.~.Windows Of My Life.~. 2012 -Getting Back To My Roots

.~Free Motion.~

2012-01-20T18:21:00.000-08:00

.~What do you See?.~

2012-01-16T07:46:00.001-08:00

.~ My Mom's Spirit.~

2012-01-02T15:50:00.000-08:00

I went for a walk today along the river today on my lunch hour. The sun was up. The sky was blue. It was beautiful. I know this is beginning to sound like a Beatle song, but really it was beautiful. A bit nippy at 28 degrees, but beautiful none the less.

As I walked thinking about random things, l felt this amazing warmth coming from across the river.
I pulled my little Vivitar point and shoot out of my pocket and snapped this picture. I think that big bright tangerine circle is my mom's spirit. Wouldn't you know her spirit is decked out in 2012 color of the year!
That is my mom through and through. Always keeping up with the trends.

I love you mom. oxoxoxoxoxoxox

.~ Katherine Dunn: Misfits of Love.~

2012-01-02T11:46:00.000-08:00

Katherine Dunn and Pino

Katherines's Blog: http://www.apiferafarm.blogspot.com/

Misfits of Love Kickstarter Page

I want to share a project on Kickstarter of an artist/writer I know named Katherine Dunn of Apifera Farm. She has written a beautiful collection of short stories with art and her photography about the many old and neglected creatures that make it into her barnyard.

This is a labor of love for Katherine. She says the stories of this project make her sing and cry all at once. She posted one of the stories that will be in the book - about an 18 year old goat - on her Kickstarter page [see Updates] and it will give you a flavor of the writing. It is heartfelt, quirky and has a fable quality like all her art.

Kickstarter works like this: You pledge an amount [from $15 to $1,000] and in turn you get a gift in return [you can opt out of the gift]. Different gifts are posted by Katherine on the site. Your credit card is not charged until the entire goal is reached and then it is all handled by a secure site. This project is 30% funded and has until until Jan 30 to make the goal.

The campaign page has a video and slideshow of "Misfits of Love" along with explanations of rewards to pledgers. She also updates that page frequently with 'updates'.

By pledging even the smallest amount you will be apart of something oh~so~GRAND!

Happy New Year!

Traci~

Katherine has been painting and writing since 1996. You can see her art on her main web site www.katherinedunn.us

.~ What's Your Deal?.~

2012-01-01T16:21:00.000-08:00

I have to admit to something. I've watched a few episodes of the NEW Two and a Half Men TV Show with Ashton Kutcher. I don't watch it all the time. In fact, I only watch it on the internet from time to time when my brain needs a good numbing:)

There is one reoccurring line on the show that Walden asks when he meets someone new that really perked my interest. The question? "What's your deal?."

I find that question so intriguing and in 2012, that is my quest to figure out what my deal is.
It seems I have lost site of my origin, my roots, my essential core.
Who exactly am I?

If Walden asked me "what's my deal?"
What would be my reply?

That is what I am on a mission to find out.

By the way?
Do you know what your deal is?

Cheers to 2012,
I have been waiting for you to arrive!
oxoxox

.~Happy New Year.~

2011-12-26T19:43:00.000-08:00

I picked this sketch to launch the New Year as I sketched it at the beginning of my visits to my mom when she was so ailing. My most favorite memories are my mom wearing scarves. This sketch came from my heart and is in memory of my mom~ Wishing You True Love In Heaven~ oxoxoxoxoxo Traci

.~Merry Christmas Eve 2011.~

2011-12-24T09:10:00.000-08:00

Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful. ~Norman Vincent Peale

.~Sew Van Gogh,~

2011-12-07T23:46:00.000-08:00

Van Gogh Gallery

.~Christmas Lane.~

2011-12-07T21:55:00.000-08:00

Oh I so love this image and found it here: http://contentinacottage.blogspot.com/

.~ Hello Christmas 2011!.~

2011-12-07T19:30:00.000-08:00

I discovered this wonderful image on The Sunday Sisters Blog

.~Vintage Christmas Colors.~

2011-12-07T19:22:00.000-08:00

I found this wonderful Vintage Christmas Design here: http://freewareme.com/

I think it is fantastic!

