Pull Up !! Pull Up !! Pull Up !! Hastypearl

Pull Up !! Pull Up !! Pull Up !!

Hastypearl

Do you remember seeing those old movies, where there is a diving airplane,

headed to it's certain doom,   

and the pilot is pulling on the steering wheel 

(sorry pilots, I don't know what they are really called ;) 

and the co-pilot is saying for his life...

Pull Up !! Pull Up !! Pull Up !!

..as if the pilot didn't already Know that he needed to Pull Up! :)

Well, that's what came to my mind this morning, 

concerning an event that I had with an out of state, online friend, 

this past week.

Things like it, can happen so easily 

and get crazy so fast!

It all started, with me asking her a question.

She later explained that she had read my question on her phone screen 

and didn't really get the gist of it, and misunderstood what I had said.

Boy, after I heard that...I totally understood.

Humans, trying to navigate through friendships with only 

the use of texting/convos/emails... 

leads to craziness!!

Things get misunderstood and lots of time 

can get wasted, trying to explain.

I thought about it this morning, and thought...how is it that two people, 

that really like each other, 

and have communicated as much as we have, 

still haven't heard each others voices ?

I plan to change that, soon.

What I just said sounds so incredibly weird, 

but we've all experienced it whether through FB or 

some other social networking.

If two people find their way to each other,

 and enjoy each other for years, its not rocket science to pick up a phone, 

and call each other :)

So, why the Pull Up title, to this posting?

This morning, I wrote her an...

I've got to "Pull Up" on this back and "forthing" of  emails, 

or we are in danger of hitting the ground going a million miles an hour, 

and that's going to LEAVE A MARK !

There are always moments in relationships, 

that if we are sensitive and really alert to what is going on, 

that one of us better Pull Up !!

So, I wrote her to tell her that I was done with each of us trying 

to explain our points and reminded her of how much 

I really care for her,

...the many reasons that we are friends, 

and how much I want that to continue.  

I'm hopeful for an upward turn, 

just like in the movies, 

where we swoop back up to the sky and soar 

off into the horizon, together.

I'm pretty sure that we can and will!

I don't think that I've been this personal on this blog before, 

and I wouldn't have done it except that I think this

 topic isn't MY topic, 

but rather a TOPIC and solution for all of us !

No shame in it for any of us.

Just part of learning how to navigate 

in our New World of Technology !

Been there, anyone ? ;)

*

I've also posted below, 

pics of some of my new Collage Covered Notebook listings.

These are available on Hastypearl.

They are fantastic Gifts !

I LOVE having them to take notes in, 

my grocery list, a quick sketch or even a topic idea for this blog. 

They are a perfect size, to slip in your bag, 

leave in your car, or next to your PC.

Please take a look at them, here, 

and see if they will check a box for your gift list.

You've heard it before...

but, everyone loves to receive something one of a kind :)     

       

*

part of a front cover

part of a front cover

inside pencil/pen pouch

front and back covers

front and back covers

front cover

Stack 'o Notebooks :)

*

Its a Beautiful Sunday morning, here, 

where our fall color is Finally starting !

Hoping that your day is special and full of Wonder :)

Best...Laura

Please sign up to receive an email, telling you that I have posted on this blog !

You can do that on the right side ----> :)

Journal Fun! Hastypearl

Journal Fun!

Hastypearl  

I thought I would show you some 

Journals that I've recently made!

Journal making for me, comes in spurts.

I guess it depends on what materials I'm going to use.

If I use my drawings or paintings, or maybe even bleached papers, 

it will take a little longer.

But sometimes, it just takes me digging around in my paper stash, 

and boom...the next thing that you know, I'm tearing and gluing!

Making them, is really simple and fun!

Now, I didn't say, FAST, because for me, they aren't.

First, its important to keep some extra 

composition notebooks around. 

Thankfully, they are easily found.

I actually pick them up at the grocery store, 

so I'm talking, THAT kind of easy.

For these three Journals, I took my extra papers drawer 

downstairs and plopped down in front of a movie 

and started digging.

I'm kind of in a making Multiples mood, lately.

If I'm making say an angel, to sell on Hastypearl, 

I'll usually make Multiples, at a time.

While they are always one of a kind, 

somehow, Henry Fords' idea of making more than one at a time

 is finally rubbing off on me:)

So, I start stacking my scraps by colors, or themes and keep going 

until I think that I have enough paper to cover 

the fronts and backs of each notebook.

I've learned, that there are People that like to 

cut and make things very neat with straight lines, 

and there are people...uh, like me, 

that are more likely to tear and go random :)

Where do I get my papers you ask?

