhC7hFwwxoAPHmhoHavQFvBk5SuLbfY8Fog3zNJKx5sa0tIa_HVkR55tK4fwvmvzIehxHz76zS2WHHMX5na6LCx809LkKjV81xeJAr6kzbEuqMqrzAhsQGanrCabimtf5h9Fo40=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The next morning I looked at it and wondered what to do with it. Hmmm, I looked around. Our house has hardwood flooring throughout. I looked at the painting and looked at the floor. I love seeing the hardwood grain... what about making some 'grain' in the painting?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is where Yupo is really fun. I got out some toothpicks, a bowl of water and some tissues. What if I wet a toothpick and trace about the painted shapes... and then blot the wet lines... Voila! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I found the zone... this painting met my need to let go (letting the paint go where it wants) and get back some control (outline the shapes)! As I 'erased' the paint, I kept putting a mat around it to pick out the parts that I wanted keep. You can see this side-by-side photo and pick out the shapes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEifXjac_UwTudkIJH0NhSBLlf1Is7mFJz1JX372_b6W26tU57waPn60FkqH2g9RsGnIPgWz2d4IhlzakVlYgdXxoE_kHZfmjFZlps02lekV4JGDbt8zlTE4siQouYN4-zr6ltQRygBm6blhsEsFMsS5Sly1dTbdVo_sGZSYCWMc-0U7yX6gbDP_0bth=s1158" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="1158" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEifXjac_UwTudkIJH0NhSBLlf1Is7mFJz1JX372_b6W26tU57waPn60FkqH2g9RsGnIPgWz2d4IhlzakVlYgdXxoE_kHZfmjFZlps02lekV4JGDbt8zlTE4siQouYN4-zr6ltQRygBm6blhsEsFMsS5Sly1dTbdVo_sGZSYCWMc-0U7yX6gbDP_0bth=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is a larger version of the finished painting.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDdVYKmK3bIul0O6C8lY8YH9mor0ETkitptJy7pnyLx-CnyhGgPSvGglVyNxyHIr86Mubdp-77TossHjLjUp8BbwfLkLhMpSbrQVCPaqcByqNa9zgBq8usb2BRb5eRlqo7oPHsyRC-cGVlnUMmlYTcADIENnEHaB7K47TyaSJGoafX7DVgk1V7_j3i=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1622" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDdVYKmK3bIul0O6C8lY8YH9mor0ETkitptJy7pnyLx-CnyhGgPSvGglVyNxyHIr86Mubdp-77TossHjLjUp8BbwfLkLhMpSbrQVCPaqcByqNa9zgBq8usb2BRb5eRlqo7oPHsyRC-cGVlnUMmlYTcADIENnEHaB7K47TyaSJGoafX7DVgk1V7_j3i=w291-h368" width="291" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm calling this one "Fantasy Garden."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The watercolor exhibit will be hanging at the St. Michaels Library during the month of December.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /> <p></p>Jo Merrillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08747013106561155695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4808760944359856414.post-55942521718789380162021-11-20T14:17:00.000-05:002021-11-20T14:17:43.868-05:00 A few more pours...<p> When I first got excited about pouring paint over glass, I poured over all sorts of things. I had unused vases on a closet shelf. Friends gave me several vases and jelly jars. I wanted to try different glass shapes and walked around a dollar store. I did some online shopping and found some miniature vases...</p><p>All this brings me to wonderful experimenting...trying different ways of pouring - layered paint out of a cup, drops of color here and there, swirling it around as I pour, adding drips in some places...manipulating the paint in addition to straight pouring. </p><p>Here are a few more experiments...along with images of some of the vase/jar bottoms. </p><p>I was in a Christmas mood for this bud vase. It was tricky because it's fluted and the paint only wants to run down the 'valleys.' I found that I have to coax the paint to cover the raised parts. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKZqxFxOpfj-8BhUS-_MbfagClLABHVIvDqWquikQP29h60P-fTfL5rorwGNd7w_lH4c2TyANyFYyGMdL62l7oZh-HCIAbTBfKaPt-zIoWFkwn267umPYU_HuA0Px8kdw_mbzBa_oh3OTGQYxkeAI94GHsZTZYfkxHWslPoX9K3cOzk24lMyYXbMGC=s2620" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2620" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKZqxFxOpfj-8BhUS-_MbfagClLABHVIvDqWquikQP29h60P-fTfL5rorwGNd7w_lH4c2TyANyFYyGMdL62l7oZh-HCIAbTBfKaPt-zIoWFkwn267umPYU_HuA0Px8kdw_mbzBa_oh3OTGQYxkeAI94GHsZTZYfkxHWslPoX9K3cOzk24lMyYXbMGC=s320" width="147" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Love this bottom! Almost want to just turn it upside down.