Jungle Fever

This is a long post... It's not my typical post.  

But then again... what is typical? normal? constant in every day living?

It may intrigue you, it was a vivid dream.  

Then again, it may not interest you!!!  

If anything, scan through all the pictures of this post.  I drew them all, digitally on my IPad on the Sketchbook app.  I think they turned out awesome.  And to think that 4 months ago I didn't even know this type of doodling existed for me!!!

I love to learn.

But sometimes I don't know all the answers.

I love signs... ideas that pop up to guide me or direct me, but I don't always know what they mean.

I failed at something 6 months ago.  It really made me sad.... MAD too.  But it's okay to fail!  It's like ending a chapter in a book... it's NOT THE END.... just the end of that chapter.  Time to start a new chapter!  Right? Turn the page.

I happened upon something new.  Lots of new things in fact... and now it's time to CULTIVATE my good life and start to grow.... again.

Here is my Learning to Journey on your Spiritual Journey with Rebecca.... she created the environment or my natural wanderings of the mind to navigate the realm of mystery....

As I closed my eyes I was transported to a beach with comforting white sand to my left and clear blue water and white topped waves to my right.  (Often, ocean dreams are about bringing awareness into your life.Water symbolizes the spiritual rebirth - the strength of the life.  )

The waves came in and out and became it's own happy rhythm.  

There was a wonderful breeze... it was neither  hot or nor cold.... it was just wonderfully pleasant. 

As I watched the ocean, sea...come in and out... I saw crystal clear pools of water among some strong rocks next to the lazy beach. The jagged yet smooth water worn rocks would hold the pools of water as the ocean came in.... and slowly the clear water  would empty out.  Sink into the sand... evaporate, disappear. Some small pools held random rocks and shells and the little light weight items would bob up and down in the small pool.  And with the next wave in it might take it back into the ocean with it when it exited.  I could watch the back and forth, and back and forth of the waves coming in and going out....

I looked up and around and saw a variety of lush green-ness to my left.

It was very inviting and welcomed me to it.  I was careful.  I didn't want to break any branches or bend any leaves.  I didn't want to step and break anything of the jungle floor.  I didn't want to disturb nature.  But it was calling me to come in and explore.... but be careful! (A jungle is an environment that is full of lushness and that has many possibilities. )

As I made my way in to the jungle I came upon a very unusual sight....

Under and around my feet I saw my Pomeranian Tucker.... but he eventually morphed into a wide eyed Furby Ewok type of character.  He was very excited to see me, but slightly shy, peeking up between the leaves.  

Next was a very, very, very red lady bug. (we often associate a ladybug with hard work, clear planning, and the use of relationships in order to progress in life. ) Sort of like a Jitter bug.  She stood her ground, but she was very excited to lead me somewhere.  

And then next was a very furry caterpillar. (the caterpillar in the dream symbolizes the for the most part unaware spiritual potential which only must unfold his beauty.) The Caterpillar walked with it's many legs up and down the leafy frond.  Never jumping off or leaving it's path.  

Each animal (symbol)  kept their own special spot on the leaf .... sure not to interrupt the space of the other.  

Not shone in this picture but to my left I heard a rustle on the jungle floor.  It was a snake.  I wasn't scared.  It came close, but then it would slither back, and come toward me again.... but for some reason it just went away.... it was not supposed to be here with my other friends.

It was time to journey further into the jungle.  My Wide eyed friend and the fuzzy caterpillar became very white like a Albino.... and the lady bug stayed vivid red.  Tucker jumped on to my shoulder as we walked deeper into the jungle.  There was excitement where the journey would take us.  But we were in no hurry. 

And then all of sudden .... breaking through the tall trees we saw this...

Sun light, shining on the perfect blue flowers.  Just look and don't touch!  Forget-me-nots?

(It means that you know what to do and how to do it but you can’t get up enough courage to actually pull through it and do what needs to be done.)

After looking for the beauty in all things, we trekked on through the jungle and came upon yet another wonderful sight....

I spied down on this beautiful vision and just felt serenity.  But I couldn't figure out how to get down to the pool to dip my toes.  (Dipping one in the water down, so the need is expressed to renew own forces and to return to the origin.)

And just like that (it was a dream after all) the leaves and trees opened up to my right and there was an easy walkway that opened up for me to get to the waterfalls.  (A waterfall registers the dreaming that he will surround of a spiritual power which he should make use) The sound of the water falling into the pool was magical.  It was peaceful, calm and quiet.  I stepped over the little falls to the right and stepped into a cave that opened up under the big falls.  I was able to sit on a ledge and drop my feet into the pool.  The tiny falls was streaming with cool water, while the larger falls was warm.  All of a sudden the ledge I was sitting on turned into a slide that opened up and swept me down into the pool.