.~Be Still.~

2011-10-25T05:39:00.000-07:00

"Within you there is a stillness and a sanctuary to which you can retreat at any time and be yourself."

~ Hermann Hesse

.~Hide and Seek.~

2011-10-24T05:10:00.000-07:00

I search for unrevealed treasures within the visual world.
~John F. Johnson

.~About Face.~

2011-10-16T06:41:00.000-07:00

Yesterday while on my daily walk, I came across a house that had 3 different chairs scattered about in many different directions. Curious as to why they were scattered about, I pretended to sit in each chair and see what the view was. The first chair faced a withering tree. The second chair faced the neighbors yard which hosted an array of rusted metal objects. The third chair faced the front door of the house.
The whole scene made me a bit sad, as I felt whomever lived, here might be facing the same kind of issues in their own life.

It made me very conscientiousness of my own life and where my chairs are facing.

.~Little Flowers.~

2011-10-15T06:37:00.000-07:00

.~Cat Tales.~

2011-10-15T06:35:00.000-07:00

.~Falling For Each Other.~

2011-10-14T07:46:00.001-07:00

.~Autumn Leaves.~

2011-10-13T07:33:00.000-07:00

“Autumn is a second spring where every leaf is a flower”

~Albert Camus

.~Painting in Progress.~

2011-09-26T07:08:00.000-07:00

I have a new painting under construction. Right now I am auditioning quotes to go with it.

What do you think of this one?

.~Live Life to the Limit~

2011-09-08T09:44:00.000-07:00

“Somebody should tell us, right at the start of our lives, that we are dying. Then we might live life to the limit, every minute of every day. Do it! I say. Whatever you want to do, do it now! There are only so many tomorrows.” Pope Paul V1

.~Cowboy Wisdom #1.~

2011-09-07T18:22:00.001-07:00

.~Lareen Fender.~

2011-08-28T09:26:00.000-07:00

Lareen Zoe Toub Fender

July 25th, 1932 - August 25th, 2011

I love you mom.

.~Summer Reflections.~

2011-08-09T06:55:00.001-07:00

.~Back and Forth.~

2011-08-09T06:52:00.001-07:00

.~Purple Crane by Pat Prosek.~

2011-07-24T09:28:00.000-07:00

Purple Crane by Pat Prosek

I disvoered this most beautiful print on the Lafayette Galleries website. The artist is Pat Prosek.

I think it is just stunning.

.~Peas in a Pod by Susan Erickson~

2011-07-24T09:08:00.000-07:00

I found this card at Open Sesame in California. The artist's name is Susan Erickson. I just love her style. To see more of her artwork visit the Lafayette Gallery's website.

.~Dreaming.~

2011-07-24T08:48:00.000-07:00

I am only a child playing on the beach, while vast oceans of truth lie undiscovered before me "

~Isaac Newton.

.~ Life is Fleeting #2~/

2011-07-18T21:24:00.000-07:00

Life's a voyage that's homeward bound.

~Herman Melville

Introducing a New Series. ~Life is Fleeting.~

2011-07-18T21:05:00.000-07:00

One life - a little gleam of time between two eternities.

~Thomas Carlyle

.~ So Me.~

2011-07-18T08:54:00.000-07:00

.~ Yours Fawnly.~

2011-07-16T09:07:00.000-07:00

I discovered this little fawn crossing the street the other day. I wonder where Mama is?

.~Eternal Gaze.~

2011-07-16T08:38:00.001-07:00

There is something about horses that quiets me. I could watch them all day and never grow weary.

.~ Daisy Jane. ~

2011-07-16T08:00:00.000-07:00

Daisy Jane has the prettiest mane. Women pay big money to have hair this color.

