Art Junk Girl~

collage therapy.

Dear Friends~
Today I wanted to share a few things with you from my evening collage party. For some reason, I end up doing alot of my artwork in the evening as it is a time when I am most relaxed. The other day was particularly stressful, so when I gathered my things to sit and have another drawing "lesson", I decided to get out one of my little collage bins (I have many of them, but we won't go there now). Although I do love many artistic mediums, I find this one the most therapeutic. I think it's because it's multi-sensory. I love the texture of paper, the colors, and assembling something is sort of like doing a puzzle and making random things come together as a whole. I can't explain what it is about it that is so intriguing, but I do love it so. Here is a collage I completed the other night entitled, "the apology". I'll be back tomorrow with some painting I did as well. I have to go right now, but wanted to share this with you all. xo lia

Favorite Supplies?

wip's...., originally uploaded by artjunkgirl.

Email states~

Hi Lia,

I love your artwork! Can you please in an upcoming post talk more about your favorite art supplies? I specifically want to know more about what kinds of pens and glue you use. Maybe you can do a blog post on the contents of your messenger bag?

-w.
*********
Answer:
Thank you for writing.

Short answer (the babble free version):

Glue sticks (3M scotchbrand is fave)

Pens:
gel pens, micron .05 pens, sharpie poster markers, paint pens, ball-point pens

Lots of scrappy paper of the leftover variety. I keep little bins and boxes of them and then grab them when I'm ready to work.

watercolor paper, 140 lb. cold press

cheap acrylics: I do like the apple barrel kind alot

GESSO for thin pages

What's in my messenger bag:
~one or two art magazines
~a spiral notebook for notes
~glue sticks
~scissors.
~an envelope of scrap paper for journalling on the road
~my moleskine
~pen pouch with my minimum supplies: pencil/pen and gel pens
~starbucks card

Longer answer:
to be continued.....

illustration friday~"garden"

illustration friday~"garden", originally uploaded by artjunkgrl.

"A Little Madness in the Spring Is Wholesome even for the King." ~Emily Dickinson.

illustration friday~ leap

leap 2 view for illustration friday, originally uploaded by artjunkgrl.

Dear Friends~
I have so much to share with you but I am short on time (and I am a bit all over the place in my projects, so it's hard for me to organize them all into one post!)
I have often thought of having a day a week where I discuss one of my many interests. I am starting to expand into more blogs and I'm trying to keep things organized, but it's SO difficult, with so many interests and fun things out there to do!
I started an art journal blog a few months ago as a compliment to my "journal junk" flickr photo group. Lately, I've been adding posts to it and have more planned. This blog is solely dedicated to art journalling resources and will highlight journal work from artist's in the journal junk group, as well as outside resources and vlog pics that I think will be helpful to those starting out (as well as those of us who can't get enough of art journalling!)
So, speaking of new projects..I am also going to start participating in Illustration Friday, ie. following the weekly prompts and posting. I am so intrigued by illustration as well as painting these last several months. I will start sharing the links that have given me the "fever" in future posts.
Last, but not least....I wanted you all to know that I took the "leap" and signed up for an "abstract painting and color" class for this Saturday. It's a day class, and I called the store and got the "last spot"! I can't wait. The instructor is a real one Artist, as my kids say. lol. Ok, that's it for now my friends. I will let you know how the class goes! I'll be back soon to share more pics of my journal and painting.
Off I go. life is waiting....xoxooxo lia

collage: "love letters" by artjunkgrl

collage: "love letters" by artjunkgrl, originally uploaded by artjunkgrl.

Dear Friends~
Happy Valentine's Day!! I know I haven't updated much this week... Things have been kind of nutty here in artjunkland. I'll be back to regularly scheduled programming soon. Have a terrific weekend everyone! xo Lia

p.s. I still love squares! hee hee.

Quote for the Day~

collage on canvas, "G.", originally uploaded by artjunkgrl.

