Reliquary Santon class

Reliquary Santon class
Originally uploaded by colleenbaptista

Well, this is it. Mine is the one in the middle. Ulla, the class and Castle in the Air was a wonderful way to enjoy the day. So much inspiration!

Preparing for class

Preparing for class
Originally uploaded by colleenbaptista

I am SOOO excited to take another wonderful class at Castle in the Air in Berkeley tomorrow with Ulla. Every trip to Castle is an inspiration, each new class is a exploration into new things . Tomorrow is a Santon reliquary class. Ulla always supplies interesting objects to work with but I am bringing a few of my own trinkets to play with as well. I can't wait to take some photos to show you all.

Tim 2.25.81

Tim 2.25.81
Originally uploaded by colleenbaptista

What a wonderful thing a photo is. You can look at it and really feel a closeness to that missing someone. You can almost feel you can touch them, almost pretend you can hear thier voice, imagine what they might say to you or better yet hear them laugh. You can almost pretend you are seeing them. Some time it is easier to pretend he's just away,even though I know better. It is nice to be able to hope he will walk thru the door. I look at his picture and I can only imagine what a beautiful angel he has become. Happy Birthday my sweet boy.
I love you,
Mom

I love.....

I love.....
Originally uploaded by colleenbaptista

I love my family, I love our puppy dog Bentley, I love all my family memories, I love chocolate, I love shortbread cookies, I love my Latte, I love french knots, I love being married, I love to bake, I love flea markets, I love vintage anything, I love old lace, I love soft colors that blend, I love decorating magazines, I love Flickr, I love my new camera, I love Tahoe, I love rain, I love being artsy, I love that my family is close, I love a clean hose, I love a full cookie jar, I love when all the laundry is done and put away, I love taking classes to learn new things, I love that I don't have to work all the time, I love books, I love field trips to other peoples homes, I love traveling, I love coiming back home again with new ideas, I love little birds, I love treasure hunts, I love that I am grateful for having all these things to love. Happy Valentine's Day

New Years "reflections"

New Years "reflections"
Originally uploaded by colleenbaptista

Last night we watched the movie The Pursuit of Happiness, with Will Smith. As we watch this very sad but real movie, I looked over to notice Bentley laying on his end of the couch wrapped in my Pottery Barn blanket cozy, safe and warm and I thought of all the people that are living on the streets or losing their homes with no where to go. I sat back and thought of my many blessings in life and said a prayer for those who are lonely, cold and hungry. I have made a promise to myself to try to be less wasteful and more aware of the things I take for granted. I don't call what I do "New Year Resolutions", I call them "New Year Beginings" a fresh new start. My New year wish for you all...Warm homes, a roof over your head, food in your tummy and someone to love. Happy New Year......

Never a dull moment

Thanksgiving
Originally uploaded by colleenbaptista

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Ours was delightful as usual. The table was set by my niece Kathleen in a traditional beauty my mother would have been proud of. The candles were glittering, the crystal glass filled with wine and Kathleen's beautiful china. We said grace gave our thanks and then......the dinning room table collapsed! Crystal and china went flying ,everyone screamed...then came the laughter. Kathleen had worked so hard for this lovely meal to be perfect and it was. We washed the dishes and silverware dusted ourselves off and shared a great evening of food, family, laughs and friends. As my mom would say "there is never a dull moment with our family"

Karla Gerard

Karla Gerard
Originally uploaded by colleenbaptista

I have found a new artist to follow. Her name is Karla Gerard and she sells these fabulous acrylic paints. I love each and everyone of them.
I do believe I am attracted by colors first, then texture and then the design. I am begining to learn this from looking at paintings, fabric, beads and so many other things.

How I long to be this kind of artist. I like to think of myself as an artist.
There are many things that I can do, I just never have found that one thing that completely drives me. I think if I could choose it would be painting with all medias, but watercolor seems to be the most interesting to me.

Maybe I should sign up for yet another class to try my hand at watercolor. Ah, the possibilities are endless.......