.~ Shop Wisteria.~

2011-07-14T06:50:00.000-07:00

Floral Arranging: Orange and Olive
Photograph From Wisteria's Blog

I found this photograph on the Wisteria blog. These two colors - orange and olive - seem to follow me whereever I go this summer. If you have a moment visit Wisteria's blog. It is filled with inpsiration!

.~ Tub of Fabric Needs A Home.~

2011-07-13T16:23:00.000-07:00

Working on Debi Hubbs Vino Art Quilt design led me to look for background fabric which led me to dump out my stash on the floor which led me to create this tub of fabric that is filled with all kinds of gorgeous fabrics, but I think they need a new home. Anybody interested in buying this entire tub of fabric? If not, I am going to sort it and sell it on eBay. If you want it in its entirety, I will sell it at a good price as all $$$ goes to help finish off paying Cowgirl's vet bill.

.~ Live and Let Live.~

2011-07-09T05:53:00.000-07:00

Sugar Mountain

Painting by Traci Suzanne Marvel

~ Quietly forgiving and moving on is a gift to God ~ and yourself.

~ Unknown

.~Domo Arigato.~

2011-07-06T07:29:00.000-07:00

For each new morning with its light,

For rest and shelter of the night,

For health and food, for love and friends,

For everything Thy goodness sends.

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

.~ Live Simply.~

2011-07-05T09:49:00.000-07:00

I have a simple philosophy.

Fill what's empty.

Empty what's full,

and scratch where it itches.

~ Alice Roosevelt Longworth

.~ Side Roads.~

2011-07-05T07:55:00.000-07:00

Stop a moment, cease your work, and look around you.

~Thomas Carlyle

.~ Bonding.~

2011-07-03T07:12:00.000-07:00

"I hold this to be the highest task for a bond between two people, that each protects the solitude of the other." Rilke

.~Remember This.~

2011-07-03T04:53:00.000-07:00

Fun is good.

~Dr. Seuss

.~.Let God Be God.~

2011-06-29T10:20:00.000-07:00

So you see life has been pretty tough for awhile. People I love have been very sick. I mean life threatening sick. For a long while now, I have been worrying about everyone. All this worrying has made me very anxious, sad and depressed. Today I reached out to God and asked for help. Basically He told me to "Snap out if it!" Well not in those exact words. Really what He said was don't worry, "just let Me be Me". "Which is the equivalent to "let God be God."

So I went out and got this balloon.
I wrote on it the names of the people I love who are sick.

I am going to let it go.

Let Go

Let God be God.

He will take care of my family.

I know this because

I Believe He Will.

.~Wilbur and Nicholas.~

2011-06-29T07:52:00.000-07:00

.~Prince.~

2011-06-23T09:37:00.000-07:00

I sketched this out the other day and have decided to turn it into a painting.

I can't wait to see how it turns out.

.~Wilde Side.~

2011-06-21T05:05:00.000-07:00

“I knew that I had come face to face with some one whose mere personality was so fascinating that, if I allowed it to do so, it would absorb my whole nature, my whole soul, my very art itself.”

~Oscar Wilde

.~Be Like Water.~

2011-06-15T14:49:00.000-07:00

I took this photograph of these two Koi fish at the Cincinnati Zoo this spring. When I cam across this quote by Bruce Lee, it seemed to fit the photo perfectly~.

.~ Take the Gentle Path.~

2011-06-03T07:24:00.000-07:00

Take the Gentle Path

By Traci Suzanne Marvel

Acrylic on Canvas Board

11" X 14"

For Sale in my etsy store

"The best thing to hold onto in life is each other."

— Audrey Hepburn

An Etsy Treasury Featuring Monk!

2011-05-30T07:09:00.001-07:00

.~ Name the Giraffe Contest.~

2011-05-05T16:37:00.000-07:00

Artist Debi Hubbs

Quilt Pattern by Bigfork Bay Cotton Co.

