Chatty Wacky Whims

LIFE

2011-06-02T15:22:00.000-07:00

Oh my!

What a journey we all travel

When we are young and proud

Life goes by us so fast

We think nothing of if!

******

Life

What is it?

We all believe we know what it is

Then suddenly we loose a love one

We think to our selves

Why?

******

Where did the time fly too

Where did each day go

Did you have the communication open?

Did you make sure you talk

At least once a day or once a week?

******

Life

Has a way of throwing

Curves in our way

Before we know it we are caught up in it

AND

When it hits us

we say

Why?

******

It is with the Grace of God

that we can work through each of these curves,

It is the patient of one that gets in the way

I know for I sometimes think if I could

just do this or that now!

It is not to be,

******

My dear husband lost his father this year

Actually in April we laid him to rest

In May over Memorial weekend

we had the

Celebration of Life

for dad in the Greek Church

*******

I'm not sure actually why they

waited 40 days to hold the

Celebration of Life

I do know that it help put my

Mother in-law at peace

I'm so glad I was there to see this.

*******

Life

What is it?

It is living and moving on

Life has a way of twisting and curves

It is what we make of it

That brings peace and closer

to one soul

*******

It is through the Grace of God

That we all get

through

it!

by Ranie Patridis

AFA LOGO

2011-04-13T01:00:00.000-07:00

ATCsforALL is having their Annual Art for All Gathering in Dallas Texas this year. They decided to have a challenge for the logo of this year event. Of course I would have to be thinking of Art ..giggle.. Mine did not win but boy did I have fun coming up with an idea for the logo. They said we could enter two which I ended up doing.

My First Drawing

My Second Drawing

Size on both 10x10

Now the winner ..giggle.. she drew a car with steer horns on the hood with two ladies holding a banner saying AFA Dallas Texas it is a really neat drawing.

Congratulation

Bluesybreeze

Zentangle with a Twist

2011-04-10T11:58:00.000-07:00

This week challenge we are to do anything we want ..giggle.. it could be free-form, picture-it or even a drawing or collage as long as there is repetitive pattners (s) included in the art. I found this very relaxing and so much fun!

STAINGLASS

Size 2.5 x 3.5

AFA Dallas Texas July 2011 Here I come!

2011-04-06T01:00:00.000-07:00

I am trying to get some Artist Trading Cards made up so I can exchange them at the Art For All Gathering in Dallas Texas in July 2011. I'm so excited I can't wait to meet my fellow on line artist. This is going to be so much fun!

Did I tell ya, that Kat has her and I doing a Class together for this event? Well we are ..giggle.. we are going to give a class on

Sparking Your Creativity

Now doesn't that sound like fun!

Well here are my 3 additional cards I have done for this event

Dainty

All Within A Basket

Poppy Bright

Hope to see you at

Art for All

Dallas, Texas

2011

Zentangle With a Twist

2011-04-03T15:30:00.000-07:00

This week we are having a fun challenge we are learning a new technique call Paint Peeling. I love how the background is so unique giving it a bit of an antique look.

ComingForth

Medium: Ink and Watercolor

Oh Glory! How Beautiful Thou Art

2011-03-31T19:50:00.000-07:00

I never know what I'm going to give as a title,

Especially on my Abstract Art like this one.

At the time when all said n done,

I notice the soft glow reminding of the glow

of nature distinguishing the light from the dark.

Showing the Glory of God Work.

Friends are Special!

2011-03-29T11:19:00.000-07:00

Once a month Robin and I exchange Postcards. We are having such fun doing this. I'm so proud that I actually for the first time getting mine barely mailed out in March.

..giggle..

Robin has been so sweet and kind not to say patience with me. I'm so thankful for the friendship we have!

The Sketchbook Challenge

2011-03-28T01:00:00.000-07:00

This month our challenge theme is:

SPILLING OVER

This was fun, I'm so looking forward to next month challenge.

I started late there are two more months I want to do

Just because they look so interesting a great way to

Get those creative juices flowing!

Zentangle with a Twist Social Group

2011-03-27T14:11:00.000-07:00

This week challenge we are to take little bitsy pieces of paper apply them to a design that we drew then add a little bit of repetitive pattern also. I choose to draw a flower which I use repetitive pattern on the stem and leaves. This was a very fun challenge
GLORY

Shih Tzu It's All About Dogs

2011-03-25T19:24:00.000-07:00

Misfit

All he wants is to fit in

Has a heart of gold

Give long sloppy kisses

Loves to be hug.

Precious Shih Tzu

Little lady she is

As she dainty prance around

Daring anyone to say other wise.

Max Shih Tzu

Look at those adorable eyes

Pleading with you

Asking you to love him.

Eva Shih Tzu

So full of mischief you never know what she is thinking

Or the trouble she can get into

She loves to cuddle and petted.

As you can see I had a blast drawing these precious dogs.

Half Full

2011-03-23T20:28:00.000-07:00

Starting my collection of cards to take with me

to the Art for All Gathering in Dallas Texas in July.

Zentangle with a Twist

2011-03-20T15:26:00.000-07:00

This week our challenge is all about Spring. Today is suppose to be the first day of spring here in my neck of the woods it is raining. Been raining and snowing for a week now. I keep thinking that Spring is around the corner it sure is slow getting here.

For my interpretation of Spring in a

Repetitive Pattern Format

I came up with

Springflower

Hm, wonder when Spring will actually arrived.

Gift Wrap

2011-03-18T20:22:00.000-07:00

1/1 Trade with SharonPMartin

over at ATCsforALL.com

Whimsical Animals of Africa

2011-03-16T20:08:00.000-07:00

Another Swap I was in over at ATCsforALL.com

Host: Kat

I really had fun drawing these animals.

Happy

Hippo Family

ComeOn Rhino

Did you notice my cute Rhino is a Dinosaur instead?

I just know it got to be related to the Rhino ..giggle..

How I mixed that up I don't know, Kat graciously allowed

Comeon to be a Rhino.

Spreadeagle

Mojo

Mike picked Mojo to stay with us.

Zentangle with a Twist Social Group

2011-03-13T20:21:00.000-07:00

This week our challenge is to use the String and Paint Technique. I have seen this in ATC Workshop book and lately in the last issue of ATC Quarterly. We are to take a string, thread, yarn etc. wrap around the card then apply gesso. Then we are to add repetitive patterns maybe a picture or even a collage add a splash of color to finish it off. Of course we are to give it a title make it our own art.

Poppy Beauty

Collage

Medium: Ink and Watercolor Paint

Bamboo Swap

2011-03-11T19:52:00.000-08:00

Over at ATCsforALL I enter a swap of Kats I believe she called it HD/HP Bamboo Swap these are the 4 I came up with.

Host Card

The next 3 went to individuals in the swap.

The next one I kept for myself

Medium: Watercolor

February Postcard to Robin

2011-03-09T01:00:00.000-08:00

Medium: Ink and Watercolor

Zentangle with a Twist

2011-03-06T19:44:00.000-08:00

This week we are to draw a Free-Form add a Triangle or more into our drawing. Then we were to sit back look at it see if you could see a picture. I discovered that mine turn into a basket and I even found a bell in there ..giggle.. I titled mine as:

Spring Bell

Can you tell I'm ready for Spring!

