Spazing Out in the Intergalactic Rebellion

Christmas Gift Boxes: Crafting With My Mom

2011-12-19T19:32:00.000-08:00

My Mom is one of the craftiest, most creative people I know. She takes great relish in making simple things fun, whimsical and fancy. She helped me put these cute gift boxes together. Okay confession. I helped her. I think they turned out adorable. Took simple treats and made them special!

Burlesque Show Girl Emroidery

2011-12-11T20:12:00.000-08:00

I have been working on a quilt emroidered with my drawings since 2002. I finally picked it up for the first time in about a year and finished this burlesque show girl, inspired by my cousin Prix de Beaute.

Swiss Porridge Recipe from Jared-Lee's Auntie

2011-11-28T20:12:00.000-08:00

In large bowl, stir together:
1 cup quick oatmeal
1-2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
pinch of salt
1/3 cup raisins
1/3 cup chopped nuts
1 can crushed pineapple, undrained
1 lemon - zest & squeeze juice (warm in microwave 1st)

refrigerate 2-3 hours or overnight

whip 1 cup whipping cream, stir into porridge. Add 1 8 oune container strawberry yogurt, 2 sliced bananas & 1 pint sliced strawberries.

simply delicious!

Asian Adventures Quilt 1 & Quilt 2

2011-10-24T09:55:00.000-07:00

Each quilt has 111 9" by 9" blocks in it. Each block is a different fabric with an Asian theme. I am making four of these quilts, each will be unique. Enjoy pictures of the first two machine pieced!

Grandma's House Mosaic Stepping Stone

2011-10-22T15:25:00.000-07:00

Found & recycled stained glass and tile on concrete stepping stone.

Sopa de Tortilla Recipe From Cooking School in San Miguel De Allende 2008

2011-10-05T13:38:00.000-07:00

Sopa de tortilla

1 chile ancho (toasted) or 2 guajillos
2 roma tomatos
1 garlic clove
1/2 small onion
5 cups of chicken broth
salt to taste
10 tortillas cut in small squares

mix all ingredients except tortilla pieces in a bowl. heat slowly, let simmer. garnish with fried tortilla squares, avocado and cheese

candy skulls glue down

2011-10-03T10:11:00.000-07:00

"Sweet Music" evolves

2011-09-21T16:49:00.000-07:00

"Sweet Music" Violin & Junk Jewelry Mosaic

2011-09-21T15:02:00.000-07:00

Beards & Busts Lamp glue down

2011-09-14T11:54:00.000-07:00

Bearded trannies is the theme for this lamp base. I bought it at a thrift store back in Minnesota. Have been pondering what to put on it for some time now... pow...

Hija Amada - the glue down

2011-09-08T18:07:00.000-07:00

One of my biggest pieces yet... "Hija Amada - Naciemiento de Sta Clarita"... glued down. We'll see how many other pieces NCLEX test anxiety pumps out of me!

FACES FORM

2011-09-07T13:33:00.000-07:00

aparece la mama

2011-09-03T20:45:00.000-07:00

got the clothes done on the mother.. she's starting to appear...

collecting

2011-09-02T18:37:00.000-07:00

"The collector dreams his way not only into a distant or bygone world, but also into a better one.:

-Walter Benjamin

I think this quote is exellent.

Mother & Child mosaic window start

2011-09-02T18:35:00.000-07:00

I have been completely overwhelmed with my last two semesters of nursing school. Have barely found time to breathe, let alone create. I miss it. Creating is as essential to me as water is to a fish; I need it.

I was touched a few years back when I saw the photo of a friend holding her newborn daughter. The photo is the embodiment of motherly love. I've wanted to do a mother and child for a long while but was waiting for the design, pattern, moment to strike me. It did today. I am doing a much more abstract version of the photo I saw. How could I do realism? I mean all my characters look like aliens haha... This piece will be quite large. Doing it with recycled glass on a recycled window that travelled across the plains with me from Minnesota.

Grandma Vi's Mock Chow Mein Hot Dish Recipe

2011-06-16T16:52:00.000-07:00

Grandma Vi's Mock Chow Mein Hot Dish Recipe

1 lb ground beef (or ground pork)
1 large onion, diced
2 stalks celery, diced

Brown the above ingredients

In a large bowl add:
1 can chicken noodle soup
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can cream of celery soup
1 cup of uncooked rice
2 cans water
2 tablespoons of soy sauce (or to taste)
Salt & Pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients in a casserole dish. Bake 1 hour covered at 350 degrees. Add chow mein noodles (1 package) for last 15 minutes.

Queen Lumpia's Mormon Tiramisu Recipe

2011-06-10T16:34:00.000-07:00

My good friend from college, Melissa, went on her LDS mission to Italy. This woman can cook! She wasn't gonna let a little coffee (against Mormon dietary codes) get in her way of making a kick ass tiramisu. Enjoy!!!!

Melissa's Mormon Tiramisu Recipe

2 packages savoiardi (lady fingers) (or use vanilla wafers)
6 egg whites, or 7 or 8....
500-700 grms mascarpone
6 cups of pretty strong PERO, sweetened
1/3 - 1/2 cup sugar
Cocoa Powder for dusting

beat egg whites until stiff peaks form, add sugar and beat. Fold in mascarpone. Dip savoiardi in PERO and arrange in serving dish. Layer cream over top. Add another layer of savoiardi and cream, and agin depending on size/shape of bowl. Sift cocoa poder over the top. Chill.

Yum.

Ohio State Buckeye Chocolate Peanut Butter Candies Recipe

2011-06-10T16:27:00.000-07:00

I am trying to go paperless, so as I find random recipes people have given me over the years, they are going here! This one is really easy and SUPER good!! I got it from a lady that I worked with at the Edina Dayton's back in 1999. We sold crystal together. She was from Ohio and made these around the holidays. I wish I could remember her name!

Ohio State Buckeyes
makes 50 pieces

1 1/2 cup peanut putter (creamy works best)
1 lb box powdered sugar
1 1/2 sticks softened margarine
1 tablespoon vanilla

Mix in a large mixer. If too dry, add more margarine. Roll in small balls. Put on cookie sheet and freeze. Keep frozen until ready to dip in chocolate.

12 oz package of real chocolate chips semi-sweet morals
1/4 bar of prafain wax.

Melt chips & shaved parafin in double boiler. Dip frozen buckey into chocolate with a toothpick. Put on waxed paper. Dry overnight. Smooth centers with a knife. Store in freezer

Blanket Top Making (others call it quilting)

2011-05-30T20:13:00.000-07:00

One of the things that I did with my mother growing up was cut out fabric pieces for quilt tops. My senior year in high school, she'd let me skip school if I agreed to cut out blocks for her in the morning. Then we'd go to lunch and shopping. She taught me alot about color combinations, fabric combinations and general principles of design.