Artist extraordinaire Debi Hubbs initially painted this lovely African Giraffe. Here is a picture of a print that she sells on eBay Anyway...Bigfork Bay Cotton Company licensed this design to add to Debi's ever growing collections of art quilt patterns.

The giraffe didn't have an official name, so Debi and Bigfork Bay Cotton Co. thought it would be a great idea to have YOU name the giraffe. Isn't that so fun?

To submit a name simply email traci@bigforkbaycottonco.com You can submit as many names as you like, as many times as you like. In case of duplicate names the first one who entered the name will be selected.

And the winner gets? The winner gets an autographed pattern by Debi Hubbs and a matching fabric kit. We need a name soon, so the contest ends June 5th, 2011.

Pattern won't be ready until end of June, but you can call the toll-free number 866-245-5718 and pre-order. I think the fabric kits will go fast on this so it would be smart to get on the list!

Good Luck to you all and I can't wait to see what name Debi picks!

.~Perrito by David King.~

2011-04-27T06:43:00.000-07:00

While at the Sewing and Quilting Expo in Puyallup this past March, I took photographs of my friend Jane bringing David Kings's Art Quilt Perrito to life. Fusible web applique is so easy to do. If you can trace, cut and iron you can make this quilt! You can order the pattern from the Bigfork Bay Cotton Co.
They also sell the fabric kit and matching Aurifil thread!
Take a look at the slideshow and see how easy it was to make this top!

Picture slideshow customized with Smilebox

.~My Mom.~

2011-04-19T10:57:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

I am in California right now.
My mom seems to be losing her battle with cancer.
Life is hard right now.

I have so much to write, to share...
Maybe when I get home to Montana, the words will flow better.

I don't think life has ever hurt so much.

I will write more later and I have so much to share.

Please say a prayer oxoxo

Traci

.~Garden Party.~

2011-03-17T14:34:00.001-07:00

.~Moonlight In Your Eyes.~

2011-03-14T19:52:00.000-07:00

.~Air Mail.~

2011-03-14T08:31:00.000-07:00

Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind. ~Seneca

.~Early Riser.~

2011-02-19T10:07:00.001-08:00

.~Roameo.~

2011-01-16T16:54:00.000-08:00

Roameo

By Traci Suzanne Marvel

10" X 10" X 1"

For Sale on ebay

Acrylic on Stretched Gallery Wrapped Canvas

Sides are painted - Ready to Hang

No Frame Required

Signed on Front by Artist

Signed Titled on back by Artist
SOLD
Going to Live in Washington

About the Painting:
"Grief is like the ocean; it comes on waves ebbing and flowing. Sometimes the water is calm, and sometimes it is overwhelming. All we can do is learn to swim." (Vicki Harrison)

This painting was first inspired when I read about Katherine Dunn's donkey Giacomo passing. - http://www.apiferafarm.blogspot.com/- I was overcome with grief for her. I could feel her broken heart. I got out my paints and created this little painting to honor Giacomo and all the other senior donkey's that Katherine helps.

And also...My dog Cowgirl recently past away on December 2nd, 2010. She fought a brave battle with bone cancer. So this painting is also a tribute to her. As I go through the grief process of losing my precious dog, I feel as if I am roaming the earth aimlessy while sending my heart beats up to heaven in search of my best friend.

A portion of the sale of this painting will go to Katherine's Giacomohttp://apiferafarm.blogspot.com/search/label/Giacomo%27s%20Fund fund and a portion will go to help paying for Cowgirl's last vet bill.

A little side note: This painting won a 2nd place ribbon in the summer of 2010 at the Eureka, MT County Fair :)
This painting is so much prettier in person. This photograph does not do it justice."

