laura's journal-home

TWT March 16.....CONTEST!

2010-03-16T09:00:00Z

Recovery, by Tyndall

In a stroke of good fortune with the health powers that be, my sinuses are getting some much needed surgical TLC. If that stroke of good fortune continues, I will get some much-loved, potent meds that either knock me out flat or float me over the next 2 T-w-T’s. So over the next couple of weeks, I am posting some oldies but goodies. But before we get to that…

In what I hope will be my uber-zen (pharmaceutically-high) state of being, I will need some entertainment. I want you, the LL readers, to post your favorite blogs and some sage&hilarious comments to get me through my recovery. Whoever posts the blog I find most entertaining, alongside some tried&true healing wisdom (or downright, laugh-out-loud commentary), wins a Lace Edge 1x1 Supima Modal Tank (color of your choosing-one of my very tops of all time-& yes, I mean a new one, not the one I’ll be wearing for my 2-week recovery).

In order to have a robust competition (and a winner), at least 10 different people have to post blogs or comments below. Don’t send me emails. I want comments on LL’s blog. I also show favoritism to those readers who regularly comment on LL’s other blogs. The deadline is this Saturday midnight (the 20^th). Meanwhile, here are some staples that regularly mend me:

1. Obviously the Michael Stars tank. My favorite color is cement. Or deep gray. Or soft baby pink. Oh who the hell am I kidding, I have them all. I want you to have one, too. So post. And get your friends to post. And then beat them out of a lace-beater-tank. With the love of the Lord, of course.

2. UGG® Australia 'Classic Short' Boot. They have some great summer/ spring colors. Current favorite: FERN. A perfect post-operative shoe. They can noodle you through pretty much anything. Right LL?

3. Exuviance Intensive Eye Treatment Pads. You’ve heard it before. LOVE them.

4. Love’s RECOVERY by the Indigo Girls from Indigo Girls (expanded edition). It’s a constant rediscovery. Good for all types of recovery.

Now, it’s your turn…

Laura here and up there (see picture.... Yin and me). Jasmine Star took this picture two years ago and I'm wearing thar yellow Michael Stars tank (Ty told me to), same kind that's being given away (and that I am hoping to win). When I wear them I pretend Jessica Biel and I shop at the same stores and they are longer than most so one's rear isn't exposed when one bends over to tie Stride Rites. Always a plus.

squeezed in the middle

2010-03-15T11:28:46Z

This morning Husband took a deep breath and closed his bathroom drawer, aghast that his toothpaste tube was violated once again. He came looking for the culprit.... Who me? Don't make eye contact. We are ssoooo different.

Most days our yin and yang balance quite nicely. I make the messes and he bites his tongue. This time of year however my yang really gets on his nerves.... tax season.

Below is Yin's filing system for important receipts.

And Yang's filing system....

Becoming and being are the yin and yang of our lives. One inner one outer....The secret is balance. ~Unknown

kelly's creative weekend

2010-03-13T18:46:10Z

Art Journaling, written by Kelly

I really like words and seek out artists who incorporate language into their work. I often clip words out of magazines and tape them in a journal. ~LL

Art journaling is not just for artists that draw. There is an entire visual journaling world out there to fit anyone's needs, personality, and talent. A photographer, like Laura could print her pictures, cut them up and collage them into her journal with inspirational words. This journal could be a place for her engineering husband to explore the dynamics of that aerospace anatomical rocket ship. Can you engineer an anatomical rocket? I have no clue. What I do know is that even a left brained engineer can benefit from visual journaling… and that something about aerospace anatomical rocket ships sounds pretty hot! I guess the point is that you can have a mind of an engineer completely left brained and still benefit from visual journaling…(Laura, was that the point??:) )

Everyone can relate to words and words can really get that inspiration flowing. Here are some ideas for adding text to your journals.

1. TAPE- You can be like my friend Laura and clip words out of magazines and tape into a journal. Laura uses tape to affix her words. Let tape be part of that collage tear the edges of the masking tape to create a worn texture, use it as a stencil, paint over it and let the tape add texture to your work, cut into shapes, use as stickers/letters, create a border around your page and/or photo. Home Depot has tape in just about every color or try for a more industrial look- graffiti style.