It's been a few years since I have used a sewing machine. I am quite incompetent in the use of one. I won't lie. One of my goals is to learn to sew things that stay together.

I have been sorting through things in an effort to downsize. I came across a series of 9 inch squares I had cut out to make a quilt top with, all Asian themed. I began buying Asian themed fabric in 1998, the year I spent in Seattle. My sister Becky (Barfy to those in the know) is going to help me sew the quilt top. Here's some photos of a few of the blocks.. stay tuned for pictures as this progresses....

PS I haven't forgot about my blog. Just haven't had time to create or blog. I am overwhelmed with my OB & Pediatric classes and rotations. Four more months of nursing school!!!

Daddy in Glass - Portrait of Ari

2011-04-23T13:55:00.000-07:00

Scrap glass on scrap glass. enjoy!

Bleeding Eyes Avocado glue down

2011-04-14T13:41:00.000-07:00

My friend Delinda Collier's girlfriend Jennifer Nalbantyan is exhibiting at the Chicago Art Department. I read an interview with her that I found really inspiring. http://sixtyinchesfromcenter.org/archive/?p=6183 Jennifer talks about her inspiration and shows a picture of an avocado she cut open that looked like it was crying blood. I had a papier mache avocado half laying around (product of Mexico) and decided it would be fun to copy cat her and do the blood crying avocado in mosaic. Measures 7 by 4 by 3 inches.

Frida Con Flores glue down

2011-04-11T17:41:00.000-07:00

Glued down! I am pleased with how she turned out.

Frida gets her Stache and a Pearl Necklace

2011-04-11T10:03:00.000-07:00

Frida got her stache. Although it is far more stated then the one she had in real life. hehe. I also rummaged through my beads and vintage jewelry and found some colored cultured pearls that I bought in Mexico city, along with some bright metalic beads, and put them on her neck. It kind of has a gay flag look, but honestly, I was thinking more in terms of color then gay stuff. I also glued down a mango and a bright orange flower bulb for her hair piece. The silver ones are fancy, but I wanted the illusion or statement of bright flowers.

Frida Bust: Stache or no Stache?

2011-04-07T08:38:00.000-07:00

I posted a poll on facebook to help me decide if I should feature Frida's gurl-stache on this bust or not. We'll see. One side of me doesn't want to put it on. The other looks at her art where she featured it and thinks it should be on the bust. Hmm.

Frida Con Flores Bust... started

2011-04-06T16:01:00.000-07:00

The orbs I glued down a while ago.. have finally found a home!

Angel Face Glue Down

2011-04-06T12:53:00.001-07:00

Glued this down on a found mask from a thrift store. Used: recycled glass, recycled vintage wall mirror tiles, glass plate (red lips).

Gay-sha Gurl - Mosaic Glue Down

2011-04-03T16:20:00.000-07:00

Gay-sha Gurl Mosaic Glue Down

A Garden Is a Friend.. Stepping Stone

2011-04-03T16:10:00.001-07:00

Found tile on cement paver w/ found glass

Rajas con Crema Recipe

2011-03-31T17:21:00.000-07:00

Rajas Con Crema Serving size: 6 Ingredients: 6 Chiles polbanos 2 medium onions, sliced oil for frying 1 cup cream (can use half & half) 1/2 cup fresh mexican cheese, cubed Heat oil in skillet. Make slit on each chile. Fry the chiles in the oil, turning them until completely blistered, set aside. Slice the onions finely. When the chiles are no longer hot, peel them and discard the seeds and stems. Slice the chiles. In 2 tablespoons oil, saute the oions for 5 mins. Add the chiles and saute for another 3-5 mins until cooked. Add the cream, salt to taste. Let it simmer. Just before serving, add the cheese. Serve immediately. variations: you can also add cooked corn. Also, good served with white rice or grilled meats. Serve with warm tortillas.

Another Guadalupe Shrine

2011-03-31T17:15:00.001-07:00

Garden of Eden Mosaic: Floral Barf on the Sides

2011-03-30T11:43:00.000-07:00

I decided this whole cabinet needs to be mosaiced.. so the sides are getting covered in floral barf. Honestly, I am a little sick of gluing it down.. but the end product looks interesting, I think.

Recipe: Pastel Tres Leches

2011-03-26T19:27:00.000-07:00

I came across a packet of recipes that I got at cooking class at Restaurante El Naranjo in Oaxaca City, Oaxaca, Mexico.

Pastel Tres Leches

serving size: 10

2 cups unsalted butter, room temperature
2 cups sugar
10 eggs separated
1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
1 tbsp baking poder
1 can evaporated milk
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 cup half & half cream
1 cup whipping cream
2 egg whites (optional)
1/2 cup powdered sugar

Directions:
Cake: preheat the oven 300 degrees (20 min), butter a large rectangular pan, cover with wax paper, butter again. with an electric mixer cream the butter, add sugar and keep beating until well mixed, add the egg yolks one at a time, gradually add the flour and baking powder.

In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks are formed. With a spatula fold this mixture into the flour mixture. Pour on top of the prepared pan. Bake until the edges are separeted form the mold and a cake tester comes out clean (butter knife or fork).

3 leches mixture: with a whisk beat together the evaporated milk, the sweetened condensed milk, and the half & half cream. Keep refrigerated until ready to use.

Frosting: Beat the 2 egg whites until stiff peaks form. Separately beat the whipping cream, mix in the powdered sugar and fold with a spatula into the egg whites. Cool until ready to use.

Assembling the cake: Let the cake cool in the panon top of a rack. Tip cake out of pan when completely cold. Use a toothpick to poke holes all over the cake. Cut the cake in two equal halves. Place one half on a seving dish. Wet it with the 3 leches mixture, cover with a layer of frosting. Place the other half on top and then pour the rest of 3 leches mixture over it. Frost. Enjoy!

Garden of Eden: Adam & Steve Front glued down!

2011-03-24T16:50:00.000-07:00

The front of the cabinet is glued down. I am still debating what I want to put on the sides and if I am also going to mosaic the interior, back and legs. I am pleased with how it is going.

PS only recycled glass was used!

Garden of Eden Cabinet: Enter Steve

2011-03-22T21:00:00.000-07:00

Adam and Steve in the Garden of Eden.

