Seeing the Positive in the Negative

This entry was prompted by my recent conversation with my friend Jennifer. She was talking about how to try to stay positive when negative things were happening. And I was reminded of something my hubby said to me, that I shared with her. He'd told me once that my leg injury turned out to be a good thing. And I was shocked when he said that because, how could that ever be considered a good thing? Then he reminded me that after that happened, I started to play the piano, choreograph, compose music, draw, and do computer graphics. And if it hadn't happened, I probably would've been content to just keep dancing and never try any of those other things. And I had to admit in looking back, that he's right. We tend to follow the same familiar pathway of activities because they work for us, and only venture out to the unfamiliar because we have to.

I did a "before and after" of the collage, so I could see how the handwriting changed the design of the page. Page was done with scrapbook paper, tissue paper, magazine images, wrapping paper, glue stick and pens.

Kitty Hugs

Too cute for words!

"A Knock on the Door" by Duirwaigh Studios

I'd forgotten about this beautiful video "A Knock on the Door". If you love fairies, Celtic music and an uplifting message, you're in for a treat! They also have a sequel to this video, so if you want to see more, here's the link to their site:

Duirwaigh Studios Film Page

Kelly's Journey Of You Class - Cover

Whoo Hoo! Kelly's teaching an online class that I couldn't resist. In case you haven't heard of her, she's an Amazing Art Journal instructor, and is the one responsible for getting me addicted to Art Journaling. You can see the link to this class description in my Links list (to the right). I'll be posting my pages from the class here on my blog. I'm probably going to do them as "before and afters". I want to get better at incorporating my writing as a design element on the page, something that she's so good at!
Here's the cover of an easy pamphlet stitch book that I made for it. Supplies were: scrapbook paper (shh! wasn't supposed to), tape which my sis brought back for me from Japan, rubber stamps, pens, color pencils, a sticker, and some rub-on letters.

Another Piano Piece "Enchantment"

Here's another piano piece titled "Enchantment". I like the minor key sound, sad and suspended. I think I saved it because I thought it'd inspire a variation. Again, it is me playing, but not my composition.

Click Here to Play "Enchantment"

Beatbox and Cello, What a Great Combo!

I love unusual combinations, and think this is Awesome! Kevin Olusola, a classically trained cellist, combining his music with beatbox

Tuning into My Inner Soundtrack

I’d turned to my piano, when I wasn’t able to dance, telling myself it was a substitute. So, after I'd started taking dance classes again, I didn't feel compelled to continue with my music. My piano got dusty. But recently, when I heard my own songs again, I reconnected to something that I'd left behind, a sense of resonance.

It’s something I can’t quite explain. And the closest description is a feeling of “waking up”. It’s a shifting of focus, and improves my ability to “see” with my inner eye. I noticed that, while my drawings focused on characters, my music sought out landscapes (water, rain, bells). And that brought me to a new vantage point. I call it "Tuning into my inner soundtrack". It feels like remembering something I’d forgotten, so there’s a sense of coming home.

I think that I let go of it because I felt out of step with the music that I hear commercially. In this age of constant media, it’s easy to compare ourselves unfavorably with what’s out there. Now I realize that’s kind of the point. I wouldn’t be able to find my songs; so I’d have to create them for myself.

I wanted to post this piece, written and performed by my cousin, who is a major creative influence in my life. Her song "Don't Let the Song Go Out of Your Life" reminds me that I need to hang onto my unique experience.

Don't Let the Song Go Out of Your Life by Eileen Uchima

Some Clothing textures for Jan's 1930s dress

Jan created this beautiful 1930's style dress and I wanted to make some lace textures for it. But, I got carried away with the colors. Click on the picture to see it larger.

A Musical Piece that I Can't Remember the Title Of

Well, I found another piece hidden in my piano, and don't know the title. It's not my composition, but I liked it, so I'm posting it here. And it is me playing. I'll try to find out more and amend the post later.

Click here to play the Music