2. FONTS- Flip through your magazines and cut out words that inspire you, combine all of the different words and fonts to create your own sentences. I love mixing the different fonts. In fact, try mixing up the fonts, letter sizes, and combining lower case and capital letters. Use your computer to create varied fonts print them off on white, colored, or patterned paper and collage into your work. Print them off to use as visual guides and add your own unique twist. Invent your own fonts, incorporate pictures, and designs into your letters. Use scrolls, spirals, wavy, zig zags, and straight edges.

For example: LOvIngLife (I'm trying to be inspirational here) DrEAM Big (insert your idea for an aerospace anatomical rocket ship here.) Remember the style of font you choose will create a mood in your art. Spirals give a more whimsical feel andcalligraphy has a feeling of nostalgia.

3. PAINT- Paint over some of your words with watercolor or a thin wash of gesso (gesso+water). I love this look where the words just peek through the thin veil of color. If you don't want your words to wash away use Sharpie's. However, sometimes I like the blurred look of a water soluble pen or graffiti. You can even completely cover parts of the words leaving the rest to the imagination. This is an especially great technique for words like: that BI*%$. Use the paint like you might hide them w/ text. SH@%. Laura has uses this text technique in her blog on more than a few occasions. No, I am NOT encouraging you to use naughty words in your journal. But let's face it there are times when no other word will do. Lately unfortunately or fortunately I have had to take this route in my journal. Here's hoping that next week I'll see less paint and more letters. Look at it this way, your journal a much better place to express yourself rather than in the company of your kids, spouse, boyfriend etc….

Stay Tuned…. next week I'll show you what one of these anatomical aerodynamic aerospace age rocket ships really look like. Picasso, wherever you are I may need a little help….with the drawing of course.

4. DRAW- use Sharpie pens they come in an assortment of colors they metallic (love!). To draw your letters make them thick and thin, use different colors, have colors blend. Blue to green.Pink to red, After you color them in with the Sharpies go back with Gel Pens and outline some or all of the letters. Create patterns with the gel pens on top of the Sharpie. Use crayons to write and then paint over with watercolor for a cool wax resist texture. Use watercolor pencils and blur the text with water. Write over the pictures, write fast. Don't worry if you can't see the words. The marks itself will add another layer to your page.

5. Random word and phrase generator -This is a cool tool for words, phrases, etc check it out have fun!

Words are the voice of the heart. ~ Confucius

Buzz, killed.

2010-03-12T20:24:45Z

My own brain is to me the most unaccountable of machinery- always buzzing, humming, soaring roaring diving, and then buried in mud. And why? What's this passion for? ~Virginia Woolf

smooth as..... sandpaper

2010-03-11T16:40:38Z

Have you seen on morning shows when they take a woman not having a bad day, put her behind a real age skin imaging machine and poof she is having a bad day? I was the fool behind one of those machines this morning. Husband gave me a spa gift certificate for Christmas (seems like a nice gesture, no?) but once I started perusing their cosmetic services I became overwhelmed by all my parts that needed fixin'. Unable to decide where to begin I went with the free skin consultation.

If water hits my face in the shower, I call that my cleansing routine and apparently that is not enough. My skin is no smooth baby's butt that is for sure. The woman helping me today was friendly and tried her best to contain her horror with my not so skintastic situation. She spoke in metaphors to soften the blow as we looked at my speckled face, aged by the computer on the massive screen (I heart HIPAA).

It's kind of like a pair of underwear, she said with a smile. You know, when you wear them for the first time the elastic has not stretched at all. Then you wear them, again and again (I think she said 3 or 4 agains, not sure) and the elastic gets all stretched out. It won't go back to how it used to be no matter how hard you try...

I got the analogy yet as I cannot toss out my face like I can a pair of undies she didn't leave me with a whole lot of hope. Instead she gave me a slap on my free radical affected wrist for not wearing sunscreen or having a skin care routine. Then she started grabbing products off the shelf that I need and jotted down notes of services I must schedule asap.

