Lisa Buchanan's Altered Journey...

Playing In The Studio

2011-12-26T18:25:00.002-06:00

It's the day after Christmas and I needed a project to do that would be simple and quick. I thought I had found the perfect item. I had been looking at how other folks had been organizing their jewelry and found a way to use materials I already have. I started with a wooden printer's tray with multi-sized compartments, painted it with two colors that appealed to me, then played with my staple-gun as a way to hang earrings. This idea isn't new, just new to me. I don't like the staples showing but didn't have any cup screws and my way was fast. I will end up covering the staple ends with something, just don't know what yet to use. I just wanted to get it done so I would feel like I accomplished something today, and I have! Yay!

The pictures are different colors due to my camera being close or further away. I don't pretend to be a professional photographer, far from it, but you get the idea.

2011-10-04T14:58:00.008-05:00

My Dad:

Col. Robert (Bob) E. Howard, Jr. USMC (Ret.)
15 June 1928 - 21 September 2011
(picture: 'Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame Award Ceremony' Nov 2010)

A memorial service for Oklahoma City resident, Col. Robert E. Howard Jr., USMC (Ret.), is scheduled Saturday, Oct. 22, at 11 a.m., at the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection in Oklahoma City. Col. Howard died Sept. 21 at the VA Medical Center, Oklahoma City. He was 83. Interment at Arlington National Cemetery at a date yet to be determined.

Col. Howard was born in Tulsa in 1928 and later moved to Oklahoma City, where he graduated from Central High School. He enlisted into the U.S. Navy, was selected for Aviation Navy ROTC and chose to attend Oklahoma A&M, now Oklahoma State University. In 1949 he became a midshipman in the Navy and commenced flight training. He received his wings and commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps and began his 29 years of military service.

During the Korean War, he flew 105 combat missions with VMF-122, Marine Air Group-13; and during the Vietnam War as Commanding Officer, VMFA-122, Marine Corps Air Group-13, he flew 330 combat missions. His awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit with Combat V, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, seven Air Medals, 24 Strike/Flight Air Medals and the Navy Commendation Medal. He participated in the technological revolution in flight operations that followed World War II. He was a test pilot at Naval Ordnance Test Station, China Lake, California, from 1957 to 1960 as part of the development of the Sidewinder missile. He earned master's degrees from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School in Ft. McNair and National War College in Washington, D.C. After retirement he served as President of the Board of Directors of Meals-on-Wheels in Vista, California. He was selected for membership in the elite Early & Pioneer Naval Aviators Association (the "Golden Eagles") and in 2010 was inducted into the Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame.

He was active in the Episcopal Church and served in a variety of capacities and held several offices including Senior and Junior Warden, Treasurer, L.E.M. (Lay Eucharistic Minister), and Lay Reader.

Survivors include his wife, Rodella (Peg) Howard, of the home; a brother, Monty Howard and wife, June, of Oklahoma City; three daughters, Lisa Buchanan, Carolyn Coombs and Mary Hollas; a son, Monty Howard; his aunt, Helen Helt of Stillwater; grandchildren, Shannon Vaughn, Nick Vaughn and wife April, Dallas Coombs, Calin Hollas, and Carly Hollas; and great-grandchildren, Samantha Mills, Wyatt Harlan, Maegan Vaughn, and Cassidy Vaughn.

The family suggests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection, 13112 N. Rockwell Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73142;
or to the Disabled American Veterans, PO Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH, 45250-0301.

He was a terrific father, a friend to all that met him, he will be sorely missed. I love you, Dad.

3 Years Later...

2011-08-03T13:11:00.018-05:00

August is here already which is shocking to me. I feel like it is still June somehow. When August rolls around my heart sinks because the 5th is AC's death anniversary and this month it will be 3 years. I can feel myself getting down and sad, but that's okay. I still think it is better to let it take over knowing that life will interrupt my sadness and this week will pass. I miss him so much and wish I could have had him longer than our 16 years together. I think I will call his son David and reminisce over the funny times we shared when he was growing up. He is now godfather to my daughter Shannon's son Wyatt. People tell me that they can see AC in him and certain expressions sound like him, too. That's cool to me. (Below: David, Shannon, Brandon)

My granddaughter Sam is still in the process of moving out into her own apartment which will leave me alone for the first time... ever? Hm... I have never had a place of my own, geez louise. Really? Never lived alone? I guess this year will be the year of firsts: bought a car by myself, started a new job, and will officially be living alone. Wow. That sounds really weird to me.

I was just informed yesterday that I sold my painting entitled "Peace I Leave With You" (the gold angel below), so that is music to my ears! Woot!

I am having a blast being "MiMi" to Wyatt and Maegan, my grandchildren. Spoiling toddlers rocks! There is nothing better than hearing "where's MiMi?" or an excited "MiMi!" when they see me. Ah... babies. I love them.

Maybe this three year anniversary will be okay.

An Art Epiphany

2011-07-09T00:00:00.010-05:00

I attended a three-day workshop last week for oil painting by a painter I have followed online for quite some time now - Pat Walker's homepage.
She is a wonderful teacher in many ways. She taught techniques along with words of wisdom during her painting demonstration, she is a little dynamo that has a great sense of humor and doesn't take herself too seriously. A breath of fresh air! Then it was our turn. The class was comprised of beginners and established artists, so the finished pieces were all interesting and it was fun to learn about the artists themselves and get to know each other.

During the class, I had an art epiphany. I have idolized the Dutch Masters my whole life and always wanted to know how they painted so beautifully in rich, warm colors with a point of interest that always 'popped' out of the canvas. Pat taught me their technique - chiaroscuro - which means the piece is characterized by strong contrasts between light and dark, usually bold contrasts affecting a whole composition . Needless to say, it is also 'representational' art. There are rich darks and a bright color reserved for the point of interest or center of attention, and voila! That was what I needed! She pointed out that most paintings out there are nothing but middle values and we don't understand why some pieces don't hold our interest. Ah, now I understand.

We all set right to work on our still life's, we each had a black box setup with a light and whatever props we brought with us. This was mine:

"Still Life With a Lemon #1" on canvas 8x10in

I was so stoked the rest of the workshop that I didn't even attempt a landscape along with the class, I started on a portrait and finished it in THREE days, which is incredible for me considering my "God" painting took me six months!

Here is my grandson:

"Wyatt at 18 Months" on canvas board 11x14in

Here is a close up of his face:

Here is the photo I based the painting on:

I have been so excited using what I learned with Pat that I couldn't stop painting once I came home, so I painted my granddaughter:

"Maegan at 2 Years Old"

Here is the photo I based the painting on:

I know it looks like my colors are pretty "out there" but they seem to be exaggerated on the computer monitor. I wasn't going for realistic skin color, though, I was looking for what the skin colors look like to ME in my head, hence the term 'representational" art. I still have a lot to learn that can only be learned through practice, practice, practice, just like a musical instrument (I play piano). My pieces aren't perfect but I wouldn't expect them to be at this point.

I love this new technique. I have started another portrait and a still life. I love art epiphany's! Go create something, we don't have much time! Run and set up your paints, I'll wait...

Art Show - 30 June 2011 at Gallery House, Alexandria, Louisiana

2011-06-24T12:49:00.013-05:00

Glenda from the gallery just called: I'm in a show she's having THIS Thursday night so I have what, 5 days? I haven't touched a brush since I started working 6 weeks ago... sigh. She also told me that Frances is doing 5 television commercials and to keep a lookout because I will be one of the featured artists. I don't even remember which local cable station she works on but I can look it up easily enough. All that keeps running through my head is panic-I-can-do-this-panic-don't-sweat-the-small-stuff-panic-panic-this-might-end-up-being-okay-yeah-right-panic-panic...

I think I will quit biting my nails worrying about it... and just do it! Smaller pieces should be okay. I can't wait to see what the other artists will be producing. Hot diggity dog, another show!

Art Show 11 November 2010 at Gallery House, Alexandria, Louisiana

2010-10-29T18:50:00.007-05:00

Gallery House is having their Fall "Louisiana Artists Show" on 11 November 2010. I finished these two angels and am submitting them along with the queen series I completed. The one in red/green is "Seek Ye First" and the white/gold is "Peace I Leave With You".

They are both done in acrylics, pens, 16x20 inches. I wrote out my feelings and experiences with angels on the wings of the "Peace..." and a favorite song on "Seek...". Therapeutic and fun at the same time, what a concept!

I have a couple more angels to finish and will upload them when they are completed. I love deadlines!

Painting - Elizabeth I, Younger

2010-06-24T18:54:00.015-05:00

This is the third in my women series of mixed media paintings -
This is "Elizabeth I, Younger" done in mixed media - acrylics, assorted papers, Prismacolors. My favorite part of this painting was adding the beaded crown. I love to throw people off guard...

Altered Cribs for the Grandchildren

2010-05-07T10:23:00.010-05:00

This is a port-a-crib I painted for my own home so the kids could sleep over. It is an assortment of pastel colors done in a wavy pattern that is very bright and cheerful. What fun!

Wyatt's crib - I painted stars on one end and moons on the other end. It is totally different than anything I have seen before but it turned out beautifully! I am really pleased.