"The purpose of life is to fight maturity."
-Dick Werthimer

any questions?

:) LK

"The Bird House"

Things are a bit nuttty at my house right now as far as "order" of any kind. Lots of junk is flying around, that is for sure. Today I really, really need to hunker down and finish a few projects, do some responsible grown up stuff and, and, and...deep breath. Ok, I am poppin' my head out of the "bird house" to say hi, I gotta fly, but I'll be back soon. xo Lia

Bits and Pieces...

What is it about bits and pieces that I love so much? I have thought of that from time to time since I've started blogging a few years ago....I've discovered so much about such things by recording my day to day creative activities. I have answers for some of it and not for others. Readers have left comments that have given me some "aha" moments. Most days I just go about my business and create without a thought as to "why" I do what I do or how. One thing I know for sure is that I love fragments...little bits and pieces. I'm more likely to throw a big piece of scrap paper away than a little tiny one. These little tiny bits intrigue me so much. Could it be that I grew up as a daughter of a talented seamstress and dressmaker? I was always surrounded by scraps. My Mom would have us "pick up all the scraps" as a game when she was done clipping and sewing for the day. There were always lots of different ones...different colors, textures, sizes. My mother worked arduously for years to raise us and give us what she thought was important. I remember standing near her sewing machine looking at her with pins sticking from her mouth (yes, she did this often as a holding place) while her head was buried down staring at her piece and being "in the zone". I often got the "not now" or the "pick up the pins for me" or go do your schoolwork responses. I asked her, begged her, on several occasions to "teach me to sew". She would emphatically say, "no". What do you need to sew for? "You need to study and get an education. It's too much work to make your own things when you can buy them." That would be the end of that.
That is what I remember growing up...my Mom at the machine, surrounded by a sea of fragments. I started to collage at a very young age...I've often wondered if my love for piecing paper and fabric has stemed from a need to "order my universe"...put together all the pieces in a nice, tidy whole. I often felt like things were scattered and I always wanted things to be neat and tidy "like other peoples houses". We often had pins on the floor (yeouch) and my mom was a clutter bug so there was loads of fabric about (and scraps) as she, too, did not throw the smallest bits away. So, there you go. Making something from bits and pieces, fragments of my life.

Pictured above is a postcard collage I put together for Kira as a mail trade. The lower right ribbon was saved/salvaged from my mom's vast collection of fragments. There are also catalog pieces, magazine bits, stamps, advertising, wallpaper and pieces I cut from collage sheets Nance has given me. Just a bit of it is sewn to the right...the bit with the words. Interesting. That's where my mom wanted me to concentrate. Books, words, letters. I'm a college graduate, I'm a Mom, a Wife, a Daughter, a Sister and a Friend. I create not because I have to, but because I want and need to. Something my Mom doesn't quite understand as crafting was a means to income in her life. But I just can't stop collaging those bits, each and every day. It takes me back to that time beside her. It makes me feel young again, it brings together all the fragments in my mind into pieces that represent part of my whole. I'm thankful for this. I may never understand it fully, but I'm here and I will continue to express myself this way, bit by bit and hopefully find myself along the way. :) LK

art inchie

art inchie
Originally uploaded by artjunkgrl.

"I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn't say any other way.. things I had no words for."

~Georgia O'Keeffe

Reader Questions and Studio Clean-out again...

Dear Friends and Lurker Bees:

Hope you are having an awesome weekend! I've been buzzing around here, there and everywhere since things have slowed down to a "dull roar". What have I been doing while buzzing you ask? Well, for starters: sifting, purging stuff, spring cleaning, detail cleaning...etc. etc. The problem (if you call it that) is that I can never stay in one place, I want to do it all and I want it all done NOW! So, I buzz around like a bee attending to whatever I have been behind in all spring while attending to the various family activities we're involved in. Oh, did someone say laundry. Yeah, I'm down in the dungeon alot to doing that.
So, where am I going with all this? Hmm...oh, yeah, I wanted to address some reader questions. I get emails from readers (which I love to hear from..hint, hint) in which they ask the same usual questions. Many mention the "lack of time thingy", most ask what images I use, and the rest explain their sheer confusion over my obsession with one inch squares. WEll, I'll try to answer some of these questions here.