I compare this experience with registering on the Wii Fit-- excited to start exercising then defeated by the process of inputting weight, etc. and getting your body mass index spit out. Overwhelming, isn't it? Speaking of.... I don't have time to write on this blog right now!!! Approximately 35 years behind, I have a bag full of serums, abrasions and scrubs to go apply (before my three year old smears them on the tub floor to increase the slip effect for tonight's bath bowling).

When grace is joined with wrinkles, it is adorable. ~ Victor Hugo

shake it

2010-03-10T22:41:07Z

Speak your mind, even if your voice shakes, Maggie Kuhn. I saw that on a bumper sticker today; I might just have to get one for my refrigerator door.

Shake it, shake it like a Polaroid Picture, shake it, shake it
Shh you got to, shake it, shh shake it, shake it, got to shake it
(Shake it Suga') shake it like a Poloroid Picture. ~Outkast

Speaking of sugas who don't mess around....... Happy Happy Birthday Regan!!!!!!!

tuesdays with tyndall numero six

2010-03-09T00:54:51Z

She's super-streaky, Yow... by Tyndall

This blog was supposed to be for my “80’s Ladies,” complete with the latest cropped jeans that have zippers at the ankle and the modern overall. That all went to hell in a hand-basket due to a recent (twisted sister) We’re Not Gonna Take It Lacy emergency. No, not “true religions r better closeted.” Way worse. I’ve got 1 song for you: (janet jackson) Nasty. And Brassy.

Honey, fashion pales in comparison to my hair obsession. I would hair-blog, but since Texas hair went out with ankle zipper jeans, I have no credibility. My hair is all big and (guns n’ roses) Welcome to the Jungle, and while I am forced to embrace what the Good Lord gave me, I will never embrace full-pri$e, crap stylists who take wheat-colored, Lacy-like hair perfection and (rick james) Super Freak it. As Hall and Oates said, “I Can't go for That.” No can do.

The (paula abdul) Straight Up truth about hair stylists—you can never get retribution or a refund. I mean, you’re sitting there with your (falco) Rock Me Amadeus-do-from-hell, and, your (chaka khan) Ain’t Nobody stylist offers to WHAM! it again. Sister Christian, you best tell your hair-wolf to Kiss your behind Prince-style and (michael jackson) Beat It with your funk-do to a reliable, tried&true, B-52 Love Shack for a (motley crue) Dr. Feelgood coiffure rescue. Until you can get there, here are some survival tips:

1. Get yourself some Living Proof Full Thickening cream. In other words, go big. If your hair is unusually robust, people rarely notice a bad cut or color.

2. Try the Free People Janis Brimmed Hat (good for sun and hair coverage) or this lovely Crochet Flower On Lace. It’s hard to notice a hairdo misfortune with a strategically placed peacock. Or take a cue from SJP’s Carrie and weather with a feather.

3. Never underestimate the value of a featherweight jersey oversized hoodie or Terry hoodie racerback dress. Key word: Hood.

4. If it is really awful and there are neither fund$ nor will to repair the damage, then let me recommend some vanilla and accompanying recipes.

Now to all you amateur colorists and shear-wolves in sheep’s clothing... “We don’t want nothin’, not a thing from you, your life is trite and jaded, boring and confiscated, if that’s your best, your best won’t do.” –Twisted Sister

question. able?

2010-03-08T14:27:47Z

I get overwhelmed easily when household maintenance questions are thrown at me, my brain crashes when overloaded. Do you know where any black socks are? Do we have any cream cheese? What time is practice today? Have you seen the receipt for the ___? Can you complete the taxes before noon? What's your favorite color? (Graciously, Husband understands my aversion to gunfire questions and before leaving for work we have the understanding that he gets only one. I know it's coming when I hear: So.... ).

Sometimes I am able to answer but usually, notsomuch. Certain topics (like photography) I love talking about and thank you for contacting me with related questions (and presuming I might know!). I hope I can offer some decent answers (for what they are worth).....