Garden of Eden Cabinet: Adam Appears

2011-03-22T19:15:00.000-07:00

I have finals this week, so not much down time to mosaic. I did manage to get Adam on the cabinet.

Garden of Eden Cabinet Progress: Floral Barf & The Serpent

2011-03-18T20:30:00.000-07:00

Ran out of glue last night. Total bummer since mosaicing was suppose to be my "treat" or "reward" for studying like crazy. Oh well. I cut some dichronic glass to give the flowers a little fancy edge. Tonight, after study and work, I continued the glue down. I am surrounding the main picture of Adam & Steve with what I call "floral barf." Included in the barf will be the serpent. I decided to use blue and gold colored mirror for him. Hoping this will help him pop out from the barf.. plus who can resist sparkle?

Adam & Steve in the Garden of Eden Concept

2011-03-17T17:41:00.000-07:00

A few years ago, I bought a beat up cabinet at a thrift store. It had great form and shape and I envisioned it mosaiced with something spectacular. I have thought about what to put on it since then.

One of my favorite sayings by homophobes is "God made Adam and Eve, NOT Adam and Steve." It really infuriates me because it asserts that I am not a creation of God. That as a homosexual, I am excluded from divine parentage and basically a freak of nature. I decided to present through my mosaic interpretation of the homophobes, Adam & Steve in the garden of eden. I have divine parentage. I am not a freak of nature. Like all other spirits that were born on this earth, I was created equally and by loving Heavenly Parents.

Here is a photo of my sketch idea and a few pictures of the beginning of the glue down

Linda's Titty Sculpture

2011-03-14T19:43:00.001-07:00

Did this back in 2007. In the collection of my amiga, Linda Swanson.

Titter Binnie Birthday Portrait Glue Down

2011-03-13T19:30:00.001-07:00

Measures 9.5 inches by 7.5 inches - a gift for my cousin on her birthday. Happy Birthday Natalie!

"Flight of Springtime" glue down

2011-03-13T15:55:00.000-07:00

Spring is in the Hair!

MAMA butterfly glue down

2011-03-13T15:29:00.001-07:00

Mexico Clock: Mayan Hieroglyphs Clock Case

2011-03-12T18:59:00.000-08:00

I did Mayan hieroglyphs that I copied in my journal back in 1997 when I was doing fieldwork for my anthropology degree. I am hoping with the grout they will pop out a little bit. Now I just have to decide how to finish the sides and top. I am contemplating adding a piece to the top.. maybe another foot. but not sure.

Baby Butterfly glue down

2011-03-12T15:34:00.000-08:00

I found two plaster butterflies at the thrift store a few weeks ago. Here is the glue down of the baby one. Still thinking about what I want to put on the Mama.

More Mexi Clock Glue Down - Trunk/Base done

2011-03-11T08:42:00.000-08:00

Mexi Clock: Map, Church, Temple, Aztec

2011-03-10T07:46:00.001-08:00

Here are a few pics of the progress on the "Te Quiero, Mexico" clock.

Adios Amy!

2011-03-08T22:51:00.000-08:00

I met Amy Lewis Clark at HealthSouth Rehab Hospital in Sandy, Utah. She's a nures that I worked with. From the day we met, she has been nothing but supportive, kind and encouraging as I pursue my education in nursing. Today, I attended a good bye "wine and cheese" for her at Nurse Sheila's home. She's moving back to Louisiana, in the pursuit of happiness. After, we stopped by Healthsouth. It was fun to see old coworkers and smiling faces.

I am so glad I met Amy. She is a compassionate nurse who truly seeks to care for her patients. She is attentive to their needs. Amy is also a leader. She works with her aides and helps them achieve premium care fo patients. I learned alot from working with her. I am so thankful that she is a friend!!

"Te Quiero Mexico!" Clock

2011-03-08T22:39:00.000-08:00

I bought a home made standing clock at the thrift store back in Mexico. If it is flat enough to be mosaiced on, then I consider it fair game. I started the mosaic and wasn't sure how to progress, so I stopped. Today I decided it is time to revisit it. I am putting images of a few of the many things I love about Mexico. So far, Frida Kahlo, La Virgincita and Dia de los Muertos have made the cut. I am enjoying this adventure.. I just think it needs to be about 100 times it's size so that I can fit everything I love about Mexico on it!

"Cuida a mis Hijas, Virgincita!" mosaic glue down

2011-03-06T19:22:00.001-08:00

"Cuida a mis Hijas, Virgincita!" - Retrato de Tina, Salchicha y La Virgin. Measures 11 inches by 16 inches. Recycled glass on found frame.

"Take Care of my Daughters, Little Virgen!"

Really Bad Poetry

2011-03-06T11:47:00.000-08:00

Came across this when sorting through things. Wrote this for a girl when I was at BYU.

"Kung Fu Jam

Crazy balloon in a purple paper fire

blue hased spew, moment of desire

Sleek. Shiny. Shimmer - glitter in the eye

Concrete. mushy. madness in a single cry

Beauty in a bowl

Glimmer of grape jelly.

My my sugar, you're so kung fu smelly

9/12/97 "

Orbs

2011-03-04T07:08:00.000-08:00

I unpacked another box of studio supplies. I came across this bag of styrofoam balls that I bought at a thrift store. I want to figure out how to attach these to a mannequin head as hair ornaments.

"Mi Mi" glue down

2011-03-03T08:35:00.000-08:00

I bought this styrofoam form in Mexico City in 2008. I decided to switch it up and cut a styrofoam ball in half and gave her buns.

"CP3 GUUUUURL!!!" Glue Down

2011-03-03T08:22:00.000-08:00

This is another of the mannequin head forms I bought in Tijuana, Mexico. I felt futuristic.. so CP3O's female friend showed up...

"Graciela" Mosaic Glue down

2011-03-02T16:07:00.000-08:00

Bought this styrofoam wig form at an estate sale back in Minnesota. I used vintage glitter glued on to the form then covered with clear glass for her "shimmering" eyes.

"Frida Kat-Lo" Coin Bank Mosaic Glued Down

2011-03-02T09:01:00.001-08:00

Found this unfinished project. Finished gluing her down. Now to the pile to be grouted she goes! Recycled glass on found "kitty" bank.

Lupita Shrine Glued Down

2011-02-28T19:42:00.000-08:00

I love the Virgin of Guadalupe. I was going through things and came across this shadow box and a Virgin of Guadalupe sticker that I bought from a "gum ball" machine years ago. Time to make a shrine!!!

"Puerca" glued down

2011-02-24T19:26:00.000-08:00

"Puerca" is finally glued down. Several different skin shades used. all recycled glass. I think she is turning out delightful!