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3OmoE2AXCMnQIItLoISbBQjbWwAelHoq_2RlfeLk1odEFpataGpaeW_Ise5fRgmwAFGn5oxrQz_vaDjATQAgJyXXuXgplEowbg4MFMhIJe7PjcnbeF12FNMYMrt6QHShI9f9PGl6WWtmygHCnXbd3xffQRyxYha-tWYnFgUyyd4BESXLjOuqXM5ZC=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1979" data-original-width="2048" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3OmoE2AXCMnQIItLoISbBQjbWwAelHoq_2RlfeLk1odEFpataGpaeW_Ise5fRgmwAFGn5oxrQz_vaDjATQAgJyXXuXgplEowbg4MFMhIJe7PjcnbeF12FNMYMrt6QHShI9f9PGl6WWtmygHCnXbd3xffQRyxYha-tWYnFgUyyd4BESXLjOuqXM5ZC=w224-h216" width="224" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here's another holiday color one. I used a lot of silicone oil in the paint so it's full of 'cells' and really sparkles with a candle lit in it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjaYtPd7vCX9LaO7rrXSxJOA-9XObhnXm4vjUT_ENEDNiKM_R3TccxSayUUJbetDlG6RxneKqoV1_yLa8lFUUtqGwk7wUjhkP8hH39lp5eAwV0q13fiHhTcNG_yr6hk-NanP4XGUnjO_oXaFboHyPOAxaPTg_L40sIOnXIpepHUehmOFFFivKqqgCRN=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2031" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjaYtPd7vCX9LaO7rrXSxJOA-9XObhnXm4vjUT_ENEDNiKM_R3TccxSayUUJbetDlG6RxneKqoV1_yLa8lFUUtqGwk7wUjhkP8hH39lp5eAwV0q13fiHhTcNG_yr6hk-NanP4XGUnjO_oXaFboHyPOAxaPTg_L40sIOnXIpepHUehmOFFFivKqqgCRN=s320" width="317" /></a></div><br /></div>This one is that same shape - could be a candle holder or a candy dish. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiz_7Tks1qTsJ-JdYVg2Utl5ZRBZB6tmFO83OnonlEXN42HzvM-AXIc7ba82vX1kBchPYYlxXrX-ZpFs-3oiwCKl0WbCuSYvHDRVH3SAPIgBZmZmFhNHE7X0dF7W3ic66InlY6U9dYiLL3qDCByW-Ety0visHmsil8xeqlKTJLo5JR9H6216c88g_nc=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1942" data-original-width="2048" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiz_7Tks1qTsJ-JdYVg2Utl5ZRBZB6tmFO83OnonlEXN42HzvM-AXIc7ba82vX1kBchPYYlxXrX-ZpFs-3oiwCKl0WbCuSYvHDRVH3SAPIgBZmZmFhNHE7X0dF7W3ic66InlY6U9dYiLL3qDCByW-Ety0visHmsil8xeqlKTJLo5JR9H6216c88g_nc=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Take a look at its bottom!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhP5Cpjc-ndXH2PC4FYMfuoCKlmPM1vBffDiONDvmYh3Oh_Xs4WnaAWkLNTXkZy0ZNlfM-dmH-22m2C3FO7n8DMTBFAJKFtA5ofOTOxFjtpiDMU1kt7NLM6KuATAwly7wyoYodwWvK0M1OG5D-8y8DTQrWjQbluEsrKYbZ-nKUUA7o9fayJkZlBeTgV=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhP5Cpjc-ndXH2PC4FYMfuoCKlmPM1vBffDiONDvmYh3Oh_Xs4WnaAWkLNTXkZy0ZNlfM-dmH-22m2C3FO7n8DMTBFAJKFtA5ofOTOxFjtpiDMU1kt7NLM6KuATAwly7wyoYodwWvK0M1OG5D-8y8DTQrWjQbluEsrKYbZ-nKUUA7o9fayJkZlBeTgV=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A few more different shapes with their bottoms...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMloqAQo2gpJcGr_gc0WUeiW1kSWFko2Pa7CLyP8VDEXEvPsolAhZir6PJkPYLsdJ_lj_08YSsIDwNGLazBXrRk4tz1XMIB-jkK5vf-Ato1tEC403js2nflyXzWBj8_u3hB88fiefN5kGcZsB6L3BDS7XRqVjt6FcDDnNg0CwdH8xrV-cw7Qh94qpg=s1166" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="814" data-original-width="1166" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMloqAQo2gpJcGr_gc0WUeiW1kSWFko2Pa7CLyP8VDEXEvPsolAhZir6PJkPYLsdJ_lj_08YSsIDwNGLazBXrRk4tz1XMIB-jkK5vf-Ato1tEC403js2nflyXzWBj8_u3hB88fiefN5kGcZsB6L3BDS7XRqVjt6FcDDnNg0CwdH8xrV-cw7Qh94qpg=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now, to back up a bit...some people have asked how I do all this painting upside down. Part of the fun for me is figuring out how to make a jig that is stable enough for each vase . I have used different size cups, spray paint cans and various size dowels fitted into pieces of wood. It always depends on the size and height of the vase. Take a look at some of these vases waiting for a coat of resin. I am loving all the drip patterns on the wooded blocks and will find something to do with them one day!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjgLhyOjrAGBSfV2tZxccEIRXVWbqGm4e3fbqoHy4x6GXn3MabTWxyJ1XKqvLS56CWQrEvU5kKph2OpHX4meRT5A1G335Y-0phXYKZUK2FC0kWXgn0LkxRNmItFMjyN0jfnGJrwJI9mLzLjPWAMHMFRv_-vjVvrAHi-0x5tx1yq55roItevc9K7-k5g=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1231" data-original-width="2048" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjgLhyOjrAGBSfV2tZxccEIRXVWbqGm4e3fbqoHy4x6GXn3MabTWxyJ1XKqvLS56CWQrEvU5kKph2OpHX4meRT5A1G335Y-0phXYKZUK2FC0kWXgn0LkxRNmItFMjyN0jfnGJrwJI9mLzLjPWAMHMFRv_-vjVvrAHi-0x5tx1yq55roItevc9K7-k5g=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Yesterday, I went again to our local library and added more vases to the display cases. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhQsnve9Hxk3AxoxPD3na3tgFZNO8cf99ufTX8_jISpee4yS27NDXzmqvtTYS63VmNoSYWXB1s6N9gjFzDz8ghaE3xM7kZTg-W4ZiEqyvVMaB2ugKa9EjNznAwUpgKKSx0gKizSEQ0pdIwLh570KnCsne-7mcWFgmxW2QxQnVMcgjn27JhmEH5b9vFp=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1609" data-original-width="2048" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhQsnve9Hxk3AxoxPD3na3tgFZNO8cf99ufTX8_jISpee4yS27NDXzmqvtTYS63VmNoSYWXB1s6N9gjFzDz8ghaE3xM7kZTg-W4ZiEqyvVMaB2ugKa9EjNznAwUpgKKSx0gKizSEQ0pdIwLh570KnCsne-7mcWFgmxW2QxQnVMcgjn27JhmEH5b9vFp=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgsVKl567KU6hAy_MCBTagl4NtsUIEbq90YqHi6Kqc6rgAjboKc5-UKcWH4xQj28nGCxzqo7R-lpN6S5b-MToQvlf88XRt7qTaX25FCuUbHvt6oWfLn4PkLuf8ihf27w_0wHe_ArqeDrSbVKciOSiRp8ro853TWNleC2Hv-GZ0V0BGc7v0mFJBHhCXQ=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1357" data-original-width="2048" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgsVKl567KU6hAy_MCBTagl4NtsUIEbq90YqHi6Kqc6rgAjboKc5-UKcWH4xQj28nGCxzqo7R-lpN6S5b-MToQvlf88XRt7qTaX25FCuUbHvt6oWfLn4PkLuf8ihf27w_0wHe_ArqeDrSbVKciOSiRp8ro853TWNleC2Hv-GZ0V0BGc7v0mFJBHhCXQ=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Stop by and take a look. </span></div></div>Jo Merrillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08747013106561155695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4808760944359856414.post-79400827701199737872021-10-23T12:13:00.000-04:002021-10-23T12:13:38.604-04:00Pouring over glass - artwork on display!