ICADS and More

 I'll be sharing some of my week 2 index cards ( I have joined in on the Daisy Yellow Index Card a Day Challenge which runs June 1- July 31) along with one I just posted on Instagram earlier today to use for two other challenges as well. My blog banner is from week two as is this one. The quote is a Dina Wakley stamp, the flower silhouettes are a stencil from Magenta,and the sparkly flower stickers are a Dollar Store find:)

 But before I share some others let's go and visit T Stands For Tuesday with a beverage related photo shall we? I'm sharing two more  photos from Cape May a few weeks ago.

 We went to a restaurant/hotel/bar near our motel for a late afternoon meal before heading to our special jazz concert . This was the first time we ate or visited here and liked it very much! Hemingways Restaurant had a nice selection of food, specialty beers and wines along with all the other mixed drinks. It was a Sunday afternoon and pretty empty so we chose to stay at the bar. For my meal I chose a veggie burger and it was one of the best tasting I've had. It had the flavors of cumin and chili (very mild though). Hubby had an Angus beef burger which he claimed as excellent and done to his liking - well done. We will definitely go here again on our next visit to Cape May. The prices were very reasonable as it was happy hour!

 This is a photo of Lois Smith and her niece. Lois is a well known jazz and gospel vocalist who attended the jazz concert and after party. Here she talked with the pianist and then completely charmed us all with a few gospel songs. And can she SING! She had me and several others in tears when she sang Amazing Grace. It was a beautiful way to end the night. Unfortunately I wasn't able to find a link to Lois and her career.

 I made this index card especially for the new Simon Monday Challenge (stars and stripes), along with a Gelli Arts Giveaway  and challenge (red, white and blue) on Instagram. I have no idea how to link or add photos to/from blogs to/from Instagram so often I will post a pic on Instagram and tag it but I need to use my blog to post an actual link or photo to a challenge blog.

 In keeping with using up my deli paper Gelli Plate printed papers on this month's cards I have used one for this as well. The stencil (blue) is Tim Holtz Honeycomb. The Small Talk Occasions Stickers are also Tim Holtz. Star is a die cut. Vintage image from my stash. Black gel pen, blue Posca pen, and a bit of sewing to finish this card.

 Here are my other index cards from week 2. I am current on IG but behind in posting them here on the blog. Much easier to post daily on IG:)

              Unfortunately you can't see the glittery sparkle on the feather:(

 And finally, a journal page for Art Journal Journey (theme is "words to live by"):

 I began the background with Tim Holtz Symphony tissue collage paper then grunged it up with some blue and grey inks. The black/butterfly postcard is from my stash. That pretty collaged square in the center of it was a part of a decorated envelope my dear friend Patty S sent me. Quote chip is Tim Holtz.

 I'll also link to Paint Party Friday of course! If you have any questions regarding supplies etc. on the index cards just ask. My post would be way too long if I wrote a descriptive on each one!

 Thanks as always for your visits!

" You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them."             Maya Angelou

SUMMER!

  Hello!!! It's been awhile but for good reason. Hubby and I were able to get away again to our beloved Cape May mostly to attend a special jazz event. And it was only because friends and other people we got to know on our last visit in May told us we just had to come:) And it was awesome!!

 We chose to support this event and became one of George's Angels - a beautiful cause to honor George Mesterhazy who was an amazing musician. He died suddenly and unexpectedly at the age of 59. His fiancé (who owns the Merion Inn restaurant which we have been going to 26 years now) organized this to bring renowned jazz musicians, vocalists, etc. together to perform and to honor George's legacy. This is the 8th year and we were SO impressed by the whole event and concert that we already plan to attend next years! The theme of this concert was "Come Rain or Come Shine" and it was so appropriate as we did experience intermittent rain storms and sun during our stay. But we did get some gorgeous downtime at the pool on two afternoons:)

 Here are just a very few photos as we chose to just enjoy this special day. It began on Sunday mid morning with a private brunch at the Convention Hall where the concert would be held that evening.

 This was our view from the table. And I'm only sorry i took such a bad pic of the food because it was delicious!! There were several quiches- I had the spinach feta one, a cinnamon French Toast casserole also on my plate, coffee, tea juices, water, a large fruit bowl, hash browns, sausages, and a few other things I can't remember. It was a lovely way to begin the event and to meet some of  George's friends, and renowned musicians and orchestrators and singers.  Joining T Stands For Tuesday - it's good to be back!