It was an endless pool.  And when I fell in I felt all this fingers touching me.  Maybe they weren't fingers but water bugs? Just lightly touching my toes and feet, my legs and my arms.... touch, tap, touch, tap.... Something tugged at me and pulled me under.  I wasn't afraid.  It held me down and then I was let go and popped up in the middle of the pool.   Touch, tap, touch at all angles..... and I was pulled down under again.  Gently I was let go and I popped up above the surface of the pool.  It looked like a geyser.  It was so clear and so deep.  And then I got turned about in a spin and pushed out to the opening of a river.

It was like a lazy river.  (Moving water, as for example in a brook, indicates at the fact that your emotional world changes is subjected) On both sides of me I saw lush greenery waving .... that eventually turned into people cheering.  I could see that there was a bridge going over the river and was looking for a way to get out of the river, but there was no place for me to get out.  And I saw up ahead another bridge.... but again I was not able to find a way to get out of the river.... so I just stayed floating down the river and let the river take me where it will.... and it popped me back out into the ocean near where my journey began. ( It is a mysterious substance, because it can flow by, about and round things. )

Tired from my journey, I found a place on the beach to lay my head and curl up my body.  My friends came back to me.  Tucker still all white curled up near my head.  I was covered by a palm frond and the ladybug pulled in her legs and the caterpillar, all white wrapped around itself and we fell asleep under the vast sky of stars.  (as the sign of brilliancy, achievement, ambitions or lofty morals. You are great believer of luck and fortune and hence take your crucial decisions depending on them)

More:http://www.gotohoroscope.com/txt/dream-meaning-star.html)

After my vivid day dream was over ... I thought that I was not the only person in the world, but in this world I am the only person that is me.

Every Day is Special

Have you ever noticed that the month of February seems to be filled with holidays?

Some are more celebrated than others.  There are holidays that are more commercial, some that are obscure, and others barely noticed by anyone.

To recognize friends and family on any day is something very special.  As a cardmaker, I think any and every day should be celebrated.

In no particular order.... Valentine's day!  Don't you hate it when people say 'happy valentimes day'? TIMES...... where on earth did that come from?  Some say it's sappy.... Hallmark holiday to make money.... yeah, so what?  We need to promote more love.... there is enough hate and craziness out there.  MORE LOVE!

Last week there was Chinese New Year, Mardi Gras (or Fat Tuesday), Ash Wednesday and other weird little celebrating days.... along with Lincoln's birthday, Presidents' Day etc.... and of course all the people who celebrate birthdays in February!  The above is a dragon doodle, drawn by hand with pen and paper.... and then....

I uploaded it to the computer to color it in ... and add the text.

Holidays and special days are good for a graphic artist.  They keep us busy creating!

Nothing poignant to my blog post today.  

I'm happy that I can always find something to create... every day.

For the Right Reasons I will Creep

Week #6  * DO52  *  CREEP

My word for the week is CREEP!

First thing to my mind is being a creep.... which is a noun.  Wipe that off the topic.

Creep: move slowly and carefully, especially to avoid being heard or noticed.

Well, I definitely want to be noticed ...for the right reasons!  

 I certainly move slowly and carefully when I walk my dogs when it's icy outside during winter in Chicagoland, I wouldn't speak if I avoided being heard, why bother!!

I will have to dig deep to bring a little creep into my life.  Maybe you have ideas to help me?

For now:

One can never consent to creep when one feels an impulse to soar.

Heart Across the Globe

It's all about the journey, right?

When you practice every day you get better at what you do.

I practice doodling.

I practice writing.

I practice converting hand doodles into electronic color pictures.

I have fun when I practice!

Below is my original 8-1/2 x 11 doodle picture representing Hearts across the globe.  As you can see, I take some things quite literally. 

After I took this picture, I uploaded it to Photo Shop Elements 8 and 'colored' it in. Shh, I found a mistake.  See if you can find it. 

I don't need to print it off, because now that it is in the computer, it has become digitized and can be up/downloaded wherever I want it to go.

The un-colored version is going to the Doodle Institute as a contribution to the next coloring book.  

Not sure what I'm talking about?  A few months ago I signed up for online classes at the Doodle Institute.  It's an online community of doodlers, artists and like minded creative types.  As part of an on going project with our leader Diane, she decided to create a published coloring book with our artwork.  In doing so, she took us along with the process, showing each step of the way. 