Painting - Elizabeth I

2010-05-07T10:19:00.015-05:00

This is the second in my women series of mixed media paintings - This is "Elizabeth I" done in mixed media - acrylics, assorted papers, Prismacolor pencils, pens, inks, on 16x20in canvas.

Painting - Eleanor of Aquitaine

2010-04-24T10:44:00.006-05:00

I decided to start a series of paintings on women with different styles than I am used to. This is "Eleanor of Aquitaine" done in mixed media - acrylics, assorted papers, Prismacolor pencils, pens, inks, on 16x20in canvas.

Hands Swap at iATCs

2009-09-28T16:58:00.018-05:00

I joined a "Talk To The Hand" Swap at iATC's and decided to go ahead and use that as my theme. I have completed four of them and am still trying to find the time to make some more... the more you send in, the more you receive!

I cut out the hand shape, using my hand as a stencil, from watercolor paper, then added royalty-free clipart, acrylic paints, german scrap, oriental text from an old book and medium. I then covered the back with scrapbook paper so I can add my backside labels with all my personal information for the swap. I thoroughly enjoyed making these. I don't work in collage very often and find it pretty intimidating, but this was fun for me. Yay!

Exciting News!

2009-09-14T10:29:00.029-05:00

I am so excited - 'Delicious Art' (a new artsy gift shop next to The Cottage) is going to be the exclusive seller of my altered necklaces! They also asked for my canvas work to sell in the shop and to show at The Cottage AND they asked me to teach two classes - acrylics and mixed media painting. I am going to work hard at making more mixed media canvas paintings and altered necklaces. I am not sure what days to teach knowing my daughter Shannon is due to have her baby the first week in October, but I am already working out a teaching plan. This is so much fun!
Here are more necklaces I have made:

"Bug Lady" - Necklace
Made with a metal disc, royalty free clip art,
ladybug charm, bee charm, star charm, beads,
Diamond Glaze

"MardiGras" - Necklace
Brass label holder, royalty-free clip art,
beads, wire, pens, acrylics,
Diamond Glaze, silk cord.

"Pink Lady" - Necklace
Hand painted with acrylics on watercolor paper,
pens, metal disc, mini domino, beads, wire,
silk cord, Diamond Glaze

My Muse Is Back!

2009-09-04T08:15:00.018-05:00

I am so happy to be creating again. I joined a pendant swap at IllustratedATCs.com, so I played around with different ideas. I am very pleased with the results and had a blast making them.

"Zetti Lady" - Pendant
Mini domino, metal disc, charms, beads, Diamond Glaze, royalty-free clipart, packaged for trade/sale

"Oriental Bliss" - Necklace
Brass Label Holder, royalty-free clipart, acrylics, beads, silk cord, charms

"Queen"- Necklace

Brass Label Holder, royalty-free clipart, acrylics, beads, velveteen ribbon, charms, Diamond Glaze

"Kitty" Pendant
Handrawn image with Prismacolors, Pen & Ink, chipboard label holder, charms, beads, Diamond Glaze

"Alice" - Necklace
Metal disc, tiny glass bottle, charms, royalty-free clipart, beads, silk cord, microbeads, acrylics, wire, Diamond Glaze

"Blue Lady" Pendant
Mini domino, metal disc, handrawn image with Prismacolors, beads, seashells, Diamond Glaze, Sharpies

Always Expect the Unexpected!

2009-08-05T18:55:00.032-05:00

A strange thing happened on the way to the grave site...

Fr. Fred told me several times that I would have to go through some "firsts" for the 12 months following AC's death - his birthday, Christmas, Easter, and other church holy days, my birthday, our anniversary, his work anniversary, your birthdays, anything that he and I would make a point of celebrating together and thought was special to us. The first few months I can look back on and say I must have still been in shock. Yes, I cried every day, but melancholy/feelings of doom didn't really settle in until most of the probate paperwork had been done and I didn't have a "project" to keep me occupied and busy every minute of every day.

I have always had a working calendar with every birthday or important date written in black marker to remind me to send a card or remember a special time in our married lives. After he died, I got out my hospital journal and transferred milestones of his death and funeral to this calendar, along with all the "special" dates. After I developed the neurological tremors and balance problems recently, the doctor put me on meds and told me to "stop keeping track of the 'dark dates' and put that shit away!" I was not very happy with THAT suggestion as you can imagine, but I can see his point now. Every time I turned the page to a new month, I looked for something written down to be sad and melancholy about. Not good medicine! Did my using the calendar help me grieve? You bet. Did it help bring the memories of that day back in vivid color? Very much so. Did it help me gain a sense of hope for the future? No way, and that was the doc's point. Yes, grieving is important and learning to deal with it is something I have to do, every day. But after December 2009, I won't be transferring AC's "sad" moments to the new calendar.

I had been hoping to spend part of today, the one-year anniversary of his death, with Shannon at his grave site. I really looked forward to being sad, crying, moaning out loud, and giving him hell for putting off going to Trevor and dying on me. What happened instead has turned out to be a blessing, I think. Shannon's kidneys became badly infected and she was in enough pain that her boyfriend took her to the ER on Monday night and she was admitted to RRMC Women's hospital Tuesday morning on a drip of Morphine, Demerol, and antibiotics. After a couple of nights in the hospital, she was quickly on the road to recovery and was slotted to be discharged this morning. Her doctor had to deliver a baby and we just got home at 6:30 PM tonight, so the day was shot and my plans never saw fruition.

Why was my not going to the grave site a blessing? I was able to spend the last 2 days at AC's hospital and visit with his staff in administration, cry together, laugh over silly stories of things he had said or done, hear how much they missed him, see for myself that his death had seriously affected other people and not just me. Instead of mourning by myself, I was surrounded at different times of the day by people that cared for him nearly as much as I did and were willing to grieve his loss with me. Wouldn't you consider that a blessing, too?

God is awesome!

Allied Health Building & Conference Room at LSUA Dedicated to A.C. Buchanan, III

2009-07-25T11:54:00.032-05:00

My daughter Shannon and I are in the front of the plaque on the Allied Health Education building on Jackson Street downtown Alexandria, Louisiana. I have to say, it was exciting and felt a little strange to drive down the street and see the signage with AC's name on it for the first time! It is very humbling to realize that I was married to a man who was loved and respected by so many people in the community and that they wanted him to be remembered for his work in the healthcare field.

ALLIED HEALTH CONFERENCE ROOM AT LSU-A NAMED AFTER A.C. BUCHANAN, III

I received a letter from Chancellor David P. Manuel PhD. of LSU-A that said in part:
"At the July 16, 2009 meeting of the LSU Board of Supervisors, a special request was made by LSU-A and approved unanimously; the Conference Room (Room 101) of Coughlin Hall on the LSUA campus was renamed the A.C. Buchanan, III Conference Room. Coughlin Hall is the primary home for the Department of Nursing and the Department of Allied Health. Thus, it is particularly fitting that we mark A.C.'s legacy on campus by naming a meeting space in this building after him. This will remind us of his desire that we always pursue high quality healthcare education in Central Louisiana and of his care for the success of LSUA students and faculty."
I am so humbled by their generosity.

Houston Marathon 2009 - Scott Made #2!

2009-04-11T17:26:00.007-05:00

Scott Made #2!!!!!
Scott notified me that he was honored at a luncheon held by the Houston Marathon folks and he walked away with the #2 prize Individual Fundraising Award for the whole marathon fundraising initiative!

WooHoo! Way to go, Scott! All your hard work and perseverance paid off in a big way. I am so proud of you and know that AC would have been so pleased with your accomplishment.

Back In The Studio...

2009-03-09T10:32:00.029-05:00

Even with all the ups and downs lately, it is time to get back into the studio. I had some trades that were due and some friends had been waiting forever on me, so I got to work.

"Graveyard Crow" ATC

"Tree Spirit #1" ATC

"Tree Spirit #2" ATC

"Tree Spirit #3" ATC

These ATC's (Artist Trading Cards) were fun to work on and helped me to get back into creating again.

"Paint The Sky With Stars" Altered Wood House

This is an altered wooden house that I painted with many layers of paint and gel pens, added hand drawn trees for Adriayna (Dana). We had agreed on an altered house trade way back before AC died and I finally finished it! WooHoo! The scan makes it look lighter than it actually is, but I was trying to get the effect of sky and a landscape with lots of purple since I know she loves that color.

Altered Shrine "Trees"
This is a shrine, also for Dana, that we exchanged a while back. The girl loves trees, not just likes them, but loves them for all she's worth, so the shrine naturally had to be about trees, right? It was so much fun painting and adding elements. What a blast.

LSUA Allied Health Center Building Dedicated to A.C. Buchanan, III

2009-02-17T21:24:00.047-06:00

I am so proud!

