M E L A N C H O L Y

It's funny how the universe works in quiet synchronicity.  As I was updating today's featured song, I noted that I had one song too many in the list.  I moved the next song in line to the bottom of the list and the next song to play was "Theme from Summer of '42".  Have you ever seen the movie?  If you haven't, I recommend taking the time to watch.  It's a great "coming of age" film.  I first saw it as a teenager and the theme has haunted me ever since.

When I arrived at the beach this morning, I was stunned.  All of a sudden, it was autumn.  I knew it was coming, I could feel it peak over the horizon last Friday.  Maybe it was the angle of the sun or maybe it was the slight difference in tone of the tree leaves, but I could feel autumn peaking at me then, and today, there it was staring right at me. . .

... in the waves crashing into the shore ..

...and the gulls playfully gliding on the northern breeze.

There was just no denying that warm, summer days are in the eleventh hour, and before long, the crisp, northern breezes will turn to cold, northern winds as autumn arrives in all her splendor and paves the way for another long winter.

As I sat on a bench enjoying  the moment, watching the dramatic clouds gently roll across the lake, and listening to the waves, I was suddenly reminded of those last melancholy scenes from "The Summer of '42" and the end of the summer season.  It's been difficult to shake the mood.

But tomorrow's another day, and one of the great things about living in Ohio is that you never know what the next day's weather will bring.  Actually, we have a saying here:  "You don't like the weather?  Stick around 5 minutes, it will change."  And so it did . . .

Happy Monday and "Happy Creating!"  Don't forget to post your SUMMER journal pages HERE.

Photo Journaling

As I look through the photos I've taken over the last month, it occurs to me that I'm becoming somewhat of a photo journalist, and the saying, "a photo's worth a thousand words", immediately comes to mind.   When I look at the spectacular sky photos I captured this past week, I am able to recall the feelings of awe and of my own insignificance in this vast universe as I gazed into the breath taking beauty of nature's creation.

It's been so rewarding to slow down and get "up close and personal" with nature.  Keith and I have been looking to upgrade our camera, so I borrowed our son, Mike's, Sony Cyber Shot.  I've been experiencing my SUMMER world with new eyes through the use of  "macro" function. It's amazing to experience the world in this "super realism"!

I hadn't realized (or remembered) just how textural and industrial looking a grasshopper is!  And did I mention creepy?  One is fascinating,  two are OK, but three or more together becomes a little shop of horrors!  There's a corner of my deck that they seem to have turned into a condo and they hop around like popcorn in the afternoon sun.  They seem to be enthralled with the white flowered perennials that are now blooming.  Needless to say, I water in the morning and give them their space!

For me, no other season brings back childhood and adolescent memories alive like SUMMER, and nothing says SUMMER more than fields of Queen Anne's Lace.  I recall the hours spent roaming country fields and woods with girlfriends dreaming of the exciting things to come like driving cars and going out with boys, or fretting over whether our breasts would get bigger or if we'd be invited to the next "hip" party.  Ah....how simple and innocent were those days. . .

Those shadows of the past can tug at my heart with a longing for the innocence of youth and going back to a time when choosing just the right outfit for a big event was the most pressing issue in a day's time.  I recall the shadows of long, hot summer days in the country making flower necklaces and catching lightening bugs at twilight.

How lucky are we that we are able to recapture those shadows of the past that put a smile on our face and warm, fuzzy feelings on our heart?  I'm glad that I've been able to journal this month of August through photographs and share wonderful walks and memories with friends and loved ones.  It's a pleasure sharing this SUMMER journey with you, and I hope it inspires you to "Happy Creating"! with your camera and recalling the happy shadows of your past.

"Let Your Art Shine All Over The World"

Don't forget to enter your SUMMER page links for a chance to win the *ARTtastic giveaway.  Directions to enter are HERE

Giveway Item 4

*ARTtastic Tiara

What journal junkie wouldn't love her own, unique tiara to place upon her head for more creative inspiration?  This lovely, paper mache tiara was hand painted by me specifically for YOU!

*ARTtastic Giveaway Item 4 - This lovely tiara

"How can I win this AWESOME tiara", you ask?  Simply create a SUMMER themed journal page, post it on your blog or website, and place a link to the image here on Angelia's Art Journals.  That's it!  Each link enters you into the drawing to win!  Go HERE to read the details of how to enter and to see a list of the other prizes.  So what are you waiting for?  Get those SUMMER journal pages posted while you're "Happy Creating!"

"Let Your Art Shine All Over The World"

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

Gone Fishin'

I've gone fishin' but I haven't taken any poles or lures.  I've gone fishin' with my paints and journal in my own fantasy world that I enjoy sharing with you.

A journal spread, "Gone Fishin' "   Created with craft acrylics & bubble wrap

I've gone fishin', but it's just to look at and appreciate the ambiance of the seafood restaurants down the road from me and on my way to the beach for my morning walks.

Brennan's Fish House, Grand River, OH

Pickle Bills, Grand River, OH

I've gone fishin', and it's with my friend and fellow artist, Ro.  We cast our troubles into Lake Erie and reel in the rewards and benefits of walking our way to better health.

Angelia & Ro (Photo: Ro Clarkin)

I've gone fishin', but it's with my camera.  I've captured special glimpses of nature on our morning walks, like this morning's awesome deer encounter.  These precious moments frozen in time are worth more than their weight in gold.

Deer at Headlands Beach State Park

I've gone fishin', but not for any real fish.  I've gone fishin' in the electronic universe searching for answers, and the greatest catch that I've found is YOU.  Each one of you who take the time to visit my blog, comment on the posts and participate in my activities are the ANSWER to my need to share this creative gift that I've been given. 

Thanks to each and EVERY one of you for the support, advice and love you've given to this Ohio artist and her "Happy Creating!".

"Let Your Art Shine All Over the World"

The SUMMER party and *ARTtastic giveaway continue! There's still plenty of time to enter, so read more about it and post your links HERE.