When I was told I needed cataract surgery, I thought....Yippee!....I can look forward to sculpting without having to take 30 minute breaks every 15 minutes...that yet remains to be proven, I'm still recovering. I was however, shocked to find out that two of the side effects of cataract surgery were, more wrinkles and more gray hairs. I liked the old younger me better.
Judy
One of a kind handsculpted fairies, collectible art dolls, mermaids, pixies and frogs by Judy A. Raley.
Off to the races
My middle son Gary is an avid bicyclist. He's also a middle school Special Ed. teacher, and a great one at that. He took up bicyling after he had major back surgery a few years ago. It turned into a driving force for him and he now competes at the age of 44 with much younger men and he does very well. In this particular race the age range was up to age 45. And at 44 he took third! He rides and or races almost every weekend, and for the next couple of Sundays he'll be racing here in Fresno, and, his Dad and I plan on being there to cheer him on.
Wish I had taken a picture!
Yesterday, something happend that has never happend to me before. It was such a nice day, instead of turning on the air conditoner, I left the sliding door to the patio open for a breeze.
Mid morning I took a break from sculpting and was headed outside to water plants when I heard an unmistakable sound. The frantic whirring of either a huge moth or a hummingbird. I couldn't see it, but knew where it was coming from. Following the sound, I caught a glimpse of a tiny hummer trying frantically to get through the glass and back outside. It had apparently followed the light upwards to a window in the staircase landing about 14 ft from the floor. Fetching a ladder and hoping the poor little bird wouldn't fly out into the open room where I would never be able to rescue it, I climbed up. When I got to where I could see it, it had collapsed into the corner of the window with its little beak pointed up wings spread and completely still. It was just a baby. I thought it had fatally injured itself. I reached over the bookcase and gently picked it up, still motionless. I told Larry it was dead and climbed down thinking I would bury it. I walked outside and noticed its tiny little feet were stuck together with ....poo. I tried to release its legs and clean them before burying it. To my surprise, it suddenly just zipped out of my hand and flew away into the nearby tree. This in iself was a surprise considering the amount of tiny irredescent feathers it had lost in its battle with the window. Had I known it was still alive, I would have taken a picture, but taking a picture of the poor little (dead) bird was the last thing on my mind at the time. I went from sad to happy to worried, praying that the little creature would make it.
My guess is that the little fellow was attracted to the red glassware clearly visible from the patio door. Realizing they weren't a source of yummy, he flew upward to the bright light from the window in the stairwell.
Mid morning I took a break from sculpting and was headed outside to water plants when I heard an unmistakable sound. The frantic whirring of either a huge moth or a hummingbird. I couldn't see it, but knew where it was coming from. Following the sound, I caught a glimpse of a tiny hummer trying frantically to get through the glass and back outside. It had apparently followed the light upwards to a window in the staircase landing about 14 ft from the floor. Fetching a ladder and hoping the poor little bird wouldn't fly out into the open room where I would never be able to rescue it, I climbed up. When I got to where I could see it, it had collapsed into the corner of the window with its little beak pointed up wings spread and completely still. It was just a baby. I thought it had fatally injured itself. I reached over the bookcase and gently picked it up, still motionless. I told Larry it was dead and climbed down thinking I would bury it. I walked outside and noticed its tiny little feet were stuck together with ....poo. I tried to release its legs and clean them before burying it. To my surprise, it suddenly just zipped out of my hand and flew away into the nearby tree. This in iself was a surprise considering the amount of tiny irredescent feathers it had lost in its battle with the window. Had I known it was still alive, I would have taken a picture, but taking a picture of the poor little (dead) bird was the last thing on my mind at the time. I went from sad to happy to worried, praying that the little creature would make it.
My guess is that the little fellow was attracted to the red glassware clearly visible from the patio door. Realizing they weren't a source of yummy, he flew upward to the bright light from the window in the stairwell.
