ULLABENULLA

Little Confessions of a Swashbuckler Sort!

With the Swashbuckler Soiree just around the corner, I felt it time to make a wee confession... You see I've been doing my homework for this event for quite a while... When times get rough and tough around here, I curl up in bed with pirates - paper pirates that is! I have a weakness for cheap romance novels filled with ~ as Donna puts so nicely: "ruffled shirts, buckled boots, and sword fights. Damsels in distress, fantastic flounced skirts, and of course, corsets . Maybe buried treasure, maps, and ships that pass in the night. Plumed hats, flags hoisted, and romance. And did I mention pirates?" The visual addict that I am, I tend to buy by the cover image - you mean we don't all do that? and there are some juicy ones out there...

I quiver in anticipation at titles like "Dangerous & Dashing" and "The Captains' Caress'... Closing my eyes and picturing myself beside a ruggedly handsome longhaired swashbuckler... opps how'd he get here?

Did I hear someone whisper the word Vampires? Guess I'll have to save those for another post...

SUMMER DREAMS...

I've been feeling blue the last couple of days, no reason just a mood... So this morning when I found THIS POST I felt inspired to make my own 'wishing for summer' list... and perhaps turn my blues into pinks...

Hoping for summer...
~ having tea with the mockingbird who sings at 1:00 in the morning in our neighbors tree
~ dipping my toes in a cool clear stream
~ flying my kite with the seagulls at the coast
~ cherry tarts and lemonade floats under the apple tree
~ watching the sunrise while drinking dew-drop wine in my pj's
~ having a Mid-summer's Masked ball in the garden
~ wearing old lace dresses with flower ribbons
~ laying so quietly in the sun that the butterflies kiss my cheeks
~ hearing the laughter of children as they play hide and seek
~ making rose petal cupcakes
~ swimming underwater and listening to the silence
~ skipping with a dear friend down an old twisted path
~ finding tattered and torn treasures and wearing them
~ creating fairytales under the shadow of great mountains
~ drawing wildflower bouquets
~ ...

Care to join me? What do you wish for???

(Photos from the breathtakingly beautiful blog Au fil de...)

Another Peek...

I have sooooooo much to do this weekend! Prepping for a class on Monday, scheduling for summer classes, more decorating and garden work. And then of course, I really want to be online, and post more about wonderful finds! Here is another tiny peek at my decorating frenzy... I have moved all my French Wedding Crowns (I'll show you later...) but kept this pink one aside. Hanging with it are: a wonderful red clay heart that my Mother made when she was 5, a tiny antique easter egg (I just adore the printing on it, can you see the children dancing with the rabbits?) and a lovely vintage enamel framed madonna... Have a wonderful Saturday!

Gifts and Decorating!

Sometimes all it takes is a very special gift to make one redecorate! I was thrilled Wednesday, when Donna gifted me one of her incredible 'French Wedding Wreaths' which I have coveted ever since she posted on them!! It is truly a magical work of art ~ in need of a very special display!!! While out shopping with Donna, we found a wonderful French silk child's dress from the 1920's, and it just screamed to come home with me. I could immediately see my new wreath with the amazing creamy silk of the little dress... (please ignore the plastic hanger, I couldn't wait to show you, but I am planning on covering the hanger in silk too...) After pulling apart my living room, I re-assembled this little corner with a few of my favorite things. Look closely and you'll see my favorite dove painting from Erla, a pair of worn wedding shoes, a lovely hand-painted fan, 2 etched and painted glass vases, and a wonderful old chinese paper crawfish. But truly its the Wreath and dress that make the display, don't you think???

Now to find places for everything else... more to come...

'Who Is Ulla' INTERVIEW on ART ESPRIT!!!

Susan, who owns a gallery in New Hampshire, and writes the blog Art Esprit, recently interviewed me about my life, art, and inspiration. I am so excited to tell you that its up on her blog today!!! Who knew I would look so good in print? Thank you sooooo much dearest Susan for the opportunity and time! I am honored and totally tickled pink!!! You can read Susan's Interview of me HERE!

StoryTelling Daughter...

After reading Susanna's wonderful post today on how she uses story-telling in her sketchbook, I was reminded about stories my daughter used to tell me when she was quite young. We would sit down and draw or collage together, each with our own images and papers, and then I would let her dictate (word for word!) a story to me about the art-piece she made. I have about a dozen of these 'art-stories' from when she was 3 and 4. I love reading her words now, as I am totally transported back to when she was so young, and what was important to her... They make me smile and laugh! Here are a few of my favorites!

A BOY HELPS THE BIRDS.
Once upon a time there was a tree. And on one of its highest branches there was a bird. The tree was very very sad because the branch was almost going to fall. Then the branch took hold of someone climbing the tree, who had a rope to help keep the branch staying up so the baby birds would not fall! And then there was a big storm. The Little boy ran inside and the tree took hold of the rope so it wouldn't fall!
The end. (age 4)

