Tiefort Coyote

Warm desert colors for the raw beauty of the Mojave

Tiefort at sunset to signify the closing of your time here at Irwin

The swirling skies represent not only the strong desert winds,

but also the winds of change in a military family's life.

Two coyotes to remind you of the strength of friendships formed

Bold, beautiful patterns in honor of the inner strength and beauty

an Army Wife possesses.

Fort Irwin, California

Missie Jurick, 2009

I was asked to create a work of art for one of the Coffee groups here on post to use as their farewell gift; something that would be inspired by Fort Irwin, but wouldn't be your stereotypical Army gift to a wife. The original idea was to do a watercolor, but as I was going through some of paper collection, (hey- it's that and shoes, it could be worse!) , I found the perfect piece of purply-silver crinkle paper from India that just really screamed "Tiefort at sunset" to me...so I went with it! I love how the final piece looks...and it gave me an excuse to buy a ton more paper! So, each wife will be receiving a unique Tiefort Coyote piece, signed and matted. I wrote the description above to accompany each piece as well. I've also created some variations of the design and will have those available at my tables during post events. These designs are 8x10, matted in an 11x14, and are $25. Smaller or larger designs are available at different prices- just let me know what you're looking for!

Little Bird

Oh how time just flys! Not too long ago I was taking Mommy's beautiful belly shots, then in a blink it was time to welcome beautiful little Evy with her newborn portraits; today...already a month old! Still so itty-bitty, but growing so fast. Evy's little "theme" is birds and butterlies, so I created a bird's nest with some spanish moss, and we also got some sweet little shots of her sporting some cool butterfly wings. Grandma & Grandpa were here from Georgia, so we also were able to get some great family shots as well.

With loving memories...

On a personal note, my family has had to say goodbye this morning to my Auntie Helen. She lived a fabulous 88 years, and we all have so so so many warm and love-filled memories thanks to her. She was contagiously optomistic, and just always has had a special place in my heart and life. I will miss her.

As some of you know, a couple years ago my childhood home was completly destroyed in a fire - it's moments like these when you want to have a photo to hold on to that the magnitude of what it means to not have those left to hold really sets in. I did, however, find these two photos on a CD of images of of my Uncles sent me...and eventhough Auntie Helen isn't in them, they are perfect. Some of my BEST memories are of our "Chicago Christmases" growing up...ALL my Dad's side of the family together laughing and enjoying life. And they were always at Auntie Helen's house....dinners in the basement where the magical player-piano was, playing with cousins in the living room....just those simple moments in life that stay with you forever. The first pic is from my Dad's childhood, then second from mine....both from Christmases at Auntie Helen's. (That's my Dad with the blowhorn in the first....that's me in the blue dress on the left in the second) I am blessed to have the amazing family and fantastic memories that I have...and I know Auntie Helen will love knowing that we all remember the warmth and love we felt at her home for so many years...

Spring Flings

Wow! The days are just flying by here on Fort Irwin! Can't believe Mike & I are coming up on our 8th month of being here already - where did the time go?! And...where did my ability to handle cold weather go? Geeze - I've become a wimp since leaving those Kansas winters! I'm getting too used to mild Mojave winters-I may be spoiled for life...

Just a few studio updates; I've already started getting sessions booked for May, so my spring schedule is starting to fill! I still have session openings available, but don't delay in calling to book...and keep in mind that early morning or late evening light is best for those fun & gorgeous outside natural light sessions. Looking ahead to the summer schedule, Mike & I will be doing some globe-trotting, (yeah!!! We've been in need of another M&M adventure!!!), so summer sessions in June are going to be limited....but fear not, come July I'll be back in full swing! I've also got a new Macro lens coming in ...whooohooo!Hurry, hurry,Mr. Postman!!!

On the Art Class side of life, Home School Art Class in now back for round 2 :-) My garage has been transformed into the Art Room (oh my poor hubby- he's such a good sport about all this!!) and I don't know who's more excited about the fun group of kids I've got for this session, me...or my dog! 16 kids...here....all at once!! What's a dog to do? Who do you lick first? Who's gonna throw the ball first? She definetly gets a ton of attention when class is over...let's just hope there are no reaccurances of "the great crayon-eating incident of '08"...

And....custom artwork! Just finished a cool step-stool design for a beautiful little Miss Evelyn...Mom wanted some non-traditional butterflies, so I created a design using her first initial

to form the wings. Next up I'm working on what will be her "big girl" bed ... birds, branches....along the same theme as her birth announcements - very cool! I've also created some cut paper collages that are being used as farewell gifts for one of the coffee groups here. I LOVE how they look, and am creating some variations on the design that are for sale. Come see me at events around post to check 'em out...and I'll get some pics & info online soon, too.

OK- my camera awaits!

Out & About

My hubby and I finally had a chance to sneak away for some "us" time this past weekend, so we hit up Beverly Hills, Hollywood, and Santa Monica. Much to my excitement, within the first hour of walking around we happened to stumble upon an on-location filming of some scenes for the new 90210! Of course waaaay back in the day I loved the original show, and this scene we caught just happened to be Jennie Garth and Tori Spelling ... guess now I have a legitimate reason to watch the new version; gotta see if that scene makes the cut! I am very proud of our dog, Quilla...she played it cooled and didn't create any "Marley & Me" moments while out and about with us. (Those of you who know Quilla know how she can be....gotta love her....) She did get lots of love from one of the assistant directors, though...

Lots of rain in LA this weekend, but that didn't stop us from seeing all the sites. We definetely enjoyed The Farmer's Market, and Saturday the sun came out for a perfect day to hit up Venice Beach. Great little getaway...

Lots of updates on the website now, and I'll be adding some more photos to the galleries this week as well. In the studio I'm working on several different art projects, including some hand-painted furniture and cut paper collage designs. I'm having a blast with my art lessons, and next week the second session of the home schoolers' art classes begin so there's no time to dilly-dally but I wouldn't have it any other way!