"Puerca" pig mosaic in process

2011-02-21T19:44:00.000-08:00

Years ago, I went to a garage sale off of Maryland Ave E in St Paul, MN. As I was leaving I saw this giant pig by the garbage can. I asked the butch, manly lesbian that I had been chatting with if she was throwing it away. She said "Yes!" I said "ok, can I have it?" Her father bought it in the 1950s in Tijuana. It's actually a huge piggy bank.

Today, I started mosacing it. I have thought many hours about how or what I wanted to do with it. I settled on using different shades of flesh tones, browns and pinks. I am very excited. I ran out of glue (liquid nails in a tube with a cap for "small" projects) or I would still be gluing.

Lucha! Lucha! - Luchador Mosaic Bust Started

2011-02-20T21:15:00.000-08:00

I found this bust at a garage sale back in MN. I've been thinking for a while what I wanted to put on it... LUCHADOR - Mexican wrestler!!!

Ole, OLE! Candy Skull Mosaic Finally Glued down!

2011-02-20T21:06:00.000-08:00

Mexico must be on my mind today. Between patients, and once I was done with work, I mosaiced like crazy. FEELS SO GOOD! Breaking glass is the best stress relief. I finally got around to gluing down the rest of the pieces on Skull Candy. I used three different types of white glass - so hoping that the difference will pop out once the piece is grouted.

Day of the Dead is a celebration in Mexico on November 2nd. It basically laughs in the face of death and celebrates the triumph of the human spirit over mortality. The art work that is inspired by it is amazing. By artwork, I include the breads and candies that are made in the bakeries. Beautiful sugar skulls are made and decorated, then given as gifts. That's the inspiration for this piece.

"Lupita - Reina de las Americas - Retrato"

2011-02-20T12:52:00.000-08:00

"Lupita - Reina de las Americas - Retrato" Recycled stained glass, on found frame. Measures 8 x 10 inches. The entire frame will be glued down at another time.. well maybe in a few minutes, we'll see. I love the Virgin of Guadalupe. I have visited her shrine/basillica over a dozen times. She is the first apparition of an indigenous Virgin Mary in the Americas. I really debated how dark skinned I would make her - but looking at representations of her in my photo albums and online, She is almost always represented with fair skin.

Yesterday's theme was Mormon in nature. Today's is Mexican Catholic. Guadalupe inspires me. I see her as a melding of the pre-Columbian earth goddess and the Christian Mary. I think she satisfies a huge human need to be loved by a mother, to feel the gentle embrace that most of us have only felt from our mothers. She represents unconditional love and is always looking out for her children.

"Hear Him" Guitar in Progress

2011-02-19T19:32:00.000-08:00

I've been thinking alot lately about personal revelation, about communicating with a higher power. One of the stories I heard growing up, and preached as a Mormon missionary, is the story of Mormon Prophet Joseph Smith. As a youth of 14, he prayed and questioned God about what path he should take. God appeared to him and said "Joseph, this is My Beloved, hear Him!" It was the introduction of Jesus Christ. It's a story that reminds me that prayers are answered. Often, I get frustrated and wander. It's as simple as asking the Universe, or God or Heavenly Father or Heavenly Mother your question and then listening.

I have the main body of the guitar glued down. I am going to put around the edge the words from the Mormon hymn "Oh How Lovely Was the Morning," which references this First Vision of Joseph Smith.

"You're not really starting over again.."

2011-02-18T18:55:00.000-08:00

"You're not really starting over again, you're just editing out all the crap that was holding you back." - Some artist talking during a documentary I watched.

What an awesome perspective! As I think about my dreams, I encounter the reality that I let myself be held back. I've wanted to live in Los Angeles again for years... but could come up with a long list of why I couldn't live there. In the end, I realized that either I wanted it or I didn't want it. If I wanted it, then I needed to eliminate all the obstacles and go for it.

"TRUDY, Trudy" Mannequin Wig Form

2011-02-15T16:52:00.000-08:00

In 2008, I visited my sister in South Pasadena, California. While there, I took a trip down to Tijuana to see the dentist (Super hygenic and way cheaper then anything in the US). After the filling, I wandered around TJ and found this wig shop that was selling their wig forms for dirt cheap. Some were super damaged, but exactly what I like to find to mosaic on to. RECYCLE! I bought several of them, bought a super huge giant bag, and trekked back to LA on the train. My brother in law Steve picked me up. He shook his head. He smiled. He knew it was typical Joseph.

Sunday, I finally got around to dragging one of them up from the basement to mosaic. I call her "TRUDY, Trudy."Here are some in progress pictures.

"Flight" Garden Pot

2011-02-13T18:57:00.000-08:00

Finally got around to finishing this giant pot. It's currently in the process of being grouted. Have I said lately how much I dislike grouting???

"Yin Yang" Glass Corset

2011-02-13T18:27:00.000-08:00

Stained glass on found mannequin form, 2007

"Bring Me Peace" Guitar

2011-02-13T16:10:00.000-08:00

Hand cut, stained glass mosaic, Fimo sculpture, Virgin of Guadalupe bead, Ganesh Cabochan... all on found guitar. "Om Padmi Mani OM" mantra is on the side.

"Jesus Wants Me For a Sunbeam" Guitar

2011-02-13T15:59:00.000-08:00

Mosaic mirror, stained glass, hand cut & sculpted faces on found guitar. Finished in 2010. New pictures with black background.

True Colors Guitar Commission

2011-02-11T11:04:00.000-08:00

"True Colors Guitar" - 02/07/2011, commission. In collection of Craig Clifford. Recycled stained glass mosaic on found guitar.

Sparkly Things & Breaking Glass

2011-02-09T09:39:00.000-08:00

Today I opened another HEAVY box of glass from my stuido back in White Bear Lake, Minnesota. It was like Christmas!! This box contains some of my most expensive glass and several pieces of colored mirror that I had bought over the year. It was like "SPARKLE!" My grin was probably huge. I have been collecting glass - especially scrap glass - since I started stained glass in 1997 at Brigham Young University. I haven't even gone through the hole box, just the first couple layers - and I feel so excited.

Excited for all the posibilities of the art that can be created with these pieces. I grabbed the first six pieces and took them upstairs to my dining room table - it's my work table too. Score score score score score. Cut cut cut cut cut. Snip snip snip. Ka CHING! several more colors of mirrored glass ready to be glued down as creation attacks and consumes me. I am just thrilled!

