Payday and Twilight...

Bought some great acrylic paints today.  Love the names, burnt sienna, hooker green, portrait pink, cadmium red, etc. On sale too. And it is payday.  Right?  So I was on such a shopping high that I went to an estate sale.  Found some cool items such as an old printer drawer, vintage green scrapbook, two paint easels, and misc. key chains.  Now I am off to see the third installment of the Twilight series. 

14 years today...

Fourteen years ago today, I became Jana Martin or MAR10.  I couldn't make it w/o him.  Thanks John!  And I got another pair of candlesticks to add to my mantle.  If you don't know our tradition, each year John gives me a new pair of crystal candlesticks to represent us and another year passing.  I plan to light them all on our 50th wedding anniversary...or it may be fun to light them even sooner. 

Big Monday...

Back to life...back to reality.  So I went to a one-on-one workshop with a REAL artist.  I love her style and technique and went with only a few things.  Guess what happened.  I created art.  Can you believe it?  John keeps telling me how much he likes "Mood Swings."  I drew the faces while I was freaking out in the airport because AA caused us to miss out flight.....I guess this is how you turn lemons into lemonade.  Just don't forget that mine is a diet cranberry limeade.  Also, my neighborhood friend Jane hosted an All-American Keeno and I came home with many prizes and even the money.

John's favorite...

This is not my favorite...but John likes it so I thought I would let you see one of my first watercolor attempts...

scrapbook bird

This is a GASC layout using the Post It Paper ( the black and blue mat) but the bird is an original by me.  I took a chip board bird and covered it with red Post It paper and them painted it with Tim Holtz distress paint in china blue.  The "feathers" are made of Ten Second Studios metal cuttle bugged and scrap paper folded.  The yellow fabric paper is my special Nigerian ingredient.  The flower is something I found on the floor of the GASC and just knew I would find a home for it.  I just love found objects! The eye is a button I got at GASC.

homeward bound

Paul Simon sings, "homeward bound, I wish I was..." and so the story unfolds. 

We left Tortola at 1:00 p.m..  I am not sure why but I knew things were bad when the airline lady said, "the other plane has the air conditioning power unit and we are going to get cool just as soon as we take off..."  This meant,  stop asking me about the a/c and just deal with it!  I thought I was going to suffocaite!  But that was just the beginning. 

Arrived in a Puerto Rico late and had to fly into Tampa.  Tampa was our only choice and it was that or nothing.  Thankfully, Campy was in good hands and we got a hotel and dinner voucher.  We checked into the Marriott that is adjacent to the Tampa Airport.  It was a welcome refuge and I ordered room service.  It was so nice to eat cheese burgers in bed and watch ESPN at 1:00 a.m. 

BUZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ! The alarm went off at 4:00 a.m. as we had to catch a 6:00 a.m. flight to DFW.   John and I both staggered around but once we found a Starbucks in the airport, we were walking a little bit straighter.  We were home and hugging our baby by 8:00 a.m.  I took a shower and snuggeled with my baby until time to go to my LSS for Hot Metal Mommas. 

We made an amazing candle cover with metal.  (photo later) and then went out for Mexican food with my neighbor.  However it was a big day and I am so tired.  John is already asleep...I can hear him snoring.  I am off to dream land.  It is good to be home.

Leaving Paradise

Our time is over here in Paradise and the bill has arrived.  As sad as I am to leave, I am ready to see my Stinky Girl and sleep in my own bed.  I have no doubt that we will return.  So, country road--take me home to the place I belong...

Last Full Day in Paradise

Woke up today and John was already on a five mile hike over the mountains.  I opted to sleep late and read a book in the hammock and now we are off to the beach.  Yesterday was amazing.  We snorkeled all day at the Baths.  Again, John is the best snorkel buddy.  I am off...

This is where I was yesterday

I thought you might enjoy seeing where I spent the day yesterday.  I was on White Bay Beach.  We even ordered a picnic delivered to us.  YUMMY!  John is off on another hike and I think I will head to the pool.  Playing tonight at dinner is a steel drum band.  I am sooooo excited.  Tomorrow is our trip to the BATHS.  I sure am going to hate to leave...

Just another Day in Paradise...