1. Time or lack thereof to create question:
Ok, we all have the same 24 hours. WE all chose to spend our time on what we want, need, have to. (Not necessarily in that order). Well, I can tell you that getting creative time in is a habit for me. Just like exercise, I get in my creative time. I find little bits of time here and there. I can create in a little bit of time, just like someone can take a "cat nap" inbetween things. It's a habit. I create because it's my thing, I have to. First I wanted to, but then when I began to reep the relaxing and healthy benefits of using that part of my brain so the other busy part could relax, I knew I was on to something.

2. The "I have to know everything about how to do something exactly before I start" tabacle/question. I get questions about what I use, how I use it, if it's archival, if I wear matching socks while I create and do the gypsy dance. (just kidding). But seriously, lots of you have this creative person inside just dying to let go and get creating, but your right brain is telling you to "find the facts" and wait to start. WEll, I'm gonna tell you the secret. Yup. Are you listening? Here it is: JUST DO IT. Just start something. That's what I did a few years back when I started my creative habit. Like I said, it's like exercise, you have to start. One foot in front of the other. A little bit a day, and then let your creative self take over. It becomes a habit, a way of living.

3. The "why are you so obsessed with squares" question. WEll, first and foremost, I don't know exactly why, I've thought about it a little, but not too much as I'm having so much fun, no use in overthinkin' it. I guess I like making collages and little squares as much as someone who likes to golf alot. do you ask avid golfers why they like to golf so much and that you can't understand their fascination with a tiny little white ball? WEll, ok, I like squares in the same way that some people like little white balls on big green lawns (which by the way, their habit is way more expensive that mine. lol.)

So, off I go again to sift and purge (now that I've sifted an purged through some of my creative living thoughts). I'll try to post some pics of my organizing. I have a few things planned so stay tuned. Have a great day friends! xo L.

friends are forever

It felt good to sit and relax for a bit as I've been running here, there and everywhere. I will be back next week as I'm packing for A and S and got loads going on with the kids. Hope everyone is well! If I owe you an email, I haven't forgotten, just a bit slow right now, but I will get back soon, I promise! ooooooooxxxxxx Lia

Art junk Girl's Collage Un-tutorial

Hellow Friends and Lurker Bees....
I got a wild hair yesterday to do another little mini-tutorial/info post on making 1" squares and collage in general. Why you ask? WEll, for one, I've recently become aware that more than 5 of my regular readers actually like my squares, and two because I just like to talk, teach and glue things. I've come up with all sorts of arguments to the "usefulness of collage"(or making inchie collages) and decided that my hobby is in fact, a fun, useful and fulfilling quest. No one asks an avid golfer what he's gonna do with the 9 hours he just spent on the golf course! So, I make stuff. It's fun. Now, let's collage (in this case, make some inchies!)
I took pics while making my latest collages and due to the fact that they are totally unstaged, unscripted and a bit messy, I named it my un-tutorial.
So, without further ado, here's collage, the artjunkgirl way...

First. Get out your fave beverage. Have it close by (important: not where it will spill on papers).

Now..arm yourself with a collage artist's must haves:
paper, glue of choice (glue stick is great) and some scissors (pronounced skizzors..).

NOW, that wasn't so hard, was it? You didn't have to go out and buy any equipment, pay tee fees or scream "fore" after cutting! Ok, so the next step...

If you are new to collage, I have news for you. You have everything you need right at home to start. You don't need fancy paper, Oh-no~ you can just peruse today's mail for some collage fodder. Furthermore, using junk mail will surely keep your inner critic at bay. We are just "practicing" here...trying to find your own personal groove, ok? Now, let me say that even though artjunkgirl likes junk mail, ajg does NOT think that all junk mail is made alike. Just like clothes...there is "designer" junk mail and trash. AJG is gonna let you know some of her fave, quality artjunk mail! Yes, indeedy, for not all junk mail is made alike. no siree....