 After the brunch we were invited to their dress rehearsal and we stayed quite a long time- it was fascinating to watch, and mingle with the artists and people who knew George.

This is Larry McKenna- a world known tenor saxophone player for over six decades! And he still plays as beautifully and smoothly as he did many years ago. At the piano is Barry Miles a famous musician, composer and director extraordinaire. Just the nicest, most humble guy, really as were all the others we met and talked with. On the bass in the back is Tim Lekan. Also performing were David O'Rourke, Bob Shomo, Paul Jost, Paula Johns, and Dean Schneider - all who were friends of and worked with George. Next post I'll share a few pics of the after party:)

 Art time! 

 This is meant for the Simon Monday Challenge (Transport It), Try It On Tuesday (It's a Man's World), and also for the Index Card a Day Challenge:

 Background is a Gelli Plate print on deli paper. Tim Holtz Paper Doll, Small Talk Occasions sticker, washi tapes, and a repurposed postage stamp.

 Here is my first week of ICADS (can't share them all here as there are too many  so I'll spread them out in my posts- or you can find them daily on Instagram):

 For the month of June all of my card backgrounds start with Gelli Plate deli paper prints. I'm trying to use them up so I can make more:):) If you have any ? about other supplies/products just ask me in the comments. 

 And if you're still with me- thank you! Here's one more bit of art- a journal page meant for Art Journal Journey hosted by Halle this month with the theme of "Words to Live By":

 Dina Wakley: Media Journal, collage tissue Faces, Words, Backgrounds, washi tape, paints- Cheddar, Peacock, Lime. Lg letters- foam stamps (Making Memories); alphabet stamp- Dylusions Basic Backgrounds; Marabu Art Spray- black; Jet Black Archival ink; black, white, orange, green, blue  Posca Pens; charcoal pencil; white, clear gesso.

 Also joining Paint Party Friday. Aah, Friday, which is also the Summer Solstice here in the Northern Hemisphere! I will absolutely celebrate it with lots of summer themed songs, enjoying the outdoors!!

 Thanks so much for taking the time to pop in- much appreciated. Looking forward to catching up in blogland again!

   " Cuz a little bit of summer is what the whole year is about."    John Mayer

T Stands For This n' That

 

 Well hello peeps- how are you? Wanted to begin by sharing this circle art with the nest because although I have not been able to spot the nests deep in our forsythia bushes, we have robins, catbirds, finches, and cardinals!!! First time I remember having cardinals nest in our yard- and boy they sure are noisy little things! I'm hoping to see lots of the fledglings fly out to one of the feeders:)

 And how's the weather by you? We have again had SO much rain- several days last week with actual tornadoes, damaging hail, and winds surrounding us. Hubby and I were very lucky and missed the brunt of much of it in our neighborhood. Scary stuff!

 The above art is another from a circle challenge I did on Instagram in April. Here's one more and then I only have a few more to show another time. It was such a great challenge for me to work on actual circles. And now I've jumped in for the first time on the Daisy Yellow ICAD a day challenge June 1 - July 31!! I'm posting one a day on IG as long as I can keep up. But you don't have to be on IG. And for those not on it I'll post my pieces here once a week. Anyone else joining in? Click the link and it will take you to the blog for more info. I have chosen NOT to do the prompts:)

 I will share this circle piece with Moo Mania and More for the theme of "things with wings".

 For T Stands for Tuesday I'll share a recent restaurant visit to have dinner and see a band:

 I remembered to at least get a photo of the house salad and glass of Merlot but then put away the phone and forgot to take pics of the bread and sauce and our main meals which are always good here at Stefanos!

Sharing this journal page with Art Journal Journey (theme this month is"Words to Live By"); Try It On Tuesday (Make A Mark); and Paint Party Friday:

 I smooshed some DOX inks on the background, added a bit of stenciling using Fuschia paint, scribbled with an aqua crayon, then spattered some black ink. I glued down the Dina Wakley Collage Collective circle image then scribbled and wrote around it. Lastly I glued down the Tim Holtz Small Talk sticker quote.

 That's it from me for now. I have a very busy (mostly good!)  time coming up in this next week and a half. TTFN!