1. What kind of camera/lens do you have? If I am looking for a nice camera to take pictures of my family what do you recommend? I have a Canon 5D and 40D. I use several lenses but mostly a 50mm 1.2 and an 85mm. I recommend a Canon Rebel for someone newly interested in photography but wanting room to grow. Buy the body only (without the kit lens). You can also rent lenses to experiment. Depending on your interests (portraits, soccer games, bird watching, etc.) select a specific lens that fits your need. Try starting to look at an 85mm, read all the reviews (Amazon's are helpful) and go from there. (There is a Nikon equally as good, I use Canon, Pepsi vs. Coke). *Note: my rocket scientist brother in law is under the impression that his camera is the bombdiggity. Although I am not sure of the make/ kind, I'd be happy to refer any interested parties to him. ;)

2. What kind of computer do you have? What do you use to edit pictures? Do you use actions? I have a Mac laptop my Apple guru brother helped me get a great deal on. Recently Husband bought an iMac which is tons faster (file storage has been an issue). I use iPhoto and Photoshop CS3. I don't use actions myself but think they look neat when other people do. Personally I prefer in my pictures is to do as little computer editing as possible. I would like to create myself an action for the standard things I do but haven't gotten around to that yet....

3. Do I recommend a blog host site? How did I choose Squarespace? There are lots of good ones out there but I can't recommend one specifically. I chose Squarespace on impulse one morning after getting frustrated with Wordpress (although there are great Wordpress options). It works okay for right now.

4. When do you write your blog and does it take you a long time? I wish I could say I have a set routine (for anything really) but I don't right now. Sometimes (like today) I sit down and write it as I'm typing on the screen. Other times I jot notes on the back of a Chic Fil A bag waiting during carpool and transfer it later. It doesn't take too long.

5. What are your favorite photography blogs? Where do you get your ideas? Several months ago I received some great advice to not visit other photographers' blogs to avoid being influenced. There are a few exceptions but for the most part I stick to that. My favorite photographers have styles very different from mine but what I love about them is their work is so distinctly their own. There are bookoos out there and it is hard enough to carve out one's own niche. I like to be original and insuring that is important to me. Not reading also helps avoid getting frustrated.

I do follow a handful of mothering, design/art and spiritual blogs regularly. Soule Mama inspires me as a mother. Decor 8 inspires me as a keeper of the home. I really like words and seek out artists who incorporate language into their work like Kelly Rae Roberts. I often clip words out of magazines and tape in a journal.

I buy magazines for inspiration (drives Husband crazy): Vanity Fair, Cottage Style, and Real Simple. Some of my favorites are British... Period Living, Country Living, House Beautiful and Jamie Magazine. Aprons make me feel good for some reason and (apron.ology) is great.

6. What should I wear or have my children wear for pictures? I love unpredictibility and think it's dynamite when people wear things they wouldn't normally have the nerve to. Layer, mix different colors... JCrew and Crewcuts catalog have ideas for this. Super simple photographs very well too. Hats are fun as long as we can still clearly see the eyes, hats with a brim I like to turn around backwards. Little girl hair is best unfussed, down or maybe with a simple barrette or ponytail. Massive bows are tricky to keep the camera from focusing on. Matching outfits? I'm mostly a fan of not clashing but more importantly is what you like.

7. Where should we go to have our pictures taken? Do I choose or do you? Either one. I love to collaborate and come up with a location that fit your personality. If you have a special place in mind all the better.

8. Do you have a studio? Not yet. To take from one of my three year old's favorite expressions: ALMOST.

9. Can you give me any photography tips for taking pictures of my kids? Sure! If you are outside, avoid full sun when possible. Mornings and afternoons are best when the sun is not directly overhead. If you can get your child in the shade looking towards the sun (the sun behind you) that will avoid shadows on their face and make their eyes twinkle. If you have a wiggle worm, giving them something to do helps (just make sure you don't mind having it in the picture!). Avoid: SAY CHEESE! Instead try asking them questions about their day, favorite things or what kind of cake they would like for their birthday party. Try not to get frustrated if you can because they are so darn intuitive. Take lots of breaks (but keep your camera with you during those "breaks"!)

10. Where do you want to take your photography, how would you like to improve? One episode of the series In Treatment Paul the therapist says, "She has a predisposition for rejection...." which struck me in thinking about myself. Many times I avoid putting myself out there for fear of rejection but I'm baby stepping towards improvement! I'd like to continue to learn and perfect a style unique to me. Someday I dream of offering sessions to women in less than desirable situations. Hopefully I might help them feel their fabulous-ness for the time we spend together and leave them with a new self image. There are many dreams I am chasing.... maybe this will do for now.

