Beauty and the Beast

One of the many images of Chautauqua.  Loved the beautiful "Black Eyed Suzies" as my Mom used to say and the pretty yet practical "beast," The combination is wonderful and fun.  Added a few of my own layers and some from Kim Klassen and Fly Paper.

Summer and Soul Searching

I wish there was more time each summer to sit by the water, let the sand squish through my toes and watch the ripple of the waves.  Each summer brings new complexities and I long for the days when my kids were little and life was simpler.  I have spent the majority of this summer trying to find a place of balance.  Family, work, art, volunteering . . the list goes on.  Yesterday, I heard an amazing woman speak and she said, "I express myself through my art."  I knew I was creating pieces I loved, but I really never thought of it as an expression of my soul--who I am today.  So for today, I will stop, enjoy, and treasure a moment.  I may not stop long enough to have sandy toes, but I will stop long see the world around me and hopefully create a new piece of art that really expresses who I am.  I will treasure the escape to my photography and learning new techniques to make art.  Cheers to summer pleasures and expressing yourself.

Bob's Vette