.~ Where the Red Roan Grows.~

2011-01-13T08:07:00.000-08:00

Where the Red Roan Grows

5" X 5"

Acrylic on Stretched Canvas

By Traci Suzanne Marvel
Horse For Sale: eBay
SOLD
Going to live in Big Sandy, MT

When I was a little girl my dad bought my brother and I each a horse. My horse was named Fancy That. My dad named my brother's horse Red Hill Beans because he had spots on his rump that reminded him of a crop of beans growing on a hill. I always loved the story behind the name. One night I dreamt of Red Hill Beans grazing on top of a spring green grass hill under a Montana sky. In the morning, I felt compelled to paint my dream. I hope he goes to a good home.

.~Scoot Toot Boogie.~

2011-01-11T13:14:00.001-08:00

.~Sundance Gallery.~

2011-01-10T13:01:00.000-08:00

I took this photograph of the Art Shack & Sundance Gallery right before I left Sundance last September. I was so excited to be a featured artist in the waiting area of the Foundry Grill for three months. I would never have dreamed that one day I would have made it into the Sundance Gallery. Truly one of my most favorite galleries on earth. If you are interested in any of my photographs already framed and ready to go, contact Suzanne Ruhlman at 1.801.223.4535

.~Renew.~

2011-01-09T08:24:00.001-08:00

Look To This Day

Poem by Kalidasa

Look to this day:

For it is life, the very life of life.

In its brief course

Lie all the verities and realities of your existence.

The bliss of growth,

The glory of action,

The splendour of achievement

Are but experiences of time.

For yesterday is but a dream

And tomorrow is only a vision;

And today well-lived, makes

Yesterday a dream of happiness

And every tomorrow a vision of hope.

Look well therefore to this day;

Such is the salutation to the ever-new dawn!

.~Music Box.~

2011-01-08T06:46:00.000-08:00

I "Highly Prize" being able to listen to music. It is one of life's greatest joys!

.~Snake Creek Grill.~

2011-01-06T07:54:00.000-08:00

Snake Creek Grill

Heber City, UT

Thanks to a wonderful woman by the name of Cynthia Stott, you can now find six of my framed photographs for sale at the Snake Creek Grill in Heber City, Utah which is located just 18 miles outside the famed Park City, where the Sundance Film Festival is held. The menu looks delicious! I hope to eat there one day myself!

.~Dressed in Spirit.~

2011-01-05T15:32:00.000-08:00

I treasure having access to anything Mark Twain.
When I find a quote that I have never heard before
that most certainly is a "prized possession."

"Be careless in your dress if you will,
but keep a tidy soul." Mark Twain

.~As Long As I Can.~

2011-01-05T07:10:00.000-08:00

I was thinking that most of my "Prized Possessions" are not material things.

For example one of my "Prized Possessions" is my faith.

And another is my imagination.

I treasure both so very much.

P.S. I like this quote very much. But I would like to clarify that I really don't pray to the stars.

It is ture that I have wished upon a star or two.

However, I pray to Jesus.

He is the STAR in my life:)~

In case you can't read it in the sketch, this is what the quote says:

As long as I can I will look at this world for both of us. As long as I can I will laugh with the birds, I will sing with the flowers, I will pray to the stars, for both of us.

~Sascha, as posted on motivateus.com

P.S.S. In case you were wondering, yes that is indeed Cowboy in the sketch:)~

.~ A Cowboy in Winter .~

2011-01-05T05:24:00.000-08:00

This is a sketch of my Cowboy. He indeed is a Prize! He looks very sad here for two reasons. Number 1, he misses his sister Cowgirl oh~so~very much. It has been only a month since she passed away. Number 2, it has been so cold outside that he has had to spend days upon days in the house. The only things that seem to cheer him up are bisquits and kisses. ox

.~ Visual Strolls.~

2011-01-04T07:34:00.000-08:00

I joined a creative group of folks in a Sketchbook Challenge. Each month we are encouraged to fill our sketchbooks based on a monthly theme that will be announced on the first of each month.

This months theme is "Prized Possessions."

When I think of Prized Possessions, my little house located on the prairie comes to mind. It is there that I can look out of the window and let my imagination go for long visual walks.