               "There is no certainty; there is only adventure."    Roberto Assagioli

Remember

 Today in the US it is Memorial Day. A holiday weekend that for many means a first trip to the shore for the season, picnics, and grilling. Yes, it's good to enjoy those things but I hope everyone has a place in their heart to say a special prayer of thanks and remember the most important reason for this day- to honor those who so selflessly gave their lives so that we may live in the land of the free.

 I made this tag for the Simon Monday Challenge (frame it); the Simon Wednesday Challenge (bright colors inspiration moodboard); and Tag Tuesday (gardening):

 Products: manila tag; various Distress inks; Tim Holtz/Sizzix Wildflowers dies; Tim Holtz Clippings stickers; wood frame (Studio Calico); fabric scrap; dark green cardstock; vintage image( ARTchix Studio collage sheet); Stickles glitter glue(Ranger).

 For T stands for Tuesday I guess I'll make most of you hungry again:)

 Once again, another breakfast in Cape May, NJ on our last visit. Of course, at the Oceanview Restaurant. And I must have this scrambled egg/ veggie wrap for one breakfast every time we're in town. SO yummy- and I get two meals out of it too:):)

 Journal page:

 a page from the Dylusions Creative Dyary journal. I kept it clean and simple using an old PSX bee stamp, a new Dina Wakley flower stamp, and a few Dina Wakley paints. Sharing my page with Art Journal Journey hosted this month by Erika with the theme of  "in the sky/in the air".

 And just for fun I'll share a few more of my circle art pieces from an Instagram challenge last month:

 Joining Paint Party Friday later this week too. Happy week to everyone!

" Flow with whatever may happen and let your mind be free. Stay centered by accepting whatever you are doing."        Zhuangzi

Finding The Rhythm Again

 Hello Peeps! Back from a short vacation in Cape May, NJ with lots to share and catch up on- so, fair warning:)

 We mainly went because hubby wanted to run a special 5K race there for his 60th birthday. Friday was windy and cold, Sunday and Monday were cold, windy and almost all rain (UGH) but everyone lucked out on Saturday, the morning of the race.  It was gorgeous!

 There were close to 500 runners- a record! And Bill completed it- not to win, but just to say he could still do it at 60:)

 For T Stands For Tuesday:

 On Friday we arrived in time for a late lunch and went to a favorite spot  mostly for breakfast- the Ocean View. My chicken caesar wrap was excellent, and Bill enjoyed every bite of his turkey club, of course in addition to having my coleslaw and half my fries;)

 Not long after we got home from Cape May, the next morning we began dog sitting duties for our friends. Riley was having his vacation with us:

                                           he is such a love!

 Now to the art! First up- a card meant to celebrate Try It On Tuesday's 10th birthday. Happy birthday and thanks so much to all the hosts and guests for many years of artful inspirations!

 I have another card- this one for the Simon Wednesday Challenge (Stitches):

 Products: small white notecard; pink, white, blue card stock; patterned paper, image, die Simon Says Card Kit of Aug. 2018; Jet Black archival ink; rubber stamp sentiment (Just For Fun); dot scallop border die, wonky rectangles die (Simon Says Stamp); alcohol markers; Stickles glitter glue.

 Moo Mania and More's theme is "doors" so I'm joining in with this page from my Creative Dyary calendar journal:

Another journal page; this one meant for Art Journal Journey for the theme of "In the Sky/ In the Air" hosted by Erika this month:

 Assorted washi tapes; Dina Wakley Collage Collective (bird image); Circle Collage stamp (Stamper's Anonymous); Versafine Onyx Black ink; black Fude Ball pen; Posca pens; Tim Holtz Small Talk Occasions stickers.

 For the Simon Monday Challenge ( Use Stencils):

 Dina Wakley Media Journal, Collage Collective, mini favorites stencil; Tim Holtz Snarky Small talk sticker, honeycomb stencil, mini stapler. Various acrylic paints, torn tissue paper, black embroidery floss, brass brad.

 Whew! Almost didn't make it here  as our internet was down all day until now as I type because of heavy storms during the night last night. Looking forward to catching up again!

Also sharing my post with Paint Party Friday.

 See you soon:)

"We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures." 
                                                     Thornton Wilder