<p> Yes, I have become obsessed by this new (to me) art form. It's the most wonderful distraction from the world around me...and so much fun!</p><p>Here are a few more of my recent pours:</p><p>This first one... I love the shape of this vase and wanted to make it bright and distinctive. I used a bright red and blue and a dark green. As I poured I was really excited about how it looked. However, when it dried, it was very dull. Now, I know that this acrylic paint dries dull, so I thought I would just sprinkle some water on it (before I put the resin on) and see if it would brighten. It did! I loved it...until I touched it and found the paint washing off!</p><p>Not one to give up, I tried it again. Same result - it dried dull. This time I waited a few days and then put on a coat of resin. Ugh - I thought it was very dark and boring. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgHbfjw44mrBfNqyuNwKFXbdel0eHboX3_FlaFVUlJD9awfFiusetAs6F8pY_CpJgD6_GKtyJbw5U0GytB6jobDqm2q9QVS85oNV8-7XuBK_foOOgi-zEBnFm9D0hJWaFxXzOlqsMc7yVq41bCHAuRP5WvZn-nAtz_1pjZWbcKre6W0MPDGZJJ4fbVt=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgHbfjw44mrBfNqyuNwKFXbdel0eHboX3_FlaFVUlJD9awfFiusetAs6F8pY_CpJgD6_GKtyJbw5U0GytB6jobDqm2q9QVS85oNV8-7XuBK_foOOgi-zEBnFm9D0hJWaFxXzOlqsMc7yVq41bCHAuRP5WvZn-nAtz_1pjZWbcKre6W0MPDGZJJ4fbVt=s320" width="240" /></a></div><span style="text-align: center;">Interesting, you can see all the bright colors in the drips, but the vase is really dull. My artist friends seems to like it that way. I wasn't so sure and just put it aside. As few weeks later, I still didn't like it and started picking away at the resin. I found that I could peel it all off! </span><p></p><p><span style="text-align: center;">This time I left out the dark green and added white to the mix of red and blue. I alternated the three colors in a cup and began to pour. Look at the difference!</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9T-KSyGwkTw8VEL-cDkeHrddcD-uVNnssS1lLKGTeE9Z0g2H5BUZJkaN9d3E7W3pvRZnpt4sRGCeKFl1VUIaB1EKp77_zl7j1HVKtuuaXb2u2w-XR4vBtR9u8ILBoZNoojBmdgyLg-HHRFVHJwv91zO4CDSfnGgrnK-_XIn60VKqAptfVBiAesaEo=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9T-KSyGwkTw8VEL-cDkeHrddcD-uVNnssS1lLKGTeE9Z0g2H5BUZJkaN9d3E7W3pvRZnpt4sRGCeKFl1VUIaB1EKp77_zl7j1HVKtuuaXb2u2w-XR4vBtR9u8ILBoZNoojBmdgyLg-HHRFVHJwv91zO4CDSfnGgrnK-_XIn60VKqAptfVBiAesaEo=s320" width="240" /></a></div>And here is what happened on the bottom!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjbR2B7mhAwDckcz4EG31vgZQlycIyKK5iy1zlA-4CoyxBdAtZQCJsUOAvjfSlEOhLkufpStbInL0j6Wmfuj25c7d0UpsypniYRPwmw9_z0a0Q3qUuvyj1iAXzfD0PyvqRo_B34Qvi5XRwRM2hIF4mn_4P7dDdbPABcWXvZDei2O7TqXwRMGPB3Fddb=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2007" data-original-width="2048" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjbR2B7mhAwDckcz4EG31vgZQlycIyKK5iy1zlA-4CoyxBdAtZQCJsUOAvjfSlEOhLkufpStbInL0j6Wmfuj25c7d0UpsypniYRPwmw9_z0a0Q3qUuvyj1iAXzfD0PyvqRo_B34Qvi5XRwRM2hIF4mn_4P7dDdbPABcWXvZDei2O7TqXwRMGPB3Fddb=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It looks like I had some yellow in there which I had forgotten about! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am excited about its new look.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSxxLzXYm7NZxfFrfTR5gVfsx39MiECkO6ltSHSlqGBFcD1N27Nt0BCmrVI5DeSgStvT_ytMvvMUEB5O189sgEDxIKMbV1fmeKD3SETQgseyKxK-ZiF1J2rASEaFXVHE64V-Au3CucMdSOHeIxsEsdL4JxuDZ0I7rdnAmTaaUElvnKyCUafUMJKLYi=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSxxLzXYm7NZxfFrfTR5gVfsx39MiECkO6ltSHSlqGBFcD1N27Nt0BCmrVI5DeSgStvT_ytMvvMUEB5O189sgEDxIKMbV1fmeKD3SETQgseyKxK-ZiF1J2rASEaFXVHE64V-Au3CucMdSOHeIxsEsdL4JxuDZ0I7rdnAmTaaUElvnKyCUafUMJKLYi=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Here are just a few more: these photos show the wet paint before resin...and,<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhAQoE0Er7cZbvBRC-oeGUUMMZphC8Qb5jHM3ITTmRbpx5NH39rUd6okz7qK7V9J1OtqzlT3tEJf4g2t2wOfCkllx_4-tgpWGfEjIpSiyuVQ6HugI-Pc69bmktS8tfNu8RyZdJ8aZDwotV1PJ0iIfc2Do57qAMaYeP-iywLxpTHD2B4BZeabBp6-O8L=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhAQoE0Er7cZbvBRC-oeGUUMMZphC8Qb5jHM3ITTmRbpx5NH39rUd6okz7qK7V9J1OtqzlT3tEJf4g2t2wOfCkllx_4-tgpWGfEjIpSiyuVQ6HugI-Pc69bmktS8tfNu8RyZdJ8aZDwotV1PJ0iIfc2Do57qAMaYeP-iywLxpTHD2B4BZeabBp6-O8L=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /> I can't resist showing you some of the bottoms!