January Postcard to Robin

2011-03-02T01:00:00.000-08:00

A fun piece I drew for Robin.

Medium: Ink, Watercolor and Pastels

Zentangle with a Twist Social Group

2011-02-27T16:28:00.000-08:00

This week our challenge is to draw a Free-form and a Picture-It together. We are to see it then not see it to be an illusion.

ILLUSION

Did you see the butterfly?

Some do and some don't that is the beauty of this piece.

Crazy Quilt 2 ~ 4x4 Chunky Page

2011-02-25T01:00:00.000-08:00

Another 4x4 in my crazy quilt series.

Crazy Quilt 1 ~ 4x4 Chunky Page

2011-02-23T01:00:00.000-08:00

This year is the year for 4x4 Chunky Pages and Art Journals

Combination of Drawing and Repetitive Patterns

Zentangle with a Twist Social Group

2011-02-22T12:12:00.000-08:00

This week challenge we are to design a new pattern. Well I kept looking at my kitchen curtains noticing the filet pattern. Which most of you know is basically a crochet pattern. I took this pattern then added circles to go around the edges to give it that finish off look. This became my new repetitive pattern as some call it today zentangles.

Filet Flower

Medium: Watercolor, Ink and Pastel Chalk

Crazy Quilts

2011-01-30T11:48:00.000-08:00

So many ways to make a crazy quilt

Now you are thinking of course there is

Again you are thinking of fabric

Here I am thinking paper

These were done for a 4x4 chunky swap

Over at ATCsforALL.

Crazy Quilts

Of course I did keep one maybe two for my

Chunky 4x4 Book

..*smile*..

Happy New Year 2011

2011-01-26T11:37:00.000-08:00

Oh my!

You say

Aren't you a little late

..giggle..

Better late than never!

Celebrate

A little challenge over at

Zentangle with a Twist Social Group

before I left to go down to visit my Mom.

***

We were to zentangle something that reminded

us of or something we did on

New Years Eve

***

What do we all do on New Year Eve?

CELEBRATE!

Designing Your Own Repetitive Pattern

2010-12-05T01:00:00.000-08:00

One of the things we like to do over at

Zentangle with a Twist Social Group

http://www.atcsforall.com/

Designed our own patterns

Every so often we take time to come up with something new

To refresh our artsy muse

~Ranie Patridis

HOPE

2010-12-04T01:00:00.000-08:00

Black n Blue

HOPE

When Life Issue

Tends to get in the way

There is always hope

When you put your faith in God!

~Ranie Patridis

The Leafy Dragon

2010-12-02T01:00:00.000-08:00

Did you ever hear about the leafy dragon

That gracefully floats below the water?

The like to stay down by the ocean floor

Blending into the plants there in

They come in many different colors

They are a little shy but oh so graceful

You are thinking those are

SEA HORSES

Yes

Your are right!

They are sea horses known as the

Leafy Dragons!

~Ranie Patridis

Tomorrow: The Future

2010-12-01T01:00:00.001-08:00

We're Not Supposed To

See Too Far Ahead

It is a mistake to look too far ahead.

Only one link in the chain of destiny

can be handled at a time:

~ Sir Winston Churchill

It is seldom in life that one knows

that a coming event is to be a crucial

importance

~Anya Seton

Zentangle with a Twist

2010-11-28T01:00:00.000-08:00

ZWAT

Zentangle with a Twist

Have you been to ZWAT

Over at ATCsforALL

There in the Social Group

We have a new challenge every week.

What so special about ZWAT

We like to take repeptive patterns

Turn them into art either by Free-Form or Picture-It

The art of Repetitive Patterns

Have been around since the beginning of time

All you need to do is open your eyes

Look at the Master Works

Notice the repetitive patterns that enhance their art.

Come on over to ZWAT

We love to admire one's another art

Giving encouarging words and tips galore.

This challenge was all about fish just one ole fish

See what you can do with it.

~Ranie Patridis

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

2010-11-25T09:28:00.000-08:00

Let Me Be A Giver

***

God, let me be a giver, and not one

Who only takes and takes unceasingly;

God, let me give, so that not just my own,

But others' lives as well, may richer be.

***

Let me give out whatever I may hold

Of what material thing life may be heaping,

Let me give raiment, shelter, food, or gold

If these are, through Thy bounty, in my keeping.

***

But greater than such fleeting treasures, may

I give my faith and hope and cheerfulness,

Belief and dreams and joy and laughter gay

Some lonely soul to bless.

~MARY CAROLYN DAVIES

Happy Thanksgiving!
May your day be good
Enjoying love from family n friends
Be thankful for what we have.
Have a Wonderful Thanksgiving Day!
~Ranie Patridis

Evenings

2010-11-04T01:00:00.000-07:00

Nightly Assessments

We should every night call ourselves

to an account:

What infirmity have I mastered today?

What passions opposed!

What temptation resisted?

What virtue acquired?

~ Marcus Annaeus Seneca

What is in your Crow Closet

2010-10-31T01:00:00.000-07:00

Oh my what is in your Crow Closet

You say crow closet!

Yes your crow closet a swap that I was in

At the time these thoughts went through my mind

How could I draw a crow that has a closet

The first that came to mind I thought

He will like bright colors maybe a fire red

Next thing I knew Mr. Crow became a fireman.

Now as I went onto the next crow

I was thinking what shall become of him

And what is in his closet?

It dawn on me how they fly from here to there

Squaking as the go

Sending of messages to the other crows

So henceforth came the Messenger

As the messenger goes here in there

I got to thinking he needs a place of business

The next thing I knew what was in the crow closet

was a crow in uniform taking care of the

Crow Station

Now what does these crows have in common?

..giggle..

Tis one Crow dreww up in 3 different outfits

Now you know what is in your crow closet.

~Ranie Patridis

Tomorrow

2010-10-28T01:00:00.000-07:00

We're Not Supposed To

See Too Far Ahead

It is a mistake to look too far ahead.

Only one link in the chain of destiny

can be handled at a time.

~Sir Winston Churchill

Boring Days!

2010-10-21T07:35:00.000-07:00

Average Days

Normal day let me be aware of the treasure you are. Let me learn from you, love you, bless you before you depart. Let me not pass you by in quest of some rare and perfect tomorrow. Let me hold you while I may, for it may not always be so. One day I shall dig my nails into the earth, or bury my face in the pillow, or stretch myself taut, or raise my hands to the sky and want, more than all the world, your return.

~Mary Jean Iron

Whimsy We Are

2010-10-17T01:00:00.000-07:00

We are a whimsy lot

So gay and happy

You never know what we shall do

Or what profession we hold.

Being a Chef

A bit of mischief I can be

Some think that Chefs are grumpy and sour

Not me I like to put a bit of spice

into my life.

Now my friend is a bit different from me

We walk in two different life style

Me a chief my friend a Cow Girl

Cow Girls are so sweet and lovable

Can be a bit tough too

I don't know how she does it

But then she does not know

How I do it since she does not like to cook.

We get together from time to time

We make a point to do this

Living in two different worlds we do

She being my childhood best friend

A very special person she is to me even today.

The two of us have another friend from childhood

that we both keep in touch with

Who became a Nurse

She travels all over the Word

Since she is in the Service.