The Article in The TownTalk newspaper:

A bronze plaque was placed at the LSU-A Allied Health Center building, 807 Jackson Street, today dedicating the building to A.C. Buchanan, III. Buchanan died August 5, 2008 at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston from complications due to leukemia. Buchanan was involved in creating many of the Allied Health programs before his death.
Buchanan was the Rapides Healthcare System's president and chief executive officer when he lost his battle with cancer. Buchanan had been president and chief executive officer at Rapides Regional since March 1999. In 2002, he was named president and chief executive officer for the Rapides Healthcare System, which is composed of RRMC, Alexandria; Avoyelles Hospital, Marksville; Oakdale Community Hospital, Oakdale; Savoy Medical Center, Mamou; and Winn Parish Medical Center, Winnfield.
Buchanan moved to Alexandria from Arlington, Texas, in 1999, where he was executive director/administrator of Vencor Hospitals, Tarrant County, a 260-bed facility.
Shortly after accepting the helm of RRMC, Buchanan told The TownTalk that the Central Louisiana community helped sell him on the job. "I love the community, and the hospital is exciting," Buchanan said. "I've heard of Rapides Regional for a number of years, even over in Texas, so it was an opportunity I couldn't pass up." While in Cenla, Buchanan did much to further the Rapides Healthcare System hospitals' standing and became an intricate, involved part of his adopted community.

The plaque on the A.C. Buchanan, III LSU-A Allied Health Center building reads: "In memory of our visionary friend who understood the importance of healthcare and healthcare education. Though greatly missed, his vision lives on."

The plaque unveiled at the LSUA Allied Health Center building dedicating it to A.C. Buchanan stands next to a picture of the former C.E.O. of Rapides Regional Medical Center.

Lisa Buchanan (left) and LSUA Chair of the Department of Allied Health Haywood Joiner along with LSUA Chancellor Dave Manuel applaud after unveiling the plaque dedicating the LSUA Allied Health building to A.C. Buchanan on Tuesday, February 10, 2009. Buchanan was involved in creating many of the Allied Health programs before his death last year.

Lisa Buchanan smiles as Dr. Tom Armstrong talks about working with her husband A.C. Buchanan who died last year. The LSUA Allied Health building was dedicated to him on Tuesday, February 10, 2009.

There were several speakers, men that were the chairs of the different boards, Cheryl the COO at RRMC and yours truly. I wasn't nervous, but was very excited that a building was being dedicated to my husband, what an honor! It is a wonderful feeling to know that others in the community thought enough of him to dedicate a building to him. Thank you to everyone involved!

Houston Marathon January 2009

2009-01-24T18:49:00.007-06:00

What a great day! The 1st picture is of Scott seconds before he crossed the finish line, he stopped to kiss his wife and my niece, Mimi, and those are my hands applauding his valiant efforts. There was loud music and great crowds to cheer
the runners, it was all so exciting!

Scott ran the Houston Marathon on 19 January 2009 in 6 hours even though he had pulled a muscle. I flew in my daughter Shannon so she could travel to Houston with me to see him run the race and we met his wife and kids and parents and my other niece Kitty and her family and AC's son, David. The weather was perfect in the low 70's even though that was pretty hot for Scott to have to run in.

After he had run the race, we met him inside the George R. Brown Convention Center where he presented me with his medal. I was so touched I cried like a baby. It was such a moving experience, I will never forget it or his dedication to run this race in AC's honor.

Scott attended a dinner with the local Leukemia/Lymphoma Society the night before where they told him the donations in AC's name equaled 1/3 of the grand total of money raised of their chapter! Woot!

Scott ended up taking an ice-cold bath to help heal his muscles after the race. I had never heard of this technique before and can't imagine it being pleasant.

I am so proud of you, Scott!
I can't wait to be in the crowds cheering you on in 2010!

Ah... Back In The Studio At Last...

2008-12-12T16:41:00.011-06:00

I am back in the studio painting and it feels like old home week. I am working on stuff without a real purpose but it feels good to get back into splashing paint around again.

There are a couple of folks that have helped me get my but-tocks back to painting:

My daughter, Shannon, has been part of my inspiration.

Her blog: http://foodbankbarbie.blogspot.com/ is about her working at a food bank in Georgia and how good it feels to serve/help people every day that really need the help. How does that inspire one in their art? She has been through an awful lot in her thirty-something years, much more than I could ever imagine in my own life. I talk to her nearly every day and each conversation has joking and laughing about her day or mine. Her sense of humor is a treasure and her attitude is inspiring. She is good at helping me see that I can get through the day if I maintain a sense of humor.

My son, Nick, has been helpful, resourceful, and also helps me laugh at the silly or aggravating things that happen in our daily lives.

When I bitched and moaned about how hard it is to cook
for just one person, he replied "you never cooked when AC was alive, what made you think that would change now??? I thought you only dusted your stove?" Damn. Truth hurts, doesn't it? I laughed. He came and spent a couple of weeks with me on and off helping me with chores around the house and yard. Did we get everything done on my list? No. Did he make me laugh and help me learn to wake up with a smile on my face instead of a frown of dread? Yes, for that I am so grateful.

My family has called me and have shown how much they cared for me, and helped me by talking about AC when others seem to have such a hard time sharing with me. Parents, siblings, neices and nephews, all wanting to make sure that I am okay and make sure I don't need anything. Constant communication is so important. I say that out loud so I can hear it myself and learn from this. I am the world's worst, I tend to hibernate anyway, so it is easy for me to coop myself up in the house and find chores to do without another thought when I should probably be more social. I guess I just don't know what to say - that I am fine and am still hurting gets old and I assume that folks don't want to hear it. I am still a work in progress, I guess.

My friends, Karen and Trevor, have taken me out to dinner and helped me celebrate AC's birthday (much easier with friends!), Tommy picked me up several times so I would go to church which was hard because I didn't want to see or sit in the pew where AC always sat while I was up in the choir loft. Liz has been faithful in calling me and emailing to see how I am doing. Jana calls and offers to help any way she can. Trevor is helping me pack up AC's clothes to take to Goodwill and a consignment store which is a huge burden that I have been worrying about for weeks. In one afternoon we packed until we got through all the clothes and now just need to get them loaded and delivered. Whew. What a relief. Trust me when I tell you that AC had a ton of clothes, they were in every closet in the house. We finally figured out that he must have been a "sleep-shopper". That man always looked good, for sure. The fact that they are willing to do whatever needs to be done is an inspiration to me that I can get through this pain because of their willingness to help me out in times like these. I would hope that everyone has friends that are there for you as they have been for me. I am blessed.

Fr. Fred has been through all the hard times while AC and I were at the hospital, communicating with me every day, not just once a week, but every day we were there, relaying messages, helping me with the really hard funeral decisions and willingness to discuss hard subject matters that were eating me alive. He has not been afraid to ask me pointed questions and give sound advice with humor and nudge me back into my art. Church and my faith are very important to me, and the hugs and support my church family have given me have really helped me get through this awful time.

The staff and members of my online sites have been willing to let me take time off and grieve, but have been so open and warm when I pop my head in to find out how things are going and catch up on projects and discussions. I have already mentioned the RAK's in my previous posts, but I can't stress enough how important it is to receive mail in the form of cards and notes and gifts of art. I received a package from Dana that was huge with several presents to open, one a week until New Years. How cool and thoughtful is that? My friends leave messages on my blog, email me, and call to see how I am doing. They really helped me get to this point of feeling like I am going to be okay. I hope I can pass this on to others in need knowing how it makes me feel to open a card or gift that was hand made and know that it came from their heart. None of them had to call or mail me things, but they did, and I am so grateful.

These are just some of the people in my life that have helped me through the grief process and get me to where I am today - back in my studio. I still cry every single night, and sometimes during the day when a little thing will bring a memory with such clarity that it is hard to look around and realize he is gone. But I have spent this whole week with a paint brush or pen in my hand seeking to say something in my art. Most of it has been trashed because my technique is pretty bad right now, but I know that all I have to do is think of my family and friends and the ways they have shown that they care for me, and I know I will be all right. I will get through this, one day at a time, with them beside me.

4 Month Anniversary

2008-12-05T13:39:00.011-06:00

Today I am trying to cope with the fact that AC died 4 months ago. Should this be called an anniversary? I certainly don't feel celebratory, but I am finally at the point where I can see it for what it is - a date that has meaning to me however dismal. I guess the 5th will always make me go back to when he died, but that is probably normal. Now if I could exchange that for the 20th, our wedding anniversary, that should mean I would make some progress...

I started the day as any other where I am alone in the house with MacGregor, my dog. He still needs to be fed and let out, he will never stop barking at cats and squirrels, the phone still rings, doors have to be answered, the usual run of the mill day. Except that my thoughts keep returning to AC's last days in the hospital, trying to rack my memory for one more picture of him that maybe I had forgotten, one more conversation we might have had, anything to fill my heart with some kind of peace. I have not been successful, but that is okay. Pictures of him in my head continue to flash like a slide show, happy times, sad times, you name it, the pictures keep coming. I had taken down all pictures of him in the house, but I am slowly returning them to their usual places. Healing must be taking place because I want to see him besides just on my nightstand where I can kiss him goodnight.

I have been so depressed and forlorn that I decided this morning to be like Cher in the movie "Moonstruck" and slap myself with a "Snap out of it!" conversation. I can choose to be sad, or get on with my life. I can't keep
walking around the house feeling sorry for myself. Laundry needs to be washed, closets cleaned out, art is screaming at me to be created. It doesn't help that my muse has left the building, but I am trying to tease her out of hiding.

