Windows of the Soul

I painted this several years ago for an entry in an art show.  It has been sitting, tucked away in the corner of my studio.  This past summer my husband and I traveled the roads through 10 states and often passed over the old Oregon trail.  As we stopped at several points of historical interest, I was reminded of this painting.  At the time I painted it, I had wanted to portray a strong, yet gentle woman, who had the courage to leave her home and trek west for a new life.  She is a courageous woman, a woman of strong faith, and a woman who toiled and worked hard to provide the basic necessities for her family.  Along her journey she endured many hardships, the death of a child or loved ones, hunger and fatigue, caring for others who are ill, old, and sickly, even when she is also suffering. She greets each day with prayer and gratitude for her blessings, never complaining of the hardships or giving up hope for the future.  In her eyes, the windows of her soul, I tried to convey the message of weariness, yet resilience, of her determination to put on her best bonnet (even though it is worn and dusty), and with her sadness tucked deep in her heart she faces the trail with new found joy of all the possibilities. 

HANDMADE JOURNALS

A journal can be filled with thoughts, goals, art, moments in time to remember and cherish.

  A journal captures the small everyday happenings that can easily be forgotten if they

 are not written or recorded in some way.

I made myself a large stack of journals, each one is different and unique.  

 The generic, lined journals I had purchased to write in, sat unfilled on the shelf. 

 I needed something that would draw me to it, enticing me to fill the pages.

 This journal has a peacock theme running through out.

I chose to use papers that reflect the beautiful colors of a peacock, blues, greens, purple,

 and turquoise.

Torn pages from old calendars can be added.

Note cards, glued in and embellished, add interest.

Loose papers can be held in with craft-sized clothes pins, or large paper clips.

It is bound together by punching 5 equal distanced holes, and threading cotton twine through the holes.  I will fill the journal with thoughts, things I am grateful for, hopes, dreams, doodles, recipes, and moments in times that will someday be a treasured memory.

One of the journals I made into my 2017 calendar

Simply draw in the months of the year.

Extra papers for notes or lists of things to do.  Envelopes are glued in, slip in important receipts or mementos.

Use a unique, hand-made journal to record your travels and wanderings.

Second-Hand Treasures

Over the past year I have acquired a few second-hand, thrift store finds 

to go in our 1965 Avion camp trailer.  

A water pitcher and bowl for washing hands. 

 I also needed a table in the trailer. and when I found a matching pair of drop-leaf end tables, I purchased them hoping one would fit in the space between the counter and the bed. It fit perfectly!  The table is easily moved outside when camping for several days, or moved over in front of the bench when we are eating inside. 

Utensils will be stored in the drawer.

This glass pitcher with a copper handle and lid, holds my drinking water.

I can add a lighted candle underneath and warm water for tea if desired.  

Here is my favorite find, an antique, early 1900's seal skin suitcase.

  

The interior is in pristine condition. 

A perfect place to store my favorite vintage western shirt and fringed jacket.

I purchased it from OldRedHenVintage.etsy.com

I just received an email from

Claudia, the proprietor of Old Red Hen Vintage.

 She has generously offered my readers

 a coupon for 10% off your order from her wonderfully, unique store.

Add this coupon code VIP10 to your order when ordering.

I know you will find something great.  She has a good variety of vintage, and antique items.

All who wander are not lost

"All who wander are not lost" 

J.R.R. Tolkein

Early this spring a trip to see the new grand baby in Arizona was a good excuse to drag along my vintage trailer.  We spent a few days at Cedar Pockets on the Arizona strip.

new growth on a barrel cactus

Living in the arid southwest, I think cactus flowers are some of the most beautiful.

Simple meals of toasted olive bread, avacaho, fresh mozerella cheese, drizzled with olive oil, and sunburst tomatoes were easy,quick, staple meals during our travels.  The ingredients keep well in a cooler.

a stack of comfy pillows for relaxing after hiking all day

stopped at the North rim of the Grand Canyon for a few days

rubbed his nose for good luck

Loved this book when I was a kid.  I will have to read it again this winter after the gardens are harvested.

Have you been anywhere exciting or adventurous this summer?