Neurotic Post - ARTSY FARTSY! LOL

Well to say I've been a busy beaver would be putting it mildly! LOL. This past week has been tremendous, stressful, fun, dynamic and heart pulling. I mean it. I have experienced every emotion an Artist can experience and continue to create LOL. But ya know I have to keep on keeping on! LOL. So to that end... I spoiled myself this week and bought a freakin' huge Easel! It took me 2 hours to put it together and I'm one of those people that just like to make it happen so of course I wasn't really paying attention to the instructions until I got it together and the entire thing fell apart LOL. One metal bar after another, Clanking and Clinging, making the racket of all rackets! Since it was late I'm sure my neighbors appreciated that LOL. Ooops. Anyway, the one I had before was the kind with the Tripod legs. Well that works fine until you try to paint a huge picture LOL. After a couple of times of the easel toppling almost taking me with it, and the painting hitting the ground I'd had it! Yikes! So I went out and bought one with a solid base that reaches the sky! Okay well maybe almost to the ceiling. But I just love it. Now it's on! Its back on track.

I played with Paper Clay at Tangerine with my friend Gina and her handsome artistic son who was creating an Italian meal out of paper and string for a school project. I wish I had taken a pic. It was too cool. Gina makes the cutest dolls from paper clay. I'm always amazed when shes finished.

Today I went to my friend Janettes store Pleasant Memories and spread my stuff out on her work table and got creative and it was so much fun. Her kids were there and as expected with many Artists children, they are artistic and creative! I brought rubber stamps so they had a blast too. I never work with anyone when creating so its a unique experience for me. It was fun to just sit and chat it up as I created Handmade Journals. I actually got more done than I would had I been home. Too many fun and creative distractions LOL. Paints, Rubber stamps, GlimmerMist, Wax, Alcohol Inks, Tim Holtz Masks, Trillions of pieces of colorful patterned and textured papers (really scroll down and see pics of my Studio LOL) oh and then theres the Cricut, the Bind it All, The Dremel, Sewing Machine... oh my goodness the Neurotic Poster returns!

Now I'm listening to everything from Old School, to Soft Rock From Teena Marie to Eminem and Flo Rida! LOL. Does anyone remember Nazareth, Love Hurts? LOL. Yes its playing.

Oh yeah, I also had a friend visit for the weekend and she and I went to a Anita Baker concert last weekend. Oh my. This lady just has the most beautiful voice!!! Oh my.

So I just wanted to post. Also to note that my newest Article has been posted: 98% Drama Free. I love Divapreneur Magazine. It's a great place for women to go and find useful information and read Articles from a variety of Diva Writers that cover everything from Relationships, Shopping, Entertainment, Body and Soul (thats me) and even Technology!
Read my article here 98% DRAMA FREE. And please feel free to share the link with your friends :-) I'd love to know your Drama Free stories! (if you're working on getting there or are already there!) Write me at: diviacity@diviacity.com.

I haven't heard from the Winners of the last contest yet. Hope they contact me soon. Awesome gifts. Got a great idea for the next contest which I will post on Sunday! Well have fun yall! Good to see ya! LOL I'm a Neurotic Poster...I see you in my mind LOL

Well it's back to the Easel. It's on with this one LOL! I'll probably be posting it over the weekend! Gotta go check and see if I won the Mega Million (it's 333 million!) Did you hear me... 333 Million! LOL

Contest #4 IF I WERE A BIRD... And the Winners Are....

What a fun Contest this was. I wish I was a Bird right now! LOL! Anyway, the Winners of this Contest are...

From Janes Oven
Blog: From Janes Oven

Amethyst Moon
Blog: Life, Music & Laughter

Please visit their Blogs of if you can! What fun!

Fun Prizes will be mailed out shortly after receiving information from Winners. Email me at diviacity@diviacity.com

Be sure to follow my Blog to find out about upcoming Contests & Events. Next Contest will be announced in next few days!

It's Alive!

The birth of a Diviacity Painting LOL. I was doing Dramatic yall!