My grown kids, family, and friends have been such a great support for me. They let me cry when it doesn't look like I will ever stop, given hugs, made me laugh when I thought I never would again, been there for me when I needed them in person and online, and loving me through this difficult time. I have friends that call me on the phone, mail me RAK's (Random Acts of Kindness) of artwork they made to cheer me up, what would I do without them? They have been my lifeline. I am so grateful that all of them haven't given up on me and written me off. I know I will get back to a normal schedule of painting and being online with my friends but right now it is still hard. The fact that I wanted to blog is a sign of healing, wanting to be online is a great step forward.

Yes, it's a hard time right now, but today I am in my studio working with paint and pens and paper and had a blast the last hour. My muse may be really good at hide-and-seek, but damnit, I am going to have a good time and make her jealous so she will want to create with me again.

It's a beautiful day outside even though it's only in the 40's. Who knew? *grin*

Hurrican Gustav

2008-09-05T09:23:00.008-05:00

Hurricane Gustav hit Alexandria, LA with a vengeance, with the eye of the storm going right over us. Luckily, my sister agreed to stay an extra week in anticipation of the hurricane and was a huge help, not only with getting the aftermath cleaned up outside, but keeping me company and it was a lot more fun than had I been alone.

We were without power for 48 hours straight which could have been worse, some neighborhoods and the outlying

areas still are without electricity. Since I didn't lose any trees this time, I still had water and that is a blessing compared to previous storms where I have been without power AND water for several days, now THAT sucks!

It is one month ago today that AC passed, so I plan on keeping myself busy with work cleaning the rest of the yard and packing up some of his clothes to get them out of sight. I find that seeing his things keeps me down in the dumps, so picking up reminders of him around the house helps me cope. Of course I know that putting away his things sounds cold, maybe even mean spirited, but I am realizing I have to go on and do the best I can to maintain an even keel and positive attitude. I have no idea where to put some of this stuff, but keeping myself busy is on my list of "to do's" while I grieve.

I have started a scrapbook of his accomplishments, pictures, newspaper articles, and think it will be a first step in getting back to my art. It is almost mindless, yet I am hoping that playing with color and picking out paper and doo-dads will chase my artistic muse out of hiding.

Mail is still very important to me. Every day I look with anticipation for cards and notes that donations have been made to Scott's donation site. There is something about opening mail that is personal, almost joyful and is very uplifting. I have no idea how to thank everyone for spending the time to write notes, mail ATC's and goodies to me, but I will figure out a way.

You all are so dear to me, thank you for your wonderful and comforting comments, it really brightens up my day.

A Week After the Funeral...

2008-08-17T22:16:00.026-05:00

It has now been a week since the funeral, which was perfect - dignified, solemn yet beautiful.
The bagpiper played several songs - during the funeral itself and at the burial site. The choir sang our favorite songs and Richard sang "On Eagle's Wings" which was so befitting the service. I don't remember a lot of details, only that I survived 2 hours of visitation at the church the night before and another hour of visitation before the service. It was exhausting but worth it. I will never forget it.
AC would have been so pleased. It turns out that I remember what everyone has had to say, maybe because unconsciously I knew I would want to remember all the wonderful memories people had of him so I could play them back in my head later, who knows. It was very encouraging to hear what an impact he had on the community and personally in people's lives.
I am learning an important lesson in all this grief - if you think your phone call or card won't matter, place the call or write the card anyway. Every single message is important. I have received the most beautiful cards and letters and am ashamed I haven't written more of them myself to others in times like this.
I am not ready to be online like I used to be and can only answer email at this time. The crying doesn't stop. My daughter and sister make me laugh, we share funny moments, and they don't hover when I need to cry. They understand that grieving is healthy, if I need to cry, I just do it, and I feel so much better afterwards. The night time is the worst, but in talking with other widows, this is natural.
I had to go to AC's office to clean out his personal stuff and did well until the last minute. That last look around to make sure I had gotten everything did me in. I also realized that his work colleagues had spent 8-10 hours a day, 5 days a week with him constantly. In fact they probably saw him more than I did my whole married life to him. What a shock that realization was! They are nearly as upset as I am. That was a real eye opener.
I don't have any idea when I will get back to my art, I know it will be cathartic, but right now I am just concentrating on letting the tears fall where they may.
Thank you to everyone that has left phone messages, written cards and RAK's, and have been praying for me. It means the world to me. I have them all here on my desk, so I don't forget a single thank you, they are all so special.
Thank you.

Rapides Regional Medical Center's Obituary for AC:

August 7, 2008

For IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information, contact:
Charla Ducote, Vice President of Marketing, Public Relations and Business Development
Rapides Healthcare System
(318) 769-3157

AC Buchanan, RHS President and CEO, dies at 56

Alexandria, LA - Rapides Healthcare System’s president and chief executive officer, A.C. Buchanan, died Tuesday at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center from complications due to leukemia. He was 56.

Buchanan served as president and chief executive officer at Rapides Regional Medical Center (RRMC) since March 1999. In 2002, he was named president and chief executive officer for the Rapides Healthcare System, which is comprised of RRMC, Avoyelles Hospital, Marksville, Oakdale Community Hospital, Oakdale, Savoy Medical Center, Mamou and Winn Parish Medical Center, Winnfield.

Buchanan’s leadership of Rapides Regional Medical Center and the Rapides Healthcare System were a testament to his long career in healthcare administration. After earning his bachelor’s degree at Texas Christian University, he was a medical platoon leader in the U.S. Army. Buchanan went on to earn a master’s degree in public administration from TCU and a master’s degree in healthcare administration from Trinity University.

He served as an administrator and CEO of six hospitals across Texas and Louisiana including a four-hospital system before taking the helm of Rapides in 1999. He also worked as a managed care consultant in Texas.

Visionary

Buchanan’s years in central Louisiana anchored an extraordinary career in which he continued the tradition set by those before him, growing RRMC into one of the top hospitals in the state. Through his leadership and strong interest in women’s and children’s services, RRMC became home to the area’s largest neonatal intensive care unit and the area’s only pediatric intensive care unit. He also was instrumental in recruiting pediatric sub-specialists into our community providing access to these rare specialists for those in need.

Providing the highest quality patient care was Buchanan’s top priority. His respect for the nursing and ancillary staff was recognized by many. A.C. also understood the importance and value of an exemplary medical staff. Along with over 200 dedicated physicians already serving RRMC, one of his proudest accomplishments included the strong recruitment efforts of more than 40 new physicians to this community.

But the accomplishments didn’t stop there. Under Buchanan’s leadership RRMC achieved the top five percent rating nationally from Healthgrades in multiple specialties, for many years, was awarded as a Top 100 Hospital, as well as awarded the Louisiana Quality Award for hospital excellence. He developed and expanded many new services in cardiology, oncology, surgery and other ancillary areas. His most recent achievement was the completion and opening of the $50 million expansion accomplished earlier this year.

Community Involvement

Buchanan was a dedicated member at his church, St. James Episcopal. He served in many capacities such as Senior Warden of Vestry (Executive Committee), Finance Committee, Property Committee, Investment Oversight Committee, Lector, Lay Eucharistic Minister, Lay Eucharistic Visitor, Life in Christ Leader, Mission and Outreach, Christian Education Director, Diocesan Executive Committee and the Diocesan Council for The Episcopal Diocese of Western Louisiana. He was a recent graduate of the Education of Ministry program, which involved a four-year commitment in training.

Also, in the community, Buchanan recently served as Chairman of the LSUA Foundation Board, LSUA Chancellor Search Committee, Alexandria Museum of Art Board, Alexandria Business Foundation Board, Louisiana Hospital Association (LHA) Board, Cenla Advantage Partnership Board, LHA Central District, Past Chair, and the Canterbury House Board.

Buchanan previously served on the Chamber of Commerce Board, American Heart Association Heart Walk Chairperson, LHA Legislative Regulatory and Policy Council, the American Hospital Association Regional Policy Board and the Region 6 Health-care Reform Consortium, and the Rapides Primary Health Care Center. He was a Leadership Giver of United Way, as well as involved with the March of Dimes, American Cancer Society, and a Leadership Central Louisiana graduate.

Services/Memorial Contributions

Visitation will be on Friday, August 8 from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. at St. James Episcopal Church Parish Hall. On Saturday, August 9 visitation at the church will be from 1 p.m. until the time of service at 2 p.m. Burial will be at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Pineville. Funeral arrangements are under the guidance of John Kramer & Son.

His family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to support his nephew Scott Peacock who is running the Houston Marathon for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in memory of AC, his “Uncle Buck.” Donations may be made at http://www.active.com/donate/llshoustonmarathon/4unclebuck or in the name of A.C. Buchanan at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at P.O. Box 4072, Pittsfield, MA 01202.

My Beloved AC is gone...

2008-08-06T07:27:00.034-05:00

My beloved AC is gone. He had a massive stroke and bleed-out of the brain due to the Leukemia. I leave for home today and the funeral is planned for Saturday.

I meant it when I said we need to hurry up and create art, we don't have much time. My AC was only 56 years old.

I hope that friends will donate, if so inclined, to the Leukemia Society at the website mentioned below where my nephew, Scott, is running in a marathon to raise money in AC's name, it would mean the world to me. We are working even harder now to get a cure.

Thank you for your prayers during these last 3 months, there were times when I could feel them at just the right time.