Our collaborated coloring can be found on Amazon here.

Wanna Build a Snowman

Well it's a fine day here in Chicagoland.

Not the kind of day you would build a snowman outside, it's raining!

I probably say this every January.... and some of my best friends are flakes.... but I love me a cute snowman!  Mostly, doodled snowmen!

It's 2016!! Have you set new goals?  New challenges?  Words to live by?  My one little word for the year is Cultivate!  Part of cultivating a good life is.....to find and learn new ways to be creative .... for instance.

If you go back anywhere in my blog, you will see that one of my top postings is about learning new things.  I love to learn!  I noticed through my horoscope as well, that a Aries trait is one to love learning!!!

We will see if this works.  I am learning how to do a video with my snowman doodle.  I'm quite excited if I was able to make this work. I set up a video clamp, lighting, made the video, edited the video and added music.  If I come back with red text to the post, it means I had to EDIT.... because this attempt was not a complete success.... yet!!!!

Do you wanna build a snowman.... on paper.... with video!!

Dog & Monkey Show

Some day, or not.... I will have a book that includes all my doodles.  Until I do, I will share them here on my blog. 

I've never been one, to be part of a national organization, but if you follow me.... you know that I have been part of the House of Shine.... and, what is so great about technology.... if you don't have a 'real' house of shine near by.... you can always stay connected with social media.  

Time changes everyone.... new things pop up all of the time... and now I am part of the Doodle Institute. And it's not a physical institute, but it's a place on social media that like minded artist congregate.  As a participant, you can always share your doodles. And if you also have a blog.... you can show off there, too!

I was given the opportunity to share some motivation.  Each Monday I have written up little ditties that can be shared and used by anyone who needs a new idea.  This past week I wrote this:  

December 14

Not my circus, not my 'monkeys'.   There is no 'monkey' business when Doodle Girl & Friends presents, Monday Morning Doodle Motivation.  'Monkey' see, 'monkey' do-odle! Sign your work and share it here on Facebook. Quit 'monkey-ing' around and doodle, 

I've decided to doodle the Adventures of Cooper & Tucker each week, and here is my 'digital' doodle for this week.  Until about 2 months ago, I didn't even think about this type of art.  Now, I am practicing doodling with the computer as part of my create every day.

I first doodle the picture on paper with a black marker.  Then, I take a picture of it with my IPhone. Then I upload the picture to PhotoShop Elements 8 on my computer, where I do a little (the word is little) magic and add some color to my drawing.  Next, I save the artwork and now I am able to share it here on my blog post.  Or, I can't print it on the copier and use it to create..... anything.... mostly a greeting card.

Now the dogs have a new friend, his name is Fenn.  These animals have fun personalities.... don't you think??

A Doodle Video

Hello! Well, I don't know how advanced I'm getting.  

But I love to learn new things,  

So, here is my first attempt at creating a doodle video.

The original doodle took me almost 4 minutes.  Which I think is pretty good.  But in this day and age where people want to see it.... get it.... and move on, I figured I needed to speed it up.  It is now just under a minute.  I draw so fast!!!

Who knew my little iphone could do all of this?  Funny to say phone.... smart phone with a video camera and FREE apps that can make you look totally awesome.  And just a simple.... four hours later you get something like this ....

Edit: Yes, the video doesn't work.  Darn!  I am working on this new techie stuff.  Stay tuned.  Some day I will figure it out!!!

For me, I still love sharing my basic doodle.... The adventures of Cooper & Tucker.  I actually drew this same picture twice because I had added something to the video that I didn't know how to un-do technically.... so it was much simpler just to re-draw the picture.

 And then later in the day I decided I can't just have a blank page.... well, I mean an un-colored page.  I went back in and added the color.

After all this processing was done, I asked my hubby why the heck I did this.  

And he said  'because you like to learn new things, especially because it makes you a better person when you get creative and share'.  

Not sure today at this moment what the heck I'm going to do with this knowledge ....  but I do know that a part of me gets so excited when "I get it" and then another part of me says 'this is soooo hard' and then another part of me goes 'what else do you have to do' and then another part of me says 'go big or go home'.  

I really think all these parts of me need to stop talking behind my back and get on the same page.  

Enjoy my little doodle video. Edit: Some day!!!

Doodle No Evil

I've given myself a challenge.  And I have accepted.

As a member of the Doodle Institute I was able to write some cute little motivational quotes.  And I thought I would incorporate them with The Adventures of Cooper and Tucker.    I give you this weeks Monday Morning Doodle Motivation ...

