I met a Starr!

Last Friday I drove down to Nashville (IN) to take art classes with the famous Jen Starr. When I learned about the classes through Papertrix, I checked out Jen's style and liked what I saw.Me and Jen. I'm holding my shabby chic book that I made in class.Everyone gathered around Jen to learn her technique.Jen mixed paint with gesso and then blended different colors together.

my friend Mary Jo joined me for class

Mary Jo is good at everything she does

Cindy from Papertrix joined us in class And I met my new friend Lisa

First we created on canvas (photo above -Lisa and me with our artwork) using medium and dictionary pages. Then we used stencils and gesso. Then we mixed paint and gesso and then stamps with letters to spell out words. Some class members used stickles to add sparkle.

Secondly, we used stencils and card stock and sprays and created card fronts. We combined those with embellishments and stamps. Finally, we made shabby chic books. We used corrugated cardboard. Jen taught us how to make cabbage roses from a flat piece of sticky-backed material. We used the sprays to color our roses and material and for a couple of pages in the book. We also used flourish stamps and white flat crackle paint. I like to take classes because I learn new techniques. I learn about myself. I see what other participants create and I learn from them. We all teach one another.

When I take classes, I also learn what I like and don't like. It is a good way to experience technique without buying supplies that you may not use. It is also a way to learn how to use materials that you've already purchased, but wasn't certain what to do with them once you got them home.

Jen Starr is very down-to-earth making everyone comfortable. She is from Jersey and has the greatest laugh. Her classes were reasonably priced- especially for someone as talented as she is. If she is in your area, be sure to jump in and take a class with her! I'm glad I did!

Someone made me take a break from painting!

For me, it has been non-stop painting. Friday night, my friend Donna Cronk came down to Bloomington for a visit. Donna was my editor- turned friend from my hometown newspaper. Donna is the Neighbors Editor and many years ago I wrote a column called "Flip Side," because I seem to always see things differently from the way others see things. I continue to be honored to write an occasional piece for her.

A while back, Donna invited Nancy Hiller to my hometown to speak and sign her book. Donna then in turn wrote a story for the paper about Nancy and her book. Nancy's book is about the Hoosier cabinet- which originated in my hometown. Since Donna was coming down to visit me, she invited Nancy to join us. We had a delicious dinner at Michael's Uptown Cafe. Me, Donna and Nancy

Donna has an affinity for all things having to do with being a "fifties housewife. " I was inspired to create this altered book for her. In my spare time, in between nights of painting my kitchen, I relaxed by being creative. much of the paper was Graphic 45 Domestic Goddess line retro advertisingold typewriters similar to those both Donna and I first learned to type with Filthy Farmgirl soap label. I found this soap in Hawaii.some embellishments were from

Shumway's beautifully illustrated mail catalog.

the best ingredient in life is family

a girl has to have options. some things never changes

Donna thought this would make great wallpaper for a kitchen.

It would take a lot of 12x12 squares to do it!

a prize-winning cook- just like Donna!

"adore family" Donna's motto.

This morning, Donna and I went to breakfast at the Runcible Spoon, visited one of my favorite shops in town, Lola Rue, and then went to Nashville, IN. Donna wanted to see Papertrix, the wonderful store where I work part-time and do design work. She met my friends, the owners- Wayne and Cindy. Cindy taught me how to make altered books and I love to make them. I've made a couple for the shop. You can do a lot of things with an altered book- keep recipes, photos, notes or just enjoy it. If nothing else, it is a gift of art. This is the second one I've made for Donna. It is a joy to give someone a gift when they truly appreciate what has gone into producing it. For me, an altered book is much like my writing. Similar to gathering research, I gather my materials. Then, just as one begins to write, I begin to create. And just as a story sometimes seems to have twists and turns of its own, so does a work of art. You never know what direction you will go. At least, I feel that way about both. And, for me, I can continue to tweak a story and I can continue to tweak my art. With both, I'm never quite finished until it is out of my hands. I took the book down to show Wayne and Cindy last weekend to see what suggestions Cindy might have for me. She always has lots of great suggestions. You don't have to take my word for it, wander into the shop for yourself and see if you don't come out inspired. I love to work there because of the people that I meet and the gift of learning more. I am continually learning. After visiting with Wayne and Cindy, we walked about town and visited several of my favorites. As Donna said "Nashville just goes on and on." Donna had not been to Nashville for many years. When we finally decided if it was time to leave, Donna ask if there was any other "can't miss this one" shops to go into to. I said "there is always next time."

It was a beautiful day, we couldn't have had better weather if we had ordered it. I was able to spend time with an old friend, meet a new friend and introduce Donna to some of my good friends. Good friends, good food, good weather. A good visit.

Greg Mortenson in Indianapolis

If you are a regular reader, you will recall that recently I read the book Three Cups of Tea. Shortly thereafter, I posted a book review. I was so excited about what this man is doing in Afghanistan and Pakistan - promoting peace through education. In the late '80's, early '90's, I wrote a column for my hometown paper called "Flip Side." It was a human interest column, usually about my children or general observations. My editor and I forged a friendship and through the years, she has asked me to write a piece for her.
I opened my email in late October, and there was a request that had been sent to her to be in Indianapolis and interview Greg Mortenson. Her request was a simple one, reading something akin to: "Hey Miss Smarty-pants English major, would you like to cover this for us?"
I absolutely flipped out. I couldn't believe it. I started to tell everyone what I was going to do before I had confirmed with Mortenson's publicist. Then I started to think what if this doesn't work out and I look like a fool?
So, I sent an email telling his publicist that I would be thrilled to have the opportunity to sit down and interview him. For the next couple of weeks, I was holding my breath. It didn't seem the day would ever arrive.
Greg started speaking in Indianapolis at the Convention Center at 8 a.m. I live a little over an hour from Indy, had to find the Center, secure parking for the day and then find the room that he was speaking in. I was up bright and early. Driving to Indianapolis, the moon was setting as the sun was rising. It was beautiful.
After securing my press credentials, I set out for the room where he was speaking.

Telling the audience about the children in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
He has spoken on Capitol Hill, to crowds of thousands
and he was going to sit down and speak to 'lil ol' me.

Greg Mortenson and me. 11/2/09

Everyone kept asking me if I was nervous or scared. I would say "I may barf on his shoes, but it will be from excitement, not fear." There was no barf. I felt as if I was sitting down to chat with an old friend. I had read everything I could get my hands on and viewed every video of him produced in 2009.

Greg's people stood were nearby. There was a menacing looking manager turn body guard type who paced as we talked and like a cheetah closing in on its prey, he circled ever closer, checking his watch every couple of minutes. Greg was ignoring him, so I tried to ignore him, too.

Thanks to my editor friend, the opportunity to sit down and interview Greg Mortenson was one of the most exciting moments I've had for quite some time. If I sound like a gushing school girl, so be it. Anyone who knows me knows I wear my feelings on my sleeve. On that day in early November, my heart was glowing warmly for all to see.