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVBErzJ7Srwwz-f7ifPRPG0M5QN6FKe4w9o27fv28JNimo65bjC3VkSGdmkH2Tr2X50Whul1u5pMXxGRjyTnu9pHbRgBUaeDUJ_hvO05-bP_o0nk-ho_fq-0GeilrVjhdvrsEKjxxD2ARoZFQAidYqktfqgchNWAfUIn0pw33NCeloK-nbwqDwJ7A9=s1968" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1961" data-original-width="1968" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVBErzJ7Srwwz-f7ifPRPG0M5QN6FKe4w9o27fv28JNimo65bjC3VkSGdmkH2Tr2X50Whul1u5pMXxGRjyTnu9pHbRgBUaeDUJ_hvO05-bP_o0nk-ho_fq-0GeilrVjhdvrsEKjxxD2ARoZFQAidYqktfqgchNWAfUIn0pw33NCeloK-nbwqDwJ7A9=w200-h199" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgr9r3mLLggfxtj5EE1of_gCwlK0CYlAGwFbccej_WV5yZbtuaOCbt3LJ6TsQfX266TLDgDJIOuKa-ByfuWrGqWCC9hMJXUBAL9mZ3zZdUEPAQ4JL8tMSINZ37yanmr2tx_o9zHp7cKtmS2bi5QBj6Y7MVFM56G14SsVSK2qeIssPTIe0yP_NaDJLfc=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgr9r3mLLggfxtj5EE1of_gCwlK0CYlAGwFbccej_WV5yZbtuaOCbt3LJ6TsQfX266TLDgDJIOuKa-ByfuWrGqWCC9hMJXUBAL9mZ3zZdUEPAQ4JL8tMSINZ37yanmr2tx_o9zHp7cKtmS2bi5QBj6Y7MVFM56G14SsVSK2qeIssPTIe0yP_NaDJLfc=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhX9WWu8BS_Z72GazhIPR2ecD9FeN2WNjoej8yiQ5F98nsYnVFdZ7OX2qwqthWrew9RV6StdoirETjvU2IrvCiycSlyXBRH4-KloQ_2IBqjAaTN9UUw_xQwjxCVMbKi1lqcAW0pLE-bPAin3qd1MdOGTmxm2S-Rk5ORWmhneJrDmzo8pQM_H9Bw7xU9=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2022" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhX9WWu8BS_Z72GazhIPR2ecD9FeN2WNjoej8yiQ5F98nsYnVFdZ7OX2qwqthWrew9RV6StdoirETjvU2IrvCiycSlyXBRH4-KloQ_2IBqjAaTN9UUw_xQwjxCVMbKi1lqcAW0pLE-bPAin3qd1MdOGTmxm2S-Rk5ORWmhneJrDmzo8pQM_H9Bw7xU9=w159-h161" width="159" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is a Ball jar - fun!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGUv3BbcbMDcsHpuGMkAz8YRcPRgcUwZopUxe3CkwID_HtvnaELKRJu8mot-HyKu2bM-VcegyaHOk-fvSVMYAmUQ6tRUqO6AyoTLP6_Ap4l3K9Ftyv7UD8QpYCYQvXagtymu2RAyJyXU6124hlLDkzPa1aLXAHoOpx5ezBScfMXDGilUfMVVf1kht0=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGUv3BbcbMDcsHpuGMkAz8YRcPRgcUwZopUxe3CkwID_HtvnaELKRJu8mot-HyKu2bM-VcegyaHOk-fvSVMYAmUQ6tRUqO6AyoTLP6_Ap4l3K9Ftyv7UD8QpYCYQvXagtymu2RAyJyXU6124hlLDkzPa1aLXAHoOpx5ezBScfMXDGilUfMVVf1kht0=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2UmrPkLA6mcG60uB9BtPkq2PT1EkQQeYovyk239zTNMOBqlsA3QYn-YkQ3QwjbQrRdT0dPM8S9nV6E1oUQxUw6o_kTMMb8RC-rdTzYXP9zF802j7YV5GjhRsObsp4hw3IDjXyDzJ_u5KXozc8565L2psK12kLVzuraalNsbbaRs_xbydEnaQr0JdJ=s1656" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1622" data-original-width="1656" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2UmrPkLA6mcG60uB9BtPkq2PT1EkQQeYovyk239zTNMOBqlsA3QYn-YkQ3QwjbQrRdT0dPM8S9nV6E1oUQxUw6o_kTMMb8RC-rdTzYXP9zF802j7YV5GjhRsObsp4hw3IDjXyDzJ_u5KXozc8565L2psK12kLVzuraalNsbbaRs_xbydEnaQr0JdJ=w143-h140" width="143" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I mentioned in my last post that I had spoken to the director of our local library about displaying these pieces of art. Yesterday, I took 22 of them and put them in the empty cases in the gallery area of the St. Michaels Library! So excited to have them out there for everyone to see. I turned some of them upside down so you could see the surprise on the bottoms! (Sorry about the reflected light in the photo. It's a sunny hallway)<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhsXdU2Y74ybl_HV3liVMsZ4-L247fIT7s48UZhpVG4VJXT7DSpji5HNc6Nx_1Jgp9ZirbpEtvArG4PDqkY3TMc7ZxPBdBaysi3CSykaXFgtRd_UuS4BTPXMW1DZy-frtEgttRmQqQVq7QA_K_wOdSUT1XPH1jTZPGYp-BsG5xzUCpL77kpNYTpxKRA=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1634" data-original-width="2048" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhsXdU2Y74ybl_HV3liVMsZ4-L247fIT7s48UZhpVG4VJXT7DSpji5HNc6Nx_1Jgp9ZirbpEtvArG4PDqkY3TMc7ZxPBdBaysi3CSykaXFgtRd_UuS4BTPXMW1DZy-frtEgttRmQqQVq7QA_K_wOdSUT1XPH1jTZPGYp-BsG5xzUCpL77kpNYTpxKRA=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh6lqfShBzff42Ogti73_WdB1A-IDEk39G4X3LnckVOCDBOxvd5rwQDx1iI4-iooJU3JyMR0p9ZSLDRWe7sd3pZ8WAdID7jeT751Kkjwoq9u71Iqttj0umc-ywwUuNQUAhvMfv-EzocBQJFzg8m9nFlVn32tGy3u-_aO3Ios2Ys1ttma1_adAVqIjhg=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1866" data-original-width="2048" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh6lqfShBzff42Ogti73_WdB1A-IDEk39G4X3LnckVOCDBOxvd5rwQDx1iI4-iooJU3JyMR0p9ZSLDRWe7sd3pZ8WAdID7jeT751Kkjwoq9u71Iqttj0umc-ywwUuNQUAhvMfv-EzocBQJFzg8m9nFlVn32tGy3u-_aO3Ios2Ys1ttma1_adAVqIjhg=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>They will be there - and are available for purchase - at least through the month of November! Stop by the library at 106 Fremont St. in St. Michaels.