#130 ~ Little Party Girl

I made this one for my best friend Sonya's birthday. It was made from a photo of me taken by my foster mother, Little Honey, when I was about 4 years old. I love this photo because it was probably the only time in my life that anyone was able to get me dressed up that way. I was a total tomboy and hated all things frilly and flowered. I warms my heart that she was able to talk stubborn little me into such a getup!

The Butterfly That Started it All

I thought that I would include the butterfly of my grandpa, which was the first one I created before I set out on my quest to make so many butterflies. This one was sent in last year, and is already in the museum.
When I first heard about the Butterfly Project, I didn't think that it had much to do with me. But then I remembered that my grandpa looked into our ancestry. He found out that we had family members who were German Jews in concentration camps during World War Two.
It's hard for me to believe that humans could treat other humans with such hatred. It saddens me to think my family was there. I wish there was no war.
John Lennon's birthday was last week. He and Yoko said "War is over if you want it."
Well, I want it.
My grandpa was such a peaceful man. I miss him so much. He was one of the few people who loved and accepted me as I am. I think that is the foundation of peace: to love and accept people as they are...as long as they aren't hurting anyone, of course.

Day 129 ~ Queen of Tarts and Entourage

As I was packing the butterflies to mail to the museum, I found this collaboration piece between me and my BIF (Best internet friend) Bill Charlebois. He created the Queen of Tarts from a photo of me. I added Bonsai, the Baron of Bones, and Count Kiddy Widdy. The butterfly fairy in the corner is Bill. Check out his amazing digital art creations here: http://wjcsdigitalworld.blogspot.com/

Day 128 ~ Princess Leala

As I prepare to send my butterflies to the museum for the exhibit, I knew I couldn't do it without including a butterfly of the lovely Leala, Princess of the Manila Dunes! Leala is wearing a dress designed by famous 5 year old designer: Nyla! (The red carpet paparazzi go wild!)

Day 127 ~ Maya

Today's butterfly is dedicated to my favorite poet, teacher, and all-around phenomenal woman:
Dr. May Angelou. Here's her poem that changed my life:

PHENOMENAL WOMAN

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.

I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size

But when I start to tell them,

they think I'm telling lies.

I say,

It's in the reach of my arms,

The span of my hips,

The stride of my step,

The curl of my lips.

I'm a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That's me.

I walk into a room

Just as cool as you please,

And to a man,

The fellows stand or

Fall down on their knees.

Then they swarm around me,

A hive of honey bees.

I say,

It's the fire in my eyes,

And the flash of my teeth,

the swing in my waist,

And the joy in my feet.

I'm a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That's me.

Men themselves have wondered

What they see in me.

They try so much,

But they can't touch

My inner mystery.

When I try to show them,

they say they still can't see.

I say,

It's in the arch of my back,

The sun of my smile,

The ride of my breasts,

The grace of my style.

I'm a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That's me.

Now you understand

Just why my head's not bowed.

I don't shout or jump about

Or have to talk real loud. When you see me passing,

I ought to make you proud.

I say,

It's in the click of my heels,

the bend of my hair,

The palm of my hand,

The need for my care.

'Cause I'm a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomeanal woman,

That's me.

~Maya Angelou

Day 126 ~ Happy Earth Day!

Day 125 ~ Wishes and Dreams

I made this butterfly to go with an article I am writing for "Journal Journeys," an online membership zine for Artellaland. The article is called "Wishes and Dreams Come True on the Boardwalk." I made this butterfly with gold leaf and copper edges, and with a mirror in the center. I wanted to make something that was beautiful and lasting, because I wrote my dearest wish on the back. It's meant to be a reminder, to keep me plugging along in the direction of my dreams. It's small enough to carry with me, and the mirror helps me to look myself in the eye and believe that my wishes and dreams will come true.
I had a little "wishual" (wish ritual) to bless my special butterfly and my wish. I lit candles, said prayers and had yummy ginger-lemon-mint tea and biscotti. My childlike faith has been renewed. ;)