Everywhere!

I buy some of them, in the form of books of papers in the 

scrap booking department of art stores, 

but MOSTLY, I make them or I find them from magazines, 

catalogs or newspaper flyers.

Take care with copyrighted images.

We don't want to steal someones hard made art or photography.

These aren't going to be sold, so I'm ok.

One of my favorite places to find copyright safe images, 

is from, The Graphics Fairy.

Why someone like Karen, would spend her life 

sharing her fantastic free images, I don't know, 

but I am soooo glad for her Generous Heart!

After I have my pieces torn, cut, and roughly placed...

I start gluing.

I'm addicted to Weldbond glue.

I buy it online in giant bottles.

I think they could fix the Leaning Tower of Pisa,

 if they just knew about Weldbond.

Maybe I'll place a call to Italy, right now ;)

So, just get after it with the glue.

You can use a brush or your finger.

Just use a lot!

Dont be surprised, if some of your papers bubble.

Lightweight papers, like newpaper 

and slick magazine papers,

 ARE going to bubble.

Just Breathe 

and accept that this isnt about something 

being perfect.

If that's just too frustrating for you, 

then stick with thicker images or copy your favorites 

on thicker card stock, 

that you can buy next to regular copy paper.

Glue sticks don't effect papers the same as paste glue, 

so you might would rather use it. 

If you want, you can use a brayer or an old credit card, 

and roll out the glue.

Again, Im not terribly precious about things.

Just have FUN!

Most everyone loves to have a pen or pencil handy, 

so I use the inside front, 

to make a little pocket for them. 

Its a great time, to use a piece of scrap fabric.

I love to find upholstery fabrics, 

that have a little sturdiness to them. 

I actually just glued these pockets.

Just push the glued fabric sides in a bit 

and make some little pleats on the bottom, 

and that will allow for the pencils to slip right in. 

If the pocket is flat, its not as usable!

Doodling or Zentangle is allowed.

Even Encouraged :)

Some of my last sets, have had favorite yarns, ribbons, 

fibers, laces, buttons, 

findings or beads attached.

I use an awl, to punch holes through the 

finished covers and lace my fibers through. 

There really is NO end to what you can do to these.

That's the FUN of it !   

Sometimes, I use my sewing machine and sew right through the 

finished journal covers around the edges.

This time, Im just leaving them as is.

I do like to "paint" over the whole thing with Weldbond,

 to seal all of the pieces down.

With lots of use, its not impossible 

that there wont be some lifting of the papers, 

but again, I think a journal should feel like 

your favorite pair of leather shoes.

All. Worn. In.!

If you are a sketcher/painter, maybe you would want to paint 

over the pages with some gesso.

That, would give the page some texture and a little more weight.

If You are a writer/poet...You're ready to go.

Maybe You would use this for your endless lists...

Yep, we all have them.

At least, Your lists will be housed in a happy place!

So, yes, I have some People in mind for these books.

These Journals, will find their new owners, very soon. :)

I'm  writing this posting 4 days before Christmas.

Yes, there are the typical books, sweaters or shirts, 

under our tree, but if you're asking me, 

People enjoy receiving something that you made with Your hands...or Your Heart.

You see that with a VERY SMALL monetary investment, 

three people, are going to get something from me, 

that will probably mean a lot more to them than a sweater. 

Maybe you will give this a try.

Its just a Starter idea.

I'm hoping, that you will change it up 

to suit who YOU are!

Make a stack of them at a time, 

and when that birthday need sneaks up on you...

you'll be all ready for the moment!

Thanks for stopping by. 

I love that you do...

Blessings to those of you observing the Beautiful time of Hanukkah,

 And to those who are preparing for Christmas.

What a Happy Time it is for us All!

 xoLaura  

My Wondrous AND Gut Wrenching Trip to Colorado.....Rated "R" for Raw Emotions Revealed ;) Hastypearl

My Wondrous AND Gut Wrenching Trip to Colorado

Rated "R" for Raw Emotions Revealed ;)

Hastypearl

Most of you know by now, that for our entire adult lives, we have dreamed of owning a home in 

Redstone, Colorado, and that our dream recently came true!

I had always fantasized about having a Mountain Home and sharing it with my family and friends. 

That part came true as well, as my oldest son and family recently joined me there.

 Fantasies are just that...we only include good parts. 

We certainly don't include negatives in our fantasies!

Firstly, it became apparent early on in the trip planning stage, 

that my husband wouldn't be joining me, but rather, he had to stay in Texas and work. 

Downer!

I was pleased, that my son, DIL and granddaughter chose to go ahead and come, 

even though Larry wouldn't be with us.