She has help many a service man find his way

Always sweet and so patient

She has seen many things that she does not talk about

Life is not easy being in the service

But oh how she loves helping our Service men.

Us three try to meet several times a year

Our friendship from childhood is that special

When I think back to how or what we become

How we each took different paths

There is one thing that keeps us all tie together

We are the Whimsy Twins!

~Ranie Patridis

Positive Thinking

2010-10-14T07:14:00.000-07:00

POSITIVE THINKING

and

SELF-FULFILLING

PROPHECIES and ACTIONS

Our Faith and Belief Create Our Reality

Belive that life is worth living,

and

your belief will help create that fact.

~ William James

What a Day!

2010-10-10T06:19:00.000-07:00

What a day it is

Mr. Wind is in a fix

He so busy blowing here in there

He doesn't realize how strong he is

I'm out trying to gather some flowers

Be so nice to give to someone special

Oh my goodness gracious!

I lost hold of that corner

There goes my net and all my flowers

Oh dear! What am I to do?

Needless to say with my flowers gone

I was not able to give to anyone special

My intentions were good

If only Mr. Wind had not blown so hard.

Once Mr. Wind settle down

Up to the North what is that Grumpy Clouds

Oh no!

Now what!

I must go get my umbrella

I still have flowers to gather.

Off I go

Goodness gracious what is wrong with

Mr. Grumpy Cloud

He is already letting a tears fall so grandly

I must not complain for we need the water

But oh! I want to save my flowers!

So off I go to gather my flowers

To give to someone special

~Ranie Patridis

HOPE

2010-10-07T01:00:00.000-07:00

THE IMPORTANCE AND VALUE

OF HOPE

It is characteristic of genius to be

hopeful and aspiring.

~Harriet Martineau

Oh! What is Under all that Water?

2010-10-03T05:54:00.000-07:00

I stood looking over the water

Today it is so smooth and gentle

The sun is out

The clouds are fluffy n beautiful

Do you ever wonder what is under all that water?

As I stood there admiring the deep blue

You never know what you may feel

Sometimes it is foggy and cold

The water a bit rough

As the waves come crashing onto land

Do you ever wonder what is under all that water?

I see a beautiful boat out on the water

Wonder what they are doing

Are the fishing?

Maybe they are just enjoying

The beautiful day

Oh who are we kidding

They must be fishing?

Do you ever wonder what is under all that water?

Well I have a hunch

There are all types of beautiful fish

In all shapes and colors

I can imagine a city all of their own

Each ruling the water below

Each having a family of their own

Mountain and Valleys plants galore

Do you ever wonder what is under all that water?

~Ranie Patridis

They say Frogs I say Toads

2010-09-26T01:00:00.000-07:00

Frog n Toad Swap

Kat

ATCsforALL

Leaping for Joy

Hey you! Over Here!

What is that!

Floating Down the River

Nebulas

2010-09-19T01:00:00.000-07:00

Kat host another swap called Nebulas I found these to be so challenging and so much fun! We had the choice of either doing this as a collage or hand drawn/hand painted. I decided to do both boy was that an experience and so different.

Watercolor Nebulas

Collage Nebulas

Frogs oh my!

2010-09-05T01:00:00.000-07:00

Frogs oh my!

What a delight

They sing such a pretty song at night

Steady and sure singing in rhythm

as they Sing the Blues

Well at least some are singing the blues

While others are into mischief

Never know what they are up too

Ooops!

Was that a fly or a spider?

Guess we will never know....

There are those that just

Sit and gaze into the heavens

Dreaming their life away

Wishing upon a star

Now that my friends is the story of frogs oh my!

Egyptian Art

2010-08-29T01:00:00.000-07:00

Kat hosted an Egyptzen Swap

she wanted us to add a bit of repetitive patterns to it today most call that zentangles.

Egyptian Cobra

Egyptian Dog

Egyptian Princess

Egyptian Dog

Flowers to my Delight

2010-08-22T01:00:00.000-07:00

Robin hosted another swap at ATCsforALL this one was flowers.

Wild Rose #3

Wild Rose #2

Wild Rose #1

Made Especially for Mingo

2010-08-15T01:00:00.000-07:00

Made Especially for Mingo

and

I added it to the

Zentangle with a Twist Article

ATCsforALL

Pumpkin Delight

ATC Art Quarterly

2010-08-08T01:00:00.000-07:00

Created these Artist Trading Cards

for

ATC Quarterly Magazine

Dance with Me

Gave my Heart to You

Happy Birthday

In the Garden there are Many Flowers

2010-08-01T16:11:00.000-07:00

Collage Art

by Ranie Patridis

Look down at our feet there is mama

Waiting patiently for her little babies

That we ahve in a bag

Where shall we take them?

We must keep them safe

***

Betsy dear look at that

A bag full of puppies

Just for us

What shall we name them?

And where is their Mama?

***

Come Mama follow us

We are looking for a safe place for them

Betsy dear are you awake

Don't you hear the puppies whimpering?

Come Betsy let us find a place.

***

Out in the Garden among the flowers

They're the Garden Fairies

Will help watch over them

Mamam watch over your babies

Just like I do with Betsy Dear....

by Ranie Patridis

THE STAR-SPANGLED BANNER

2010-07-05T01:00:00.000-07:00

Oh, say can you see, by the dawn's early light,

What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming,

Whose broad strips and bright stars through the perilous fight,

O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?

And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air.

Gave proof thro' the night that our flag was still there.

Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave

O'er the land of the free, and the home of the brave!

***

On the shore, dimly seen thro' the mists of the deep,

Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,

What is that which the breeze o'er the towering steep,

As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses"

Now it catches in the gleam of the morning's first beam,

In full glory reflected, now shines on the stream.

'Tis the star-spangled banner; oh, long may it wave

O'er the land of the free, and the home of the brave!

***

And where is that band who so vauntingly swore

That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion

A home and a country should leave us no more?

Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps' pollution.

No refuge could save the hireling and slave

From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave:

And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave

O'er the land of the free, and the home of the brave!

***

Oh, thus be it ever when freemen shall stand

Between their loved homes and the war's desolation;

Blest with victory and peace, may the heaven-rescued land

Praise the power that hath made and preserved us a nation!

Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,

And this be our motto: "In God is our trust!"

And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave,

O'er the land of the free, and the home of the brave!

FRANCIS SCOTT KEY

INDEPENDENCE BELL - JULY 4, 1776

2010-07-04T17:05:00.000-07:00

There was a tumult in the city

In the quaint old Quaker town,

And the streets were rife with people

Pacing restless up and down-

People gathering at corners

Where they whispered each to each,

And the sweat stood on their temples

With the earnestness of speech.

***

As the bleak Atlantic currents

Lash the wild Newfoundland shore

So they beat against the State House

So they surged against the door

And the mingling of their voice

Made the harmony profound

Till the quiet street of Chestnut

Was all turbulent with sound.

***

Will they do it? dare they do it?

Who is speaking? What's the news?

What of Adams? What of Sherman?

Oh, God grant they won't refuse!

Make some way there! Let me nearer!

I am stifling! Stifle then!

When a nation's life's at hazard

We've no time to think of men!

