What Will You Be When You Grow Up?

WHEN I GROW UP - DIGITAL COLLAGE

When was the last time you let your nocturnal imagination drift, allowing it to go anywhere it pleased? As a child, the night and the Moon enchanted me. Looking out of my bedroom window in Brooklyn, the sounds of the day segued into a hushed, almost reverent, atmosphere conducive to thinking, to dreaming.

And times like this I wondered where my life would take me. I knew the path I wanted to follow...but would it happen? My parents encouraged me to always listen to my Muse and to find the best in any situation. Their New York values of  tolerance, generosity, and having an open mind always willing to learn, set me on the right course.

The Lunagirl Moonbeam challenge for January is to design using images from her lovely collection of Babies & Children. Although I'm not especially maternal, I drew from the memories of my childhood for the challenge.

The final image is a digital collage. It was easy for me to pick a photo to work with. I loved the way the two girls looked, as if they were sharing a secret. I added images of famous actresses and dancers to their skirts and a Verdi libretto to the bodice. What young girl doesn't want to be an actress, vocalist, or dancer when she grows up? I couldn't resist adding a benevolent face smiling down at the girls from the Moon...encouraging their dreams of an exhilarating future.

Childhood can be a magical time of wonder. But it doesn't have to end there. Each day is another chance to capture the effervescence of discovery. What will you be when you grow up?

What Is Your Idea Of A Happy Ever After?

Stars Don't Only Come Out At Night  -  Collage

I admit I have a soft spot for classic film.  Everything about movies produced in the 1930's and '40's enchants me. I adore it all: life in shades of black and white, the beautiful settings, the incredible home decor, the impeccable hair and make up, the stylish wardrobes...but above all, the clever repartee between the characters always keeps me coming back for more.

Inspired by Old Hollywood, I set upon my collage. I found a selection of black and white photos of actresses I admire and lined them up with my own version of six degrees of separation. The map of Hollywood, metallic silver paper, art papers and vintage edit from "True Story" magazine completed  the piece.

I know that most information released through the Studio system was pure fantasy. But at times, this is what I long for. Is there anything wrong with "happy ever after"?

Have we lost the mystery and glamour of Old Hollywood? Does today's silver screen seem a bit tarnished? Do dreams and fantasy still shape your life and your creative endeavours? Are you still following your Muse?

May you always have a place for your own "happy ever after".