To start, weeks before, I began realizing ALL of the FIRSTS, that this trip would present for me.

First time to travel alone. I know. Im 58, and Ive never flown alone.

Everywhere we ever went, we've traveled together.

But, I WANTED to fly alone, drive my rental...alone.

I WANTED to accomplish that THING.

I did and it went well.

The kids arrived and the fun began!

I told my son, that I was aware, that this was THEIR families vacation too, and I wanted to provide them opportunities to do things on their own...AND for me to be with them.

I think that we accomplished that, well.

God in His Perfect ways, allowed me time with each of them alone.

What a Gift.

There isn't ANYTHING that you want MORE, as a mother, I don't care how Old your kids are, 

than to spend time with them.

Phillip and I did that.

A Gift.

We went on an secret architectural artifact gathering mission and had a great time!

As we walked around, mostly so I could show him a particularly beautiful canyon that Larry loves to fish in,  we rounded the corner, and it was as if it had been lit by the best in Hollywood, was this great Dandelion.

We both love photography, so our cameras started snapping.

A Gift.

Our Grand, Katherine Anne, is 4 1/2 this year.

Living far away, our relationship, has so far been mostly through Skype.

Poets have already battled with trying to describe, the deep emotions that accompany having/loving a grand, so I wont even attempt to better them, but if you have one/them...you already KNOW what I felt being around her.

Little by little, we got to know each other.

Was that made easier by my being there alone...probably.

Another Gift.

There is Nothing but Joy to be had, by being with your family and

watching their dynamics and knowing that you have already done it.

You Know that you are outside of that unit, but its OK.

They are making their way as they should.

Its wonderful to see it happening.

A Gift.

There wasn't anything to be done, but to PLAY, LAUGH, DANCE and fall in Love.

Flashes of remembrance came constantly, of when my boys were her age.

Where do the days go?

Discoveries happened constantly.

Can you see her mouth open in the astonishment of their discovery?

Time. We had it. We used it.

A Gift.

Unprepared, at exactly 24 hours before they left...as if a switch was flipped on, 

I got an intense flood of emotion.

Its hitting me now again, as I type.

I felt Loss.

It was physical. 

Like someone had kicked me in the stomach.

Churning.

It took me hours, just to find a phrase to satisfy.

I thought to myself...THIS is Gut Wrenching.

There wasn't a display. I just lived with it. Slept with it. Woke with it.

You see, I had dreamed of our place in the mountains, to share with people that we loved, 

but I hadn't calculated in, that they would ALL GO HOME!

Yes, I've felt this before. 

Parents feel it, EVERY-TIME, but I have always been in my full time home, 

surrounded with familiarity, family, furry friends, my nest.

This time. I was in a New Place. 

Alone.

Before they left the next morning, the word Visceral, popped into my head.

That happens to me.

God completes the dangling thought.

Sends the word that is needed to spread a salve over the sorrow.

I looked it up...

Visceral. 

of or relating to the viscera "the nervous system" *relating to deep inward feelings rather than to the intellect

gut, deep-down, deep-seated, deep-rooted, inward

My mother has talked about it our whole lives...how we wont ever love her like she loves us.

That's not because we are bad. Its just the design.

When I experience something like this, 

I like to practice thinking about it with interest to the process of how the/my human mind and body works, and I did that.

That is to say...I was aware, of when my body would feel something completely without my telling it to.

It just Did It!

What was happening, was perfectly normal.

It happens to people, to hearts...Every Day.

Its an interesting study when its happening and really the best way to grab the experience and realize that it is just part of the package.

A Gift.

Do we Want to experience Deep Emotions?

Sometimes.

But generally speaking, I think its a good system, that we Only think about the good parts...having a home and sharing it with people that we Love Deeply...and not concerning ourselves with the hard parts like sending them home and staying in a new place alone.

Im glad to say, that Wonderful things flooded in after that...

including watching the moon and stars through a wall of windows all night long, where you are so high up, you feel closer to the sky.

  

I met new people and experienced perfect little surprises, each just at the right time.

The Gut Wrenching faded...but not totally.

I don't want it to.

Its a reminder of how Blessed I am to have people that bring so much happiness and that have enough of a Wonderful Hold on me that my body will feel deeply for and do powerfully weird things...

without me telling it to.

Wow!!! What a Gift.

Thanks for stopping by and reading this blog.

This posting was a bit of a departure from what I usually write, 

but I'm glad for the forum to share my feelings...

If you would like to, I invite you to sign up on the right side of my page, to receive email notices of my postings.

Now, go and have a Emotionally Creative Day!

xo Laura