On this day I came upon a sweet little wolf heading off to grandmother's house.

On this day I discovered a doe walking through the woods as she came upon a suprise birthday cake!

.~Prized Pussessions Journal Cover~.

2011-01-03T15:39:00.000-08:00

I joined a creative group of folks in a Sketchbook Challenge. Each month we are encouraged to fill our sketchbooks based on a monthly theme that will be announced on the first of each month.

This months theme is

"Prized Possessions."

(I of course being the "punner" that I am had to title this sketch of the two cats "Prized Pussessions." Just couldn't stop myself.)

But Seriously...

One of my most treasured "Prized Possessions" is my husbands love. Not quite sure how I could live without it.

.~Harlequin Ribbon...How Delightful!.~

2010-12-29T06:00:00.000-08:00

Featured on Ballard Designs Website

.~Sale into the New Year with Wisteria.~

2010-12-29T05:06:00.000-08:00

Wisteria Catalog

Yesterday I stopped by the library and scored a handul of Better Homes and Gardens magazines. This am I have been perusing a list of suggested websites from thier December 2010 issue. The Wisteria Catalog stopped me in my tracks! There is a lot of web window shopping to be done here. I surely have my work cut out for me.

Look at these quaint Little French Sailboats

Patchwork Passport Cover

My friend Jane would just love this. She is a quilter and a world travelor.

.~Friendship.~

2010-12-26T04:57:00.000-08:00

.~A New Year Ahead.~

2010-12-26T03:07:00.000-08:00

.~Meet Liilian: Prima Folk Art Ballerina.~

2010-12-22T16:57:00.000-08:00

"Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look and believe in them and try to follow where they lead" ~ Louise May Alcott

This is one of my most favorite sketches, I know on the original sketch, I named the character Daisy. But it really never was her name. Her true name is Lillian. And she is my alter ego. Not that I ever wanted to be named Lillian because I love my name. I think the day I sketched this it was summertime and I was looking at a field of wild daisies and that is why named her that for the time being.

But obviously, her name is Lillian. Anyone can clearly see that.

To continue the story about how Lillian came to be, is that my mother - Lareen Fender - was a a very talented dancer and continued on to become a very famous ballet teacher. As a child, I thought how amazing it would be to become a famous ballet dancer, but alas I just didn't have the gift for it.

But I did try to dance. I did take ballet lessons. I did take jazz and modern dance lessons as well. And I was ok at it, but I just didn't have the gift to become a famous dancer. What I possibly do have a knack for is folk art. So chances are that I might have become a famous folk art ballet dancer. But seeing as ballet is more suited to the classical folk, I am not quite sure that folk art ballet would have ever taken off.

But if it did take off, I think Lillian would be the one who would have been the Prima Folk Art Dancer don't you think? Look at that perfect folk art body and attire!

.~Mr. Saturday Night.~

2010-12-22T06:41:00.000-08:00

"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment." — Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Lent Me Entertain You!"

2010-12-21T19:21:00.000-08:00

Although Elul takes place in August - Septemeber, this seems like a fitting post as we go into a new year.

"With the beginning of Elul, one awakens to teshuva—repentance—turning back to the path. Hearing the shofar helps to make for such an awakening. Elul is a period of preparation. It involves "introspection, review of the year, and preparation for repentance." Selichot, or penitential prayers, are said the Saturday before Rosh Hashanah, for a minimum of 4 days beforehand. On the first night of Selichot, prayers are said at midnight. This intensifies the approach to the "Days of Awe," the ten days encompassing Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.1 "

"So perhaps Elul can be seen as kind of a Jewish Lent. It is a time of anticipation, meditation and penitence, leading up to the greatest days of the Jewish year, especially the Sabbath of Sabbaths—Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. This is similar to Christians anticipating Resurrection Sunday, whether in a formal sense (Lent), or a less formal reflection on the season. As a Jewish believer in Jesus, I feel the parallel keenly."
From The Website Jews For Jesus by Eric Verby

.~Cheep Skate.~

2010-12-21T19:06:00.000-08:00

"A cheapskate has a balanced, honest and dignified approach to money management. It's someone who doesn't spend more than they earn or let money and material possessions rule their thoughts and desires. A cheapskate does not buy on impulse,"
~ Mary Hunt

.~Owl Together Now.~

2010-12-20T10:47:00.000-08:00

I have a cajillion sketchbooks laying around everywhere!