Collaborative Efforts & Sharing

2011-02-06T17:58:00.000-08:00

Today, I thought alot about collaborative efforts, sharing and the creative process. Life has blessed me with many talented people that have shared their efforts, ideas, supplies and love with me. I love creating in a group environment. There's a special energy that is conducive to creating when a group of people gather. I think back to art classes, hanging out with friends, and especially creating with my family, led by my Mother. Such awesome things were accomplished. People ricochetted off of each other's ideas and created their own, unique pieces.

When blessed with abundance, I believe it is a responsibility to share. Today I may be scrapping along, but yesterday I had plenty. Tomorrow I may have plenty, or I may continue to scrape along. The universe determines that. I am still unpacking my art supplies. As I sort through what I want to keep, and what I want to discard, I try to think of other artists or people with creative endeavors that might be able to use my abundance. It's a small way of keeping the cycle going.

Prix De Beaute Portrait

2011-02-04T11:20:00.000-08:00

Prix de Beaute is an exciting enchantress on the LA scene. She is also my cousin. She is fun, creative and perhaps a tad naughty. This is a portrait of her in the famous yellow canary costume. Going straight to the collection of my aunt, Prix's mother. Measures 16 inches by 12 inches.

Kitchen As Mud Room

2011-02-04T10:41:00.000-08:00

Today is grout day. My kitchen has been overtaken by grout, pails, pieces, tools. All in the name of art. I thoroughly dislike grouting. It is my very least part of the creative process. I would much rather be draweing, embroidering, gluing, cutting glass; anything but grout. It is messy. Every thing gets covered in a nasty silt. Somehow, even my pets end up with spots of white on them. I also do it all without gloves. I don't like the lack of sensation that occurs when gloves are put on... so inevitably I end up with cuts. blah. Poor me, right? Well not really. Everything has ups and downs. Grout is the down of mosaic work! Jamming to ABBA on vinyl and getting this chore done!

The Comfort of Creatures

2011-02-03T08:57:00.000-08:00

I love my pets. I am so blessed to have these creatures in my life. As I type this, I have Salchicha - my weiner dog - on one side and Tina - my chihuahua - on the other side of me. they are both snoring contentedly. Sophie - my persian - is perched on the couch behind me. They are my guardian angels. They give me unconditional love. They are such a bright spot in my existence.

18th Century Illustrations of the Heart

2011-02-01T20:03:00.000-08:00

Today, in my nursing clinicals, I was assigned to the cardiac catherization lab. I loved it! was fascinating to watch doctors go in and repair the heart through simple procedures, the use of sonograms, ultrasounds and xrays. The human heart is amazing. It always inspires me. I googled 18th century medical illustrations and found some really cool art. enjoy!

pics of some projects in process

2011-01-30T12:17:00.000-08:00

I have been very sick the past few weeks, so haven't had a chance to finish much. I have worked a bit on a couple of projects. I added hair to the geisha on the Guitarra Japonessa and found this mask that I started mosacing a number of years back when I unpacked a box. Enjoy!

Angels

2011-01-30T12:09:00.001-08:00

Angels inspire me. I love seeing them depicted in art and talked about in Sacred Word. There are all sorts of angels. Good, bad, human, winged; depends on your beliefs and your traditions. For me, the most common angels in my life are other people. A simple, kind act can demonstrate the goodness of the universe. There's days when everything seems dark and dreary and a kind act illuminates and lifts up the soul.

Pictures are of some of the angels in my collection.

Trash & Treasures

2011-01-27T09:12:00.000-08:00

I sell on ebay. It has been a life saver while I am in nursing school. I came across these sacred heart of Jesus and Mary wall plaques in a box of junk that I am listing. I forgot all about them. I got them at an estate sale back in Minnesota. I really love them. Catholic art always inspires me!

Guitarra Japonesa

2011-01-19T20:39:00.000-08:00

I was unpacking a box of things to list on ebay (crap I brought with me from Minnesota) and unwrapped a Japanese Geisha girl lamp.When I picked it up, it started to come apart. I thought about gluing it together, but realized that it was futile. I took it a part and decided it was finally time to start on a Japanese themed guitar.

The mountain scenes on the guitar are from the lamp. The lotus flowers are from a thrift store plate. The hair ornament on the geisha and the mirror details on the kimono are pieces of a mirrored christmas ornament I took apart. I bought the guitar at a garage sale for $2. The other glass is scrap from projects and scrap I bought from stained glass studios.

Dainty in The West - Candy Skull

2011-01-18T16:45:00.001-08:00

I found this plaster form skull at a thrift store when I first moved to Utah. It excited me. Last week, I found this mirrored christmas tree ornament at a different charity shop. A plan was hatched. After taking apart the ornament, I had several bright colored mirror pieces to work with. Add a dash of test anxiety (STRESS), a bottle of liquid nails and you see the results..now for the glue to dry then grout!

Glued Down! True Colors Guitar

2011-01-17T14:11:00.001-08:00

Worked for many, many hours over the past few days and got the "true Colors" guitar glued down. I think it turned out excellent. I don't usually mosaic the back of guitars, but this time I decided to. I put a portrait of the guy that commissioned it on the back - as a surprise. around the edges it says "shining through... that's why I love you." more lyrics from the song. Hehe. Now to let the glue cure and then grout!

Recycle!

2011-01-14T12:52:00.000-08:00

Most of the stuff I use in my artwork is recycled. I found this fabulous glass dish at the thrift store (Deseret Industries) for 50 cents. I had to get creative to break it, as it was very thick and I wanted to try and keep the pieces by colors, and not super mixed. I envision the pieces with the color drops as jewelry or perhaps in a head dress/hat on a foxy mama.

I also cut a part some really great glass that I found in a cheesy stained glass piece at a thrift store back in MN. It will make great background texture. It is white with rays of black, pink, blue, and green floated across it. Included in the shot of this is a handle from a sugar dish that I dropped. It was fire king and I planned to list it on ebay... but will now make an interesting ear lobe on a vase... at some point.

I keep my eye open for interesting textures, patterns, etc in pottery, glass or what may be when I am at thrift stores, estate sales and yard/garage sales. Makes for one of a kind pieces and is a great way to recycle... not to mention cheaper then buying raw materials.

True Colors Comission

2011-01-13T14:22:00.000-08:00

I received a comission to mosaic a guitar. The theme or inspiration is Cyndi Lauper's song "True Colors". Last night, I painted the guitar. Today I started gluing down. I am excited to watch this evolve!