Well I just finished my 4th weekly article for Divapreneur and whew are my arms tired! For real. LOL hmmm think I need to consider a new setup for my laptop. Wow, writing these Articles has really been eye opening for me! I realize as I write each one that I've learned a lot and still have so much more to learn. It's nice being able to create something based on reality. Then there's of course hoping people get the right message from it. I'm so matter of fact, sometimes that I have to filter the mouth LOL. Its all good though. It's such a wonderful experience to be able to share lessons ya know. Anyway....

I'm working on this painting and I swear it's taken me longer to do this painting than any I've ever done! So here is some pics of it in stages:







The coloring is off because I was having bad lighting issues. Thank goodness for the wonderful Ottlite I found on clearance for $20! You heard me! $20! What a steal! It started at $159. Love those kinds of deals! And its the kind that clips on to a table or easel and you can adjust the light over the canvas. So these pictures are taken with better lighting. And of course I've painted a little more since then.


Don't let the headless people traumatize you. I plan to give them heads before long! So thats what I have so far. The painting is about 4 feet long so its got a lot of space for imagination!

All of these products will be used in this painting :-) Yes that is a paper towel roll back there. They make the best circles. So instead of worrying about drawing a perfect circle I can simply dip the roll in paint, pat it avoid clumps and press directly onto canvas. I like all levels of Acrylic except Craft Acrylic. It's more watered down and not as seamless to work with. My favorite is Heavy Body acrylics. They are rich and I love experimenting with them. The lighter to medium bodied paints work well with dry brushing. Another must have for me is a Sketch and Wash pencil. I sometimes sketch out parts of my design and simply wipe away pencil with lightly dampened papertowls. I found that comfort grip brushes really do work best if you paint for long periods of time. Also I a inexpensive pallet knife set and tube keys (for winding up tube when it starts to get low.

To other items that are priceless to me in my colorworks is Gouache (more opaque properties) and Irridescents. They each have their purpose and add life to my paintings. Anyway, I guess I was just taking a break LOL and here I am and I did just notice its 2:45. I should probably sleep so I can wake up and finish this painting LOL.

My focus word for today will be Receptivity! My heart and mind are open! So I'm going to listen and create! I've received great emails about the Articles I write. Thank you! Hugs.
Steph

RECENT ARTICLES

Me, Myself and my BFF (ME)
SuperWoman Stress
ONtheLINE DATING

Next Article Thursday, August 27th.

Have a great day!

ONtheLINE DATING

NEW ARTICLE POSTED IN DIVAPRENEUR MAGAZINE
'ONtheLINE DATING'
Check it out. Wanna talk about it? Comment and I will respond.
Peace and Colorful Dreams
Steph

A Week in the Life!

In some way or other I seemed to have spent a lot of time mixing it up with Nature in the past couple of weeks. I've seen the Ocean (food for my soul, healing for my heart) taken pictures of Birds (food for my senses) and admittengly, Squirrels (food for my silly side) LOL. I've harassed the HummingBirds (I think one tried to attack me!) And I'm working on a painting of what else, the Ocean, with of course the extra goodies like people, scenery, boats, and everything else under the sun LOL.

Well I'm still on the path folks. Meeting lots of interesting people in the business and I'm just too dang excited LOL. Still very excited about hooking up with Lisa Gentile, my Coach! Just eye opening and thought provoking stuff that moves you i n the right direction. I didn't really know how much I had going on until I sat down and talked about it out loud LOL. Whew...now I'm tired LOL.

Gonna post some new Journal pictures this weekend. I love working on these things. I think I relax just as much creating them as I do writing in them. Theres a cool site that is all over the Journaling thing! Check it out. The link is on the SideBar *"CreateWriteNow" or click here JOURNAL. Also you can write me to receive this months coupon at diviacity@diviacity.com.

I really like just gathering a bunch of papers, ribbons and stuff and just going from there. Once my mind goes there it's on. I discovered I have an unhealthy attachment to my paper LOL. Over the years I have collected many many pieces of unique paper and the piles grow when I'm not looking (or maybe when I'm looking but not seeing LOL). I guess I'm a paper collector! There are so many types and styles of paper out there for the crafter and scrapbooker now that it's mind boggling. I think I need paper intervention!