One day I hope to compile all my little sketches in one book.

In the meantime, I am just posting them on my blog.

It is fun to see where my ideas originate from.

And it is even more fun to watch them come to life in a painting or a textile piece.

.~ Half Lost.~

2010-12-19T20:15:00.000-08:00

"I sat staring, staring, staring - half lost, learning a new language or rather the same language in a different dialect. So still were the big woods where I sat, sound might not yet have been born." ~ Emily Carr

.~Great Soul's.~

2010-12-19T07:47:00.000-08:00

.~ My Cowboy.~

2010-12-18T09:05:00.000-08:00

Look at that face -

Just look at it,

Look at that fabulous face of yours.

I knew first look I took at it,

This was the face that the world adores.

Look at those eyes -

As wise and as deep as the sea.

Look at that nose -

It shows what a nose should be.

As for your smile, it's lyrical -

Friendly and warm as a summer's day -

That face is just a miracle.

Where could I ever find words to say

The way that it makes me happy

Whatever the time or place?

I'll find in no book

What I find when I look

At that face.

~ Andrew Lloyd Webber

.~Holly Birdie by Woolin Rouge.~

2010-12-15T07:38:00.000-08:00

Holly Birdie

By Woolin Rouge Designs

Designers Sylvia Gauthier

Traci Suzanne Marvel
Available For Purchase in my Etsy Store

I could not be more excited that the Holly Birdie Table Ensemble is Now Shipping! To purchase the pattern please Check with your local quilt shop or contact the Bigfork Bay Cotton Company

toll-free at 866-245-5718.

.~Reindeer Effect.~

2010-12-12T06:31:00.000-08:00

The Reindeer Effect

4" X 4"

Fine Art Print

Purchase Here: Racytay's Etsy's Shop

Discovered a wonderful fine art photographer this morning.

Take a look!

.~Snowbirds.~

2010-12-10T18:16:00.000-08:00

So hold her closer when she cries, hold her closer when she feels. She needs a hand to hold, someone who will never let her go again. And hold him closer when he tries to hold the tears back from his eyes. Don't say goodbye. Anonymous quotes

.~Lia Lane, Cowgirl and Spirit.~

2010-12-09T17:44:00.000-08:00

Painting By Lia Lane

Website: Lia's Beeswaxed
Read Lia's Artist Interview
by Creative Apple Fine Art Photography

On November 30th, 2010 I was sitting at my kitchen table with Cowgirl at my feet. While scratching her ears, I was soothing my soul by conversing with fellow artists in the Etsy Chat Room. On this magical night, I met a most amazing artist by the name of Lia Lane.

Her artwork immediately caught my heart.

I chatted to Lia about Cowgirl's challenges with cancer and her upcoming operation. I let her know how precarious the next couple of days would be. Just as I was signing off, Lia caught me and told me that she wanted to gift me with a painting. I was so amazed at her generosity. I told her that I would so love to trade art for art. She picked out Sweet Medicine and Passing Through. I was thrilled.

On December 2nd, 2010, Cowgirl and I walked into the waiting room at the Mountain Vista Veternarian Clinic. As soon as we opened the door there was a most beautiful black cat named Spirit waiting for us.

My mouth dropped as I immediatley flashbacked on Lia's painting. (By the way for those who do not know me, I have red hair like the girl in the painting.)

Sadly Cowgirl did not survie the operation. Her cancer had taken her over.

But isn't this a most amazing story?

It depicts exactly how I feel right now about the loss of my Cowgirl.