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </p></div><br /><p><br /><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></p><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></p></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div></div>Jo Merrillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08747013106561155695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4808760944359856414.post-62140446780376463052021-10-09T10:11:00.003-04:002021-10-09T10:11:39.843-04:00Pouring over glass - some more!<p> As crazy as this sounds, I seem to be finding my sanity in pouring paint over glass these days! Here are a few more that I have experimented on. </p><p>I love the shape of this vase - it's about 5"-6" tall. It was hard to find a way to turn it over so I could pour over it. I finally found a bottle that would hold it straight...but after I poured paint on it, I discovered that the lip would be sticking to the bottle. I quickly looked around my shop to see what I could use to fix this situation and found a packet of sawtooth hangers! I was able to slip several of them around the base of the pour (actually the lip of the upside down vase). It was just enough space so that the vase didn't stick to the plastic bottle!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjo9LMKqeTEWo1Z2QOm3EAFYiHSIHlWeo9QbZh9qvFsbSeUQP_09zwE96BakqCxPj07iyhSYX5asPPE4O0AiTHwIHr0o6XCCfHxgtSIUp43giYpkKwqzidlFMqpCAUcBkDPtJDp866BIKzGyTAJ26hq5SuzoWHI-PIcynZ-ddoNNj7ku4zfYcoqMHT7=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjo9LMKqeTEWo1Z2QOm3EAFYiHSIHlWeo9QbZh9qvFsbSeUQP_09zwE96BakqCxPj07iyhSYX5asPPE4O0AiTHwIHr0o6XCCfHxgtSIUp43giYpkKwqzidlFMqpCAUcBkDPtJDp866BIKzGyTAJ26hq5SuzoWHI-PIcynZ-ddoNNj7ku4zfYcoqMHT7=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I like the look of this one...particularly the inside.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFcBE71M0b6nXiFxLWIhznpqVuzc3Y0FZ8OXEEisFxxEO2Cbku7u1MjpArRBMK6garpbKcfHZR9ZyY3dmHzjwijEBL4R_I6SYrDZowy-ge3NAdVq57dwlQVnCN0uwlX-pBLoKg_WjfZi0CmtdHMzY-dTrhffMDbCkvM-9fC9No0dRs65xGxi4YZNnG=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFcBE71M0b6nXiFxLWIhznpqVuzc3Y0FZ8OXEEisFxxEO2Cbku7u1MjpArRBMK6garpbKcfHZR9ZyY3dmHzjwijEBL4R_I6SYrDZowy-ge3NAdVq57dwlQVnCN0uwlX-pBLoKg_WjfZi0CmtdHMzY-dTrhffMDbCkvM-9fC9No0dRs65xGxi4YZNnG=s320" width="240" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>This one is a 12" tall vase. It was a little tricky to find some way to turn it upside down and not have it fall over. I discovered that the plastic bottle that I had used before also worked for this one! Fortunately, the top of this vase (which is at the bottom of this picture) curved out so the lip of the vase wouldn't be touching the bottle this time.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">This was also a little difficult because the vase was fluted and made 'hills and valleys' instead of just curved glass. I poured different colors at intervals to see where they would go. Toward the end of the pouring I put dots of white and yellow and encouraged the paint to run down in the valleys. </div></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjYqgze5I36xo1otAuYxXK_GWbhiqE5cCmzoNrrfbg2A9rER4teft7bF7i63EClH9Bbo-EhqgzjEFcw-qTy_vxFrrCcpIfyK1_-seOb9tNAxkONsTErvjA0BEukPJozqTxx4MMKxH7yQ43NCXbJnHuLFYQFp5hn3MPS22_3504KO_hTvygdgpDa2QkE=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjYqgze5I36xo1otAuYxXK_GWbhiqE5cCmzoNrrfbg2A9rER4teft7bF7i63EClH9Bbo-EhqgzjEFcw-qTy_vxFrrCcpIfyK1_-seOb9tNAxkONsTErvjA0BEukPJozqTxx4MMKxH7yQ43NCXbJnHuLFYQFp5hn3MPS22_3504KO_hTvygdgpDa2QkE=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">Here it is right side up before putting on the resin.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjdUOG6RBgzXpZeNr5XsBJ10GGILKTzCPXAN9P_XVMXIi61lYLqDtMxqcAFMg9cnOUUcaCc-Kkr270AD_rfvD_thoPFuP4Ff5jK78zfvR48CVNIYQYxSrHO-GcW--N1UyemW2859QgYllzS-SR2zp9WH7z1MRQkuyI_x2yDhjNBdJAwnuCq42DA1jUQ=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjdUOG6RBgzXpZeNr5XsBJ10GGILKTzCPXAN9P_XVMXIi61lYLqDtMxqcAFMg9cnOUUcaCc-Kkr270AD_rfvD_thoPFuP4Ff5jK78zfvR48CVNIYQYxSrHO-GcW--N1UyemW2859QgYllzS-SR2zp9WH7z1MRQkuyI_x2yDhjNBdJAwnuCq42DA1jUQ=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It also made an interesting design on the lip.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYZ89xtH27NxsJfCGzE4iTo4z2bTealfdSRGbLf71dxeWZScYo6SGXdiAJ4qJiFpCQ-dqlH5UUDhYa4bLWsn0FTFPmpQF54PBFoE83flWOvn6QoX_tLbXuHdPsycU8A94DapT-85BhZ0wyw6adWB7nlBit8INJO1AC4MMyua8MQuY8M5n7Z1s-bAqi=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYZ89xtH27NxsJfCGzE4iTo4z2bTealfdSRGbLf71dxeWZScYo6SGXdiAJ4qJiFpCQ-dqlH5UUDhYa4bLWsn0FTFPmpQF54PBFoE83flWOvn6QoX_tLbXuHdPsycU8A94DapT-85BhZ0wyw6adWB7nlBit8INJO1AC4MMyua8MQuY8M5n7Z1s-bAqi=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And, I love the surprise that showed up on the bottom!