Go hug your loved ones for me. Kiss them and tell them you love them, then go create art!

The Doc says...

2008-08-01T18:51:00.006-05:00

We just got through seeing AC's doctor.
We were told:
- the leukemia cells may have mutated, causing the super drug to be ineffective, but they aren't sure.
- we are now waiting on extensive lab results to show whether he has lymphoid or myloid leukemia - this is important to know so they can decide which new chemo to start this Thursday, which will have to be done In-patient. He still has CML (Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia) but appears to be moving to Advanced.
- until Thursday, they gave him a chemo that is more generic, so that the spleen will start to shrink and the Blast production will start to be controlled, which in turn will stop the stomach area swelling which led to a lot of pain and he hasn't eaten for a couple of days and feels crummy.
- we will have to stay in Houston for the next 4 weeks on an out-patient basis (we hope) so they can treat specific problems that will arise with platelet, hematocrit and hemoglobin problems that they are expecting (like sudden drops in levels). We asked if all this could be done at home and they said no, the treatments will be done on Mondays, Wednesday, Fridays, probably, so we have to stay here.
Um... Nick - I know you just got rid of one set of parents, but... can we move in? I'm kidding, but not really. $100 a day for a hotel is a little steep for 30 days... I can cook now, so what do you say? *insert grin here*
The good news? They felt that starting the generic chemo for the next 6 days and staying at the hotel that he would not have to go in-patient until Thursday when they start the more dedicated chemo. He just started his first dose now and is sleeping.
Whew. Hurrying up and waiting are not my strong suits, but by the time this is all over, it will be so worth it.

Settled In At MD Anderson

2008-07-31T16:30:00.004-05:00

We are all settled in at the hotel across the street from MD Anderson. AC is sleeping and our appointments start tomorrow. I will be shocked if they don't admit him, but I am old enough to know better than to forecast anything nowadays.

Our nephew who is running the Houston Marathon in AC's name has set up a blog to invite people to keep up with his training routine each day and I will keep him posted on AC's progress so he can post that there also for any donors that want to know how he is doing.

Here is Scott's Blog:

http://4unclebuck.blogspot.com/

I have told him I will be cracking my whip to keep him motivated. If I have to push a wheelchair and he has to run, he could end up hunkier than Brad Pitt and I will look hot! Yes, I'm being silly, it's an ATCsForALL joke. At my age, looking "hot" generally means I am literally dying from the heat, but online I can be as young as I feel! Right?!

Check out Scott's blog and help me cheer him on (or crack your own whip - whickaaaaaa!). *grin*

Off to MD Anderson...

2008-07-30T17:45:00.011-05:00

It is official, we leave for MD Anderson on Thursday for labs, tests, and Dr. appointments all day Friday. I am packing for a longer trip, we have no idea if they will want to check him in or not, especially after they told us to stop the super drug he was on. I probably won't go online to my sites much the next couple of days. I don't seem to have much tolerance for people that are complaining about (to me) little things that are so insignificant in the whole scheme of things. Normally I would try to help them in whatever situation they were in, offer advice how to fix whatever, yada, yada, yada.

Cancer Research Hospital in Houston, Texas

I have started a blog on wordpress to vent, no art, just typing. I started working on an art journal I have and the only colors I used were deep red and black and boy, was it ugly! Composition? Point of interest? Nope, I didn't feel better after doing the spread, so I decided I just need to type what is going on to myself, and if I want to cuss I can and no one will hear me or be offended. I'm pretty smart, eh? Well, I thought so at the time.

Back to Houston... Marathon News

2008-07-29T19:34:00.012-05:00

Well, shuckins, it looks like we are heading back to MD Anderson in the next day or two. AC is producing "blasts" which are an indicator the cancer is back. His labs last week showed 6% and the labs today are at 24%. He feels lousy, poor thing. I am trying to remain chipper, but it is like a huge dark cloud hanging over us.

I tried to spend some time painting yesterday and today, but just can't seem to keep a thought in my head and find myself staring at the canvas like a moron. I did get an email from AC's nephew-in-law in Houston that he is running a marathon in January and is going to be running in AC's name and he set up a website for donations and to keep folks up to date with his training:

http://www.active.com/donate/llshoustonmarathon/4unclebuck

We were so touched! To think that someone thought of that... would I have been so kind? I would like to think so, but... it is an incredible gift to see people react to AC's illness in a manner like that. It would be so easy to just wallow in self-pity, but to know that there are people getting involved, trying to do anything that will help, just makes me cry. Big time. Wow.

I think I will bite the bullet and watch HGTV with AC tonight. I can't stand watching other people work on their homes when I could be doing something, preferably art, but I want to snuggle with my honey and just hide from the world for a couple of hours, even if it's just watching someone else paint. A bedroom. Or a bathroom. An awful color that lacks imagination. *grin*

Rolodex Art

2008-07-25T10:40:00.030-05:00

Besides painting crows all day long and moderating my sites, I have fallen in love with trading rolodex cards on ATCsForALL.com . The fact that this kind of trade is "useful" helps me justify my new addiction. I am exchanging names and addresses of members of the site, so when we trade art, I already have an original 3x5 inch piece of their art style. I love that - here are some I have made:

I bought a new tray holder for my rolos because the round one kept getting hung up with all the fibers and chunky stuff. Of course, that meant I had to alter it! So I did. I used a bunch of layers of acrylics with tons of varnish so it would look like it had been made of ceramic. I am pleased with how it turned out. It sits next to my monitor so I can see it 24/7.

I love my rolos!

Ode To Blogging

2008-07-25T01:20:00.012-05:00

You know what? I am thoroughly enjoying getting back into the blog routine. As I attack this site with renewed interest, I am reading others' blogs as I add them to my list and it is fascinating, fun, and the art has been terrific. For the last couple of days I have read how to cook, who was juried into a show, who loves the color purple more than anyone I know, who is trying a new art technique and the list goes on. I consider these blogs a great way to get to know people on a more personal level, people I have "known" for 2 years now and would happily fly to meet them for a 'slumber party artfest' if given the chance. Talk about having your cake and eat it, too!
Ahh... life is good when you have friends.

I Have An Opportunity...

2008-07-21T21:35:00.016-05:00

I have an opportunity that doesn't come along every day...

I got a call from the gallery owner that has my work here in my city (Glenda at Gallery House) and she said an agent/rep walked in, walked straight to my 'crow series' paintings and told her to call me. He wants me to submit larger pieces, at least 24x30 or 30x40 inch (since mine were smaller), and he would take them in to review and see if the company would represent me. They sell giclee's on canvas of the artists' works that average $800-2,300 a piece. I recognized a couple of the names of some of the artists because we were all members of CAG (Contemporary Artist's Guild) at the same time.

I went back to the gallery the next day to talk with Glenda personally and get more info on this agent. (You can never have too many details, right?) It turns out he stopped in front of my wall, said "hmmm" a lot, then when she asked what he thought, he said "I like the painted pieces a lot, but I don't like the other "stuff" on them (my altered pieces glued to the canvas). She told him I was playing around with altered art and he replied "well, I like this style (the crows) and her illustrative style (my pen & ink & watercolors) and I can sell her work like these (the crows) if she would just stick to it".

Um............... I don't have to be told twice! lol I guess this means I have finally found my niche. The crow series were some of the quickest pieces I have ever done ('God' took 7 months) and I was in such a state of frantic bliss when painting them, if you know what I mean?

Is this my big break? I have started working on the paintings already and am really enjoying myself. I love slapping paint on the canvases and just letting my muse take over.

Edit to Add: I just found out from the gallery owner that my "3 Crows" just sold! Woot!!!!

Life Has Been Busy!

2008-07-08T08:45:00.022-05:00

Life has been busy!

My husband was diagnosed with (CML) Leukemia in April '08 and to say it has been life altering would be an understatement. For 3 solid months I was never in my studio, just taking care of him as best I could, living at MD Anderson and traveling back and forth. My forum friends were a real comfort to me during this really hard time, sending RAK's, phoning me to find out how we were doing, and generally keeping in touch. It made a world of difference in my world. Because I was never online, I had no idea what was going on, so they were my link to the outside world. Inky, PurpleRealm, Jean, Seraphic, ArteDar and Adriayna kept me updated or just called to give a hug over the phone, and that was a good thing. My close friends at home have been great, too, calling or emailing to see if we need anything, not wanting to be in the way or interrupt us. I need that hand reaching out to remind me not to hibernate so long in my studio. I get on the computer or start a painting and hours go by and I need to start thinking about making dinner. I am as shocked as anyone that knows me, I am cooking? I know, right? Of course I fry too much, but that is what I am better at...

He is on what I call Super Drug #2 which is more specific to his type of leukemia and seems to be working on a chromosome level. We still travel to MD Anderson on a regular basis but he has started going back to work for meetings a couple of days a week when his stamina enables him to go. Life is nearly back to normal. Well, more like life is calm.

I had been consumed with helping set up and manage/moderate my new site that I am a co-owner of. The old ATC trading site that I was a moderator on was closed very suddenly by the owner, so a few of us scrambled to get another one set up. It took hard work, little sleep, countless hours and devotion of the old mods (and some new ones) to get the new place up and running. We managed to keep folks in communication in a Flickr group while we were setting it up, and now we have over 1,000 members!