***

So they surged against the State House

While all solemnly inside

Sat the Continental Congress

Truth and reason for their guide

O'er a simple scroll debating

Which though simple it might be

Yet should shake the cliffs of England

With the thunders of the free.

***

Far aloft in that high steeple

sat the bellman old and gray

He was weary of the tyrant

And his iron-sceptered sway

So he sat with one hand ready

On the clapper of the bell

When his eye could catch the signal

The long-expected news to tell.

***

See! See! The dense crowd quivers

Through all its lengthy line

As the boy beside the portal

Hastens forth to give the sign!

With his little hands uplifted

Breezes dallying with his hair

Hark! with deep, clear intonation

Breaks his young voice on the air.

***

Hushed the people's swelling murmur

Whilst the boy crys joyously

Ring! he shouts, Ring! Grandpapa

Ring! oh ring for Liberty!

Quickly at the given signal

The old bellman lifts his hand

Forth he sends the good news making

Iron music through the land.

***

How they shouted! What rejoicing!

How the old bell shook the air,

Till the clang of freedom ruffled

The calmly gliding Delaware!

How the bonfires and the torches

Lighted up the night's repose

And from the flames like fabled Phoenix

Our glorious liberty arose!

***

That old State House bell is silent

Hushed is now its clamorous tongue

But the spirit it awakened

Still is living-ever young;

And when we greet the smiling sunlight

On the fourth of each July

We will ne'er forget the bellman

Who, betwixt the earth and sky,

Rung out, loudly, "Independence";

Which please God shall never die!

UNKNOWN

Everyone have a nice 4th of July

Remember our History

Freedom is not free!

LAND OF THE FREE

2010-07-03T17:24:00.000-07:00

AMERICA, O Power benign, great hearts revere your name,

You stretch your hand to every land, to weak and strong the same;

You claim no conquest of the sea, nor conquest of the field,

But conquest for the rights of man, that despots all shall yield.

***

America, fair land of mine, home of the just and true,

All hail to thee, land of the free, and the Red-White and Blue.

***

AMERICA, staunch, undismayed, your spirit is our might:

No splendor falls on feudal walls upon your mountain's height,

But shafts of Justice pierce your skies to light the way for all,

A world's great brotherhood of man, that cannot, must not fall.

***

AMERICA, in God we trust, we fear no tyrant's horde:

There's light that leads toward better deeds than conquest by the sword;

Yet our cause is just, if fight we must until the world be free

Of every menace, breed, or caste that strikes at Liberty.

***

AMERICA, home of the brave, our song in praise we bring-

Where Stars and Stripes the winds unfurl, 'tis there that tributes rings;

Our fathers gave their lives that we should live in Freedom's light-

Our lives we consecrate to thee, our guide the Might of Right.

ARTHUR NICHOLAS HOSKING

Telephones

2010-06-03T11:47:00.000-07:00

Telephone is an amazing bit of information

You never know what you will hear

It maybe good news

Bad news then it maybe something funny.

Telephone

Has come such a long ways

Remember when you use to round it up

Hanging there on the wall

Sharing your conversation with all.

Telephone

How did we do with out them

My Grandma had a black one that sit on a table

Nice sturdy big phone

Lots of conversation went through that phone.

Telephone

Remember when you could see a pay phone

Usually at the Gas Station

So convenient to drop some coins make that call

Letting love ones or friends know this n that.

The other day there in Redding we stop

In a Serve It Your Self Gas Station there before me

Standing all alone was a

Pay Phone

I can remember there would be at least two or more.
Looking so sad and lonely all alone

Standing there not able to move

Watching phones traveling with their masters

All day long as they pass by giving him a wink

He may look sad and lonely but not really

For he knows not everyone has a cell phone

and

He is there to serve

Knowing he is giving a helping hand.

Telephones have come a long ways in the old days

They were just use for communication

Keeping in touch with family and friends

Now they are use for entertainment and communication

From iTube to Facebook lets not forget the newspaper too

All those lovely photos to texting and music too

The

Telephone

Has become an amazing bet of information

Much more than communication

Wonder what my Grandma would say to day

If she could see what phones can do today

by Ranie Patridis

The Joys of Spring!

2010-04-17T12:53:00.000-07:00

I dream of Spring through the Winter months

It seems as I get older
The days get longer.

Maybe it my joints
Complaining and groaning
Telling me it is hard to bend.

I don't know

Just wish that Spring has Sprung

I dream of warm days cool evenings

Listening to the frogs sing as it warms up

Watching those little heads pop out of the ground

to bring you joy a smile comes to your face.

As Spring gets close the days get longer

Here in there we have more sunny days

A bit of cheerfulness finds it way to you

The first blooms to pop up are my Miniature Iris

Reminds of a friend no longer with us.

Who would know the Sun

Would be taken over by the Clouds

Tis over cast and dreary

My spirit falls down.

Not feeling well to day

The wood stove a going it is nice and warm

Sinus acting not helping a bit at all

As I sit and doodle

The art shows my feelings

They say April Showers brings May Flowers.

Now its raining cats and dogs

Tis a dark and dreary day

I wonder how my poor little iris are doing

Afraid to go out and check

A few day later the Sun pops back out

I venture out

Only to discover that my poor little Iris

Did not do so well.

A sadness comes over me and I think to myself

Wow! Its Cold!

Out here!

Why is it not warming up

The Sun is out shining giving no warmth.

Went to bed that night

Woke up to snow.

That day it snow some more

Getting deeper by the inches

Snow is beautiful

Makes everything nice and clean

But oh is it cold to be out there

I prefer my warm little shack

With the good olé wood stove

Just a cranking a way.

Again my sinus bothering me

Been rough for a couple of months

Wish this sinus would disappear

As I'm thinking how bad I feel

I set down to doodle

to keep my mind off of me

What is that I'm a hearing?

Oh know!

The wind is blowing!

As it get stronger and stronger

I hear branches falling

In my mind I see the tree's bending

As they struggle to stay upright

I fear that my flowers that I have left

Are blowing in the wind.

Landing
Know one knows where

Surely where ever they are

It must be warmer than here.

As I struggle with this sinus infection

Finally went to the Doctor

Gave me some antibiotics

Hope that does the trick.
They say get a Neti Pot
Wash that nose away
Oh my!

For in about 2 weeks or more

I'll be off to Monterey

There we are holding our

1st Annual

California AFA Gathering

Where we shall have

Workshops and Demos

All gathering around to trade and play.
Dare I say I do feel better!

There you have it
The
Joy's of Spring!

Here Little Pussy Cat....

2010-03-14T20:45:00.000-07:00

Cats! Oh my!

Do I love cats

The can be so cuddly

yet so full of mischief

There is one that is always watching everything you do

Or waiting patiently for that poor little mouse

Not to say a cat that knows it all

No matter what you say or do

Miss Know It All

is constantly talking right back to you

There is always one that loves to purr

so fat and lazy

it just wants to curl up into your lap

The Talker who is constantly

meow, meow, meow

no matter what you do

That cat is constantly talking to you

Cats are amazing creatures

with those soft mysterious eye's

Always ready to be near you

Yet not willing to be control

Always stands a bit away

Ready to bounce at a moment

Here little pussy cat come

cuddle up to me!

