Annabel Lee Artist Trading Card

Did you know that "Annabel Lee"

is the last complete poem composed

by Edgar Allen Poe?

"It was many and many a year ago,

In a kingdom by the sea,

That a maiden there lived whom you may

know by the name of Annabel Lee . . ."

Like so many of Poe's poems,

it tells the tale of the death of a beautiful woman.

"The wind came out of the clouded night,

chilling and killing my Annabel Lee . . ."

The narrator tells of a man who

fell in love with Annabel Lee

when they were young,

and even says that this love for her

was so strong

that even angels were jealous.

What a sad love story that

remains so strong even in death!

"For the moon never beams

without bringing me dreams of

the beautiful Annabel Lee . . ."

I created these artist trading cards

for a swap this month.

Edgar Allen Poe is probably

one of my favorite poets.

CREDITS: MOONLIGHT JOURNEY COLLAGE SHEETS

Got Cake?

There never was a cake I didn't like, especially chocolate fudge cake. I am fond of banana cake, the stately coconut layer cake and there's the magnificent Italian cream cake in all it's glory. And how about old-fashioned pound cake with strawberries? Or even give me a piece of angel food cake. The list goes on and on. I love that some people just have a knack for whipping up high and handsome cakes. These labors of love grace both elegant sideboards and kitchen tables as symbols of a good cook. There's a definite skill involved in measuring and mixing. You can even make a cupcake and feel proud of your accomplishment!

The results are sure worth the effort, even with paper, glue, and glitter. I made these artist trading cards to share with Becky Loyall of Whymsical Musings, and Wendy Aspinall from Bliss Angels. Like my grand daughter Lauren says, "I love cake!"

And, now for the unbelievably gorgeous artist trading cards I received from my friends, Becky and Wendy. I was completely blown away!

Artwork by Becky Loyall, Whymsical Musings

Artwork by Wendy Aspinall, Bliss Angels

Thanks you SO MUCH......these cards are amazing!

Vintage Photo Image ATC Group Swap

I am very excited to say that I have the honor to be included in the Vintage Photo Image ATC Group. On May 1st, I sent in my first set of cards to be traded with six very talented ladies from across the country. The theme of these cards were from the Wizard of Oz "And ToTo Too."

Creating ATC's are an easy way to create a little something to satiate your hunger for creativity, yet not too time consuming. These cards are just way too cool. Now I can't wait to "sign up" for more swaps!!

From top left to right:

Artwork by Jan Larson,

April Dudko,

and my sweet friend Becky Loyall

Second row;

Lynn Stevens,

Gina Allen,

Julia Ziemann,

and lastly myself.

Thank you very much for devoting the time to make these little masterpieces. They are great!

Hugs, Nancy

Wizard of Oz ACEO Swap

Ahhhh…..the beauty of the beloved movie, the Wizard of Oz!

This was the first time I ever went to the movies when I was a young girl. My mom said I clenched my teeth when the Wicked Witch of the West flew her bicycle down that graveled road in Dorothy's fantasy. I viewed that huge Cinemascope screen thinking back in awe and still remember that evil witch scaring me!

This movie has special thoughts for me, due to not only it’s glowing music, but I lost a favorite Scottie stuffed animal dog when we left the theater. Talk about a memory!That is why I have chosen the subject of using "ToTo" as my main focus in representing the Wizard of Oz "And ToTo Too....." in my very first online ACEO Challenge hosted by Kris Dickinson.

I guess, the movie is pretty obvious that the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion already had what they thought they were missing. Their respective problems were in misapprehending their own nature. That is a very powerful statement when you think about it! Makes me think about my own possible imaginary hangups.

I recall feeling emotional when the Scarecrow was showing wisdom, the Tin Man feeling deeply, and poor Cowardly Lion going far beyond his comfort zone when facing the flying monkeys at the Witches Castle in the Haunted Forest. His accomplishment was truly harder in his case. What “is” true courage really?

It is very touching to watch the Wizard of Oz at my age. It was wonderful to see Dorothy step from the black and white world of Kansas to the bright colors of Munchkin Land, almost like she was taking a voyage in self-discovery. The Wizard of Oz is learning about evil, friendship, and fallibility, and how we see this identical voyage repeated in our own lifetimes.

I often wonder if the screenwriters actually were tapping into our frustrations, our excitement, our dreams and needs, and our sense of wonderment. I wonder if they knew the impact this movie would have 60 years later!

I wonder if they knew that

their heart’s desires

were not that far from our own!

The main background and wing images are from Moonlight Journey. I Googled the "Haunted Forest" sign and "ToTo" dog. Then I added silver mini glitter stars and lastly embellished with a very light touch of iridescent Dazzle glue.

May Flowers ATC Exchange

Some people give of themselves

And never know

The depth or breadth

Of what they have given.

~ by Nancy Van Hoose

~ By Kimberly Baslock

~ By Debra Abel

~ By Terri Gauthier

~ By Vikki Light

Perhaps this is

The power of love

in its purest form.