Painting with the Colors of the Wind

[Juniper Birdsong]

Credit: oo-rein-oo.deviantart.com/gallery/30810001?offset=24#/d46srsr

Wind mood: Calm and warm. The wind is being playful today, dancing in an array of pinks and yellows, with the occasional hint of blue. It reminds me of cotton candy, especially with the smell of honeysuckle in the air. Summer = best.


Project of the Day:

Amy will be happy I didn't steal a shirt for this one. I found the grey shirt at a thrift store; I liked the slouchy feel to it, but I felt that just plain grey was boring. I cut up some thin fabric pieces and sewed them on, and tadaa - instant panda!

Theme Song of the Day: Brighter Than the Sun by Colbie Caillat
Even though summer is slowly coming to a close, I'm clinging to the last tendrils of warmth as September arrives. The cheerful feeling to this song reminds me of days spent frolicking in fields of wildflowers, blowing dandelion seeds into the breeze, and falling asleep under a bed of stars.

Quote of the Day: "But now in September the garden has cooled, and with it my possessiveness. The sun warms my back instead of beating on my head ... The harvest has dwindled, and I have grown apart from the intense midsummer relationship that brought it on."
- Robert Finch

Lots of Love,
Juniper

[Juniper Birdsong]

Credit: www.deviantart.com/#/d5de92u

Wind mood: A bit breezy today. The wind has a very slight chill to it, I think as a sign that fall is on the way. The air is filled with mostly auburns and oranges, with a few streaks of dark umber here and there. It matches the first leaves that are beginning to fall.


Project of the Day:

This one took me a while to finish. The knotwork was really intricate and time-consuming, especially working around the beads. The 'flower' on the front is made from rose quartz beads; the cuff is made with pink hemp, two large Czech glass beads and smaller glass beads on the sides. I really like how it turned out, I might give it to a friend or keep it for myself =)

Theme Song of the Day: Say You're Mine by Kate Voegele
Kate's voice is fun to listen to. I love how light-hearted this song is; it makes me wish that I was the one singing it, as though it was my own story. Love is such a wonderful mystery, and I'm looking forward to being able to sing this to someone. <3

Quote of the Day: "Happiness is like a butterfly.
The more you chase it, the more it eludes you.
But if you turn your attention to other things,
It comes and sits softly on your shoulder."
- Henry David Thoreau

Lots of love,
Juniper

[Juniper Birdsong]

Credit: silverdrako.deviantart.com/favourites/45557928#/d5cykup

Wind Mood: Another warm, breezy day. Summer is still having its last hurrah, I think. Lots of pale golds and greens in the air today - I went for a walk in the woods, and the dust motes caught in the sun's rays looked like flecks of gold. It was absolutely perfect. I'm going to miss this weather.

Project of the Day:

I love the colors on this skirt! I found this fabric at the craft store this weekend, and I just had to do something with it. It has a stretchy waist so I can wear it up high or around my hips, and there's a cute band around the top that I can tie into a bow on the side. Definitely a pattern I'm going to keep. Maybe see if anyone wants to buy one?

Theme Song of the Day: You've Got a Friend In Me by Randy Newman
I don't think I talk enough about how much I love my best friend. Amy - er, Amos was there for my since my very first day at Hammel. He comforted me, made me feel normal, and helped me settle into life at Hammel. I told him I would stick to his side until I found other friends to keep me occupied. Well, I did find other friends, but none so wonderful and perfect for me as Amy. I'm still stuck to his side to this day, and have no plans of leaving anytime soon. This song is an excellent reminder of the power of friendship =)

Quote of the Day: " A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words."
- Unknown

Lots of love,
Juniper

[Juniper Birdsong]

Credit: silverdrako.deviantart.com/favourites/45557928?offset=840#/d45qzgl

Wind mood: Tonight is quite chilly. The night air is fully of colors, pinks and purples and greens and yellows. The wind is restless, I can feel it warping and twisting around itself - I don't know if it's residue from Hurricane Isaac in the south, or just a weird night. It's beautiful, whatever the case.