Thanks everybody! ~ Laura

I met an old lady once, almost a hundred years old, and she told me, 'There are only two questions that human beings have ever fought over, all through history. How much do you love me? And Who's in charge?' ~Elizabeth Gilbert, Eat, Pray Love

kelly's creative "weekend"

2010-03-07T13:21:34Z

HeART of Holland Studios.... Child Art Classes beginning soon!

written by Kelly

This is one of my favorite lessons for my art students and parents always LOVE these paintings. Right Laura? (Laura writing here and... ABSOLUTELY. YES!) I had the privilege of teaching this art lesson to Laura's two frog catching, sports loving, skateboarding boys. It was amazing to see how excited her three very BOYISH boys were painting these flowers especially after I showed them examples of male artists such as: Van Gogh, Matisse, and my old friend Picasso who are famous for flower still-lifes. These boys were ready to get in on the action, they even put down their Game Boys. What was up with this flower thing? That’s when I knew I had their attention. They are both convinced that their still-life paintings are "way better than that Van Gogh Guy". I have to agree….
Still-Life with Flowers

This art lesson can be divided into two sessions if you prefer, or for the over achieving mom like yourself just dive right in but give yourself some time. We are talking about at least an hour and a half including clean up.

1. Begin by showing your child examples of still-life flower paintings from various artists. These can be artworks in a book or on an artist website. Talk to them about the use of colors, shapes and line, as well as, the similarities and differences in the painting styles. Visual references are wonderful teaching tools.

2. Purchase a gallery wrapped canvas and have your child choose any color of acrylic paint plus white. Then squeeze out the color plus white and have them mix it directly on the canvas. Encourage them to let different shades of the color mix together, the colors do not have to be fully mixed but the entire canvas should be painted. I love these gallery wrapped canvases you can paint the sides black or really any color, and save a fortune on framing. Just hang the artwork directly on your most visible wall.

3. After you have painted the background put aside to dry.

4. While you are waiting for the paint to dry. You and your child can cut out flower petal and center shapes from household sponges. For younger children, you will want to cut the shapes for them. Explain to them that different flowers have different petal shapes for example. A sunflower has thinner petals that taper into a slight point. Daisy petals are shaped more like ovals. They may even want to invent their own funky flowers using rectangle, heart or triangle shape petals. Be creative!

4. Once the background is dry, add texture to your background using other colors. Your child can use objects to create texture in the background. They can create texture using leaves, wine corks, bubble wrap, tops of baby food jars, and feel free to have them experiment with other objects from around your home. Just dip the object into the paint color and make a print. It might help to use Styrofoam plates for the paint so that you can spread the paint out for easier printing. You don't want the paint too thick otherwise you won't get a crisp print.

5. After adding the texture put aside to dry.

6. While you wait for the paint to dry teach your child how to make a symmetrical vase. They can choose any color of 8x10 construction paper or for a more artsy look use decorative paper. Demonstrate how to draw various vase shapes using curved, wavy and/ or straight lines. Then have your child fold the piece of paper in half and draw only half of a vase in their chosen shape. Make sure they draw it on the fold. Afterwards, they will cut out the half of the vase through both sides of the folded paper so that when they open it up…. Voila they will have a symmetrical vase. Encourage your child to draw a large vase that is almost as big as the colored paper. We need a large vase that will fit all of the flowers.

7. To attach the vase to the canvas use modge podge but be sure the painting is dry. Brush it on the back of the vase like glue with a paint brush then to add sheen paint over the vase itself once attached. Just remember to put the vase lower down on the canvas so that you still have room for the flowers to come out of the vase. The vase does not have to be perfectly centered it may even be more interesting if it's not. It can go off the page, tilt to the side, at HeART of Holland Studios there are no boundaries.