The name = ATCsForALL.com. We trade ATC's, altered art, Inchies, Chunky Book pages, postcards, recipe cards, rolodex cards, journal and altered books, you name it, we trade and swap it!

I trade art at another juried ATC site that is mainly hand-drawn-painted called IllustratedATCs. The artists there are spectacular, and many of the artists on my list of fav's are there. Check it out!

The Start of Our Life-Changing Journey

21 April 2008, a day I will never forget.

My husband A. C. was diagnosed with CML (Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia) on Monday, 21 April 2008 by our dear friend, Trevor From, M.D. A. C. hadn't felt well for several weeks thinking it must be a bad case of the flu. After traveling to Houston for Mimi and Scott's new baby's baptism and his only getting worse by the minute, I insisted he see our friend and A. C. called the office and was seen very quickly.

Trevor saw him, drew blood, then shortly diagnosed him. What a shock! We sat there in disbelief. He said that was all he could tell us, it was not his specialty, and asked A. C. which oncologist he wanted to take care of him. I think that is when it hit me over the head, hard. Oncologist? What? A cancer doctor? Are you kidding me? This isn't happening... just kept running through my head.

Trevor immediately admitted him to A. C.'s own hospital, Rapides Regional Medical Center, where he underwent tests for several days. A. C. started swelling up, his legs, his stomach, his arms, everything just got huge. They said his spleen was 3 times its normal size, his blood pressure was getting higher and he would not eat much of anything. It turns out, he doesn't remember much of anything, either. He acted coherant, but 10 minutes later he wouldn't remember a conversation he had just had.

It was only when on about the 3rd day (I don't remember details like dates very well during this time) my rector, Fr. Fred insisted I talk with the oncologist about moving him to MD Anderson in Houston. I assumed docs would do the next step on their own without prompting. I talked to A. C.'s COO Cheryl Wilson and an RN that I adore, Beverly Lowentritt, who counseled me and said they would set up a conversation for me with the oncologist. Apparently they talked to him at length, he walked in and said "I think we need to transfer him to MD Anderson".

That next Friday they transported A. C. by ambulance, he was too sick and swollen with edema to fly on his back in a fixed-wing aircraft (plane or helicopter) so a dear friend, Bulldog (John) went with him because I had to stay and wait for my daughter Shannon and my sister Carolyn to arrive at the airport that afternoon and evening.

Here is what I have been doing lately (this is the original post, I have added the details of A.C.'s illness at a later date):

I started my own Etsy shop where I make and sell Acrylic Stamps - it is a blast! I either use my own drawings or vintage photographs from my hubby's side of the family - there are a ton of them. I have made several sales. Check it out - www.LisaBuchanan.Etsy.com

The little girl is my grandmother, circa 1893 when she was 3 years.

The little boy is my hubby's Dad, circa late 1800's when he was probably 5 years old.

I also sell note cards of my work and just started selling Art Pins that I make. I joined an Art Pin swap and fell in love - I could not stop making them, I was hooked!

Inchies - 1x1 inch Squares To Trade

2007-09-13T15:37:00.004-05:00

"Purple Inchies"
for Purple Inches Swap Held on ATCards.com
These are so much fun even though they are so tiny. This really forced me to simplify my composition but still have enough detail to keep them interesting.

Journal - Fabric Honey's - Fabric Journal Cover

2007-03-25T15:06:00.010-05:00

"FABRIC HONEYS"
Fabric Journal Cover
I joined a new Round Robin for Fabric Journals. Our name for our specific group is "Fabric Honeys". We limited our sizes to 8x8 inches and have folks from as far away as England and Australia. My cover consists of fabric that is sewn in a picture and has felt interiors with buttonholes to attach each separate page's fabric ties. This is all so new to me! I haven't sewn in years, but I am loving (nearly) every minute!

"Sign In Page"
Fabric Journal
This is the page where all the different Artist's sign their name, much like a Table Of Contents. I used Fabric Paper and printed this out on my computer. I love this stuff! It is so cool - I plan on printing out tons of images on it.

"Title Page"
Fabric Journal
I used the Fabric Paper again to print out the clip art I found of an old treadle sewing machine. It is perfect for this page. I used ribbon to cover all my sewing machine mistakes, such as uneven bobbin tension, etc. I admit, it's been a while since I have sewn and it shows!

"Kitty"
Fabric Journal
Collection of vwozniak at ATCards.com
My first official page for this group. I had a blast making this. It presented a lot of challenges, like working with pom-pom ribbon! It was very time consuming, but that was only because I didn't know what the heck I was doing! The girls in the group have been so helpful, answering all my questions and even gave me directions on how to use the glued-paper-backing stuff so you are literally glueing the pieces using an iron before you start all the sewing. Who knew? I didn't!!

"Stop and Smell The Roses"
Fabric Journal
Collection of Adriayna at ATCards.com
Adriayna's journal was round, which was a real challenge. She had included some vintage buttons to add to our pages for her journal. I loved sewing this page. I printed the winged cuties on fabric paper, cut them out, then adhered them with iron-on fusible backing, then attached all the other elements. Isn't it cute?

"Flower Babies"
Fabric Journal
Collection of Pippin at ATCards.com
I used the same technique with this page for Pippin. Printed out the images on fabric paper, fused them, then added stitching to all the elements to make sure they stayed attached.

"Cutie"
Fabric Journal
Collection of Barefootchef at ATCards.com
I had some lace that once adorned my daughter's nightgown when she was little, so I decided to use it to trim up this adorable face.

"Artfest Slumber Party January 2007"
Fabric Journal
Collection of Seraphic at ATCards.com
I had a slumber party dedicated to art and a couple of my online friends came and stayed a long weekend at my house - Seraphic, ArteDar, and Sopranospirit. For 4 days all we did was paint, play, eat, got a little sleep, altered items, painted some more, spilled micro-beads, went shopping at Hobby Lobby, ate crawfish, pizza, slept a little more, ate bienets (sp?), and created until it was time for them to catch their planes. We talked by video chat with PurpleRealm, who lives in Perth, Australia every night so she could feel like she was participating. It was a hoot!

Altered Tin - Mardi Gras Altered Tin

2007-03-25T14:58:00.007-05:00

Altered Tin:

"Mardi Gras"
Altered Tin
I joined a swap at ATCards.com for Altered Tins. I had so much fun! Darlene Mariano was my inspiration. She taught me how to rust them and said that I should just envision what I would like to be surprised with finding inside. Living in the Mardi Gras state makes that easy!

Altered Tin - Lady In Red Altered Tin

2007-03-25T14:54:00.005-05:00

Altered Tins:

"Lady In Red"
Altered Tin
My favorite color is red, so I knew I had to do a tin in the vintage style. I rusted the tin first, then added all the different elements.

Altered Tins

2007-03-25T14:48:00.004-05:00

Altered Tins:

"By The Sea"
Altered Tin
Top and Inside View
I love taking a plain tin, rust and paint it, then turn it into something else. This one called out to me to be vintage with goodies inside that might have been found at the beach.

Journal Spreads - My Angel, Tuscany Landscape and Woodland Fair Journal Spreads

2007-03-06T09:52:00.004-06:00

Journal Spreads

"My Angel" Circle Journal Page
I loved painting this for Magpie. It is done in acrylics and was a true joy. I based this off an image in my head of what my personal guardian angel might look like. It went so quickly, I was almost sorry it was over.

"Tuscany Landscape" Circle Journal Page
This 8x8 inch piece was done in acrylics for Seraphic at ATCards.com. I had several pictures from my trip to Italy with friends a couple of years ago. It was hard to pick which image to paint. Their scenery is so incredible!

"Woodland Fairy"
The theme of the journal was "Fantasy". It is 8x8 inches, done in acrylics after a children's book illustration for Amerasu at ATCards.com.

"Woodland Fairy" Circle Journal Spread
This is the descriptive part of the spread on the left side.

Altered Book - Geisha, Secret Door, Celtic Birds, Cockatoos and Castle Journal Spreads

2007-03-06T09:31:00.004-06:00

"Geisha" Altered Book Spread
Mixed Media
This was a fun spread to work on using PearlEx powders, clip art and to try my hand at folding without smooshing it too badly! Done for Carol Schmidt at ATCards.com.

"Secret Door To Where?" Altered Book Spread
Painted in acrylics and Prismacolor Markers.
This was done for Adriayna's Theme "Doorways and Passages" at ATCards.com.
Naturally one doorway led to another...

"Secret Door To Where? - 2nd Spread" Altered Book Spread
Painted in acrylics and Prismacolor Markers.
This was the 2nd spread for Adriayna's Theme "Doorways and Passages" at ATCards.com

"Celtic Birds" Journal Page
Painted in acrylics, taken after a stained glass window, 8x8 inches, for Flashviv at ATCards.com

"Cockatoos" Journal Page
Painted in acrylics, taken after a stained glass window, 8x8 inches, for Flashviv at ATCards.com

"Castle" Journal Page
Painted in acrylics, 8x8 inches, for Frobel at ATCards.com

Altered Book - Zetti Women Altered Book Covers

2007-01-07T23:44:00.005-06:00

Altered Book - Zetti Women

"Zetti Women"
Altered Book Round Robin
I am in a Round Robin over at ATCards.com and my theme is "Zetti Women". I found clip art I love and added wings, a crown and silly hat, chipboard letters and beaded fringe for the cover. I drilled holes in the front and back covers to tie orange ribbon to each board so it can be tied closed without breaking the spine.
This promises to be a lot of fun!