~Ranie Patridis

What is Life What is Death

2010-02-28T14:16:00.000-08:00

Now you thinking what brought this on

You have been so quiet for such a long time

Sometimes life gets in the way

Then you say what is Life

We take it for granite

We don't think much about it

Till something happens in your life

to make you stop and think.

We start out as precious bundles

Our loving parents coo and aw over you

Then we grow up hearing our folks comment

Your time's a coming!

We play, we work, we travel the world around

Most of us never get out of our towns

Through books, movies and Internet one can dream

Still not knowing what life is all about

Through Faith we say we found our way

That life is precious in God eye's

We worship him, we depend on him

We try to walk our life with him

Thankful that he forgives us for our transgressions

As life go rushing by us each day we say

We are ready

but

Are we?

Each day passes by faster and faster

As the years go by

We rush back n forth

Life is good

then

Death comes knocking at the door!

Death you are never really ready for it

It is a shocking thing to go through

Emotions run high

Feelings are numb

You say and do things you wish you had not

You are never prepared for Death

Nor do you handle it well at all

With all the faith that one may have

When it comes down to watching a love one go

It is hard to find the words to help them through it.

You hope they find comfort with you silent sitting by

Stages of death is a mystery in it self

From watching movies you think it is fast and sweet

Let me tell you no it is not

For one must pass through the valley of memories

along death march.

Friends come by, some pray with you others don't

Family come and go not sure what to say or do

Emotionally all well one want you to believe

Mentally you are a mess

Unless you have things right with God

Physically the pain is unbearable

Your thankful for the pain pill to ease the pain away

A time comes when you just lie there

With your eye's close

hearing the sounds around you

Heart is strong, breathing is calm

Day by day as you get weaker

There is one that is constantly there beside you

You hear their pleas and prayers

You reach out to them in a spiritually way

You are told it is alright to go

With God's Grace!

Funeral comes

Friends and Family are there to say goodbye

Most are there with good intention

Some you wonder why they came

You can't help but feel that somehow all be touch

One way or another by the person who passed away

When it comes down to it all things are blur

Memories are clouded

You shake hands, gives hugs, shed a few tears

Go out to eat afterwords why I don't really know

It seems to be the thing to do

Some talk about the past other joke around

Some get reacquainted with long lost friends or family

I come to the conclusion that eating is a comfort thing.

The days are getting quieter

The spouse goes one last time to the Mortuary

To finish up business there

The friends you have are still there

Life just gets in the way

They think of you often

Your always on the back of their minds.

The phone does not ring so much

that it hits you suddenly

you are all alone!

Life!

The living must go on living

Do not dwell on the past

Start a new beginning

Be happy

Enjoy life

It is so precious in God eye's.

What is Life What is Death?

Do you know the answer

I think I do

Life is the Beginning the Walk of Life

Death is End of Life

It is what we do with our lives

How our out come will be

You see

Life is precious in God eye's

He loved us so much

He gave us his son to redeem mankind

When we truly walk with him

Believe in him

Converse with him

He will be with you at Death Doors

Guiding you each way through it

You see you are never alone

In life or death

As long as you have God by your side.

In that day when God Redeems this earth

The Righteous will be caught up into the heavens with him

Life is so precious it is how you live it how the outcome will be.

In Loving Memory

Waldo Ira Jones

August 14, 1920 - February 7, 2010

My Step-Dad the man that raise my brother and I

Friendship

2010-01-03T18:16:00.000-08:00

What is a Friend?

I don't know...

***

I have heard friends come and go

Like the breeze in the afternoon

Some come for a Season or Time

I wouldn't know I don't believe I ever really had a friend.

***

Some have friends from childhood

College days

That are a big part of their lives

Do you have a friend like that?

***

I don't!

I was so shy in my childhood or youth

I was tease alot

Those were rough years

Times were changing

Nylons, girdles, mini skirts were in style

I wore bobby socks, oxfords shoes and dresses

down to the calves of my leg not to say my hair

pile high on top of my head
The accent the pronunciation of my words
did not help either

I stood out like a sore thumb

Dated a couple of times

Had a crush on one but he never really saw me

or we would be together today

My first love my puppy love was special until we broke up

I really did not have a friend that I could talk too

cry with tell my secrets too.

Never had a sleep over

Never went to birthday parties

I can say I don't have a friend like that!

***

What is a Friend?

***

We like to call individuals a friend

sometimes we call them our best friend

when a lot of times they are just acquaintance

***

Came to the conclusion that a friend

a
true friend

is someone really special.

They accept you for who you are

Do you have a friend like that?

***

I believe I have a friend

A special kind of friend

Every so often she check up on me

To see how I'm doing

I should do the same

I just don't know what to say

Not easy for me being such a loner

One that can occupy their time before you know it

the day is done

There are times I don't know what to do with my friend

We don't always understand each other

agree!

We always seem to find time in our busy

schedules to share a moment

to check out each other art

to support each other

as often as we can.

Who is this friend you ask?

**SMILE**

Well my friend knows who they are

and that is all that matters.

Friendship Zentangle

Be Happy!

2009-11-15T19:51:00.000-08:00

Be Happy!

So much to be thankful for.

Be Happy!

Always bring a smile to your face a twinkle to the eye.

Be Happy!

We chuckle we dance we laugh the night away

and then we start again the next day.

Be Happy!

Nothing better to see than a happy face

with a gigantic smile across your face.

Be Happy!

For life is to short not too.

~Ranie Patridis

The Mask

2009-11-09T01:00:00.000-08:00

Tis night the true democracy

When as the day

Like some great Monarch

With his train has passed by

In regal pomp and splendor.

The stars above shine bright for all we know

along the Milky Way.

As jostling crowds in radiant disarray

pass down Broad Boulevard in pageants vast.

We dance we play we parade down the street

wearing our bright colors to our delight

Over our face we wear our mask

To cover our fears

Disguise the sadness

The loneliness within our soul.

Hearing the music in the distance

The laughter of those along the way.

Hiding behind the bright colors

We dress to the occasion we laugh, sing, dancing along the way.

When daylight comes into the shadow we go

Letting our mask fall to our side

Looking inside knowing that for a time

We thought we were happy our fears at bay dancing along the way.

Each one of us playing our part in the

Mardi Gras of Night

Ranie Patridis

In The Foggy Mist

2009-11-07T10:12:00.000-08:00

Early in the morning

as the fog dances in

there is a feeling of quietness

that leads to a eerie peacefulness.

The trees are grateful for the mist

they graciously extend their limbs

reaching, reaching for the dew drops

from the falling mist.

In the early morning in the foggy mist

if you look carefully

very carefully

you may see a Trinity Fairy

dancing in the mist.

There she is, do you see her?

Dancing away in the mist.

Funny about the early Foggy Mist

it lets your imagination

works it best.
~Ranie Patridis

Bobby the Cat

2009-11-03T01:00:00.000-08:00

Be still, don't move

My mistress may never see me

Cause I am so still.

As I hide here beside this plant

Thinking and wishing this

plant would get out of my face.

Sit still don't move a muscle

I just might not get caught

There she goes off into another room.

Boy I hope she stays in there for a while

I'm itching to put my paw in one of these planters.

Ooops!

She is back what is that in her hand?

