Marjaka's September Days

[MarjakaThriver]

Okay, it's September 1st. So here's what I've got for today:

flying with the leaves
bright colors against deep blue
going with the wind

Flying With The Leaves by Marj aka Thriver on

September 4th: I'll be gone camping for a few days, so I'll leave you with some cool, experimental, abstract collages I've been trying lately over at Polyvore. They are all made with just one image that is repeated over and over. Cool, huh?

One of the things I am really liking about Polyvore is that there are always these challenges (contests they call them) that keep me motivated to try new things and be productive. I recommend it highly! Just as I recommend CCS!

Mardis Gras Repeat by Marj aka Thriver on Polyvore.com' />

Linked by Marj aka Thriver on Polyvore.com' />

Misty Butterfly by Marj aka Thriver on Polyvore.com' />

September 8th: I'm back from camping and thought I'd share yet another collage that I got motivated to do by a contest over at Polyvore. I didn't win the contest, but that's not the point. The point is that it got my creative juices flowing.

My Reflection in Snow by Marj aka Thriver on Polyvore.com' />

September 9th: I got the e-mail from Dan requesting cards to be sent to the 18-year-old boy, Garrett, who is entering hospice. I was deeply touched by his story. I dedicate my creating today to him and his strength and will to survive. I wrote a haiku poem that I included in my card and I also created a collage to go with it.

Peace to you, dear Garrett, and may you shine like the stars!

No I don't know you
But I know your strength inside
It shines bright as stars

Strength Shines Like Stars by Marj aka Thriver on Polyvore.com' />

September 11: Here are some abstract collages I've been playing around with at Polyvore. Enjoy!

Degas Dancer Abstract by Marj aka Thriver on Polyvore.com' />

Abstract #2 by Marj aka Thriver on Polyvore.com' />

Abstract #1 by Marj aka Thriver on Polyvore.com' />

[Lin Neiswender]

A beautiful poem and a beautiful collage, what more can we ask for????. Way to go Marj!

[MarjakaThriver]

Thanks so much, Lin!

[Dominika]

Beautiful!

[Carole]

Beautiful! I love your sets! Amazing idea to show all the items they're made of.

[MarjakaThriver]

Thanks for checking it out, Carole and Dominika and thanks for your comments. Here's what I've got for today, September 2. It's a collage that I used to finally illustrate a poem I wrote about six months ago, which I posted on CCS and at my blog here: http://survivorscanthrive.blogspot.com/2009/03/doormat-no-more.html

Doormat No More

I have always
been a doormat.

But, the dirt
that's been scraped
on me
from the throng
of careless boots
seems to have contained
a few viable seeds.

My once barren mat
now sprouts
seedlings of assertiveness.
At first, only
tentative, tender shoots
barely poke through
the trampled earth.

Then, saplings of self-respect
reach for the sun:
boundaries, affirmations and
the ability to say "no."

I am growing
firm, bold
hybrids of strength
into a mighty grove
of confidence.

Copyright 2009, Marj McCabe ~ All rights reserved.

Doormat No More! by Marj aka Thriver on Polyvore.com' />

[Ang Monsoon]

hi Marjaka, I'm really glad I called in - I love your powerful collages and poems. I've been a doormat too in the past at times so your words really ignited in me, but I would have "felt" their impact anyhow, they "stand up on their own 2 feet" - just like us now?!!

[MarjakaThriver]

Oh, Angie! It's so nice to "see" you. Thanks for commenting. Hey, great intended pun! Here's to more of us standing up on our own two fee! *cheers!* ;)

[Dominika]

Beautiful. I would love to have a doormat like that - it would give my guests a start :D I'm thinking a doormat that says "I am not your doormat but welcome anyway" :)

[MarjakaThriver]

Yeah, Dominika! Something like, "If you can handle my assertiveness, you are welcome to enter here." I like that idea. Thanks for commenting.

[Lin Neiswender]

Another great duo Marj! Love the image of assertiveness sprouting from the dirt of the doormat- who would have thought? Love the collage as well.

[MarjakaThriver]

Thanks, Lin!

And here's my input for day #3 (I'm not sure how else to do this, I'm just kinda stickin' 'em anywhere!):

A lot of the creative work I've done all summer long is in my garden. I'm working on a huge landscaping project in my back yard that looks like it will be moving to the three-year plan. Oh well, I enjoy it and I'm happy with the results. Some day, I'll get some photos up, but for now I did a collage that represents some of the work. I've got a lot of end-of-season work to do right now.

The Healing Garden by Marj aka Thriver on Polyvore.com' />

[Ang Monsoon]

i love the way the path draws us in and that splurge of pink/purple ... the purple flowers remind me of Michaelmas daisies or asters....one of my fave flowers, very inspiring!!