GORILLA WANTS TO EAT THE MAILMAN.
Once upon a time there was a little mailman playing with puzzles. He got angry because he was lonely. The butterly came and he was the mailmans friend. And then the baby said: "I want you to buy me!" The mailman said: "I think I'm going to the butterflies right now." And then came the frog, turtle, and giraffe. They said: "Ricky, you must take us to the doctors because we are sick!" They jumped to the doctors. The mailman gave the girl leopard a newspaper to take home from the hospital. And then the gorilla said: "I want to eat you!" Ricky said: "I'm going in my house now." So he wouldn't see the gorilla. He has to be nice to the mailman. Frog got the chicken-pox because he had no money and had to go to the bathroom and get washed, while he was at the hospital. The Eskimo baby ate the pot and he got a time-out. and then came the babies with hats on and said: "It's OK..." and the mailman said: "Leave her alone, she is having a time-out!" The end. (age 3)

OH I LOVE TO SING!
Once upon a time there was a Blue Daisy who was growing a bit funny. There was a big storm coming so the Daisy quickly closed up. The mouse ran inside to eat its dinner. The beetle was with the mouse. 'Papa Nature' tells them there is a big flustery picture in their house. The beetle ran out of the house since Mama was calling it. The heart breaks... The mouse went to school while its Mother was sweeping the floor. The end. (age 4 1/2)

NOW I FEEL COMPELLED TO GO AND WRITE MY OWN STORIES, HOPE YOU DO TOO!!!

thank you...

I am humbled by your heartfelt comments and emails. How can a woman not find a ladder out of darkness when surrounded by so many friends? Thank you all for sharing and opening up to a subject not always easy to discuss. I am profoundly grateful...

Dealing With The Darkness... and a Question.

I am no stranger to Depression... The black demons have haunted my life ever since I can remember. Fortunately anti-depressant drugs help smooth the roughest edges, but there are still days that I wish I could dig a deep hole and hide. Years ago, I seldom told anyone, often just slipping off alone for weeks at a time. Now I am more willing to share, especially as I discover more and more women (many of us menopausal) who also deal with these same demons...

I am slowly compiling a list of 'things that help', that have nothing to do with illegal drugs, and everything to do with bringing me back from the shadows of life. Nothing profound here, simply things that work for me...

*Having a loving Husband and Daughter has helped, as has a wonderful circle of close friends.
*Being in the sunshine (especially during the winter) and feeling warm.
*Lighting candles.
*Listening to classical music with my eyes closed.
*Pushing through a project, even when I don't feel like doing anything.
*Eating Chocolate
*Browsing my books of favorite images.
*Walking outside, when the weather is good, and breathing deeply.
*Being grateful...
***

I would love to hear how you deal with these same demons, and if you have anything to add to my list. Perhaps if we all work together, we can find light at the end of our tunnels...

(photo's via Deviant Art)

DREAMS...

On this Eve of the New Year, rather than making a list of resolutions that are so easily made and easier to break, I decided to make a 'I want...' list. Like all the little stars that link together and ultimately create the Milky-Way, my heart felt 'intentions' are my dreams and desires, woven together like a tapestry to create what I hope will be a happy and full-filling life.

What I want...
I want to never take life for granted and tell my husband and daughter that I love them unconditionally every day.
I want to be grateful each and every day.
I want to appreciate my family and relatives and love them for who they are.
I want to be a more conscious consumer, buying local, hand-made, or vintage/antique and only things that I really need and love.
I want to embody 'FairyTale' style.
I want more Romance - every day.
I want to see genuine 'knock my socks off' beauty each and every day.
I want to remember better, and not feel guilty for letting things slip by.
I want not to feel guilty.
I want to have more candlelight, actually every night, in more places in my house.
I want to listen to glorious music, and hear more bird songs.
I want to slow down, breathe deep with my lungs and pay attention to the seasons changing.
I want to appreciate more details and savor more small moments in life.
I want to be productive, and create beautiful art every day.
I want to read wonderful books that inspire and delight, and pass them on when I've finished them.
I want to lose 15 pounds, while eating good healthy food.
I want to exercise and walk the dog more.
I want to inspire my students to create beautiful art and live a life of abundant joy.
I want to teach all over the world.
I want to grow with the 'Castle' and be a better teacher.
I want to be a really good friend.
I want to have lots of artist friends close by that I can laugh, play, eat, dance and create with.
I want my home to be a refuge of beauty and grace, a place to gather, create and dream.
I want to travel, re-live my gypsy childhood and be with those who are so far away but inspire me daily.
I want to play my harp, really well, and not let it sit in the corner any more.
I want a kitchen that welcomes, and acts as the 'heart of the house', where good food is made and laughter shared.
I want financial abundance.
I want a studio space that is inviting and easy to use, with outside plumbing and computer connections.
I want a house with beautiful curb appeal, and enough wall space to hang and display all my art and collections.
I want to be healthy and grow older gently with grace.
I want my garden to be beautiful and a haven for natures little creatures.
I want to be around small children more often.
I want to sleep well and wake up refreshed.
I want to be HAPPY.

(Santos photographed last year at 'Tail Of The Yak' in Berkeley)

BLESSINGS TO ALL OF YOU FOR THE NEW YEAR!

Some Of My Favorite Things...

All of these are a bit dark and black, but I love them just the same... The wonderful Bird came from my Grandmother, and I think he may be a snuff box, but I am not sure. I just love how his cheast puffs out! The Dresden and transparency box was made by the ever talented Darren Calkins who owns Paris To The Moon in Costa Mesa! It has wonderful layers and a real visual impact! And the little cast raven legs, at least I like to think that's what they are, came from my good friend Jocelyn who knows exactly what I love!!! Have a wonderful Sunday!