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOYfDP7Z7cMC2RZf3xk9vauW-GtV8Pgtf8fnNQyVnZbwMVxwEtbNgngc1-ix40VGlbUtFLeANGNx1Y4fZLrvZIjL_XypKwa8q__ZiZTZ4evh3jwkEGrKrph6CrR0q4CIhJ_djIQJTLKpkFwxPEZ0hpyhHgcvzGNxLvKU7NQli2cz80Kq__46HVcrlX=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1894" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOYfDP7Z7cMC2RZf3xk9vauW-GtV8Pgtf8fnNQyVnZbwMVxwEtbNgngc1-ix40VGlbUtFLeANGNx1Y4fZLrvZIjL_XypKwa8q__ZiZTZ4evh3jwkEGrKrph6CrR0q4CIhJ_djIQJTLKpkFwxPEZ0hpyhHgcvzGNxLvKU7NQli2cz80Kq__46HVcrlX=s320" width="296" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>This vase did not photograph well - weird angles I think. It is actually a straight glass vase. It is resting on the top of a spray paint can that has a wooded block on it to make it higher. Notice the paint drips on the wax paper. So interesting!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjTI5Gq_PieQZf7Fmhs_nUn7URnzltyq3dlmY2FYCj8AbkmbeMyJ8uhn7X8TqfVwtFf65qD_Dp1YuYPmeTV-XG4nIjvQeIhK0lGGo_zp7BLC236phoXBWWnIkfCCxuMyXISC84FrZ4gH5PlprCGFr4J0AtIUyYm9M01RX4Q_fu6Y5ekjKZl702FvtxL=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjTI5Gq_PieQZf7Fmhs_nUn7URnzltyq3dlmY2FYCj8AbkmbeMyJ8uhn7X8TqfVwtFf65qD_Dp1YuYPmeTV-XG4nIjvQeIhK0lGGo_zp7BLC236phoXBWWnIkfCCxuMyXISC84FrZ4gH5PlprCGFr4J0AtIUyYm9M01RX4Q_fu6Y5ekjKZl702FvtxL=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>Here are a couple of views before it had resin on it. Picture this as a straight glass...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgSf9S5XlqwrnepvP-Ek_hHAaIcguKF0kVGox9al1X8J_hPupzKqFAzzsnrO8siCoFzNWp7nkk_43R_HCZxQgZ-112ktu7Tm8AmAnrLTPKFy_X7Jg4xEyZUAhY_EYYqX4m2ul9Qsc12LmhnTrxeang3gF671GQO5NISGtsjtTBdXray748ObEPwm-Nk=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgSf9S5XlqwrnepvP-Ek_hHAaIcguKF0kVGox9al1X8J_hPupzKqFAzzsnrO8siCoFzNWp7nkk_43R_HCZxQgZ-112ktu7Tm8AmAnrLTPKFy_X7Jg4xEyZUAhY_EYYqX4m2ul9Qsc12LmhnTrxeang3gF671GQO5NISGtsjtTBdXray748ObEPwm-Nk=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEimDi8EAWVgMvwdZScAoGlNWOb651W6N0XBxzJxOl4KyHPITs4EO4tUvT0TSApKUZt9qZKmTrCJ1oj1g7cOqwkRY4Hi5DIDqKG4I-8ObzUxtAXjyYCzCRKIcQ8QSCyiJ5b6rrbb_NDQ2Zaoi8PQd6KEhdzYnlCutx3JPV1Y04fbmdmfyFzCgVQNDetF=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEimDi8EAWVgMvwdZScAoGlNWOb651W6N0XBxzJxOl4KyHPITs4EO4tUvT0TSApKUZt9qZKmTrCJ1oj1g7cOqwkRY4Hi5DIDqKG4I-8ObzUxtAXjyYCzCRKIcQ8QSCyiJ5b6rrbb_NDQ2Zaoi8PQd6KEhdzYnlCutx3JPV1Y04fbmdmfyFzCgVQNDetF=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><div><div>Here is a photo of the above three as finished product.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgkw5jqP-q9GMmWaY0KgsaOzap94p-FXiBL7alHuLRsceIgl2MiVe9S9sONcTcvhKsViRaPO19RRxsNUrZx9BCEvaiIbJ5ephonbE3k77C51P4S_FUr7UeZWDNM7_kcmSVN5dzeBHJCiy0kobwuNtRVa68Cs-buyIOLbqkt_ilTxdnsrxCQ8EGDK5LG=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1732" data-original-width="2048" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgkw5jqP-q9GMmWaY0KgsaOzap94p-FXiBL7alHuLRsceIgl2MiVe9S9sONcTcvhKsViRaPO19RRxsNUrZx9BCEvaiIbJ5ephonbE3k77C51P4S_FUr7UeZWDNM7_kcmSVN5dzeBHJCiy0kobwuNtRVa68Cs-buyIOLbqkt_ilTxdnsrxCQ8EGDK5LG=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>This is the last one (for today - there are many more to come - I can't stop!) It is - so far - my favorite. It was one of the first ones that I did. I wish I could remember exactly how I did it. I was so excited about the whole new idea that I didn't pay attention. It is a large, pretty nondescript standard florist vase. It is upside down on a spray paint can... note the drips. </div><div><br /></div><div>I just started pouring, It does have some silicone in the pouring medium - wait until you see the close ups! This paint is very wet... compare with the next photo.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg64X3ns8wmFLoKCgpAUSwe_LilKHmt4VdUdphvYq8jfMQodTGAAzpGaGF7pfmFoEKxqiWA6UFc8BbcZMB5VIVc8L68M2F-9wdkzcgkqdt0YrN_1bnPJ9NuMQnOEDOY4pcUYtygl72jQw8LS5njYSKXCiuRa0IWvlFFH_OJCIC-VPR5y5FYtkpttBr6=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg64X3ns8wmFLoKCgpAUSwe_LilKHmt4VdUdphvYq8jfMQodTGAAzpGaGF7pfmFoEKxqiWA6UFc8BbcZMB5VIVc8L68M2F-9wdkzcgkqdt0YrN_1bnPJ9NuMQnOEDOY4pcUYtygl72jQw8LS5njYSKXCiuRa0IWvlFFH_OJCIC-VPR5y5FYtkpttBr6=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Notice how flat the dry paint looks.