Timmy - you never know what you'll find when you finally unpack

2011-01-12T17:40:00.001-08:00

I started this doll many, many years ago. I am finally getting around to unpacking and sorting through the contents of my art studio. I came across him. I think that one of my dogs chewed up the missing foot and hand parts, so I never finished him.. He is fun. Tonight I am gonna work on new parts and get the guy done.

His name is Timmy. He's a fun, crazy animated punk rocker who loves to scream. He has a joy for life and sees the irony in words.

Grouted Self Portrait: "He Said He Loved Me"

2011-01-10T13:06:00.000-08:00

I got around to grouting the self portait "He Said He Loved Me" today. It's mosaic on found bust. Me working through domestic violence issues. Two years later and still trucking along.

Sacred Hearts

2011-01-09T13:14:00.001-08:00

I love Catholic iconography! Nothing inspires me more then - sitting in a beautiful Mexican Catholic Church. There is so much to see! Every detail is accounted for and nothing is left to chance. I love the Saint Statues, the depictions of Mother Mary, the sinners burning in hell - the pre-columbian four petaled flowers - I could go on and on... Most of all, I love the Sacred Hearts.

The Sacred Heart is a representation of Jesus's physical heart and demonstrates His divine love for Humanity. This devotion most frequently appears in Catholic art. It emphasizes Jesus's unmitigated love for the human condition. I think they are interesting and beautiful. I have collected them over the years. Here are some pictures of part of my collection. Also, some photos of how the Sacred Heart often appears in my art work.

Last night I sat down and drew a page of hearts. Enjoy!

Inspiration & a New Challenge

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

A high school classmate, Holly Webb, posted the following on facebook:

Pay it forward 2011: I promise something handmade to the FIRST 5 people who leave a comment here. However, to be eligible, you must re-post this status, offering something handmade to 5 other people. The rules are that it must be handmade by you and it must be sent to your 5 people in the next two months.

I thought about it and decided to participate. What a great way to get my creative juices flowing. Perhaps embroidered anatomically correct hearts for valentines day?? hmmm.

The participants are:

Deacon Rand
Mike Jensen
Elizabeth Poulter-Stoult
Shandra Facer
Tana Barnhart

While speaking of inspiration, I came across a page I ripped out of a magazine a few months back at work. It was in some ladies' magazine and contains amazing patterns and textures. I thought I would post them here as it is way less bulky then putting them in my sketch book. I am always looking for new patterns to put into my mosaics and embroideries.

The Viva Mexico Doll gets my Version of Rivera's flower seller, Legos & Tea Party

2011-01-06T19:22:00.000-08:00

I drew on my version of Diego Rivera's Calla Lily vendor onto the "Viva Mexico!" doll. I am a huge fan of Diego Rivera. His murals are amazing. I love the attention he gives to detail and the whole concept of cramming as many things and scenes into one space as possible. If you haven't, google his murals at the national palace in Mexico City. They will blow your mind!

After going to school, I headed to Lehi, Utah to visit my sister Leah. I brought her son some bags of legos that I found super cheap at the thrift store, and her daughter Ashley (4 years) a china tea set - also a thrift store find. They both were delighted. Joshua and I played legos and Ashley served us hot chocolate with marshmellows on top from her little miniature tea set. It was the perfect way to spend a creative afternoon. I really strive to find gifts for the kids that will get them to use their imaginations. I think that media has stolen the ability to imagine from so many small minds.

VIva Mexico and Crotch Shot Mosaics.

2011-01-05T15:37:00.000-08:00

It's not always easy to live every day creatively. I try. Today I was able to grout two male crotch shot mosiacs. I think they look great!

I also brought my "Viva Mexico!" doll to class with me. I worked on the part directly behind the heart during breaks. Much more productive then walking across the parking lot to McDonalds for a "snack". I am letting the doll evolve. I really love Mexico and want to express that in this piece. Notice the corn or maize on the nose. I also have the cathedral of guadalajara, a mision church and a Mayan temple on the front. to the right of the heart is the famous painting "Dos Fridas" by Frida Kahlo. I really love her work. She is amazing.

And just for fun, I am putting this adorable picture of Salchicha on here. I sure can't imagine life without my pets!

Pizza Sauce Recipe for Canning by my sister Barfy

2011-01-05T09:08:00.000-08:00

Pizza Sauce Recipe for Canning by my sister Barfy

12 cups pealed and smashed tomatos
3 cups chopped green pepper
3 cups chopped onions
3 - 6 oz cans tomato paste
1/4 cup salad oil
3 Tablespoons oregano
3 teaspoons Basil
3 bay leaves - remove before putting sauce in jars
2 Tablesppons sugar
3 teaspoons salt
1 dash pepper

simmer 3 to 5 hours. Put in jars and seal like you would tomatos in steam bath.

Found this recipe that my sister gave me years ago. It is excellent! Hope you enjoy it come tomato canning season!

Going to attempt to update this blog regularly. I have a goal of living each day creatively and want to document and share.

Jesus Wants Me for A Sun Beam Guitar

2010-07-18T01:12:00.000-07:00

Had a few weeks off of school. I had grand plans, and accomplished little. Sigh. Hehe. One of the things I did accomplish was finally grouting a guitar that I mosaiced for my sister, Leah. It is based off of a song we sang as children in church "Jesus Wants Me for a Sun Beam." $I bought the guitar at a garage sale for 2$. I spray painted it gold, then used glass scrap and an old mirror to mosaic the piece. I also sculpted sun faces out of fimo and painted them gold.

things I am learning working in a hospital

2010-02-17T07:01:00.001-08:00

How fast you recover is really mostly a state of mind. I have watched a woman racked with cancer get out of the rehab hospital in 3 days for a broken arm. A woman 20 years younger with the same injury has been there for 5 weeks. She sees her hospital stay as a vacation
Geriatric adults are like children, only heavier. They get away with as much as you let them. I had a 5'1" 300# patient pretend he couldn't stand up. It was hell on my back getting him to the bathroom. When the girl that works days came into relieve me she told me that he was walking easily everywhere for her and transferring himself from his wheelchair to his bed easily.
The CNAs that pretend to know the most, are usually the worst workers. The ones that talk little, are the best workers. I am trying to keep my mouth shut and be a good worker.

WELCOME 2010

2010-01-03T14:21:00.000-08:00

I am delighted that a new year has begun. 2009 was definitely a year of growth. I started with financial abundance and ended with next to nothing. So much changed, so many lessons learned. It was an amazing time of personal introspection, hard decisions and forward movement!

I am going to attempt to update my blog on a regular basis.

Hoi An, Central Vietnam - Lanterns and Clothes!