Project of the Day:

Check out the awesome fabric this scarf is made of! The words are from the Harry Potter series - I think The Chamber of Secrets. Anyway, this was really simple to make, just some cutting and sewing and voila - scarf! I think I'll ask Ari about trying to sell this at the shop - as much as I'd like to keep it, I think I could make some money on it!

Theme Song of the Day: Go the Distance by Michael Bolton
Tonight is a Disney night! I was listening to this song from Hercules earlier today, and I was hit with an overwhelming sensation of inspiration from it. It's so uplifting and has such a positive message. Not to mention, Michael has a beautiful voice. Maybe tomorrow I'll listen to the music from Tarzan... My favorite Disney movie!

Quote of the Day:
“Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.
Life is beauty, admire it.
Life is a dream, realize it.
Life is a challenge, meet it.
Life is a duty, complete it.
Life is a game, play it.
Life is a promise, fulfill it.
Life is sorrow, overcome it.
Life is a song, sing it.
Life is a struggle, accept it.
Life is a tragedy, confront it.
Life is an adventure, dare it.
Life is luck, make it.
Life is too precious, do not destroy it.
Life is life, fight for it.”
― Mother Teresa

Lots of Love,
Juniper

[Juniper Birdsong]

Credit: silverdrako.deviantart.com/favourites/45557928?offset=456#/d4sae1cl

Wind mood: It was foggy this morning. The wind's colors were muted - grays and browns and whites. The air felt thick, heavy; but the sun came out later, and everything was much nicer. I found this swing by the pond, I hadn't really noticed it before for some reason. It looked so sad and abandoned; maybe I'll have to bring someone with me next time.

Project of the Day:

How cute is this guy?? I found a pattern in a garage sale a while back, and finally found the right fabrics that I was looking for. He was a pretty simple project, just required some stuffing and stitching! I think I'll advertise them around the school, or maybe use them somehow to promote the EAC - he's just too cute, and I would love to have an excuse to make more of them! Maybe even another item to sell at Ari's?

Theme Song of the Day: Two Worlds by Phil Collins
I said today would be a Tarzan song, didn't I? It was very hard to choose just one off of the soundtrack, because all of the songs are absolutely beautiful - You'll Be In My Heart, Strangers Like Me - not to mention Trashing the Camp, which is just super fun to listen to! All of the songs give me goosebumps. But anyway, this song ESPECIALLY gives me goosebumps - the introduction, the build up to the verse, the chorus. All of it just blends together so perfectly, and it's hard not to feel emotional during the part where the baby gorilla is killed by the jaguar. And also during the next part,"Somewhere, something is calling for you...." Gosh, I could talking about this song for ages. Listen to it!

Quote of the Day:
"The more you like yourself, the less you are like anyone else, which makes you unique."
- Walt Disney

Lots of Love,
Juniper

[Juniper Birdsong]

Credit: silverdrako.deviantart.com/favourites/45557928#/d5duqhwr

Wind mood: When I went for a bike ride with a friend today, the sun was shining in beautiful golden rays as the wind drifted playfully along. I don't think I'll ever get tired of how gorgeous the air is - I'm sad that not everyone can see it like this. Being able to reach out and swirl my hand through a honey-colored breeze? Nothing compares to the beauty and peace it brings you.

Project of the Day:

Aren't these just the cutest!? I found the pattern online (as usual), and I had to make them. They're kinda big - they both are about 2 inches in diameter, but I'm hoping to make smaller ones so I can make earrings out of them, or something. I think I'll give one to Amy, I think he'd like it =) Or maybe Jeff.... He's such a sweetie. Hmmm. Maybe I'll just give one to each of them. =D


Theme Song of the Day: Autotune by Jason Chen
Jason Chen does incredible covers of songs like Skyscraper, Without You, and Part of Me, but he also has amazing originals as well - Best Friend, Music Never Sleeps, and Gravity. He has such a beautiful voice - and he's cute too, which doesn't hurt! It's hard to choose just one, but this is his newest, and I've been jamming to it all day. It's so happy and bright and just fun! I am determined to get everyone listening to this by next week.