Inside Front Cover
I used crayons, Primacolor markers and assorted clip art for this page with a lot of doodling.

Introduction Page
I used crayons on the background of the page, then attached a piece of vellum to fit with vellum tape. The tag is made with cardstock and I glued a print-out of my introduction onto the card and doodled around the edges, then tied a ribbon on top.

"Title Page"
I covered the page with random strokes of a gold stamp pad, then covered the tackiness with a glaze of acrylic medium and yellow ochre. Then I used a 3-d paint in red and wrote the name, followed by a doodling of faces in Prismacolor pens.

Sign-In Page
I got this idea from Veronica Goff and changed it to suit my needs. I attached tags of assorted colors and vellum with tiny brads and hung them with string. Each artist will sign a tag with their name so I will remember who worked in my book.

Journal - Sisters In Art Cover of Journal

2006-11-03T22:40:00.003-06:00

"Sisters In Art" - Circle Journal Group
This is the cover of a circle journal I made using collaged elements - vintage photographs, stamping, written names of the members of the circle journal group. I added beads and fibers to the ribbons holding the book together in the binding. Tabs separate the page protectors that hold the artwork from each of the artists. Inside are directions for the theme of the book, room for each artist's signature and a little ''about themselves" and holders for the Artist Trading Cards they make to go in the book.

Journal - Art From The Heart Journal Cover

2006-11-03T22:34:00.002-06:00

"Art From the Heart"
Journal Cover
I made this journal from thick fiberboard and added tabs to separate the pages. The cover is collaged with vintage letters and postcards and stamps. I stamped the title of the journal circle group I am involved in. We pass our books to each other every month and at the end of the year, we will have a 2-page spread from everyone in our group. I joined several of these circles - they are very addicting. You get nice sized art from folks all over the world - what's not to like?

Journal - Cardinal and Blue Jay Journal Spread for Merricat

2006-11-03T22:26:00.003-06:00

"Cardinal and Blue Jay" - Journal Pages
Collection of Kristi Zoebelein
The theme of Merricat's journal was "Birds", so I painted my two favorite birds in acrylic like watercolors. What a treat! The pages went so fast and the journaling was a kick as I went all around the pages, then mounted them on coordinating cardstock. These journals are all approximately 8x8 inches, so the larger area to paint is lots of fun.

Journal - My Grandmother - Journal Spread for Dar

2006-11-03T21:58:00.003-06:00

"My Grandmother" - Journal Pages
Collection Darlene Mariano
For "ArteDar's" journal based on vintage collage, I decided to do a spread based on my maternal grandmother. There were quite a few skeletons in her closet, which I decided to share. She was born in 1898 in Nebraska. One of the skeletons was the fact that one of her "older sisters" was really her birth mother. Could have been quite the scandal in the town of York back then, but it was very hush-hush for obvious reasons. Grandma went on to practice Osteopathy and lived a very colorful life in Tacoma, Washington, Laguna Beach and Santa Ana, California. She taught me to sew and cook and make an awesome pie crust, no easy feat! I miss her to this day.

"African Memories" - Journal Pages

Collection of Jennifer Burns

I painted the elephants in acrylics and the story page is done with scrapbooking paper and added ephemera. I am in a Circle Journal group where each person's journal moves from person to person each month and we add a spread to their books. Jennifer's book is dedicated to Africa, where Jennifer spent a long time and fell in love with the country. I carried that theme and added the story about a memory I had of a rocking elephant my parents have in their home and what it meant to me. This spread was a total joy to create.

Domino - Moonglow Altered Domino Necklace

2006-10-06T13:15:00.003-05:00

''MoonGlow''
Sharpies on Domino - necklace
I am really enjoying making these necklaces. I sand them down to get the 'slick' surface ready to hold color. I use ultra-fine pointed sharpies and blend the colors with regular tipped sharpies. The formulation has alcohol in it, so if I make a mistake, I can dab with alcohol to fix it. Since I have sharpies in every color they make, I have plenty of colors to work with and blend for contrast and my darks.
I got a Dremel to drill the holes and also bought the stand so I can use it like a drill press. Works really well, and I am very pleased with the results. Hope you like them, too!

Domino - Green Girl Altered Domino Necklace

2006-10-06T13:11:00.003-05:00

''Green Girl''
Sharpies on Domino - necklace
Collection of Pabin

Domino - Tiger Eye Altered Domino Necklace

2006-10-03T11:35:00.003-05:00

"Tiger Eye"
Sharpies on Domino - necklace
Collection of the Artist

Domino - Vintage Woman Domino Necklace

2006-10-03T11:33:00.002-05:00

"Vintage Woman"
Sharpies on Domino - necklace
Collection of Ronnel Swetlick

Domino - Three Wise Men Altered Domino Necklace

2006-10-03T11:30:00.003-05:00

"Three Wise Men"
Sharpies on Domino - necklace

Domino - Stormy Sky Domino Necklace

2006-10-03T11:29:00.003-05:00

Domino - Stormy Sky

"Stormy Sky"
Sharpies on Domino - necklace

Domino - Renoir Altered Domino Necklace

2006-10-03T11:28:00.004-05:00

Domino - Renoir

"Renoir"
Sharpies on Domino - necklace

Domino - Munch Girl Domino Necklace

2006-10-03T11:26:00.002-05:00

"Munch Girl"
Sharpies on Domino - necklace
Collection of Jennifer Burns

Domino - Madonna and Child

2006-10-03T11:05:00.002-05:00

"Madonna and Child"
Sharpies on Domino - necklace
Collection of the Artist

Domino - Altered Domino - Klimdt

2006-10-03T10:26:00.002-05:00

"Klimt"
Sharpies on Domino - necklace

Domino - Cabin In The Woods Domino Necklace

2006-10-03T10:23:00.002-05:00

''Cabin In The Woods''
Sharpies on Domino - necklace

ATC - Saint Sabastian

2006-08-08T09:38:00.009-05:00

ATC
"Saint Sabastian"
Hand Carved Stamp on Cardboard
Carving is harder than it looks, but is a lot of fun. I really enjoy the sketching out the basic shapes and seeing where the blade takes me. I plan on doing a lot more intricate pieces as soon as I get my nerve up. It also takes awhile, before I know it, an hour has gone by!

ATC
"Pagan Festival - Stonehendge"
Hand Carved Stamp on Cardboard

ATC
"Japanese Mother and Child"
Hand Carved Stamp on Cardboard
I decided I liked this one so well that I use it as notecards for my personal correspondance. I also stamp this with different colored ink or stamp with black ink on watercolor paper that I have painted washes on. I love this image.

ATC
"Adrian Paul"
for Nicky
Hand Carved Stamp on Cardboard

ATC - Hand Carved Self Portrait

2006-08-08T09:24:00.004-05:00

ATC - Hand Carved

ATC
"Self Portrait"
Hand Carved Stamp on cardboard

ATC
"Mother and Child"
Hand Carved Stamp
Watercolor paper with wash

ATC - Hand Carved Lady

2006-08-08T09:18:00.002-05:00

ATC - Hand Carved Lady

ATC
''Lady"
Hand Carved Stamp on watercolor paper with watercolor wash

I decided to try carving my own stamps. I bought a Speedball carving set and softblocks. I am now totally infatuated with the whole process. The only drawback? The mess. I yanked the DustBuster from another room and keep it on my worktable. All those little pieces drive me nuts...

ATC - Art Nouveau Women

2006-05-17T19:12:00.001-05:00

ATC - Art Nouveau Women
ATC
"Art Nouveou Woman #1"
prismacolor pencils

ATC - Dance Fauve Inspired

2006-05-17T19:05:00.001-05:00

ATC - Fauve Inspired Dance

ATC
Fauve inspired:
"Dance" and "Lone Tree"
acrylic

ATC - Fauve Inspired Landscape

2006-05-17T18:58:00.001-05:00

ATC - Fauve Inspired Landscape

ATC

Wild Beast Swap after the Fauvre Artists at ATCards.com

"New Day"

and "My Sky"

Acrylic

I decided to stretch myself and try my hand at bold, free color and composition. The Fauvre group were named the 'Wild Beasts', a name the group accepted wholeheartedly. The members included VanGogh, Matisse, Derain, Gauguin, Seurat, etc.

2006-05-11T11:24:00.001-05:00

ATC - "Art Muse" - Prismacolors
Collection of Aimhleas

I had received a Triptych from Aimhleas called "Notre Dame" when we decided to do a swap together. I consider it perfection in that it immediately draws you into the scene and holds you there. I wanted to do something special in return and went to my books on Rembrandt and DaVinci to study their drawing styles again. What I ended up with is 'Art Muse', which was a delight to work on.

