Egyptian Queen

My Egyptian Queen
On an oasis high
Across a wide blue ocean
Lets cross that divide

My desire seeing your face
Surely something I can't hide
Like Mark Anthony's love for Cleopatra
I can't get you off my mind

Like your face on our coins
Your beauty something that can't be defined
The darkness of your eyes
I want to be lost inside your mind

Like a mystery in a pyramid
You are the mystery I choose

I am not like all the others
Who are abusive and confused

I am not someone dubious
I'm not evil, I'm not mean
I want to kiss you and adore you
I want to worship you my queen

Joey (ferret)

If I had to pick but one thing to take across the sea


I think I'd pick a ferret to go along with me

A ferret is more precious than any other thing

They can make you feel complete and get your soul to sing

And when that ferret and I Set sail across that sea

We'll fear no squall nor storm Together strong we'll be

A ferret is more grounding than an anchor or a rope

He can make you safe, secure and fill your heart with hope

When I've crossed that sprawling sea and stepped out on new land

I will not be a stranger there I'll have my ferret in hand

A ferret is more rewarding than the treasures of that sea

It can give you wealth through love your spirit rich and free

If I had to pick but one thing to take across the sea

I know I'd pick a Ferret to go along with me


Author unknown

Size: 5 x 7 canvas (not framed)
This item sells for $45.00

Pauline Libutti, RiverRock Critters

A Touch of Magic

Didn't every little girl sit at the edge of the ocean (or the bathtub) and pretend that she was a beautiful mermaid, a sea nymph so lovely and rare? The freedom of being able to traverse the undersea world just holds so much fascination. It is a place of no limits, no fears and complete freedom to be playful in the sea, cradled in those watery arms and JUST BE.


The grown up mermaid is the woman who has big dreams, who believes in magic and fairy tales and mystical creatures. She likes to put a touch of magic and beauty in everything that she does. She is not afraid to experience her full range of emotions because she comes from the water, the place of emotions. This is her domain. She creates from a place of pure feeling.


The mermaid signifies deep honor in being a woman and she has unrestrained delight in being a creature of exquisite beauty. Merely being in the presence of a mermaid will uplift and inspire you to create magic in your life.


She will inspire you to let your beauty be fully expressed in the physical and to embrace your own loveliness. She will help you banish fears surrounding this, such as fears of not being beautiful enough, being too beautiful, or misusing your beauty. Mermaids will help you settle into your own physical beauty as you follow her lead and express yourself with joy from the deepest part of your soul.

Mermaid is something of a muse, as well as a guide. She loves to create beautiful objects and leave them for you to find...mostly in your dreams is where she hides them. She is that part of you that loves to play and be joyful. As with most sea creatures she is the embodiment of playfulness and fun. And she will help you to access this part of your soul, the part of you that wants to be totally free and fluid enough to express yourself from that deep place within.

MerMaid Poem

I create my own persona with love

I am graceful and lovely

I am expressive and free

I flow my emotions and feel their stirrings in my heart

I am playful

I am vibrantly alive and engaged in my life

I allow myself to be me

I feel excited about my abilities to create

Today is my chance to create something beautiful

I honor my hands and the way they serve me

I honor my sexuality and the divine energy that it flows through my body and soul

My joy resurfaces naturally

I share my joy with all

This RiverRock Critters Art piece has been hand painted on a 5 x 7 wood plaque and is $75.00

Pauline Libutti, RiverRock Critters.com

How to Paint a River Rock

Painting on a River Rock

Painting a river rock can give you a fun way to preserve a rock you brought home from a favorite trip. It is also a fantastic hobby, that has become extremely popular. You do not have to take lessons, or be an artist to enjoy painting rocks and the only think you have to do to start, is find rocks, or all shapes and sizes. Just make sure that they are shapped well enough to be decorated.

Steps to paint on a river rock:

1. Clean your river rock, making sure that no dirt is attached to it and that it is not flaking off in any place. An old toothbrush that no one's using any more is a great cleaning tool. After it is completely dry, lightly sketch the design you plan to paint on the surface. Use a light pencil as it may show through under lighter paint.


2. Assemble your paints. Use acrylic paints from a tube, such as Liquitex, or a paint made for outdoor use such as Plaid paint. (It has a bird house shape on the top to indicate that the paint is outdoor safe.


3. Use an old plate, wax paper, or foil folded around a piece of cardboard for a palette to mix paint on.


4. Use acrylic paint brushes, semi stiff. Get several sizes to use for larger areas, then details can be painted with a smaller brush. Some prefer to use flat brushes to paint bigger areas, switching to a pointed brush for finishing touches.


5. Begin by painting large areas in. A common problem is wanting to start on the fun little stuff and then having to paint around it. Remember big to little. When large areas are finished let them dry before trying to paint next to or on top of them.


6. Paint smaller areas and add finishing touches. Layer colors or add texture. You can also do this with Sharpie or other permanent markers. When the rock has had at least a day to dry, spray it with a clear urethane finish. Do this outdoors or in a well ventilated area so you do not breathe the vapors. This should be done by an adult or older child under adult supervision.
   

Tips & Tricks:

1. Use a palette knife or craft stick to mix paint.
2. A palette can be made out of an old plate, wax paper, or by folding aluminum foil around a piece of cardboard.
3. Brushes need to be washed well with soap and water when you are finished. While painting do not store brush in water, as that damages the tip. Rinse and lay flat on table.
4. Do not allow brush to dry with paint in it.
5. River rocks have many different shapes. They are a craft for artists, who draw and paint them instead of a canvas. They make beautiful gifts. These are not 'pet rocks', but an artistic craft.
6. Find any rocks or large stones from any source. Clean them and decorate them. Use Acrylic pain, sign your name and date, and allow them to dry.

Warnings!

1. Acrylic paint does not wash out of clothing well. Wear a paint shirt, apron or old clothing you don't care about. Wash a spot immediately and you may be able to get it out.
   
2. Some colors of tube paint may not be suitable for young children to handle. Always look to see if there is a health label on the tube.
   
3. If you plan to do this project with very young children use tempera paint and spray varnish yourself or paint with polymer medium. Not as permanent but OK for indoor use.
   

Things You'll Need:

• Smooth clean rock
• Acrylic paint, or outdoor craft paint
• Brushes
• Palette
• Clear finishing spray varnish

Related Articles:

• How to Paint With Granite Paint
• How to Paint Miniatures
• How to Paint by Number
• How to Paint With Granite Paint

Sources and Citations: ↑ http://linwellford.com