Woke up and got our snorkel gear and took a truck to White Bay Beach set up with our own lounge chairs and tiki hut. While snorkeling, saw fish and coral.  John is a great dive buddy!  Also, had a picnic on the beach.  Came back to the resort and John went for a hike and I went to the pool and then to a favorite hammock.  The sun is setting on Paradise as I type.  See you tomorrow.

A great day

-Woke up today around 10:00 a.m. and ran to get some breakfast then it was non-stop fun...swimming, kayaking, playing tennis, sleeping in the hammock.  John and I found the tennis courts to be lots of fun and I had forgotten how much we both love to play.  We hung out in the media room this afternoon during a rainstorm and watched the movie, Castaway.  I cry every time he loses Wilson.

-Checked on our little girl, and both sources said that she was having a great time and doing well.  I sure do miss my baby.  The attached photo is me trying to photo shop to look like an Andy Warhol photo.  You be the judge.

Paradise update

Slept most of the morning and then went for lunch...afterwards a swim and a nap in a hammock.  I had forgotten how much I love the slight taste of salt water. But also found out this TEXAN is not made to body surf....

Paradise

It took a taxi, a monorail, two planes, a taxi, a ferry, and a golf cart but we are here in paradise.

Paradise found

Alarm went off at 4:00 a.m.... our flight to paradise was scheduled to leave at 7:00 a.m. but due to mechanical complications we sat on an unairconditioned plane for 45 minutes before deboarding.  Finally, we were airborne at 8:30 and off to paradise where the rum is cheaper than bottled water.

P.S. finished reading the Shadow Children book series by Margaret Peterson Haddix.  Our 6th grade students read it and loved it but I have mixed reviews...But read House on the Gulf by the same author and I highly recommend it.

One more thing...

I am leaving on a jet plane-don't know when I'll be back again...

one load at a time...

I can change the world, one load of laundry at a time.... Today was my second day to volunteer at a shelter for the homeless.  I go for approx. two hours and fold laundry.  I got there today and the washers were already going and so I cleaned off the computers and organized the pamphlets.  My OCD was in overdrive! I worked with my favorites, Karen and Valarie.  Couldn't find Kevin!  How was I going to fold sheets w/o his help?  Found out that Kevin works at DFW airport and he just finished his shift.  He is sooooooo meticulous about folding a sheet.  If folding a sheet is an indication of work ethic, I KNOW he is the best employee ever.  So...I am CHANGING THE WORLD-one load of laundry at a time!  I challenge you to go out and do something.  It will make you feel like a million bucks.

a Rock Star and Me

Tim Holtz and Jana Mar10

This is my new favorite photo....it is with mega creative and talented Tim Holtz at the GASC.  My husband, John, thinks it is ironic that the master scrapbooker is a man.  I think it is great--he is even cuter in person.  Doesn't this photo make you want to go buy some Ranger and Tim Holtz products?

More Art..

These are named Firecracker and Bumblebee and I hope you like....

Tell me?

Why do I own so much adhesive? AND you should see how much scrapbook paper I own!  I swear I am a hoarder and need an intervention.

Day Three of Vacation--

Day Two of Vacation--

Gosh! I am glad that I am on vacation because I have sooooo much to do...I went to get my hair cut, post office (twice), Walgreens, CPA, tailor, doctor, and then out to eat with friends. A long day but still had time to draw and watercolor. Still looking for the camera cord, but photos will be posted soon...

My studio

Thought you might want to see where I create...

Day One of Vacation--

I got a call early this morning from two of my favorite students who are in NIGERIA! I was so excited! I ran around the house yelling. Both students are doing well and I look forward to seeing them in August.

Answered my e-mail. A former student invited me to travel with her to rodeos around the USA. I had a schedule conflict but told her that I would try to catch up with her. How am I going to explain this to John?

Left the house and went to my favorite LSS and then home to take a nap. Does life get any better?

End of 2009-2010

Yesterday was my last day for the 2009-2010 school year. I got things ready for retreat and loaded up my car for the summer. I decided on a big splurge and got my car washed---not just any wash but a $50 car wash. My car looks great!

Then, I arrived twenty minutes late to my first drawing class. I was FREAKED out that the teacher remembered me from a previous class. In my experience, this is NEVER a good sign. I sat down in the chair closest to the door--so I could make a run for it if needed. I couldn't draw anything...and then inspiration hit. I'll post photos of what I drew as soon as I can find the camera cord...