There are some really cool people that hang out in here. Be sure to visit my Sidebar. These are Bloggers from all walks of Life and Art! And if you do please let them know Diviacity sent you.

My new Article just posted on Divapreneur Magazine. This one was a trip to write. I questioned some people about their experiences or thoughts etc. so it covers a lot. Read it if you get a chance and please feel free to comment. I love talking about stuff! :-)
The title is ONtheLINE DATING. You can pretty much figure out where I'm going with it. LOL.

IF I WERE A BIRD! CONTEST #4

Okay, you know I'm always trying to come up with something way out and thought provoking for my contests! And this one is certainly no different!

FINISH THIS SENTENCE.......

If I were a Bird........


No Joke. That's it. Finish the sentence and be entered into the contest to win a
Fantastic High Flying Prize!!!
Be sure to list your blog name in your comments so others can find you!
This Contest will end Sunday, 7/23

I'll start...
If I were a Bird I would fly as high and as far as I could, until I reached Greece LOL. for real, then I'd hang around, soak in the Art and the Culture before moving on. I'd be a
snooty bird cause worms are gross so I'd be a skinny Bird! LOL Oh and I'd be some way out metallic colors and have a weird hair do LOL... okay enough of that goofiness. Really
What would you do? where would you go? why would you go?
I can't wait to hear your answers!!! :-)

Diva's Day Out! - Vacation in a Day!

Wow that Monterey Beach trip lasted 2 days LOL. Not physically, but mentally. Sometimes cleansing in whatever way works for you is the best thing you can do for your brain! Each time I spend hours looking at the vast ocean I kind of lose myself in its beauty and at the same time I leave a bunch of crap there. Some things just dont seem so important anymore.
Because I see Art in everything I came home with plenty to paint. The sky was beautiful, the birds were cooperative as I pointed my camera and snapped shot after shot of them. It was all in all a beautiful day. If you can't afford a vacation this year, make little inexpensive day vacations. It is so worth it!



We had lunch on the pier at a wonderful little restaurant named Old Fisherman's Grotto. Oh my goodness if you want to talk about delicious Clam Chowder. and as my Diva friend (who also happens to be in Culinary School) says it was Plated Beautifully! Seriously though, it was so yummy. We also had Calimari (oooh I could eat more of that right now! And Fish and Chips. Just wonderful and delicious. Way to spoil yourself! Good Friend, Good Food, Location, Location, Location!

Sometimes you just have to stop and be Divalicious! Yes those are Delicious Margaritas, Stirred not Shaken (tee hee hee). I'm not a drinker at all but... Refresh! Yeah baby!

So lets say it was a great day at the Beach and motivation and inspiration was to be found every where. Very inexpensive at the nearest Beach Town (Monterey) and worth the drive (oh yeah, I got lost and the trip there took way and I mean way longer! LOL).

The next morning we continued our weekday vacation by going and pampering our bodies. See my toesies... LOL... this is just too silly and too much fun!

Dinner at Fridays finished the weekday vacation and its back to handling business and working toward the greater good! I'm excited because I have a Creativity Coach now and I feel so honored that she welcomed me into her group. I feel like I'm going to learn so much and all knowledge pushes closer and closer to that dream goal.

So I'm wide awake, it's 1:39 a.m., I just got off a three hour phone call and the painting I started two weeks ago is calling me.

OH YEAH.... my second Article in Divapreneur Magazine has been published. If you've never read my articles let me tell you... they are up front, to the point, honest and tried. You have to read to see what I mean. Divapreneur Magazine Online. Stop by if you can, it's a great site, and say hi okay. Leave a comment if you can. I love hearing from and responding to everyone. Have a colorful day! Live Large...if only mentally! :-)

pssst.... I have tons of fun and artistic instructional videos on Youtube! Take a break! :-)
and.....my Handmade Journals are on sale until the end of the month for only $10 thats a savings of $7. Email diviacity@diviacity.com for to receive your coupon and link to order.

Neurotic Post - GOOD MORNING SUNSHINE!

