Dazed and Confused

I'm not really dazed and confused but I like that title.  Do you know that great Zeppelin song? It reminds me of summer.  Let me see if I can find it.  OK, here it is. Enjoy!



 Well, maybe I am a little dazed today but I don't think I'm confused.  It's been a busy week, a joyous, victorious week, and an exhausting week.  My mind is everywhere and nowhere.  I can't seem to focus my attention on any one thing because I've got so much going on.

Yesterday morning's sky was absolutely breathtaking over Lake Erie

In addition to my 1.2 mile morning beach walk, I walked about 2 miles to the Thursday farmer's market in downtown Painesville with my son, Mike, yesterday.  We had a great time and we bought some really yummy fruits and veggies.  It was SO hot - especially walking back to Mike's house.  I thought I would drop from exhaustion and when a squad passed us I wanted to thumb a ride.  But I MADE IT! I felt so victorious when we reached his house.  I really pushed myself.  I almost passed out, too.  I could see the darkness trying to envelope me as I tried to get my heart rate back down, but thankfully I was able to remain consciousness!

Part of the Buckeye Trail that runs through Mentor Headlands Beach State Park

So this morning, I pulled out a fairly new pair of tennis shoes that I had only worn about 3 times and headed to the beach for my usual morning walk.  WOW! What a difference a pair of shoes make!  I was still sore and tired from all of yesterday's walking, but I was invigorated and managed to walk most of the soreness away.  I'm going to tell you more about all this walking in September.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, there's a SUMMER party going on!  Have you been journaling?  Where are those summer pages?  Don't be shy!  Let me see what you're doing.  Post you summer page links HERE!

"Let Your Art Shine All Over the World"

And, (drum roll, please) I've almost completed the 4th item for the *ARTtastic Giveaway!  I'll be posting pics tomorrow.  I've also completed lots more backgrounds in the Giveaway journal.  You're gonna love it!

Let me remind you that inspiration is everywhere to put you in your "Happy Creating!" mode.  Let SUMMER in all her glory inspire YOU!

Monarch butterfly at Headlands Beach Park

More Summer Less Journaling

I've been so busy this week that it seems I've had little time for journaling! Lots of  art and "Happy Creating!" have been involved - just not in my journal.

One of the major things I've been creating is a "new me".  I'm trying to become more active and have started a walking program.  There are lots of parks in this area and no shortage of paths.  Here are some of the photos I've taken.

Tracks in the Sand at Headlands Beach Park

A reflection of trees in a puddle left by rain at Mentor Headlands Beach Park

Looking into the sky from a bench at Girdled Road Park

Girdled Road Park Path in the Woods

In between, I've still been creating art.  I created this painting, "When Mannequins Collide", for Ovation Community's "Nude Challenge".  Go to Ovation Community and check out some of the awesome entries in this competition.

"When Mannequins Collide"

I'm currently finishing up 3 preliminary drawings for a commission  I'm working on and hopeful will have them completed today.  I'll post photos of those in weeks ahead. 

I hope you're enjoying SUMMER, and I hope you'll get an opportunity to create at least one SUMMER spread so you have a chance to win my *ARTtastic giveaway!  Three prizes are already listed and I have many more to post.  Don't miss out!  Go HERE to find out more about it and to post your entry. 

Until next time, enjoy our rapidly escaping SUMMER months and find some time for "Happy Creating!"