Monday Inspiration Celebration: one burnt pumpkin

Okay, I will confess: Halloween kicked my booty! Maybe it is the fact I am officially one year older now (I turned 8; in our house we go by "fairy years" - kinda like dog years except you have to add a few decades onto your "number" as Cowgirl refers to it) or maybe it was the nonstop party action that began with cupcakes for lunch on my day, then 2 parties the next day for Cowgirl and another on Halloween and then trick or treating. Phew! My brain and feet hurt just remembering it all.

But amidst the sugar-frenzy of the weekend, there were some non-sucrose moments of pure inspiration and beauty. Behold the latest experiments with my chocolate and vanilla polaroid camera and the Silver Shade PX-100 film:











Maybe it is the novelty of it, but I am loving the dreamlike quality to these image. And speaking of dreams ... yes, lame attempt at a segue ... I think my sugar levels are dropping ... I had an art-filled birthday this year. First, my dear friend Diana (who knows me so well!) sent me two prints by Sarah Ahearn and as I have one print purchased at Squam, I now have a lovely array of images for a stunning wall grouping. I have the frames, I just need to hang everything. Unlike Diana - who is such a mom in that she pays attention and gives the kind of gifts you love but never would have thought to ask for - I tell my husband exactly what I want him to get me. Behold:

"moon & moth"

A Sarah Ahearn original! It is the most amazing piece ... tiny fragments of collage materials, colored pencil and paint are carefully layered and arranged to create a stunning piece. It blows my mind to examine it and see how much is packed into 4 inches by 4 inches. Like seeing a reflection in a dew drop - a whole world captured in a tiny frame. Sarah's style and technique have totally inspired me as I see strands of my interests slowing twining together into what I hope will be my own creative voice.

friends, it doesn't get any better than this! what a treat to open up this package ♥

One tradition I follow on my birthday is to give myself a present. I'd like to believe I am teaching Cowgirl about self sufficiency :) This year I wanted to show my support for another artist and blogger whose work and spirit of generosity always warms my heart and thrills my spirit. And boy, did she not disappoint! In addition to my print, sweet Kristen sent me an extra print, some cool tags made from her pieces and a confetti filled package that had Cowgirl and I on the floor gathering up bits for our journals and arguing over who got what.

detail of "fly free" by Kristen Walker with embellishment on package

Finally, Halloween itself was an energy high beyond anything a candy bar could induce. I think Cowgirl really believed she would be transformed on that night into a an actual ninja!






She was off the hook with energy and excitement and became absolutely giddy with glee as the evening wore on. She brought home enough candy to last us the entire year (we allow one sweet thing a day) and I am sure the neighbors gave her extra to fend off any future ninja attacks. And this holiday saw the return of a beloved character in our family:

FrankenMoosie!

Phew! That's a lot of action for one short week. Now's it your turn to share. What monsters did you befriend this weekend?

Until next time ...




Ninja's out!