2009-09-29T02:58:00.000-07:00

After my karaoke night, I made it to the airport two hours before my flight's scheduled departure. To my consternation, my flight had been delayed 10 hours. To make matters worst, Wells Fargo decided to freeze my atm card, so I had very little money and certainly not enought to leave the airport (so annoying since I called them before i left the USA and told them I would be using the card allover asia....). Luckily, the airline Gay gave me two meal vouchers, so I didn't starve to death... I was just extremely bored, with only my Vietnam lonely planet guidebook to keep me company... So i get on the plane and I am seated next to two German girls, one with a huge booger hanging out of her nose... and I kept staring at it. She said she had a cold then screamed and yelled at the flight crew to bring her water and let her use the toilet and disgustedly told me " Why don't these people speak English so we can communicate?" all of this in a really crappy broken English with thick German accent. Go figure!

Cu Chi Tunnels, Cao Dao Temple, Karaoke & BOOM BOOM

2009-08-16T01:12:00.000-07:00

Cao Dao is a religion that incorporates all religions and philosophies from Eastern to Western. IT was founded in Vietnam in the 1920s. There are around 2 million followers world wide. I visited the mother church about 3 hours from Saigon. The temple is super ornate and incorporates western symbolism (such as the all seeing eye) and asian symbolism such as the lotus and dragons. For mass, the followers and priests dress in ornate outfits. The lay followers where white, the men a black cap. The priests dress in either red (for christianity), yellow (for buddhism) and blue (for philosophy) robes with high hats that have the all seeing eye embroidered on them. They have a procession, men on one side, women on the other. Mass consists of chanting, singing and several different bowing spats. It was fascinating to watch, but I felt a little voyeuristic.

Lunch was at a roadside restaurant. I met two great girls from Holland that are vacationing for 7 weeks. We dined together. I ordered deep fried fermented minced pork on a stick. Totally delicious! I know it sounds weird, but everything can't be like in the west, right?

I hate war. I just do. I hate seeing the sights, but as an American, I feel that I need to see and emotionally deal with the different aspects of the "American War" as it is known in Vietnam. Cu Chi Tunnels of the Viet Cong were the afternoon's tour. It made me horribly sad that thousands of people had to live underground to avoid being killed. The system of tunnels is elaborate and really impressive. They also had a museum showing all the different death traps they made for the American G.I.s. Everything was made out of recycled metal from the american bombs. It was fascinationg.

The 25% macho that I am lead me to the shooting range. I shot an AK 47. It was crazy. Talk about a good kick, and it was even bolted down. The sound was super loud. It gave me a new appreciation for all soldiers, especially those from both sides of the American War. I can't imagine lugging equipment like that through the hot, humid jungle. My fat self was drenched in sweat just from walking.

Hello Saigon, town of BOOM BOOM

2009-08-16T00:20:00.000-07:00

Very full day. I will see if I can remember everything! I took the full day city tour from the Vinh Cafe. Super cheap at $9 for the whole day.

We visited Saigon's oldest buddhist temple and pagoda. It was very cool. Painted yellow. Inside was full of a plethora of buddhas and ancestor tablets. In the main room, several monks and lay people were chanting before the alter. I got excellent video of it! The guide explained about the different stages of Bhuddist hell. I think I will stick with the western world's versions. Hehe. There was beautiful inlaid blue and white porcelain used as decoration.
our 2nd stop was a temple in China Town dedicated to the sea goddess. The roofline was decorated with amazing stone carvings of people... very ornate and I loved it. I must say that as I travel through Asia, I understand many elements of my own art... the details, the intricacy the need to have 20 patterns going at one time... it is very exciting!... but back to the temple... gigantic vases, beautiful huge gong... and my favorite, a wall of pink papers containing prayers fluttering in the wind.
3rd stop was the chinese wholesale market. Mostly clothes, shoes and food for the local economy. The highlight was the clock tour and architecture of the building itself. Just delightful!
4th stop, and I am sure the highlight for the commission receiving tour guide, was a workshop for handicapable people. I got to see how the famous Vietnamese egg shell lacquer is made, wood and stone carving, and mother of pearl inlay. The prices were absolutely atrocious, so I didn't buy anything.
After lunch, we went to the former American Embassy, which now houses the War Crimes Museum. I must say that I feel shame for the misery that we have inflicted on the people of South East Asia. The effects of agent orange and other chemical war fare weapons is horrific and still causing birth defects today. Everywhere you go, there are people missing limbs. I know that this particular Museum only shows one side of the conflict, but paired with what I have read and heard from the American side, I believe the truth is some where in the middle. War is a barbaric thing, period.
The former South Vietnam Presidential Palace, or the "Reunification Palace" was the next stop. A masterpiece of mid-century architecture, I was in love at first sight! The Vietnamese government has preserved it completely as it was built. The state rooms are exquisite and I want the "gambling room" as my living room... There is a fantastic round couch! All of the furniture is outstanding. FOr anyone that loves mid century design, this is a dream!
Last stop was the French Cathedral of Notre Dame. A copy of the original in Paris. Everything you would want from a church. Across the street, was the French Colonial central post office. Talk about gorgeous! And crowned with a giant portrait of Ho Chi Minh, or Uncle HO as the Vietnamese call it.

Overall, a wonderful day. The first official tour I have taken this trip, and worth it. In the evening, I ate grilled meat and rice from a street vendor and hung out with some super cool painters that I am commissioning a number of pieces from.

Of course, the walk home was similar to the previous night BOOM BOOM BOOM. UGH!

From the MEKONG Delta to SAIGON

2009-08-16T00:06:00.000-07:00

I booked a 6 hour bus ticket for $8 from Chau Doc to Saigon. No one but the government calls it Ho Chi Minh City. IT was on a small air conditioned mini bus, which was not packed, so the ride was decent. We made a few stops for food and bathrooms... I must say I am impressed with the Vietnames bus station food! I had delicious steamed buns with a minced pork and vegetable inside for 60 cents ( 10,000 dong). YEs, the Vietnamese currency is called Dong and yes, I snicker about it. Sorry.

The mini bus broke down on the edge of Saigon in the middle of nasty traffic. We pushed the vehicle to the side of the road then I got a Xe Mo (scooter taxi) to the backpacker area. I was lucky that I was travelling light. Just my small back pack. After an hour on the back of the scooter, and a really sore butt, I made it to the Tourist Ghetto. I found a really nice hotel... probably the nicest so far... right in the middle of the action .. antique furniture, private bathroom, mini fridge and satelite tv - for 16$. A few doors down is a delicious French Bakery that is my new best friend.