And I think that Spirit the cat was there to help Cowgirl cross over.

Lia thank-you for your giving heart.

I will treasure this painting always.

.~Ode to Elizabeth Edwards.~

2010-12-07T15:49:00.000-08:00

Dear Elizabeth, You fought a valiant fight with such grace.

Thank-you for teaching me lessons on nobility.

Sending out prayers to your family and loved ones.

You are the one who is at Peace now.

They are the ones who are suffering.

ox Traci Suzanne ox

.~Remembering Ann.~

2010-12-06T08:01:00.000-08:00

Thinking of my friend Ann today~

.~Be Still My Heart~.

2010-11-26T15:01:00.000-08:00

Life is beautiful.

.~ Dreaming of Summer.~

2010-11-23T09:34:00.001-08:00

.~Viola.~

2010-11-22T19:44:00.001-08:00

Violas are one of my most favorite flowers.

.~Coffee Table Book Ideas.~

2010-11-14T13:47:00.000-08:00

This would be a fun book to write also. Such a dreamer am I.

.~Bedding Set Design.~

2010-11-14T12:25:00.000-08:00

I took another photograph and manipulated it on http://www.picnik.com/. I think this one would make a great bedding set with the top part being the sheets and the bottom half being the bedspread.

.~Rug Design.~

2010-11-14T12:01:00.000-08:00

I created this image on http://www.picnik.com/ from a photograph of a horse. I think it would make a really amazing rug.

.~ Artist Within You.~

2010-11-11T05:59:00.000-08:00

"Think not of yourself as the architect of your career but as the sculptor. Expect to have to do a lot of hard hammering and chiseling and scraping and polishing," ~ ~B.C. Forbes

.~Splendor in the Grass.~

2010-11-11T05:46:00.000-08:00

I find such joy gazing into ffields of wild grasses.

When the wind blows through, a symphony of colors are tossed about.

Oh so lovely.

.~ Take Stalk.~

2010-11-10T17:56:00.000-08:00

What a beautiful fall afternoon. Cowboy, Cowgirl and I took a walk around the property. Just a perfect day indeed.

.~My Cowgirl.~

2010-11-10T17:50:00.000-08:00

She is so reflective these days. I think she knows her days are numbered. She lives in the moment. Appreciating every passing minute to its fullest. That is the way we should all live.

.~ Soul Survivor.~

2010-11-10T15:03:00.000-08:00

“He enjoys true leisure who has time to improve his soul’s estate.”

~ Henry David Thoreau

.~Advice On How To Handle A Bully.~

2010-10-19T07:23:00.000-07:00

v. bul·lied, bul·ly·ing, bul·lies
1. To treat in an overbearing or intimidating manner. See Synonyms at intimidate.
2. To make (one's way) aggressively.

"There are always people who get their kicks by tormenting someone else. They enjoy insulting or teasing others, because they themselves are insecure. They are obviously completely jealous of something you have - your looks, luck, or friends and family so just think, "Wow, that's a compliment!" They get pleasure out of watching the person who they have insulted or teased squirm, feel uncomfortable or cry. Their main purpose is to get a reaction out of the other person. This despicable breed are known as "bullies". They look for a comeback, they expect it, so don't give it!" ~Exerpt from WikiHow

`~A Beautiful Day in Montana.~

2010-10-12T14:07:00.001-07:00

.~ Tummy Textiles.~

2010-10-11T07:10:00.000-07:00

We would load up the yellow Cutlass Supreme station wagon and pick blackberries during blackberry season or spring onions during spring onion season. For us, food was part of the fabric of our day.

Mario Batali

.~Gossip Girls.~

2010-10-05T08:53:00.000-07:00

One of my most favorite artists of all time - Debi Hubbs - asked to interview me for her Gossip Page. Was I thrilled? Oh my yes! To read the interview click here: Artblooms Interview
Make sure to check out all of Debi's beautiful artwork!