A FEEL GOOD VIDEO
The Beth Ramacher Educational Complex is my youngest grandson Matthews new school. The Beth Ramacher staff has realized a dream of establishing a Sensory Room that has become a model for other schools. Many of the students are functioning at the sensory level of development and require sensory input to meet their educational needs. The Sensory Room offers a multitude of activities that require students to become active participants for building skills and in turn, motivates their desire to learn.
They're doing a phenomenal job!
Romance 46 yrs later
Tomorrow will be mine and Larrys 46th anniversary. It will forever be tarnished by the date it shares with the tragedy of 9-11. The one on that date was a difficult one to begin with. Larry was recovering from an accident that made it impossible for him to sleep anywhere but on the sofa in the living room....and me on a blanket and pillow on the floor as close to him as I could get should he need me. The phone rang early, but I was already awake, just lying there hoping to catch a little sleep before the day began. It was our son Gary telling us to turn on the television....and thats how we spent that anniversary. (more about Gary later)
This one was intended to be a little better. As a pet lover....I'm sure there are many more out there who will understand....we haven't been away for an overnight trip since we adopted Rusty....our first little Chihuahua. We made arrangements for our son Chris to come over and, lets call it house sit. LOL We love our little pets and just couldn't board them.
Step back a little over a week ago. I got the urge to clean......bathtubs......and clean I did, they sparkled! But, shortly after I finished, I realized that I should have been a little less enthusiastic. I hurt! And the pain is still here today, so, this little froggy won't be hopping off the the coast with her froggy prince. Our oldest son Mike invited us up the his home in the foothills for a barbecue, but, I honestly don't think the long ride would do myself any good. He's a great cook and I regret missing it.
We will instead spend the day at home, watch the ballgame.....we're die hard Giants fans. Perhaps go to dinner or maybe even a movie...we'll play it by ear.
This one was intended to be a little better. As a pet lover....I'm sure there are many more out there who will understand....we haven't been away for an overnight trip since we adopted Rusty....our first little Chihuahua. We made arrangements for our son Chris to come over and, lets call it house sit. LOL We love our little pets and just couldn't board them.
Step back a little over a week ago. I got the urge to clean......bathtubs......and clean I did, they sparkled! But, shortly after I finished, I realized that I should have been a little less enthusiastic. I hurt! And the pain is still here today, so, this little froggy won't be hopping off the the coast with her froggy prince. Our oldest son Mike invited us up the his home in the foothills for a barbecue, but, I honestly don't think the long ride would do myself any good. He's a great cook and I regret missing it.
We will instead spend the day at home, watch the ballgame.....we're die hard Giants fans. Perhaps go to dinner or maybe even a movie...we'll play it by ear.
Candlelight Fairy
Fall, my favorite season of all, is just around the corner and I can hardly wait. It seems the shadows fall differently almost over night, and the air is heavy with the scent of grapes ripening, followed by the intoxicating scent of those same grapes laid out on paper trays in the sun to magically turn into raisins, almost wine like, I love it! I'll be bringing out the lap quilts soon and lighting spicy pear and vanilla candles.
I'm sure there's a Fall Fairy looking over my shoulder patiently waiting her turn to appear.
In the mean time, here's Candlelight.
She was done in tiny increments of time that I managed to steal these past few weeks.
When inspiration fails me, and it has more and more lately, I turn to my favorite theme, fairies and candle light. This one is different from any I've done, she's larger and leans into the candle as if carressing it lovingly. She's a rather romantic fairy who loves candlelight...I can understand that.
Her Ebay Link
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I'm sure there's a Fall Fairy looking over my shoulder patiently waiting her turn to appear.
In the mean time, here's Candlelight.
She was done in tiny increments of time that I managed to steal these past few weeks.
When inspiration fails me, and it has more and more lately, I turn to my favorite theme, fairies and candle light. This one is different from any I've done, she's larger and leans into the candle as if carressing it lovingly. She's a rather romantic fairy who loves candlelight...I can understand that.
