ATCs and an Attempt at Watercolor

Yesterday while reading the blogs to which I subscribe, I found a lovely watercolor at my friend Nancy's site and decided I wanted to try something like it. I really thought I could make something like it. The drawing went pretty well, but the watercolor - ugh!! I really need some lessons. I just went back to look at hers (you can see it by clicking on the link on her name) and realized that I didn't remember to put something behind it to ground it. I'm not sure that would save it though.

Here it is in all it's glory lowliness:

While walking the yard with coffee and the hubster, I told him that I had tried a watercolor and that it was horrible. He suggested I burn it. Should I have thrown it away? I think I need to keep it as a step along the way to getting better. While it is very amateurish, it isn't actually painful to look at - okay, it is a little painful!

On to other things.

I participated in a Dylan lyrics ATC swap at ATCs for All and received these in the mail recently. I really like them:

Yesterday on a shopping trip to town I went to Target and bought a bath scale that measures body fat, bone mass, BMI, % water, and weight. I'm not sure I truly believe it is possible for such a thing to be accurate, but was pleased to find that all my measurements (except weight) were in the acceptable range. I had weighed on an old scale I had about a week ago and found that I was in the mid 150s, which thrilled me. The last time I was weighed before that was at the doctor's office last Fall at which time I was 178. However, on the new scale (which I assume is more accurate than my realllllly old one) I weigh 160.3; that does not please me very much. Although I am not one to stress over the numbers, I am greatly attracted to the mid-150s and so that is my current goal.

I also purchased a wrist worn blood pressure gadget because I want to know and the hubster takes blood pressure medicine, but is now working out regularly and eating pretty sensibly. Mine was its usual healthy reading and his was quite low. I will have him check it again today and see what it says. 

Right now I need to go get a bit of breakfast (Shredded Wheat & Bran, with frozen thawed blueberries and fresh strawberries) and then get on the treadmill. I am tutoring later this afternoon, but except for that I think the day is mine to do as I please. I think I'd better get back to my watercolor pencil class lessons and see if I can learn something.

See you,

xoxo

Dylan ATCs

I have spent the morning working on my Dylan Song Lyric ATCs for a swap through ATCsForAll and I must admit I am having a lot of fun. I thought I had them done until I went back to the swap page to check on the parameters of the swap only to find that the song lyrics had to be included, so I've added them.

At first I was just alluding to the lyrics by photos, drawings and collage. For instance, the train background with a woman laughing and then the definitions from a dictionary of laugh and cry were all I had on the "It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes A Train to Cry" card, but then added the lyrics.

I rather liked the more ephemeral reference to the songs rather than actually including the lyrics, but rules are rules after all.

I am not sure if they are completely done or if I am totally happy with them or if I will make more, but for now here is what I have:

As usual, I'd appreciate any input you have or any suggestions.

I am quite sad today as I am supposed to be leaving for Artiscape with several friends for three days of arty fun in Columbus, Ohio, but have had to cancel for a family emergency. I have emailed twice now to ask about any kind of refund, but have yet to get an answer. Sure hope my friends have a great time!

I've had my two mugs of coffee and a banana, spent a couple of hours in my art room working playing, and can not put off the treadmill any longer. The only question I have for myself is, "Shall I do 1/2 hour or go for it and do the entire hour?" The blister on my foot is almost healed and I am planning to put some moleskin inside my shoe at the point where the offense occurred to see if that will help.

I hope to see you tomorrow.

xoxo

A Birthday and More Zendalas WIP

My firstborn child turns 30 today. Where in heavens did the years go? She is now a grown woman with two little women of her own. P is 7 and M is 2 1/2 and I am sure she is already asking where the years have gone. I am taking her and the little one out for lunch today (the 7 year old is back in school after Spring Break). Her father and I bought her a lawnmower (a pretty practical gift, but one she really needs) and he will be tilling her garden and delivering the mower this afternoon.

Meanwhile, I have been working on my zendalas for the exchange I am in. I have done the rough outlines of the last three I need to make and now just need to add color (and in the fish one maybe some bubbles).

I am also working (at least in my head) on the Bob Dylan lyrics themed ATCs for a swap I am in. So hard to narrow it down to just three!

I am not doing the treadmill this morning. I have a huge blister on the inside edge of my left foot below the ankle. I walked an hour yesterday anyway by applying some moleskin with the center cut out and walking in my Teva walking sandals. I experienced no pain at all, but this morning my feet are crying out for relief and so if I walk at all it will be much later in the day and for 30 minutes only (unless I get started and don't want to quit).

The hubster has finished a custom order for a rustic bench and we delivered it yesterday. It was a lovely day for a drive and we listened to the end of the Tiger game on the way. It is a lucky thing I wasn't driving or I might have driven right off the road at the way the game ended. GO TIGERS!!

I've had a huge mug of coffee and will not get in the shower so that I can go to the daughter's house and spend time with her and the little one.

Hope to see you again tomorrow!

xoxo