8. Finally, you will begin to fill up the vase with tons and tons of flowers. Pretend you are a florist and have fun arranging your flowers. First add stems swirling out of the vase. Get your sponge shaped centers, paints, and stamp on the centers of the flowers. Then go around the centers with all of the petal shapes, creating flowers. If you are after a more realistic vase of flowers overlapping your flowers is key. Try varying the height of the flowers some come down low some are up higher. Some even come down over the top part of the vase. This is where a visual reference will come in handy. Mix and match your flowers or do an entire bouquet of sunflowers with varied shades of yellow, gold, and orange. If you prefer pink or purple sunflowers by all means let them bloom. If some of your flowers fall off the edges of the page perfect! At HeART of Holland Studios, You are the ARTIST and thinking OUTSIDE THE BOX is encouraged (hint: use new sponges when you change to a new color nothing is worse than a watered down painting.)

9. Lastly, add all finishing touches perhaps there is a table line behind the vase? or some falling petals? Are your flowers are surrounded by leaves? Maybe you want to hot glue some vintage buttons, sequins, or rhinestones into the centers of your flowers? Make this work of art your own and put that Van Gogh Guy to shame!

***Art is the window to man's soul. Without it, he would never be able to see beyond his immediate world; nor could the world see the man within. ~*Lady Bird Johnson**

***Laura here...... Sorry I am late posting this, for the short term look for Kelly's Creative Weekend. And watch for HeART of Holland Studios grand opening soon! If you live in the Charlotte area (maybe Atlanta if I can talk her into an extended visit) and are planning for spring and summer you definitely want to sign your kiddo up for art classes with Kelly (but don't you dare take my boys' spots). Those paintings my sons worked on with Kelly are far and away my most cherished project of theirs. If you try this with your kids, please send me a picture and I'll post it: lauraleephoto@gmail.com

make mine yellow

2010-03-05T14:41:18Z

I cannot believe I am publicly admitting this. To my core I think the show The Bachelor is disgusting and oh so wrong. A gaggle of women successful in their own rights, fawning, fighting and fooling themselves over one not particularly special man? Gross. Despite this.... I watched. There, I said it.

The human experience is tricky so maybe good 'ole shallow entertainment has its place (that's what I tell myself). And who can turn their head from a potential love story (no matter how warped). Thankfully I wasn't the only woman lowering their plucked brow to watch. This comforts me when I try and fall asleep at night. A good friend (who shall remain nameless) posted her Facebook status Monday: Minnie Mouse or Skankarella? I wonder who Prince Dorkingham will choose? And another: I am officially saying again - for the tenth time - I will not watch it next season. When does it start?

The email commentary sent to me from my seriously intelligent, well read and philanthropist friend had my sides hurting from laughter. I'll take the liberty of outing her now by sharing portions (edited for the internet).

This, sent this pre FINAL ROSE (ooh-la-la):

I play a drinking game while I watch it: everytime someone says 'falling in love', I have to take a sip. I was TANKED.

LOVE. THAT. SHOW.

I'm rooting for trashy Vienna. I bet she could suck the chrome off a trailer hitch. Gia was easy on the eyes, but nothing else there. Tenley... so sweet. I'd like to put Nair in her shampoo.

This came post FINAL ROSE (final rose- sounds absurd):

So, Ali? Heck to the NO. I hate that phony. She single handedly turned the whole house against poor tacky Vienna. And Ali's whiney communication skills with Jake when she couldn't decide to stay or go? That girl is such a child of divorce with way too many issues (believe me... I know it when I see it.) And now we have to watch her play her games with 25 MORE men. No thanks. I'll start a new hobby like basketweaving that season.

And speaking of which... Vienna. Holy crap. I can't believe he picked her. I know she's fun and all and licks his face on pirate ships, but that girl is as low brow as a pig on a spit. I mean really. We need to have a serious prayer circle for Tenley, who is for shizzle going to need some therapy, if she hasn't already killed herself. Jake kept saying "There was just something in the way of us connecting." He wanted to "just see" if she could come out of her Cinderella shell.

Jake. What a typical man. And in 10 years, who will Jake want to represent him when Jakey Jr. gets called to a special meeting with The Principal and The Guidance Counselor for bad behavior? Someone who regularly says "Jake and I's journey together" or someone who could make Grandpa Pavelka cry with her inner beauty? I really need to watch less tv.

Will you accept this rose? ~Jake, from The Bachelor