A New Style for a New Year

Starting this new year, I'm going to be working hard on making things different. I know I don't write and post as often as I want, but I'm working really hard on changing that starting now. I've been getting really inspired and going to start using that as motivation for my many projects.

This blog has a new template, and hopefully a new style. For now, I'll keep writing about the things that interest me, but all video's will be posted on my other blog, please go my storylines page for further information.

I do have a couple different blogs, and that's because I have so many ideas I want to share, and there are so many awesome, incredible templates that I want to use to showcase them. From my favorite movies and tv series, to my adventures when I travel. Not to mention all the different styles of cooking I like to try.

Local Art and Artists in Burlington, Iowa

There are a lot of undiscovered places, and things to do, right here in Burlington, Iowa. I've lived here for a few years now, and I've seen a few places downtown, but I haven't really had the chances to experience more of it, until now hopefully.

Let's start with the Burlington Art Center on Jefferson Street. They not only have an amazing store, filled with pieces, made by local artists, but there is also have an amazing lounge area, complete with a piano. There are scheduled nights when the gallery lounge is filled with both pictures, paintings, and live music. One can come in to see the pictures, and even hear the music for free, but it is encouraged to get a drink at the very least, and they have water, and soda, along with wine and beer.

When went in today, I found the lady at the store was very friendly, and helpful with my questions. Apparently, they show different style of pictures, paintings, and photography. When an artist would like to show their work in the gallery, a panel reviews the art, and decides if they will showcase them, that was impression of how she explained this.

There were some types of art they haven't at the Art Center, yet. Artists like origami artists, or art installments, like you see in other galleries. But in the future, who knows what different type of art will be featured there. And coming soon there will be an art competition, known as Battle of the Brushes. Let's see what these artists have to show!

Making Memory Journals and Prayers

Lately, I've been working on some projects that I've been putting off because of budget restraints, but I'm hoping to save up to get some projects done. Starting with some my junk journals and going into some other mixed media.

I was able to finally get the cover for my memory book cut and trimmed, and ready for the next step. This is something I've been meaning to to do for some time, in honor of a dear friend, who passed away recently, and it's still sad to think about. I wanted to do this in her memory, to gather some pictures, and things that remind me of her.

I aslo made some "prayer bottles", and travel altars. I found this Altoids box, that I converted into a travel alter, and Idea I got from The Witch of Wonderlust. I also found these bottles that I'm using to put in, and maker prayers with. I picked up some beautiful, and healing, stones that I'm using to help me open my mind and heart.

I've found, with the renewal of my faith, so is my creativity abound. Basically, I've been feeling inspired, both creatively, and in life. Now, I've also been able to reconnect, and find the will and motivation to keep going. Stay tuned for more writing, photo, projects, and videos. And, check out my other blogs, for my trivia, and storyline favorites.

Inspiration for Moving Forward this Summer

If any of what we’re seeing and hearing is true, then the vaccine for COVID is a serious game changer. Recently, I saw a Google ad video on YouTube, using search terms, business listings and events to illustrate the country's transition to life after COVID-19 closings lift. Hopefully, we’re going to able to do so much more, as long as we try and stay healthy.

Time to do some serious Spring and Summer cleaning. Everything that doesn’t fit or have serious meaning must go! I’m also thinking of getting a new look and being more active. Recently, after the 3^rd Stimulus installment, we took care of a lot of bills, and then, I was able to replace my phone, and do some other stuff. I’ve been going outside, and walking, along with getting back to stretching and exercises in the morning with my mom. It has been invigorating, and I’ve been able to be inspired by a lot around me, I’ve been taking so many pictures.

Going forward, we all must be better, not just with our health. We need be inspired by the future and remember to count our blessings every day. For example, I’m working on getting up early so I can help my mom for work, and get the housework done. Time to do what I want for a while, and lastly, get a meal, or even just tea ready for when she gets home. It’s important for us to work together and take care of each other, as well as the world we live in right now.

First Month of the New Year 2021

This January, there has been so much going on, I’m just now getting caught up, and posting. A lot of new seasons, and even some new series on streaming channels, have begun, and I’ve even got caught up in plenty of older series, so now I would like to share so much.

For starters, I’ve been discovering a lot of interesting period dramas, going back to Bridgerton, and finding other series connecting to that time frame. Belgravia takes place in 1815 which is two years after, right around the Battle of Waterloo. Queen Charlotte and King George’s reign was during the Napoleon wars, and their descendants including Queen Victoria, who along side Prince Alfred were mentioned in Belgravia, twenty years after the first scenes.

The CW, along with a few other channels, have released new seasons of their series. Starting with a brand new Batwoman. Kate Kane has been presumed dead after a plane crash, she was on. Now, Ryan Wilder has found the suit, and wants to take up the mantle to give justice to those in Gotham. On Netflix, the rebirth of interesting story, Fate: Winx Saga; Bloom and her friends reimagined in an interesting tale.

All of these and more, there is so much starting with this new year, I hope to keep writing and sharing, without fall behind.

Different Types of Art and Artists

Every artist has their own story. Not everyone starts off in a fine college, and ends in a sophisticated art gallery, which sells for quite a lot. Some start out in the streets, or urban neighborhoods, some start in the playground, kindergarten glass with chalk, as well as paint.

I have been working on a couple of interesting pieces. Something that has always fascinated me is the subject of street art. One of the main ways I have been discovering different artist is through the brands that promote them, mostly with Spray Planet, an online store for spray paint, and other materials and tools, either their website or on Instagram.

One of the first artists that I read about was Maya Hayuk. She didn’t always have it easy, and she used to be misunderstood when she was younger. Now a days though, she is known for her amazing murals, and other works of street art.
On Instagram, one can find a lot of other amazing artists, not just street/urban ones are using spray paint, here are some other incredible people, and their works.

Working with Junk Journals

We’re getting started on mixed media projects now, going with junk journals in the beginning. My public library is working with me, setting up classes so all those interested, can work together to learn.

The first class was on the covers of our journals, and there were two kinds of them for those in the class to work on. We could use cardboard or cereal boxes to cut out, or use old books, and cut out the pages. This last session will be on working on the pages, and putting the book together. We also have a lot of interesting things to put into, and on the pages.

It was an interesting experience, setting up the classes, and working on the projects with everyone, and I believe that there are always ways to make things different, maybe better too. It's nice to see our groups come together.