Doing it the other way around! Okay so today I got up at 7 for the first time in who knows how long! I called a friend (who has this lovable but annoying habit of singing 'The Good Morning' song to anyone fortunate enough to come across his path that early), made myself a cup of coffee and grabbed the Sally Jean Alexander book 'Pretty Little Things' loaned to me yesterday by my friend Gina at Tangerine, who always inspires me,some readers and soap opera glasses (to invade the privacy of the pretty little birdies living in the tree only a few feet away) and headed for the Balcony. I even watched as they bathed (tee hee hee). Why would this be so significant to me? Because I've lived in this apartment for 6 years or so and have only done this a couple of times. What a waste! To say it was peaceful, mind clearing and motivating is putting it lightly.

Lately I've been in a funky fog of sorts. Overwhelmed by all the good stuff and not really clear on which direction to head, LOL, of course the direction is the same one I've been going in but as an Artist the mill in the brain keeps turning and turning and sometimes I have to jump off for a little while before I fall off LOL. So, things have actually been going well for me on my Journey. Not money well, cause Starving Artist would be a great description of me LOL, but mentally well. The kind of well where you know you haven't sacraficed for nothing. That there's meaning and acception just ahead. The kind of acception that you give yourself at the end of a long hard project, "By George I think I've done it!" I could be a little further down the road than I think but I feel great about it so I'll work with that! LOL.

It was absolutely serene out there. Even though there were cars driving down the main road not that far away I could not even hear them. Because I had focused on the tree and it's inhabitants. Theres a lot to be said for Meditation folks. This is a gift to yourself! A few minutes of clearance.

Uh oh, my friend just called...we're going to the water, going to the water! Wooo Hoo...ok. gotta run. Be back to finish my Neurotic Post a little later. Have a great colorful day!

CONTEST #3 AND THE WINNERS ARE...

WHAT’S YOUR PASSION?! What a Contest!! Awesome entries. Inspiring and motivating. I received wonderful emails from people telling me how these entries affected them. Thank you!!! Fun!

Okay, Winners are….. Connie and Jasmin!!! (Ladies write me at diviacity@diviacity.com) with your mailing addresses please)

Both have their own wonderfully colorful and exciting blogs and they are: Connie Living Beautifully and Jasmin Jasmin Loves Coffee.

I will post pics of their prizes next week.

The next Contest will be announced on Friday. Thanks for playing along and just for taking time out of your colorful day to bless my page with a visit.

Please Follow my Blog for Fun, Frivolity and Contests!

Neurotic Post - Stuff Going On

Wow. I've got a lot to share. LOL. Things have been moving at a steady pace. Scary yet steady. Reaching for an Artistic dream is something I never imagined would require such strength, sacrifice and will power. But the love and motivation I get from the people who bless my life is truly an inspiration.

Okay with that said, I have to tell you, in my endeavor to Brand myself and make my way out into the world with my Art and Writing, I've met some really really cool people. Lots of Artists, Lots of Entrepreneurs, and lots of people that have provided me with the inspiration and opportunity to continue on. I've also been blessed with a Weekly Column at Divapreneur Magazine! I just love it. I am able to give straight talk about issues that affect us all. And thanks to all who have ventured over there and those that have left comments. You know I'm a Comment junkie LOL.

I have a coach Lisa Gentile which is something I advise anyone trying to make it in this business to do. Her knowledge, motivation and understanding of how it all works, is a blessing!
Today I went digging (for what I don't know, I forgot somewhere between finding a bag full of paperdolls and a box full of beads that I have no idea about) LOL. Found a few paintings from years ago I had completely forgotten about. LOL another testimony to the fact that I have way too much cr*p in this place LOL.

.

Yesterday I had a workshop. I had the pleasure of having a student Emalee Ayad who is 12 years old. This young lady made me laugh, remember and dream. No joke. She was intelligent and outspoken and has a serious love for Art. Reminded me of myself as a child This is her Dress Form.

This form was created by Lisa G. I especially enjoy doing this type of Art because everyone is different and has different styles and tastes and it's great to see it coming out in Art form. I just teach the basics and love to see them take it from there!