It was around 7pm, so I found a street stall for a delicious meal of pho. Steamed noodles with beef... just delicious! Every taste fresh and distinct, none too overwhelming. Daddy is in heaven!

After dinner, I went to the internet cafe to catch up on emails etc. The connection sucked and the kid was crabby! So with that done, I headed back to my hotel. Hookers on scooters! Yes, that is what assaulted me when i stepped out of the internet cafe... "BOOM BOOM?" shouts the whore... her pimp is driving her around. I ignored it and kept walking. Then another whore pulled up and ran for me... literally... "Massage? Happy Boom Boom?" I mean seriously. I told her no and she looked dejected and started screaming something in vietnamese at her pimp who was still on the motor bike. The next one made a grab for my crotch... um no, thank the lord for self defense classes! Then I was safe in my hotel. All that in 5 minutes!

Mekong Delta!!!!

2009-08-11T05:06:00.001-07:00

The day before, I booked two tours. The first started at 8am. I had a nice boat and driver all to myself. We went up and down the river for 3 hours. It was very relaxing and sublime.

The driver spoke no English, so we just smiled and nodded a lot. First, he took me to a wholesale fruit market that is all done on boats in the middle of the river. It was fun to watch the bargaining and throwing of goods back and forth.

Then, we visited a floating village. IT came complete with floating gas stations, super markets, houses, etc. Most of these houses float on top of fish farms. Vietnam supplies the western world with a huge percentage of its fish. We stopped at one of the fish farms. They pulled up some squares of the floor handed me some fish food and told me to drop it in. Total mayhem broke out!! It was awesome! thousands of fish flopping and scrambling for their kibble. It was super cool and like a scene out of an old horror film.

Our last stop was at an ethnic cham village. They are moslem and the women wear head scarves. Both males and females wear sarongs, which the Vietnamese find charming. We visited a mosque where I saw the young children studying the Koran. It was a bit surreal or different to see the women in their head carvings with the traditional vietnamese cone hats on top of them.

I napped in the afternoon and enjoyed market food. Then, my moped driver (they call them motorcylces but...) picked me up and drove me to Sam Mountain to look at super cool buddhist temples. He then took me to the summit where we enjoyed a beverage and watched the sun go down over the rice paddies. Was super cool!

From Cambodia to Vietnam

2009-08-11T05:01:00.000-07:00

Caught a noon express boat from Phnom Penh to the Vietnamese city of Chau Doc. It was a five hour journey. Watching life along the river was interesting. Houses built on stilts, people pooing off the sides of boats. I napped off and on. We had to get off the boat to go through customs on the Cambodian side, then do the same on the Vietnamese side. We arrived around 5pm at Chau Doc.

Chau Doc is a bustling town of 100,000 on the border with Cambodia. The Khmer Rouge did slaughter raids on a number of occasions during their reign of terror. I booked into a really nice hotel near the center of town... air conditioning, hot water and balcony for $10. I took a shower then wandered around. I found the market and side stepped garbage and stalls. I saw the most adorable Chihuahua puppy named Binh. She ran circles around me. My first Vietnamese love!

Then I headed back to the hotel restaurant for dinner. I had a queasy stomach, so ordered chicken soup. It was delicious! Went to bed early.

All things Fried and Beautiful

2009-08-10T23:27:00.000-07:00

I spent the last few days in Phnom Pehn relaxing and wandering. I find fasciantion in the small things, like patterns on carvings, colors of fruits, intense smells of cooking. One thing I liked looking at were the fried bugs... hehe... spiders as big as my hand, grubs, cockroaches, grasshoppers. Yuck to me, but yum to most Cambodians! I am gearing up to eat some in Bangkok. I have to just for the experience.

Random things I love about Cambodia:

An Elephant walking down the middle of rush hour traffic at her own pace. No one complained. Everyone seemed delighted to see her.
The persistency of the Tuk-Tuk drivers. If I only I was as optimistic as them. Every time I or any other potential client walked by they called for business.
The drag show at Blue Chilli bar. It's Phnom Penh's only exclusive gay bar. The owners, Dor and Sakor, are super friendly and the staff a lot of fun. Got a lot of good tips on things to see and where to shop from them. Dor and one of the waiters DEE do an awesome drag show. I will upload some video when I get a chance
Watching monks go door to door, business to business asking for alms. They carry a metal pot in which to put the food that they receive from the lay people. It's how they support themselves.
The many shades of Orange and burnt red that the monks use for clothing, bags, umbrellas.
Monks everywhere - on the streets, in the internet cafes, etc. I don't know why, but their presence made me more calm
Photo booths at Sorya mall. I tried to buy the software. These are the ultimate kitsch and cheese. Wait until i get home and scan these photos!
Street food! Delicious, cheap and didn't make me sick!
The cafe's along the water front in Phnom Penh. A delicious way to watch the day start or end!
Watching people fish.

I have loved my time in Cambodia. It is definitly a country I would visit again!

Wandering in a Big CIty

2009-08-05T20:52:00.000-07:00

I have spent the past few days wandering and exploring. It's lots of fun. No agenda. Hmmm..

Let's see. I went to the Vietnamese Embassy to get my Visa to Visit that country. The officials were nice but decided it would take 9 hours to process the visa. I got there 10 minutes before I was told it would be ready and the guy yelled at me and told me to wait. I just smiled. I sat next to a portugese girl who had been waiting for 2 hours. She was super sweet and we talked about how amazing the spa treatments were. She also told me about Morocco. Says it is amazing. That is one of my dream destinations. Finally got my Visa.

Between dropping off my passport and picking it up, I went to the Royal Palace. It is stunning, amazing, glittery mosaiced... decorated and gold. I loved it! The complex is huge and at least the part the public has access to is more of a museum today. The throne room was amazing. Baccarat crystal chandeliers, murals painted by a Frenchman at the turn of the century. Just stunning. There were also several very rare and important buddhas. There were several groups of Cambodian pilgrims worshipping. It was super cool. Unfortunately, disaster struck when i was using the timer on my camera to get a picture of myself in the splendor. The wind blew and knocked my camera over, breaking it. Ugh. I just bought it the day before I started travelling!

I am going to buy a new one, just want to find a decent place to get one.

Yesterday, I wandered the artists quarters and met some really nice painters. They are younger then me and do amazing work. Better then anything I could do. They took me out for a night on the town and was tons of fun.

I also visited the National Museum. It houses a fascinating collection of buddhist and hindu sculptures that span the centuries. I feel so inspired by the art I am seeing! Will be nice when I am settled in Salt Lake City and can dedicate myself to some mosaic and or stained glass!