As she puts it up to her face

Calling my name

I look up in disgust

As a flash of light came from that box

She holds up to her face

Dog gone it I'm caught!

Story n Photograph by
Ranie Patridis

Story of an Acorn

2009-10-31T17:25:00.000-07:00

I am a little acorn

so proud and strong.

When my time comes

I may choose to become a Oak Tree

food for the forest creatures great and small.

I come from the Oak Tree who graciously

spreads those towering limbs above for shade.

Little by little as the acorn said.

I am healthy and strong a bit proud to say

as I slowly sink into my mossy bed.

Hidden deep in the earth away

hiding from all by day.

As I grew getting stronger each day

My roots grow hidden deep in the earth away.

Downward I send out a thread like root

Going deeper n deeper each day as I sipped the dew.

Striving deeper n deeper attaching myself to the earth

One day up in the air I sprung a tiny shoot,

Day after day and year after year

Up I grew

Little by little my leaves appear

strong and stout as I proudly stand

My splender branches spread far and wide.

Till the mighty Oak Tree is the Forest pride!

I am a little Acorn

so proud and strong.

I fell by the way side

Unable to root.

As I lay upon the ground

I become nourshing food

for the great and small creatures

of this Forest I love.

Don't be sad for me I say,

Not all of us can be a tree

To be able to give something back

is the grandest gift that I can give.

I am a little Acorn

so proud and strong!

Ranie Patridis

Puzzle Post Card

2009-10-26T01:00:00.000-07:00

Time comes, time goes by

as you put the pieces together

one by one.

Sometimes they fit

sometimes they don't

you never give up looking for the right piece.

Tis the puzzle of it all.

Ranie Patridis

Opus n Aura

2009-10-24T01:00:00.000-07:00

What is an Opus n Aura?

Heck I don't know

Just a fancy name that I know of

for a zentangle pattern

to me it looks like flowers n leaves

at least my verison of it does

So tell me what do you think an

Opus n Aura

is?

Ranie Patridis

Eclipse

2009-10-22T01:00:00.000-07:00

Hello ole Moon

What have you been up too?

I myself been around keeping the earth warm

one day at a time

Hello ole Moon

As we pass by each other

I do hope that your day is pleasant

That we shall meet again one day..

Hello ole Moon

What have you been up too?

Ranie Patridis

My Blue Heron

2009-10-20T01:00:00.000-07:00

My blue heron who stands so gracefully

meditating as he stands in the water edges.

What are you thinking on this

beautiful day?

If only I could know....

Ranie Patridis

Little Boys

2009-10-18T01:00:00.000-07:00

Little boys come in all shapes and sizes,

Shy and adventurous, full of surprises,

With misshapen halos and mischievous grins,

Small dirty faces, and sweet, sticky chins.

They'll keep you so busy, and yet all the while

Nothing can brighten the world like their smile.

And no greater treasure has brought homes more joy

Than a curious, active, and lovable boy!

unknown

Zentangle Delightfulness 1

2009-10-16T01:00:00.001-07:00

One line upon a line

as the saying goes.

Each line becomes a symbol

a character to behold.

As they grow become as one

there you have it a

zentangle of your own.

Ranie Patridis

Pumpkin Delight

2009-10-13T12:35:00.000-07:00

I'm a little pumpkin

Orange and round.

Here is my stem,

There is the ground.

When I get all cut up,

Don't you shout!

Just open me up
And scoop me out!

unknown

This Week Challenge

2009-08-18T22:42:00.000-07:00

Paradox

We are to focus on the Paradox pattern from Zentantle.com we may add to it, but the focus should be on the paradox pattern.

Digitally Frame

I had a hard time with this challenge a online friend of mine that I have known for a few years now gave me the news that she has 6 months to live. Sorta shook me up needless to say. The original challenge I could not wrap my head around, so I decided on this challenge instead. I didn't realize it till it was completed that the Paradox pattern looks like a cross.

Interesting!

ROLO ART

2009-08-12T01:00:00.000-07:00

Made for PaperScrap

Front View

Back View

Both front and back are Hand Drawn.
Medium: Ink and Watercolor

Rolo Art

2009-08-10T01:00:00.000-07:00

Made for Linda4atc

Front View

Collage with original background

Back view

Hand drawn

Medium: Ink and Watercolor

THIS WEEK CHALLENGE

2009-08-09T01:00:00.000-07:00

Let's be Square

This week challenge we are to focus on the form of a square. We are to have at least a minimum of 2 squares if not more. We may add to it, the main focus though is on the square.

YOU TELL ON YOURSELF

2009-08-08T01:00:00.000-07:00

You tell what you are by the friends you seek,

By the very manner in which you speak,

By the way you employ your leisure time,

By the use you make of dollar and dime.

***

You tell what you are by the things you wear,

By the spirit in which you burdens bear,

By the kind of things at which you laugh,

By the records you play on the phonograph.

***

You tell what you are by the way you walk,

By the things of which you delight to talk,

By the manner in which you bear defeat,

By so simple a thing as how you eat.

***

By the books you choose from the well-filled shelf;

In these ways, and more, you tell on yourself.

Author Unknown

This Week Challenge

2009-08-07T01:00:00.000-07:00

I am a bit late posting this

..but..

This week challenge we are to learn a new pattern the Swirl from Zentangle.com

We are to add the beeline pattern and a pattern that you designed yourself.

Catching Up

2009-08-05T19:36:00.000-07:00

Wow a lot has happen since I've been back in here ..*smile*.. I sorta got side track. Over at ATCsforALL we were voting for what we thought would be the next year place for the AFA Gathering that they held each year. Portland, Oregon was in the lead, then New York and Texas. So us West Coast ATC Artist just knew that we were going to have a AFA Gathering and were we excited! ..giggle.. Well to our great disappointment we discovered instead of being first we were last due to not having enough experience if I understood that right. Anyway it was mention to me that they would love to see more Regional Gatherings. At first I back off thinking I can't do this I'm a Country Girl but the more I thought about it the more I wonder so I open a forum asking all California members if they would be interested. To my amazement they are! Yes, you guess it that is where I have been organizing spending a lot of time on the computer helping CentralCaliGrrrl who has graciously volunteer to help. Poor thing, I don't think she realize what she was getting into I know I didn't, but, are we having fun. We are planning to hold this event
in Monterey, California that is where the majority voted for on April 30th & May 1st 2010 we will be checking in Friday holding an all day event on Saturday. As soon as we figure out which Hotel we will be staying at I'll be posting the details. Well my friends thank you for being so patient with me I promise to post some art real soon!....

A GOOD CREED

2009-07-25T01:00:00.000-07:00

If any little word of ours

Can make one life the brighter;

If any little song of ours

Can make one heart the lighter;

God help us speak that little word,

And take our bit of singing

And drop it in some lonely vale

To set the echoes ringing.

***

If any little love of ours

Can make one life the sweeter;

If any little care of ours

Can make one step the fleeter;

If any little help may ease

The burden of another;

God give us love and care and strength

To help along each other.

***

If any little thought of ours

Can make one life the stronger;

If any cheery smile of ours

Can make its brightness longer;

Then let us speak that thought today,

With tender eyes aglowing,

So God may grant some weary one

Shall reap from our glad sowing.