ATC - Artsy Fartsy

2006-05-11T11:18:00.001-05:00

ATC - Artsy Fartsy

ATC - "Artsy Fartsy" - Prismacolors

I was playing around with an idea for the Self Portrait Swap and came up with this, showing the tools of my trade. Not exactly a likeness, but younger... and cuter... and...

Post Card - Autumn Scene for Competition

2006-05-11T11:11:00.001-05:00

Postcard - "Fall Scene" - watercolors

I enjoy working with vibrant colors and started this piece by playing with paints on watercolor paper working until an image started to form, then went over it with a tiny brush detailing areas after it dried.

ATC - Autumn Eye and Eye Candy

2006-05-11T10:32:00.004-05:00

ATC - 'Autumn Eye' - prismacolors
I have gotten a lot of requests for cards done with eyes and this is one of my personal favorites.

ATC - "Eye Candy" - prismacolors
This is another piece that I have gotten requests for.

ATC - Blue Study

2006-04-12T09:28:00.004-05:00

"Blue Study" - Acrylic ATC

"Cliff Study" - Acrylic ATC

"Landscape #5" - Oil Pastels ATC

"Landscape #4" - Oil Pastels ATC

"Landscape #3" - Acrylic ATC

"Landscape #2" - Acrylic ATC

ATC - My Art Muse

2006-03-14T07:50:00.001-06:00

ATC - 'My Art Muse'
I made this ATC card for a swap entitled "Make Your Own Muse" at ATCards. It has a hand-painted background in Pearlesence Inks, a Mona clip, hand-painted artist's palette in acrylics, sheet music and lettering use Scrabble tiles and typeface.

Moments In Time - Pin

2006-03-10T23:08:00.001-06:00

"Moments In Time I" - clay, beads, findings
Collection of Peg Howard

This 3" pin was made with three different colors of clay with coins and other misc. pieces stamped, scratched and painted in metallic colors for effect. It is a small piece, but composition is still as important as a larger piece.

God In Disguise Pin/Necklace For a Friend

2006-03-10T22:52:00.001-06:00

"God In Disguise" - clay, beads, findings
Collection of Karen From
I made this pin for a dear friend after we had not been able to see each other for several weeks due to my busy schedule. I wanted to make her something to show that I had been thinking about her, so I came up with 'God In Disguise'. It is a large pendant in rich warm browns, coppers and golds. In starting this job, I remembered old commercials on television about 'Don't fool with Mother Nature' and wanted to protray my own views on what God looks like to me. I see him/her everywhere I go and put the commercial and my beliefs together in a piece of jewelry. It soon blossomed into more art...

"God In Disguise 2" - clay, beads, findings
Collection of Charlotte Ray
This pin in hues of a garden in Fall was made after the first God pin. I wanted to work on a smaller scale and found this was a challenge in and of itself. I am enjoying working on such a small scale but it can be frustrating when I am all thumbs and not enough fingers to hold pieces together...

ATC - Red Kimono Triptych

2006-02-22T15:27:00.004-06:00

ATC Kimono:
ATC - "Red Kimono Triptych"

This is another card that that opens to three sections made with patterned silk on the outside and solid silk on the inside. I added a pair of 'zorries' that is a common shoe worn in the Orient. I remember wearing different colored zorries that were rubber as sandals before 'flip-flops' became popular.

ATC - "Kimono Triptych"

This card actually opens to three sections and can stand by itself. It is made with patterned silk fabric on the outside and solid colored silk fabric on the inside. Yes, I know, kimonos don't have bows on the front (or anywhere) but coming up with a pattern for the Obi-sash is confusing, at best. I found a site on the internet that teaches you how to tie the obie the original way, but there is supposed to be a belt that is put on first, and then you wrap the sash and loop it in the back and then you grab the excess fabric and cover that with the sash and loop that around and then... I think you get my point.

ATC - Theda Altered

2006-02-17T14:28:00.001-06:00

ATC 'Theda - The Brazen Woman'
This is an ATC I did for the February Challenge at ATCards. We were given an image of a poster of her and challenged to alter it. I decided to tattoo and glitter her with Pearlesence inks. I'm not sure if she would have actually dressed this way, given the chance...

I Joined A New Site...

2006-02-17T14:18:00.003-06:00

I joined a new site the other day - it is strictly for ATC's. The folks there made me feel so welcome! They have tons of stuff to view and read and I am learning a lot and have gotten great inspiration for new work. They have a lot of challenges and swaps, big and small. The art is very diverse, ranging from collage to hand-painted works that are great. If you want to go check it out - site is now defunct but I trade here: www.ATCsForALL.com and IllustratedATCs.com
Let me know what you think!

ATC - Who Goes There?

2006-02-17T08:49:00.001-06:00

ATC - 'Who Goes There?'
Handpainted background, decorative papers, Pearlesence inks, David image.

Canvas Wall Art

2006-02-17T08:43:00.001-06:00

Canvas Wall Art 4x5" #1
I tried my hand at a more formal arrangement, but feel this type is too stuffy for me, not allowing me to 'free flow'. I felt like all I was doing was filling in boxes and there really isn't a center of interest. Next time I will stick with a theme and see how that turns out...

ATC - Landscape

2006-02-17T08:38:00.002-06:00

ATC Landscape:

ATC - 'Landscape #1'
This is an ATC I made using acrylic paint. I wanted to see if I could paint 'tiny'. It is really just a quick study...

ATC - Once Upon A Time...

2006-02-09T14:10:00.001-06:00

ATC - 'Once Upon A Time..'
This is an ATC I entered into a drawing at ARTchix based on a theme of Mermaids. The background is handpainted and I picked the image based on my love of fairy tales. I have always enjoyed them since I was a wee one and hopefully have passed this on to my children...

ATC - Beauty Just Is

2006-02-06T15:43:00.003-06:00

ATC - 'Beauty Just Is'

My first ATC (Artist Trading Card) is complete. The background is made with swirls of pearlized paint in yellow, gold and white. I made an image transfer using clear mailing tape and added a stamp, ribbon, sheet music, a cut out flower with brad and lettering. It took me longer than I thought it would, probably because just putting design to paper was the hardest part. It is finished and now I can move onto another one...

Orienta Shrine #1 Mixed Media

2006-01-31T15:55:00.002-06:00

Oriental Shrine #1
This hanging shrine is a 4x4" canvas made with sticks, beads, and fibers. I wanted to convey their architecture while maintaining simple lines.

Oriental Shrine Mixed Media

2006-01-31T15:50:00.002-06:00

Oriental Shrine #2
This is a 4x4" canvas with folding doors, folded fan, beads and fibers. These are so much fun to make.

Altered Hanging - Winged QT

2006-01-31T13:36:00.002-06:00

Hanging - 'Winged QT'
Going through my ephemera I saw this cutie and thought she would be a different kind of addition to my studio. She is made with a slide mount, metal tags and paper wings. I usually don't do a lot of 'cute' things, but what the heck...

Altered Book Page 5

2006-01-29T20:51:00.002-06:00

Journal - Page Five
I played around with a colored overlay and I like the Madonna with Child stamp that I had previously used for Christmas cards in 2004.

Altered Book Page 4

2006-01-29T13:34:00.002-06:00

Journal - Page Four
I found this picture on the NASA site that was recommended by a member of my Yahoo AB group. I find that I like my pages that are less "messy" than others. I am still learning...

Altered Book Page 3

2006-01-29T13:22:00.002-06:00

Journal - Page Three
I will probably try to "fix" this page. I feel it needs a better center of interest. I am having way too much fun...

Altered Book Page 2

2006-01-29T13:11:00.002-06:00

Journal - Page Two
I am not normally a "purple" person, but living in the Mardi Gras state has taught me to appreciate purple, green and gold. I wanted to work in a color I would never have worked in normally and I now have a new appreciation for a color that can either be shy or bold. I am definitely stepping out of my comfort zone.

Altered Book Page 1

2006-01-29T12:57:00.002-06:00

Journal - Page One
I used found objects and tried my hand at glitter glue - now I know that a little goes a long way...

My First Altered Book

2006-01-29T11:40:00.003-06:00

First AB Cover - My Journal - I finally got the nerve to share my first altered book. I am making this to try out new methods I am learning so it is still a work in progress. What fun I am having! I belong to the Yahoo Altered Book Group where the artists are very helpful and willing to share their expertise with newbies like me. They all make me feel like I can do anything to a book and I am grateful to all of them.

Altered Book Art

2006-01-14T10:10:00.002-06:00

I discovered this art form on the web and fell in love with it. I am a full-time artist in oil, pastel and acrylics and was thrilled to be able to find an art form that allowed me to finish a project in such a short length of time. Using old books that would have been thrown out anyway, books are painted, pasted and collaged to produce works of art that are personal journals in that artists' life.

...The Mona Lisa is my Muse... My art is a large part of who I am...

2006-01-14T09:15:00.029-06:00

My art is very important to me and I want to keep growing. Please feel free to comment and leave your art sites so that I may do the same. I really appreciate your visiting - come back soon!

"To study art is to study order, relative values, to get at fundamental constructive principles. It is the great study of the inside, not the outside of nature. Such a pursuit evokes justice, simplicity, and good health." The Art Spirit by Robert Henri

Visit "Lisa's Studio" at www.LisaBuchananStudio.com for pictures of paintings I have either sold or are currently working on!