Her Ebay Link
.
New Listing on Ebay
I'm listing another piece sooner than I usually do. Fact of the matter is, its one that I started back when I had surgery and didn't get it finished. So, it sat on my workbench until the urge to finish it arrived. The Bunny is one of my 'treasures' aquired a long time ago, so long ago, that I've forgotten when. I just remember it sitting on a shelf and with its sweet face, I just couldn't leave it there. I perceived that she wanted to be an elegant lady,' so I gave her a vintage Victorian look and it agreed with her completely. She even has a tiny watch hanging from a silk ribbon to help her be on time to the many parties she is sure to be invited to. I thought of names for her, wanting something that went with Bunny, and Bella just clicked, so Lady Bella Bunny is her name. The little Fairy is named Honey and sits on Bellas back shaded by a little handmade parasol.
Ebay
Ebay
Newest Creation Flutterbye
Success! Baby Doves
In a past post, I attempted to record the span of time from a dove egg hatching to fledgling stage. Disaster struck twice, and the eggs were stolen immediately. I moved Delilahs favorite nesting spot to a more secluded and protected area and before long, she was nesting again. She was zealous in her attempt this time, rarely leaving the nest unattended, trading off duties with the male dove. Not wanting to jinx it, I didn't take pictures. Over time, Delilah became comfortable with my comings and goings and actually let me get within 2 feet to take this picture. The other one is of the babies just two days after the first picture when she left them alone.
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Older in years and comfortably owning it
Today marks my sixty-sixth year. It began a little ater midnight with my sweetheart of 48 yrs (married almost 46 of them) telling me sleepily 'Happy Birthday hon'. Phone calls came in, first one was a little after six am from my oldest son Michael, he restrained himself from calling me earlier.....but, I would have welcomed his call no matter the hour. My youngest son Chris and family called and sang Happy Birthday to me and two of my grand daughters called wishing me a happy birthday as well. Larry wanted to take me to breakfast, but I lazily decided to just enjoy a cup of coffee in the cool of the morning in the back yard. I'm not ruling out dinner though.
My middle son Gary and family treated me to an early birthday on Saturday...I totally enjoyed a baseball game with them, but most of all enjoyed their company.
Its interesting that twenty years ago I wasn't particularly proud of my age and was reluctant to reveal it. Today is different, while I'm not loving the lines in my face, I proudly own my 66 years. I like to think I'm wiser, educated by life, good and bad. I have a healthier outlook even if I'm not physically healthier. I tend to appreciate the small things in life more. I used to dread getting older, but after experiencing it, its not so bad. I'm sure ten years from now I will be looking back longingly and thinking how young 66 actually was. I seem to have more determination than stamina, which proves to be a difficult combination. My imagination is more fertile, anything is possible in this faerie realm I discovered a few years ago. Age is relative, and I'm truly thankful and happy to be where I am today.
Thanks to all of you who have called and emailed me wishing me well!
Judy
My middle son Gary and family treated me to an early birthday on Saturday...I totally enjoyed a baseball game with them, but most of all enjoyed their company.
Its interesting that twenty years ago I wasn't particularly proud of my age and was reluctant to reveal it. Today is different, while I'm not loving the lines in my face, I proudly own my 66 years. I like to think I'm wiser, educated by life, good and bad. I have a healthier outlook even if I'm not physically healthier. I tend to appreciate the small things in life more. I used to dread getting older, but after experiencing it, its not so bad. I'm sure ten years from now I will be looking back longingly and thinking how young 66 actually was. I seem to have more determination than stamina, which proves to be a difficult combination. My imagination is more fertile, anything is possible in this faerie realm I discovered a few years ago. Age is relative, and I'm truly thankful and happy to be where I am today.
Thanks to all of you who have called and emailed me wishing me well!
Judy
Latest sculpt for a special lady
Helen is such a pleasure to create for, she tells me her vision of what she wants and then leaves it in my hands. This is the lastest, a pair of faerie sisters, Willow and Summer.