Author Unknown

WHEN i THINK OF.....

2009-07-23T01:00:00.000-07:00

Zentangle Post card

"Flowers"

When I think of Spring I think of flowers
I can't wait for the first bulbs to poke their heads

through the snow.

***

When I think of Summer I think of flowers

as they gracefully nod their beautiful heads

in the dry summer breeze.

When it warm n hot you can't help but smile

when you see their beauty surrounds you.

***

When I think of Fall I think of flowers

I see that they are slowly giving way to Winter

They are beautiful their heads are bowing humbly

for they know that Spring is round the corner.

***

When I think of Winter I think of flowers

For in my window sill my succelent plant

blooms the most beautiful pink flowers that put

a smile on this face.

***

So yes, when I'm down and discourage

I look toward my Heavenly Father

Asking for his help and just like the flower

one of his beautiful creation

he always puts a smile on my face.

Ranie Patridis

THE MOST VITAL THING IN LIFE

2009-07-21T01:00:00.000-07:00

When you feel like saying something

That you know you will regret,

Or keenly feel an insult

Not quite easy to forget,

That's the time to curb resentment

And maintain a mental peace,

For when your mind is tranquil

All your ill-thoughts simply cease.

***

It is easy to be angry

When defrauded or defied,

To be peeved and disappointed

If your wishes are denied;

But to win a worthwhile battle

Over selfishness and spite,

You must learn to keep strict silence

Though you know you're in the right.

***

So keep your mental balance

When confronted by a foe,

Be it enemy in ambush,

Or some danger that you know.

If you are poised and tranquil

When all around is strife,

Be assured that you have mastered

The most vital thing in life.

Grenville Kleiser

This Week Challenge

2009-07-19T21:19:00.000-07:00

This week challenge over at Zentangle with a Twist we are learning to draw the OPUS/with an AURO from the Zentangle.com newsletter. For the life of me I just could not wrap my head around this pattern. Staying true to my self, the type of art that I draw, I drew my own version of the OPUS pattern plus adding a couple of other patterns to enhance it.

Digital frame added.

Designed and Hand-drawn by Ranie Patridis

Zentangle Lightening Bolt

2009-07-15T20:32:00.000-07:00

Medium: Ink and Watercolor

traded to Linda4atc

SOAP, THE OPPRESSOR

2009-07-13T20:42:00.000-07:00

The folks at home half the time are thinkin' about dirt;

It sort of gives 'em horrors an' they act as if it hurt;

The sight of just a little makes 'em daffy as can be-

They're always washin' somethin', and half the time it's me.

It ain't because I wet my feet that gives me colds and such;

"Tain't runnin' round that keeps me thin-it's cause I'm washed too much.

***

It does no good to tell 'em, they're so stubborn, but I hope

That some day they'll discover what deceitful stuff is soap.

I tell you very often when my hands was clean and white

I've gone along to wash 'em 'cause it did no good to fight.

When I stuck'em in the basin, it was plain enough to see

The soap would make the water as dirty as could be.

If folks would give me half a chance with soap that didn't cheat,

I guess they'd be surprised to find I'm nacherally neat;

I'd take on flesh and leave off havin' colds and' such, I know.

And no one would complain about the parts of me that show.

Burges Johnson

Zentangle with a Twist Challenge

2009-07-12T01:00:00.000-07:00

Lightening Bolt

This week challenge we are to zentangle a ATC with a lightening bolt somewhere on the card. This card here represent my feelings from this past week which I spent with my family. My heart goes out with love and the lightening bolt represent the strike of sadness upon having to leave them. My little nephew and niece are so precious growing up so fast and my parents are aging.

Time is flying by.

WHICH ARE YOU

2009-07-11T01:00:00.000-07:00

I watched them tearing a building down,

A gang of men in a busy town;

With a ho-heave-ho and a lusty yell

They swung a beam and he sidewalk fell.

I asked the foreman: "Are these men skilled,

And the men you'd hire if you had to build?"

He gave a laugh and said: "No indeed!

Just common labor is all I need.

I can easily wreck in a day or two

What builder have taken a year to do!"

***

And I thought to myself as I went my way,

Which of these roles have I tried to play?

Am I a builder who works with care,

Measuring life by the rule and square?

Am I shaping my deeds to a well-made plan,

Patiently doing the best I can?

Or am I a wrecker, who walks the town,

Content with the labor of tearing it down.

Unknown

Zentangle Book Page

2009-07-10T01:00:00.000-07:00

Mermaid

Made for Linda4atc

Host: Linda4atc

ATCsforALL Art Group

Size 5x7

Zentangle Book Page

2009-07-09T01:00:00.000-07:00

Gecko

Made for Bright-Sparks

Host: Linda4atc

ATCsforALL Art Group

Size 5x7

Zentangle Book Page

2009-07-08T01:00:00.000-07:00

Lovebirds

Made for Kat

Host: Linda4atc

ATCsforALL Art Group

Size 5x7

Zentangle Book Page

2009-07-07T01:00:00.000-07:00

Oriental Delight

Made for Adifferentstory

Host: Linda4atc

ATCsforALL Art Group

Size 5x7

Zentangle Book Page

2009-07-06T01:00:00.000-07:00

Cat

Made for Patti

Host: Linda4atc

ATCsforALL Art Group

Size 5x7

Zentangle Book Page

2009-07-05T01:00:00.000-07:00

Under the Sea

Made for LindyLu

Host: Linda4atc

ATCsforALL Art Group

Size 5x7

INDEPENDENCE BELL-JULY4,1776

2009-07-04T08:52:00.000-07:00

There was a tumult in the city

In the quaint old Quaker town,

And the streets were rife with people

Pacing restless up and down-

People gathering at corners,

Where they whispered each to each,

And the sweat stood on their temples

With the earnestness of speech.

***

As the bleak Atlantic currents

Lash the wild Newfoundland shore,

So they beat against the State House,

So they surged against the door;

And the mingling of their voices

Made the harmony profound,

Till the quiet street of Chestnut

Was all turbulent with sound.

***

"Well they do it?" "Dare they do it?"

"Who is speaking?" "What's the news?"

"What of Adams?" "What of Sherman?"

"Oh, God grant they won't refuse!"

"Make some way there!" "Let me nearer!"

"I am stifling!" "Stifle then!

When a nation's life's at hazard,

We'Ve no time to think of men!"

***

So they surged against the State House,

While all solemnly inside,

Sat the Continental Congress,

Truth and reason for their guide,

O'er a simple scroll debating,

Which, thought simple it might be,

Yet should shake the cliffs of England

With the thunders of the free.

***

Far aloft in that high steeple

Sat the bellman, old and gray,

He was weary of the tyrant

And his iron-sceptered sway;

So he sat, with one hand ready

On the clapper of the bell,

When his eye could catch the signal,

The long-expected news to tell.

***

See! See! The dense crowd quivers

Through all its lengthy line,

As the boy beside the portal

Hastens forth to give the sign!

With his little hands uplifted,

Breezes dallying with his hair,

Hark! with deep, clear intonation,

Breaks his young voice on the air.

***

Hushed the people's swelling murmur,

Whilst the boy crys joyously;

"Ring!" he shouts, "Ring! Grandpapa,

Ring! oh, ring for Liberty!"

