My Birdsong

A Flurry of Snow and Supplies

Just a glimpse of a newly finished Christmas piece that's now available for purchase. Keep reading and the full view is sure to pop up here.

Now that it's the middle of November, I'm trying to get my studio better organized after my fantastic weekend in Omaha at Silver Bella. I bought all kinds of supplies and some beautiful art at Vendor night. Here's a little of what I was lucky enough to get:

I still have to unpack one box I stuffed with antiques and small purchases. I checked it as luggage, because my two other suitcases were full! But you can see, I found some unique vintage items along with some amazing art. Silver Bella was just one more facet added to a new attitude in creating my art.

During the past few months, my art has taken on a new freedom. I don't feel constrained as I did before. I think part of it is meeting new artists who have opened my eyes. Who have created beautiful things out of items I just wouldn't think of using.

And maybe the other part is that with Brianna gone, I feel there is no time to waste. I'm living in a different universe now. What was is no longer and a new path has been created for me.

The new direction means I'm going break into that stash of vintage corsages I've had for two years and been afraid to cut up. They're just so beautiful! But all the more reason to share them with you. And I'm going to try a little retro style, because it reminds me of a simpler time.

For now, here's the new Christmas theater I have available and promised you to see. Let me know what you think and if you feel a change in you coming on too.

Starting a New Blog

It's been only two months since my teenage daughter died, and I am pouring myself into my art and tennis. I have met several other parents who have lost children. The need to meet others who have experienced the worst loss in life helps me feel that I am not alone. Unfortunately, there ARE others who have endured and continue to endure this terrible pain. It really is difficult for anyone to understand unless they've been through it themselves. How the littlest thing can just set your mind reeling with happy memories and sad memories of hospitals and IVs.

So for now, I am finding therapy in others and in my art. I've been dabbling in lots of different things and lately have been creating Halloween pieces, one of which is pictured below. There are two listed on eBay and two more on Etsy. Click on these links to see what's new.

I am new to all of this so bear with me as I learn the ins-and-outs of a new blogging site. Thank you for your support and love through this painful summer of 2007. ~Iva