Gung Hay FAt Choy

I'm a horse so here's a horse for the Chinese New Year.

The Ultimate t-shirt class

I took the class "the Ultimate t-shirt" by Marcy and Katherine Tilton via Craftsy.com. I am now sold on taking classes via the internet. Great course with thorough step by step instruction. I may have overcome my fear of knit fabric! (Sorry, the photo isn't terribly flattering but I wanted to blog about my sewing success.)

I like the Tilton sisters patterns and a lot of them use knit fabric. I feel that I may be able to tackle those patterns now.

If you are interested in taking a course (and Craftsy has lots to choose from: art. sewing, knitting, etc.) check the reviews. Check to see what the course covers. And watch for sales! I took my class at a discount because it was on sale after Christmas. Good Luck!

Hot colors for a cold climate..

I decided to layer some reds with my orange linen jumper. Hot tamale! If a had a slim red belt, I might add it to the outfit.

Check other fashion statements at:  http://notdeadyetstyle.blogspot.ca/2014/01/visible-monday-122-black-and-blue-and.html#disqus_thread

And if you don't like sentiments like these: 

Go check out:  http://whoneedsfeminism.tumblr.com/

Seven Years??

 Winter Elk   watercolor   SOLD  2007

I can't believe it has been seven years since I took a workshop with Carol Marine and learned about painting daily and blogging. Blogging is like journaling for me. I can go back and see what I was painting or thinking at a given time. I am quaintly surprised when someone tells me how much they enjoy my blog (even given my occasional rants!). I really appreciate the people who do follow me and especially appreciate comments. Thanks for being there.

A thing about chairs

 Two Chairs    16x16 acrylic    donation to charity

I have a tendency to rescue old chairs. I like their lines and I like to paint them bright colors. I had to get rid of a bunch when we moved but now I am on the hunt again. I want to be like my brother (the king of chairs) who has dozens squirreled away in his basement and garage.

Someone you know....

 

Read their stories here:  http://www.1in3campaign.org/page/4#.UtlpV7RlBzn

I discovered this website that lists women's stories concerning abortion. I was shocked by how many women where using birth control (sometimes more than one form) and became pregnant. I believe that a woman has to make her own choice regarding abortion. I strongly believe that that choice should be protected. How can women plan their lives if they do not have control over the decision when and if to have children.

I pledge to speak out against the shaming of women who have had an abortion. I will help build a culture of empathy, justice, and support for access to abortion care and for the 1 in 3 women who will have an abortion in her lifetime. The silence and stigma end here.

remake

I have had this dress forever. I love the print. But I thought it looked a little dowdy at that length. 

So I shortened the sleeves and hem and gave it a winterized update. Good to go.

Go check out other fresh ideas at: http://notdeadyetstyle.blogspot.ca/2014/01/visible-monday-121-its-wrap-in-black.html

Demeter and an art journal challenge

Demeter   8x10 collage   Papier Colle Femmes collaboration 2013

I have been meaning to start an art journal for 2014. And ta-da, inspiration arrived in the form of a website OneYearArtJournal. 

I hope to take part in the prompts. Check it out at:  http://oneyearartjournal.blogspot.gr/2014/01/the-precinct-year-in-life-of-art.html

One of the Best Moments of 2013

On June 25, 2013, Davis began a filibuster to block the Senate Bill 5. She attempted to maintain the floor until midnight, when the Senate's special session ended, after which the state Senate would no longer be able to vote on the measure.^[28] Following an 11-hour filibuster – three hours short of midnight – Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst ruled that Davis had gone off topic, forcing a vote on whether the filibuster could continue.^[29] Despite Republican efforts, parliamentary inquiries from Leticia R. Van de Putte and others as well as raucous cheering and yelling from the political activists gathered in the Capitol carried on through midnight and the close of the special session.

just after 11.45pm, when Democratic senator Leticia Van de Putte asked what a female member had to do to be heard over a male senator, the public gallery erupted.
Amid nearly 15 minutes of sustained cheering, the senate president was unable to call the session to order.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g77gHlRYHpQ

**Confusion ruled as police began streaming through the Capitol to arrest protesters and clear the crowd. The Texas Senate website released a statement announcing that SB5 had passed – even as the Texas Tribune's Becca Aaronson reported that an official Senate timestamp showed the final vote approving SB5 was taken at 12:02 A.M., two full minutes past the deadline. As the dust settled, evidence emerged that Republicans had resorted to changing the timestamp in an attempt to fake the bill's passage.

But with a gallery still packed with Democratic lawmakers and supporters – and upwards of 180,000 people around the country watching a livestream of events online – Republicans could sustain the fiction only so long. After three hours of continued protests, disputes and meetings inside Senate offices, state senators finally confirmed to the Texas Tribune the vote was invalid. The bill was dead – for now, at least.**

**excerpts from Rolling Stone magazine