Quickly, at the given signal

The old bellman lifts his hand,

Forth he sends the good news, making

Iron music through the land.

***

How they shouted! What rejoicing!

How the old bell shook the air,

Till the clang of freedom ruffled,

The calmly gliding Delaware!

How the bonfires and the torches

Lighted up the night's repose,

And from the flames, like fabled Phoenix,

Our glorious liberty arose!

***

That old State House bell is silent,

Hushed is now its clamorous tongue;

But the spirit it awakened

Still is living-ever young;

And when we greet the smiling sunlight

On the fourth of each July,

We will ne'er forget the bellman

Who, betwixt the earth and sky,

Rung out, loudly, "Independence";

Which, please God, shall never die!

Unknown

Zentangle Book Page Swap

2009-07-03T21:07:00.000-07:00

Made for Smtheus

Host by Linda4atc

ATCsforALL Art Group

Size 5x7

Altered Domino

2009-06-30T23:27:00.001-07:00

Over at Altered Dominos and Other Altered Games

our challenge was to altered a domino and the theme was Heart

we were to embellish them with wire, beads and anything else we would like.

This goes to Shell-Shell

THIS WEEK CHALLENGE

2009-06-29T20:46:00.000-07:00

This week challenge that I am hosting over at ATCsforALL at Zentangle with a Twist we are to take 2 patterns the beeLine and the Cadent plus a circle/partial circle add our own patterns come up with something interesting and fun.

THE OLD STOIC

2009-06-26T20:16:00.000-07:00

Riches I hold in light esteem,

And Love I laugh to scorn;

And lust of fame was but a dream

That vanished with the morn:

***

And if I pray, the only prayer

That moves my lips for me

Is, "leave the heart that now I bear,

And give me liberty!"

***

Yes, as my swift days near their goal,

'Tis all that I implore;

Through life and death a chainless soul,

With courage to endure.

***

Emily Bronte

Zentangle Book Page

2009-06-25T19:12:00.001-07:00

Linda4ATC is hosting a Zentangle Book Page swap over at ATCsforALL. Being part of this group we each received 7 pages to zentangle. My first page is going out to Robin, she is such a delightful person her art is so whimsy and special. I had no problem deciding what I wanted to zentangle for her I immediately got to work here is what I came up with.

Mushroom Zentangle

2009-06-24T16:54:00.000-07:00

Artist Trading Cards can be very addicting. I have been making these cards now for over 2 years now. It always amazes me about these cards. I think the reason I love making them they are something that I can finish within a reasonable time. You never know with what you may trade for either. I have learned to be open minded and trade with anyone each card is unique in its own way. And, I'm delighted that each Artist is different some are more advance than others but heck we all can' t be the same now can we. Here is a card I did for the

"Lets Get Stitching2" Swap

over at

ATCsforAll.

PECANS IN THE CEMETERY

2009-06-23T16:39:00.000-07:00

I have been getting this little magazine in the mail from Hope International it has the nicest little articles in it. I just have to share this one with you.

******

On the outskirts of a small town, there was a big, old pecan tree just inside the cemetery fence. One day, two boys filled up a bucketful of nuts and sat down by the tree, out of sight, and began dividing the nuts. "One for you, one for me. One for you, one for me," said one boy. Several dropped and rolled down toward the fence.

***

Another boy came riding along the road on his bicycle. As he passed, he thought he heard voices from inside the cemetery. He slowed down to investigate. Sure enough, he heard, "one for you, one for me. One for you, one for me." He just knew what it was. He jumped back on his bike and rode off. Just around the bend he met an old man with a cane, hobbling along.

***

"Come here quick," said the boy, "you won't believe what I heard! Satan and the Lord are down at the cemetery dividing up the souls." The man said, "Beat it kid, can't you see it's hard for me to walk." When the boy insisted though, the man hobbled slowly to the cemetery. Standing by the fence they heard, "One for you, one for me. One for you, one for me." the old man whispered, "boy, you've been tellin' me the truth. Let's see if we can see the Lord.

***

Shaking with fear, they peered through the fence, yet were still unable to see anything. The old man and the boy gripped the wrought iron bars of the fence tighter and tighter as they tried to get a glimpse of the Lord. At last they heard, "one for you, one for me. That's all. Now let's go get those nuts by the fence and we'll be done."

***

They say the old man made it back to town a full 5 minutes ahead of the kid on the bike.

submitted by Diana Olson

Hope International Magazine

*********

Well that just tell ya, you can't always believe what you think you see or hear.

Gotta get the facts first!

D is for Donuts

2009-06-22T01:00:00.000-07:00

Doesn't this make you hungry?

D is for Donuts it sure makes me hungry. The Doc says I have Diabetes to be exact I have high blood sugar meaning I got to cut back on food that is high in starch n sugar. Poor Doc he is trying to get me to take that Diabetes pill I'm not going for it. ..giggle.. I have brought my sugar level down a whole lot through diet and exercise. Still have more to come down, but, for now I'm not considering that pill.

IN SCHOOL-DAYS

2009-06-21T01:00:00.000-07:00

Still sits the school-house by the road,

A ragged beggar sunning;

Around it still the sumachs grow,

And blackberry-vines are running.

***

Within, the master's desk is seen,

Deep scarred by raps official;

The warping floor, the battered seats,

The jack-knife's cared initial;

***

The charcoal frescoes on its wall;

Its door's worn sill, betraying

The feet that, creeping slow to school,

Went storming out to playing!

***

Long years ago a winter sun

Shone over it at setting;

Lit up its western window-panes,

And low eaves' icy fretting.

***

It touched the tangled golden curls,

And brown eyes full of grieving,

Of one who still her steps delay

When all the school were leaving.

***

For near her stood the little boy

Her childish favor singled;

His cap pulled low upon a face

Where pride and shame were mingled.

***

Pushing with restless feet the snow

To right and left, he lingered;

As restlessly her tiny hands

The blue-checked apron fingered.

***

He saw her lift her eyes; he felt

The soft hand's light caressing,

And heard the tremble of her voice,

As if a fault confessing.

***

"I'm sorry that I spelt the word:

I hate to go above you,

Because,"-the brown eyes lower fell.-

"Because, you see, I love you!"

***

Still memory to a gray-haired man

That sweet child-face is showing.

Dear girl! the grasses on her grave

Have forty years been growing!

***

He lives to learn, in life's hard school,

How few who pass above him

Lament their triumph and his loss,

Like her,-because they love him.

John Greenleaf Whittier

I KNOW SOMETHING GOOD ABOUT YOU

2009-06-20T01:00:00.000-07:00

Wouldn't this old world be better

If the folks we meet would say-

"I know something good about you!"

And treat us just that way?

***

Wouldn't it be fine and dandy

If each handclasp, fond and true,

Carried with it this assurance-

"I know something good about you!"

***

Wouldn't life be lots more happy

If the good that's in us all

Were the only thing about us

that folks bothered to recall?

***

Wouldn't life be lots more happy

If we praised the good we see?

For there's such a lot of goodness

in the worst of you and me!

***

Wouldn't it be nice to practise

That fine way of thinking, too?

You know something good about me,

I know something good about you?

Louis C. Shimon