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Newest Creation
I finished a doll...not a BJD yet...still working on that project! But, I managed to complete this one, one of my largest to date at about 12 inches if she were standing. A Goth inspired sweet faced Witch named Raven. She's posable at the shoulder, elbow and knee and sits on a pedestal base that has a small raven perced at the bottom. She is one of my few ebay listings lately.
Thank you Kathy
I'm always in for a pleasant surprise or experience when I visit Kathys blog...Blissfulrythm. I went with the intention of thanking her for the delightful surprise that came in the mail today. A thank you for participating in her Pay it Forward. She sent a lovely little tin full of Apricot Orange tea and one of her delightful hand made tags. But I also found a give a way that she is referring everyone to on Becky Povich blog. A chance to win an autographed copy of Ms. Micheal Lee Wests' book, Gone With a Handsomer Man....check it out. The title is so very intriguing.
Gone With a Handsomer Man, by Michael Lee West
Latest commissioned sculpt
Here are pictures of my latest and finally completed commisioned piece. While I enjoyed creating her, I am glad to send her to her new home. I began this one way back in October.....life happend, not just to me, but to her owner and her completion was delayed. I'm pleased with her and the vibrant colors and pose the collector chose.
New Listing for Ebay........finally
After a few months of not listing on ebay, I finished one that I started a while back. Shes Gothic in style, but in a sweet faced way, no fangs.... but,
she does have lovely bat wings.
For Matthew, For Autism
Autism Awareness One Dad Bikethon
Chris has been working on the short film 'Say Cheese' feverishly, but with school, family and assorted illnesses thrown in he won't make his deadline for April 2nd. He will complete the film, but, not wanting to come up empty handed on Autism Awarness Day, he's doing a one dad bikethon this Saturday, April 2nd.
If you would like to give him a word of encouragment you can leave him a comment at the link above.
Thanks so much!
Judy
Chris has been working on the short film 'Say Cheese' feverishly, but with school, family and assorted illnesses thrown in he won't make his deadline for April 2nd. He will complete the film, but, not wanting to come up empty handed on Autism Awarness Day, he's doing a one dad bikethon this Saturday, April 2nd.
If you would like to give him a word of encouragment you can leave him a comment at the link above.
Thanks so much!
Judy
Thank you for participating.
I am in the process of creating for the first five that posted on my Pay It Forward...Thank you for participating, and for your well wishes which are so appreciated!
Judy
Thank you new followers
My new followers are bringing me more beautiful things to look at and wonderful things to learn. I'm amazed at how much talent there is out there that I was unaware of until I found all of you. My heartfelt thank you to.....
Eawere Art...Patricia...Acension...Novelda...Deborah...Heather....Patch...Weelittlewest...Sir Alvert...
Allesandra...Colleen and Catherine.
Eawere Art...Patricia...Acension...Novelda...Deborah...Heather....Patch...Weelittlewest...Sir Alvert...
Allesandra...Colleen and Catherine.
Pay It Forward 2011
I was visiting Kathy's blog, A Delightsome Life... where she shared this idea she found through visiting others blogs.
It's called.....
Pay It Forward 2011
Being familiar with the concept from the movie with the same title, I wanted to join in!
Here's how it works
The first five people who comment on this blog post will receive a handmade gift from Me....Judy (Once We Were Faeries)
In return, you must FIRST write a blog post explaining Pay It Forward 2011.Then.... send out a handmade gift to the first 5 visitors who leave a comment. Take your time...you don't need to send them all today or tomorrow. Gifts from the heart are worth the wait!
This is such a nice way to make new friends and share the love of things we create with our hearts and hands.
"It's not the size of the gift that matters, but the spirit
of paying it forward."
I will be going into the hospital in 10 days, so I may be a little long in getting my offerings out..... lots to do before and recovery after, but I will get them out.
Thank you for participating.
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Once We Were Faeries