Quote of the Day: “Aerodynamically, the bumble bee shouldn't be able to fly, but the bumble bee doesn't know it so it goes on flying anyway.”
- Mary Kay Ash

Lots of Love,
Juniper

[Juniper Birdsong]

Credit: silverdrako.deviantart.com/favourites/45557928#/d5e4acr

Wind mood: It's been a little smoky today. I think there are some controlled fires nearby - at least, I hope they are controlled - that is causing the haze. The wind is a bit sluggish and heavy, lots of browns and dark reds with the occasional hint of orange. I'm looking forward to the smoke going away so the air can become clean again.


Project of the Day:

I've always ADORED wire art. It took me a really long time to get the hang of it, but I think I'm finally catching on. I saw a gorgeous tree today that still has the majority of its leaves green, and it inspired this pendant. I really like how the jade and copper tones go together, and I'm looking forward to stringing this on a necklace and wearing it!


Theme Song of the Day: Dela by Johnny Clegg
Most people probably know this song and don't realize it. Well, most people being anyone who has watched the amazing George of the Jungle. This song plays in the scene when George and Ursula are dancing around the fire in the jungle. It's a beautiful, adorable scene, and I just ADORE this song. It's just a perfect blend of African and American music, with gorgeous lyrics that just make me want to giggle and sing along!

Quote of the Day: “The tree which moves some to tears of joy is in the eyes of others only a green thing that stands in the way. Some see nature all ridicule and deformity... and some scarce see nature at all. But to the eyes of the man of imagination, nature is imagination itself.”
― William Blake

Lots of Love,
Juniper

[Juniper Birdsong]

Credit: silverdrako.deviantart.com/favourites/45557928?offset=384#/d4zsomd

Wind mood: The air was bright and cheerful today; a last hurrah, I think, before the cooler wings of autumn settle in. Lots of bright blues and pinks, with a hint of yellow - I wanted so badly to go to the coast, but I'll just have to make due with a picture of it. Soon, I think a road trip will be in order!

Project of the Day:

It's an Avatar day!! Appa has always been one of my favorite characters from the series - he's so loyal and just plan awesome. It took a while to get this finished and to get the stitching right, but I love how it turned out! I'm totally going to wear this hat all the time now, at least until I find something even cooler to wear.

Theme Song of the Day: Wanted by Hunter Hayes
First off, Hunter Hayes is just plain adorable, not to mention extremely talented - did you know he played all of the thirty-plus instruments recorded on his album, wrote or co-wrote all of the songs, and co-produced the album itself? Talk about multi-talented! Anyway, this song has been playing on the radio a lot, and I'm not surprised - it's just AMAZING. It's a simple message, but his voice is so pure and the lyrics are so perfect that it just makes me want to cuddle up next to someone and hold them forever.

Quote of the Day: “Love is a canvas furnished by Nature and
embroidered by imagination.”
― Volaire

Lots of Love,
Juniper

[Juniper Birdsong]

Credit: silverdrako.deviantart.com/favourites/45557928?offset=600#/d4ngvl2

Wind mood: It's officially fall! That means lots of dark, warm wind colors - like today, the air was mostly a dark reddish hue, with hints of ochre and orange. I do like fall, but for some reason it always makes me sad when the trees lose their leaves, even though I know they'll come back in the spring. At least the weather is still mildly warm =)

Project of the Day:

I know it's a little late to be working on a sun dress, but this one is long enough that I think I'll be able to wear it a couple times before it gets too cool! I love the pattern on this dress, and the fabric is SO soft and silky. I could run my hands over it all day. I really like the light-to-dark tone of the fabric, too; it's just a nice touch, instead of it being one-colored. It took a while to make, but I think it was totally worth it =D

Theme Song of the Day: If I Die Young by The Band Perry
I adore Kimberly Perry, and her two brothers; they make up this wonderful band. I think pretty much everyone knows and loves this song - it's so very beautiful, but also very said and bittersweet. It has a great message behind it, though, and I feel like it could definitely help people that are going through the hardship of losing a young life. Kimberly has a beautiful voice that is just perfect to the tones of this song, and I think it's a nice song choice for the start of fall, when leaves are dying but there is hope to come in the springtime.

