just johanna.

I'm home a bit early today. I was feeling way punky and decided to get myself home before I fell apart. The ride home was fun and exciting because it was actually snowing! Wheee! By the time I got home though, it had stopped (insert sad face here) and none of it stuck! Poo! I love the snow and we get it so rarely here that it's a treat and I am totally distracted by it. Sure wish we'd get a storm like in Lilli's part of the world!

I sent off the majority of my Just Johanna Design Team November assignments and I'd like to share a couple of them with you! I have one that I'm still working on and I won't share that one with you until the 30th. You'll understand why when I show it to you! :-)

I had extra fun with this month's assignment. Not really sure why. Maybe because I worked on them over my birthday/Thanksgiving weekend and I was just generally in good spirits.

This past weekend was also a reflective time for me. I have been thinking of all the things I am thankful for. Tomorrow will be 11 years since my Dad died. Tuesday, November 28, 1995. The last time I spoke to him was on my birthday the Thursday before he died and the last words I said to him were, "I love you Daddy." I'm so happy about that little detail I get to carry around with me for the rest of my days, and for that, I am truly thankful. :-)

Anywho, one of my art journal pages is a recount of a dream I had not too long after my Dad died. I was really missing him and struggling with the loss, as you can imagine. Just when I needed it the most, I had a dream about him. After that, I felt like I could deal with it and became a functional human again. I still feel like the dream was my Dad visiting me, letting me know he was okay. I cry whenever I allow myself to dwell on the significance of that dream so creating this page was a very emotional experience, but boy oh boy, did it feel good!!!

The white O's are a pen I got at Michael's Crafts. It's a Galaxy Marker and it's made by American Crafts. The color is Milky Way white. Pretty dang cool. I'm glad I discovered this one just in time for Christmas! Also, the "white" behind the lettering is the Just Johanna bird silouette stamp. I used it to try to create a smoky, cloudy, kind of foggy feel.

Here's a page where I experimented with the background. I was happy with the effect. I glued down strips of a road atlas (in the free bin at a garage sale!) and then painted acrylic paint mixed glazing medium over it and then skimmed an ink pad over it all. Pretty fun.

Okay I think I've blabbed enough for one post and I'm about ready to call it a night. I was in my pajamas by 4:00 pm so I think it's time for a cup of tea and some rest! I'll share the cards I made tomorrow. Thanks for listening, my dears.

Comments

[Sharon @ Norah'S]

Hey girlfirend. I love both of these pages. You just reminded me that I was going to us a bit of map in one of my Gift Journals. I thought it might be good in the "him" journal. Thanks.
Sharon

[Malou]

This is so darn cool!!! lUv the awesome art journal. I totally dig your handwriting. Can't wait to see the cards!

[Lilli]

Whoa! Powerful stuff, Michelle. I'm gettin' goosebumps :)

[simone]

Hi Michelle, I love the artwork about Daddy. I can't read it though.....rats! Maybe someday you can show me in person so I am see what it says, because I bet the words are beautiful too. Glad you're feeling better!

[Glen the Husband]

Shell Shell, I'm chillin' at work today and decided to check out your recent post. The page for your Dad is awsome. Just wanted you to know.
Enjoy the snow, we can put some out in the freezer and play with it next summer!
Glen

[Jana]

wow, poignant journaling about your dream... I needed that... thanks....