Not my circus, not my 'monkeys'.   There is no 'monkey' business when Doodle Girl & Friends presents, Monday Morning Doodle Motivation.  'Monkey' see, 'monkey' do-odle! Sign your work and share it here on Facebook. Quit 'monkey-ing' around and doodle, 

To challenge myself even more, I am learning how to take my doodle and put it on the computer to digitize it, color it in and add the sentiment.  I am very much in the beginning stages of this challenge.  But I like the results.  

My fur babies always get into some sort of trouble.  What adventures will we all find ourselves in next week???

Blog Smart

Why blog?

I have been blogging for almost 9 years!

I didn't think I'd have anything to say.

I think, what if I stuck to my original idea of taking one of our garden gnomes on all of our life's adventures?? I was going to take pictures with the gnome and then document where we were with him.  But then I got bored with that, thinking for sure it was NOT exciting at all.  All the places we've gone to in 9 years.... that might have been a pretty awesome travel blog. Ha!

There have been short periods of time where I didn't blog.  I just wasn't feeling it.

Recently, through other social media that never existed 9 years ago,  the question was posted in a way that I heard... why do you blog?

There are a few ways I could answer that question.... but the main one I discovered is ... I blog for accountability!

Accountable:  required or expected to justify actions or decisions; responsible.

I blog to hold myself accountable for my actions.  

Ever since we moved to Illinois from Wisconsin, and then my children grew from teenagers to spread their wings in the big world ... I have been seeking my purpose.  I have been trying to find my niche. Where do I fit?  What can I do?  What am I here for?

Not very often am I held responsible anymore for what I do, or what I say, or how I do it, or why I do it.... but blogging for me has held me accountable.

I blog to share my life's experiences. It's my living diary.  I blog to show off my artwork, crafts, gardening, cooking and adventures.  I blog because I think that someone might learn something new or different, or something just downright awesome. I blog because it keeps me active in technology. It keeps my mind moving and helps me to learn about new things. I blog because its a way to keep memories....

I blog because it keeps me accountable for the things in life that are important... for me to be me. 

To SHINE!

I have fun blogging!

Above is my most recent Adventures with Cooper and Tucker.  It seems they got a hold of my laptop on Cyber Monday and decided to do a little shopping!  Sneaky fur babies.

3 Easy Steps to Make a Greeting Card

I get so excited when I learn something new!
Well of course.... I could learn a lot of new 'things' , but when they change the way I've been doing something, that's when I get excited!!

This, is just a very simple doodle.  

It's an outline of 3 super cute woodland animals.  Although it is completely drawn by me, (can't help myself, I admit that I copied the idea from a Papyrus card) I put pen to paper, I committed my lines (no pencil beforehand).  Once all the lines were completed and closed... I took a picture with my Iphone of my picture, and uploaded this to my computer.

Since I love to learn... I have been taking an online class where I'm learning all kinds of things related to doodling and electronic doodling.  I was able to upload my art to my Photo Shop Element program and make my hand drawn doodle .... digital.... and color it in as you can see above.  They look even MORE animated!!!

My original hand drawn doodle is on the bottom right, on the keyboard  The computer screen holds my image and what it looked like when I digitized it, or colored it in and then I added the sentiment. Propped up on the left side is a completed card... with some PRDesign additions, embellished and dimensional.

Do you know what this means?????  I could make a lot more of the same exact card!!!  Well, that's good and bad, because I did pride my card making as unique and one of a kind, because each card is/was hand drawn!! Now, who knows where this could lead to.

As simple as one two 3.... well.... I could certainly have made one card quicker.  But now that I am learning to master this new technique, who knows what is possible.

My 2015 Year of Progress..... one step at a time I'm getting there!

No Restrictions

Number eight in my series of 10 posts of the Principles of Shine.

People who SHINE are fixated on their passions and will work tirelessly to reach their goals.  They do what they love because they cannot imagine an alternative. The House of Shine.

Be Relentlessly Passionate.

Be, Do, Share

You don't have to do art exclusively, to be creative.  

But, in my case I am proud to admit that I am an artist.  I have constant feelings for the need of being creative, and I can not imagine a day with out drawing, doodling or making something.

I  just completed a card order.  That is, making creative greetings for a customer. I was so happy the way things turned out.  And of course, I was doubly happy to get paid for my work.  

I had a list of things I wanted to get at the store.  The store in fact is Hobby Lobby.  Funny.  But I needed/wanted some things to help me create better....differently.... imaginatively.

My passion is crafty art.  

Part of my life is to create.  I am so excited to share what I do. 

My imagination is my limit.  

I can't wait to see where my art can take me!