Quote of the Day: “Autumn is as joyful and sweet as an untimely end.”
- Remy de Gourmont

Lots of Love,
Juniper

[Juniper Birdsong]

Credit:http://silverdrako.deviantart.com/favourites/45557928?offset=24#/d5lzcvr

Wind mood: Cold and snowy. The air is stiff and solid, and very hard to get to move where I want it to - those silver and indigo strands of wind just have a mind of their own!


Projects of the Day:

I've been working on both of these projects lately, as Christmas presents! The first is a pair of felted slippers I made for Amy, since he doesn't have any and I think they would keep his feet nice and warm :] He still wonders why I was measuring he feet the other day.... Heee.

The scarf is for Lei! I noticed he wears one a lot already, so I thought it might be something he would like. It's pretty lightweight, so it might not be much good during the winter, but I really liked the colors and I hope he does too!


Theme Song of the Day: Perfect Two by Auburn
This song is sooooo incredibly cute! It's such a simple, catchy rhythm, the lyrics are adorable, and it just makes me want to spin and dance and fall in love. Auburn's voice is quite unique, but matches perfectly to the tone of the song.


Quote of the Day:
“Develop an interest in life as you see it; the people, things, literature, music - the world is so rich, simply throbbing with rich treasures, beautiful souls and interesting people. Forget yourself.”
― Henry Miller


Lots of Love,
Juniper

[Juniper Birdsong]

Credit: silverdrako.deviantart.com/favourites/45557928?offset=72#/d5hrevr

Wind mood: It's Christmas Eve! I'm hoping it will snow more tonight - I'd love to see more of those beautiful violet strands of wind in the morning after a nice dusting of snow :]


Project of the Day:

I found an image of something similar to this online, and I just had to try to make it. It took some work getting the chains all linked together right, but I think the end product looks quite nice <3 Definitely time-consuming, but totally worth it all. I'm going to have to wear it the next time I'm around Lei - I think he might like it! :]


Theme Song of the Day: Touch the Sky by Julie Fowlis
This song was in the wonderful movie Brave - such a stunning film! I absolutely adore Merida, and the scene with this song made me want to go hop on a horse and ride it into the sunset and climb a waterfall and just immerse myself in nature. It's just inspiring to listen to and imagine flying into the wind and being so free.


Quote of the Day:
When a new day begins, dare to smile gratefully.

When there is darkness, dare to be the first to shine a light.

When there is injustice, dare to be the first to condemn it.

When something seems difficult, dare to do it anyway.

When life seems to beat you down, dare to fight back.

When there seems to be no hope, dare to find some.

When you’re feeling tired, dare to keep going.

When times are tough, dare to be tougher.

When love hurts you, dare to love again.

When someone is hurting, dare to help them heal.

When another is lost, dare to help them find the way.

When a friend falls, dare to be the first to extend a hand.

When you cross paths with another, dare to make them smile.

When you feel great, dare to help someone else feel great too.

When the day has ended, dare to feel as you’ve done your best.

Dare to be the best you can –

At all times, Dare to be!”

― Steve Maraboli


Lots of Love,
Juniper

[Juniper Birdsong]

Credit: nelleke.deviantart.com/gallery/40291072?offset=24#/d2nspxb

Wind mood: The snow is still sticking around, but it hasn't actually snowed in a day or two, so the wind is back to blues and greens and the occasional hint of silver. I don't think we'll be getting any more snow for a while - so I need to enjoy it while it lasts! :]


Project of the Day:

These were a simple but fun project to do on a cold winter day The wire was a little too thin and bendy for my liking, but I managed to get them into the basic shape that I wanted anyway. They're very lightweight, though, which is really nice, and I just love how pretty and dainty they look! I might make more for my friends for their birthdays, since they were so easy, but came out so nice.


Theme Song of the Day: Terrified by Katharine McPhee and Zachary Levi
I love this song soooo much. I've loved it for a while - the lyrics are so sweet and emotional, and Katharine and Zachary's voices sound so lovely together, it makes me just melt. The idea of being terrified to be in love never really spoke to me before, though.... Not until lately have I really realized the truth behind these lyrics :]


Quote of the Day:
“Listen to the mustn'ts, child. Listen to the don'ts. Listen to the shouldn'ts, the impossibles, the won'ts. Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me... Anything can happen, child. Anything can be.”
― Shel Silverstein


Lots of Love,
Juniper