</div><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj28uyzJId_V1DGNv7fCwLHafLlVTjoFqSxZd_8GYfGKCNgm54EjauAL5ew9RlZqU8dDwSrPCqqerLlCSEEtB8-Z6HVE0IzT2sl1CvFVCXlU9UUXVmVhcKk-OMjWXlGGyrMZ4oIvPtvmNz6C868-dwWvOEJaMzFZFp3O-WSyzGHYTBxSmyOGJ48gdEV=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj28uyzJId_V1DGNv7fCwLHafLlVTjoFqSxZd_8GYfGKCNgm54EjauAL5ew9RlZqU8dDwSrPCqqerLlCSEEtB8-Z6HVE0IzT2sl1CvFVCXlU9UUXVmVhcKk-OMjWXlGGyrMZ4oIvPtvmNz6C868-dwWvOEJaMzFZFp3O-WSyzGHYTBxSmyOGJ48gdEV=s320" width="240" /></a></p></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here are a couple of close ups. </div></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEguWXeY4ojBFRwTqxhwL_YlAMyWUvlTNGfS1LCvvigN_iaB20Mo9ulvwWGZb0PkriZ7pGGjaijdAPKAFizpCC5lMmNC2N2d78JoGKAFlwLe9EEPSkF8iw26gR7zm6QA8U3GRhPhISvFHlZ3aYxgwxbqJMPNNmsu4OxoovML1MMn1DiOcT92XZV3Mse8=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEguWXeY4ojBFRwTqxhwL_YlAMyWUvlTNGfS1LCvvigN_iaB20Mo9ulvwWGZb0PkriZ7pGGjaijdAPKAFizpCC5lMmNC2N2d78JoGKAFlwLe9EEPSkF8iw26gR7zm6QA8U3GRhPhISvFHlZ3aYxgwxbqJMPNNmsu4OxoovML1MMn1DiOcT92XZV3Mse8=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhi-iqDakAafh3Meu4i-AIANSMoPlhtnyp7BjSrnN1pGOVazkH5m249R02Exg9_fKl9VVqKCm4jUh_CFGf3E_DpxkKYI_R8ofILk_jyCjBvf0WRGSc4Ywi10Mh2sckMr0Ld-X4-SO0IwrPAqU7ihDBZ0PElSqi0IlRgwjYeoffkOS-pdQRlOTihZcMJ=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhi-iqDakAafh3Meu4i-AIANSMoPlhtnyp7BjSrnN1pGOVazkH5m249R02Exg9_fKl9VVqKCm4jUh_CFGf3E_DpxkKYI_R8ofILk_jyCjBvf0WRGSc4Ywi10Mh2sckMr0Ld-X4-SO0IwrPAqU7ihDBZ0PElSqi0IlRgwjYeoffkOS-pdQRlOTihZcMJ=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">This is the finished vase from two different angles! </div><div style="text-align: center;">Maybe you can understand why it continues to be my favorite.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhcho3902qtMp22a5DyWooAYY3F2gJYtMXhssRPL-3rs3jCYqntDObVz8H4yxKq6cOnq6-WSwUrNWs_8xhGP90HQSBWXeDJHj3zyZPggE4t5dtQe91qjTTTFf-fxoRy-ydktY9MhF3i8UzXIvaJhwe_ibA27aW2e4z4y4gOoSpgSP-TYvdpvyG3GacE=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhcho3902qtMp22a5DyWooAYY3F2gJYtMXhssRPL-3rs3jCYqntDObVz8H4yxKq6cOnq6-WSwUrNWs_8xhGP90HQSBWXeDJHj3zyZPggE4t5dtQe91qjTTTFf-fxoRy-ydktY9MhF3i8UzXIvaJhwe_ibA27aW2e4z4y4gOoSpgSP-TYvdpvyG3GacE=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhyb9pV2m9mkSgndoWWBuQs-6zTnjLEZPdlPiqmB54MHXQq9uwPlHBhLbLYYRnAmgGwtqna06BoOAiCnhZjaMU1z__CjoL1VBiWimtSwRJ0C8r52vH7WbSTinCDWDPj1yQmuHrdAFUWPqWCUHsHC4vW73oz2AtPmDA7tY22bGW8lPfjd_1DN2N-kZyG=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhyb9pV2m9mkSgndoWWBuQs-6zTnjLEZPdlPiqmB54MHXQq9uwPlHBhLbLYYRnAmgGwtqna06BoOAiCnhZjaMU1z__CjoL1VBiWimtSwRJ0C8r52vH7WbSTinCDWDPj1yQmuHrdAFUWPqWCUHsHC4vW73oz2AtPmDA7tY22bGW8lPfjd_1DN2N-kZyG=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">As an aside: Last week I was in the St. Michaels Library and had an interesting conversation with Shauna Beulah - the Branch Manager. She had seen some of these vases on line and pointed out the empty display cases along the gallery wall. I may be able to put some of this artwork there so you can see it up close. I'll let you know when... </div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Jo Merrillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08747013106561155695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4808760944359856414.post-24222120707778721662021-09-29T20:39:00.000-04:002021-09-29T20:39:07.838-04:00Pouring over glass - part 2<p> I found these photos after I posted the last pouring story. These tell the story even better. I found several empty glass vases on the shelf...all shapes and sizes. This was an unusual one so I took a lot of pictures.</p><p>Started with this...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuWZuourqtBCNdIilMGV49NCAfZSm2bkavjsHeNtL5s3RUHCc4Owc7jyvRpet7zwC1TEics899EX8c-a3JzwktbZ99ZOiIbq8BPHzjEYAFQaA4gWyHSPbrKk8udFyGSHVlZD6lxU1XqBg/s2048/IMG_3602.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuWZuourqtBCNdIilMGV49NCAfZSm2bkavjsHeNtL5s3RUHCc4Owc7jyvRpet7zwC1TEics899EX8c-a3JzwktbZ99ZOiIbq8BPHzjEYAFQaA4gWyHSPbrKk8udFyGSHVlZD6lxU1XqBg/s320/IMG_3602.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One of the challenges is to try to find something that can hold this shape upside down. A paper cup should work since the lip of the vase won't touch the cup.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5bi6yMKNwAV_k-EzMjSdFVqN842Lg_Oev5HlA1TB_3TNC-JGXAeoelDS2cC5oxJngwlHWeW_VlnjPTG4JQf7fXGlyG0T0HBvWVTbyhkvjD5teHJ2tnDsmen9ZuRydyHd5W9ypiqi4Bp4/s2048/IMG_3603.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5bi6yMKNwAV_k-EzMjSdFVqN842Lg_Oev5HlA1TB_3TNC-JGXAeoelDS2cC5oxJngwlHWeW_VlnjPTG4JQf7fXGlyG0T0HBvWVTbyhkvjD5teHJ2tnDsmen9ZuRydyHd5W9ypiqi4Bp4/s320/IMG_3603.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was a little tricky to get the paint to run down the raised parts of this vase...it wanted to just go in the crevasses. I think I had to 'assist' it in a few places to get it started. I love to watch the paint run! It's very different on the sides from what it looks like near the the lip (bottom on the picture).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgavJWiY-mtnPrUVu-gJeMPOrio9z2U_aS-VSqktSLVIp0Ye0z-Av53jsvF4HrXLcYr8ibiDxPLpViJxZPRz7RotcDmQHnlyKe4bSqRhEUux8eDwVgDF4m9QG9sN_qcE_CTVVlugz1muf8/s2048/IMG_3611.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgavJWiY-mtnPrUVu-gJeMPOrio9z2U_aS-VSqktSLVIp0Ye0z-Av53jsvF4HrXLcYr8ibiDxPLpViJxZPRz7RotcDmQHnlyKe4bSqRhEUux8eDwVgDF4m9QG9sN_qcE_CTVVlugz1muf8/s320/IMG_3611.