Okay, I'm off to write another Post announcing the Winners from the 'What's Your Passion' contest. What fun! So many came by and blessed the Blog.

Divapreneur Mag Article Posted!

Whew...ok. I'm nervous but just excited. My first Article in Divapreneur is Posted. It's called ME, MYSELF AND MY BFF (ME). Check it out :-) DIVAPRENEUR!

I love Comments and Questions :-)

NOTES & STUFF

Hi There. How goes it today? I hope this post finds you being your colorful best! Just a couple of notes. If you plan on partaking in the Northern California Sizzlin Summer Paper Chase and happen by way of Pleasant Memories in Dublin, CA please be sure to ask to see the products and kits by Steph Jordan available in the Store. There are kits to make my Chunky Chipboard Books, Acrylic 'Shiny Things' Books, Note Cards and Scrapbook Kits. Maybe I'll see you there.


Also be sure to stay tuned for my first Article coming out in Divapreneur Magazine Online.

If you're Blog Hopping and want to have some fun check out these Sites on your Way...

KVCreative Designs

Pimp & Paint

The Redhead Riter

CreateWriteNow

And be sure to keep an eye on all the sites I have listed on the SideBar!
Your sense of Color will never be the same! Art is truly a beautiful thing!

One more day left in the WHAT'S YOUR PASSION Contest!
Simply find the Post and Write a couple of lines about Your Passion and
What you do to keep it going! That simple.
Already some very inspirational and motivating entries.
Fun Prizes too!

Also, Thank you to all the wonderful people that have made this Blog such a
fun and hopping place to hang out.
The Input has been tremendous and exciting for me
and I am more in love with Blogging than ever now thanks to all!

Have a Colorful and Energetic Day!

Babylon Sister -Another Neurotic Post!

OMG! Can you believe we are already into the first week of August?! In the year 2009!!! What the... Okay well I remember sitting on the front porch (many moons ago) staring at the sky and thinking by the year 2010 we'd be flying around in cars, wearing clothes made from metal and living in a Demolition Man type era. So the cars just look like flying saucers, the clothes (although some definitely weird and way out) are just an evolving version of what they were, and somehow I'm back into Maxi Dresses, Tye Dye shirts, Bell Bottoms and Wedge Heel Shoes.

What I feared and respected at the same time about progress and evolution has not come to pass entirely! Although some things have happened as predicted (like war, out of control commerce, wayward rulers, etc.) apparently the 'End of the World' hasn't happened or I wouldn't be sitting here writing my Neurotic post this morning. And Aliens haven't come to take over the Earth (although I swear I know a few, they just won't admit it). The Dinosaurs haven't come back, although.... well I'll leave that one alone. You get the point.

As I approach a half century of living..LOL I'm sorry, I just had to say that out loud, I realize that I have been very blessed to have lived through and seen the amazing things I have seen. So I don't look at this whole aging thing as a curse (because of course the alternative would be not aging) but as a blessing. To think I lived through a wayward marriage, raising two children, a corporate existence, several riots, a few earthquakes and so on... I'm okay with that! LOL.

Now I think I have experience to share. I have knowledge for the less knowledeable (the young and all-knowing). I have history that many only hear about or read about. So it's all good. And the things I used to say when I was younger like "she knows shes too old to wear that" or "who does she think she is"... LOL that's me! I wear that, and I think I'm all that. LOL some days. Some days I just think I'm a funny person and I spend way too much time thinking! And as I write this I'm cracking myself up. I'm looking at an unfinished painting, piles of product I need to get to the store, Jewelry I have to show, it's almost 11 and I haven't had breakfast, sniffling with allergies and listening to Tru TV (something I really need to stop) and you know that's a cute picture of the Altered Diva! The Babylon Sister! Video The Traveler. LOL Some days I wonder why I wear so many hats and then I remember, my heads too big for just one. Too much to do. But loving every minute of it. LOL.

These are my Grand dogs... Snoopy and Gizmo. I know you can tell which is Gizmo LOL He became a member of the family (by way of my daughter) yesterday. Aren't they too cute! LOL



Have a great day and remember to enter the current contest! IT'S ALL GOOD!!!!
MUAH!!!