Hot August Afternoon

I certainly got spoiled up in the mountains last week. The temperatures were in the 80's, and a wonderful, cool breeze blew off and on every day. I have not checked the temperature here, but when I went to the mailbox a few minutes ago it felt like an oven... hot and dry.

Our church camp was wonderful. I didn't get the chance to do much about my projects I took along, but I had the best time just catching up with friends. There was a service each morning and evening. The music was youthful and loud. At times, too loud for me. When did I get so old that loud music is not fun anymore? There were some softer worship songs blended in. I'm beginning to think it's time for a hearing check. I couldn't make out the words on most songs. I haven't gotten my glasses prescription filled, so I couldn't read them either. LOL! I did a lot of humming and clapping along.

There were some amazing speakers. They brought lessons that applied to the young people and the adults. It was a time of renewal and reflection for me. I may share more later. Right now I need to decide what to prepare for dinner tonight.

Oh, for those of you with an artistic side, the Mind Wide Open Challenge is going on this week. Check it out at: Mind Wide Open
If this link doesn't work, you can click on the photo link on my sidebar. Gail has posted a very sweet image this month. I'm going to see what I can do with it.

Hugs & Blessings!
Nita Jo

Mind Wide Open Challenge - June

It's time for another Mind Wide Open art challenge (just click on the name to visit the blog). The word prompt is Wish and the photo that must be used in your project is below:

This is a lot of fun, and you can used any type of medium for your project. To read the rules or to enter, just go HERE

It is best to copy the image from the Mind Wide Open blog where it is larger, and more detailed, than the copy I am showing above. Even if you don't enter, you can vote once all the artwork is posted. The contest ends midnight JUNE 7. All entries will be posted JUNE 8 ready for voting.
The first place winner receives a $20.00 shopping spree with free shipping at Shabby Cottage Studio. Second and third runners up will each receive a free collage sheet of their choice.

Mind Wide Open - "All Dressed Up"

This is the image we were given for this month's Mind Wide Open challenge. Such sweet faces! The prompt for this image was "All Dressed Up" and was a lot of fun.

Below is my entry. My project was to repurpose a stationary box. I turned it into a keepsake box by adding party hats to the little girls, vintage sheet music, lace, ribbon, buttons, and a photo of my grandmother and her sister. The image of the little girls made me think of sisters growing up together, playing dress up and sharing their dreams.

I also decorated the inside of the box. I can't show that to you since I still have no camera. I was able to get an image of the top of it by laying it on my scanner for this photo.

There is a lovely prize for the winner, so please visit the Mind Wide Open blog (photo link over to the right on my sidebar) and place a vote for your favorite.

Mind Wide Open... and why I didn't enter...

I am posting my creation for this month's Mind Wide Open challenge. It was so much fun to try, but I got the dates mixed up. I'm also trying to do Brenda's Photo Challenge. It's due tomorrow, and the MWO was due last night.

To top off my mixup, I just spent the last 6 hours resetting my computer (wouldn't let me go online this afternoon) and my camera (would not load my pictures). Everything seems to be working now, so I may have my photos ready for tomorrow's Photo Challenge... we shall see.

Anyway, here is the picture I would have entered if I'd marked it on my calendar! It's a mixed media piece... charcoal drawing on heavy water color paper, with water color crayon accents, collage, lace accents, and the inspiration I came up with using the word "Secret". I printed it on heavy paper, tore the edges, and accented them with a bit of color.

Secret Love
Locked Away, Hidden
She Keeps Her Heart Safe
And Alone

This challenge was fun for me, and I have a piece of art that will go nicely in my bedroom.

Please visit the Mind Wide Open challenge (click on the picture link on my sidebar). There are some beautiful pieces this month. Vote for your favorite!

Mind Wide Open Contest

I had so much fun participating in this art contest. We all had to begin with the same image of a girl. This picture is the wall hanging I created, plus a closer look at the collage image.

Spending time creating this was really relaxing. My piece was a Remembrance of ladies in my life... Grandma loves purples, pinks and flowers; Mom loved anything Victorian, floral and lacey (the lace and heart were hers); butterflies and flowers are remembrances of Lucy (my mom-in-law).

You must go to Mind Wide Open and view all the entries (link is over to the right... just click on the image). There are 33 pieces of absolutely beautiful art interpretations. I had such a hard time choosing a favorite. There are many pieces I would love to own!