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here it is before the resin - the finish is a little dull. The lip looks shiny because that is the glass with the paint on the underside. It reminds me of the Mad Hatter in <i>Alice in Wonderland.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8RtS1BD8NImJGa4RyvlWBwZuXfCt2jpAAlAX6XMyi_DMxkH86K6uGUpukVYeC6nprukTLxSmtoGiOcSIdqfXMRqD0duLV_VdvQYALLDKWyc7KZsPpDS19jYANSTY-OrCD6anKcPWehZA/s2048/IMG_3713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8RtS1BD8NImJGa4RyvlWBwZuXfCt2jpAAlAX6XMyi_DMxkH86K6uGUpukVYeC6nprukTLxSmtoGiOcSIdqfXMRqD0duLV_VdvQYALLDKWyc7KZsPpDS19jYANSTY-OrCD6anKcPWehZA/s320/IMG_3713.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Since I pour the paint on the bottom of the vase - the top of this picture - it has its own design. I love the 'surprise' when I turn it upside down after it is completed!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIAQmTu4Nx8SW5E80rvVwCPkWLadRl77K_PLX7oTHbbEFZ3nCCIVDeTbCzP6TiUwGfSKbIlp4UpwANRmssWOVv4mc65c_8r3oDSLD6o-oPo6GhIv8-xgSdqXROOVRzl_UvOQ_mJd03IXA/s2048/IMG_3613.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIAQmTu4Nx8SW5E80rvVwCPkWLadRl77K_PLX7oTHbbEFZ3nCCIVDeTbCzP6TiUwGfSKbIlp4UpwANRmssWOVv4mc65c_8r3oDSLD6o-oPo6GhIv8-xgSdqXROOVRzl_UvOQ_mJd03IXA/s320/IMG_3613.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p>Here's another shape. This was an old wine glass that had an outdated logo on it. I scraped off the old paint. I didn't have anything to put it on, so it went on a cup. Bad move... see what happened! Showing you all three sides - they are all so different.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMoUM97aiLWWyF2JP2aFK8YQ5PYLtRk-nWGFxREq3k3_aXjMM8Kb6gcwlQydrVySpUSnX1u3WAQBtheUAUjLfxpACoHe5k4vhrTPLs-t3oapAa6GHtfksOzidbphi8hJlTUXWuBpigXQI/s2048/IMG_3730.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMoUM97aiLWWyF2JP2aFK8YQ5PYLtRk-nWGFxREq3k3_aXjMM8Kb6gcwlQydrVySpUSnX1u3WAQBtheUAUjLfxpACoHe5k4vhrTPLs-t3oapAa6GHtfksOzidbphi8hJlTUXWuBpigXQI/s320/IMG_3730.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaLxLPIVw12XSry0vjLgs_F_84XXRY4cLFcABYpJKBBj1B8jp-PJojUzHm9JqMgTfA3ol528yPSAahxwLzJQp7nJoyUtS_cNDOFvkdW0nR2-nEGyB-c7NX89_F5lLKzU5ykmLd7VgWj04/s2048/IMG_3731.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaLxLPIVw12XSry0vjLgs_F_84XXRY4cLFcABYpJKBBj1B8jp-PJojUzHm9JqMgTfA3ol528yPSAahxwLzJQp7nJoyUtS_cNDOFvkdW0nR2-nEGyB-c7NX89_F5lLKzU5ykmLd7VgWj04/s320/IMG_3731.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBype2wYbBwybcp0UnmlOYtlvwKn4dHJ2xHHxFT7cUOSRQty1C1JDJPIyyfysGV7AOgpLe22Tdux28-VSKxfPwYozzhEQ0PckaP1eo-zhA1kg0r2a1mGj77yYA-3-edhwu1klzZn8A5dc/s2048/IMG_3732.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBype2wYbBwybcp0UnmlOYtlvwKn4dHJ2xHHxFT7cUOSRQty1C1JDJPIyyfysGV7AOgpLe22Tdux28-VSKxfPwYozzhEQ0PckaP1eo-zhA1kg0r2a1mGj77yYA-3-edhwu1klzZn8A5dc/s320/IMG_3732.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I had to peel the cup off of this one!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Notice all the run off...I am fascinated by the drip patterns.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here are two views of the glass after I got it off the cup.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWEgEj7eD2QtvCqmS6d0TOIW6iC7uHPDMbnAjI57bGLGzGfe9-RavNtMDwmdmkDSFcX7Z6aGDncwlYqlTJ6ip5_wGMbnPcpZQAbxmytkn27JVP8sPMP7sbtPSI25IvwULsdoZNn3aeiVw/s2048/IMG_3749+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWEgEj7eD2QtvCqmS6d0TOIW6iC7uHPDMbnAjI57bGLGzGfe9-RavNtMDwmdmkDSFcX7Z6aGDncwlYqlTJ6ip5_wGMbnPcpZQAbxmytkn27JVP8sPMP7sbtPSI25IvwULsdoZNn3aeiVw/s320/IMG_3749+2.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2AtSJB4mSY2DgtClelTApjkPT2VloHcGhZPERRUrxT63V4J7YlpJzr7YaC4WRLcv3YROVYcVgJs9jmdei7s-W7pdj8gG8N5YhMet841_bLd7NcS1WXF0_MyVLmW6dkFpt_IGeO0Xm1Vw/s2048/IMG_3750.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2AtSJB4mSY2DgtClelTApjkPT2VloHcGhZPERRUrxT63V4J7YlpJzr7YaC4WRLcv3YROVYcVgJs9jmdei7s-W7pdj8gG8N5YhMet841_bLd7NcS1WXF0_MyVLmW6dkFpt_IGeO0Xm1Vw/s320/IMG_3750.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And, here are these two after they have had two coats of resin.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ll47ELtXxQVyJVt8lYGoEUypZyIaAcZoIuOIakbgTLmHNyjgPEqfkWgZFhMSaI_qnJenlbeiQ9FSmRvBiPGAbwrOpOu07w8Y4Du0ApRSKTT1zGl7Ifk0tX9u0UkQmZ37mrgyp4YDv9M/s2048/IMG_3793.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ll47ELtXxQVyJVt8lYGoEUypZyIaAcZoIuOIakbgTLmHNyjgPEqfkWgZFhMSaI_qnJenlbeiQ9FSmRvBiPGAbwrOpOu07w8Y4Du0ApRSKTT1zGl7Ifk0tX9u0UkQmZ37mrgyp4YDv9M/s320/IMG_3793.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">More to come...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Jo Merrillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08747013106561155695noreply@blogger.com0