My 2 very fave catalogs are Nordstrom and Anthropologie. I collaged a frame this past winter, with squares cut from the luscious colors and prints of a anthro. catalog.

And Norstrom has luscious, shiny pages as well. Speaking of shiny...shiny is usually something to be leary of with collage as shiny usually means, "no gluey" but in this case it's kind of a shiny thick matte finish. Targey also has Great catalogs for collage. So, where were we?

Ok, so, just grab a magazine. What I do is start perusing through (then take a sip of my tea) and start cutting images that appeal to me. I have to like it. If me no likey, me no cut it. After all, eye candy is what it's all about with collage...cutting away the junk you don't like and then re-gluing everything you do like into one cohesive, cool piece. To me, it's total nirvana. It's like getting to go to the store and only leaving with what you like! (but it didn't cost as much...lol).

Ok, got your drink, your scissors, check, glue? Ok, you can't find the scissors you say? well, I tie a piece of yarn to mine so I can find them under the mess. If for nothing else, that little tip will make reading this useless diatribe worth your while....

Now, let's just cut stuff up and put it in a pile.

Now, let's start arranging stuff..no, not that, the other piece over there...that's better....

You get the picture now? Are we there yet? Ok, you're having fun aren't you? Either that or you think I'm totally crazy or you are just reading this to avoid doing your laundry. WEll, stop right there! You are going to make a collage TO-day! yes, this is the day!

Ahhh, that's better.

and then, there are squares....

and then, there are squares....
Originally uploaded by artjunkgrl.

Hello my friends,
All heck is breaking loose here in artjunkland. I am still making my sweet little squares though, so don't worry. LOL. Oh, if only life were that easy! I'll be back soon. xoxo Lia

new collage, "seaside"...

"seaside" by artjunkgrl
Originally uploaded by artjunkgrl.

Is it summer yet? I made this little ATC this morning for a friend. I was in my studio to work on something else and while sorting papers I decided to "play". Ok, so we are expecting freezing rain today...I have laundry piling up that I am determined to bottom out, and then I'm going to make some soup. I'm lovin' soup lately. There was something else that I was going to post, but I forgot....hmmm...haven't had my vitamins today. Ok, I'm working on pulling together an art "junk" zine....with "never seen before" (LOL) art junk, journal junk, and more. I think this will be a fun thing to do as well as a great way to share my art with friends and others. What do you all think? suggestions? I'm keeping a notebook and putting things in it now that I want it to have, but I have NO idea on what all I will include yet. I do know that it will be my own style and hopefully fun, wordy and not real glitsy. ok, got to go....gotta reboot laundry and find a good soup recipe for tonight. xo Lia

Dear Artjunkgirl~

Good Morning Friends! As promised, I will provide answers in this post to frequently asked questions. (well about 3 or 4) that I seem to get from time to time. I don't want to give the impression that I have 100 emails asking me stuff...lol...no, but there are a few of the same so I thought I would post the answers. Here you go.. 1. Where do you find your images for the small squares? Do you downsize them, etc? Answer: I have yet to downsize anything to fit on a 1" square, simply because I think it takes too much time and because I like working with things I already have available. That being said, I usually keep a box or baggie of things going that would fit on a 1" square. I luckily had a page of small charm images that I had purchased from Tuscan Rose last year. I use these on alot of them. I like to use images, but really, you can use anything. You can even sketch on them and then make a mosaic. There are no limits to your creativity and no "right or wrong" way to do this. It's what your preference is. I also use small images that I cut from vintage magazines. I get them at the local used book store. I prefer the 50's ish era so that is what I buy. They are mostly "Life" magazines. The store I buy from has old one's. I like to use magazines that are not in mint condition but will still check for dampness, etc. so that the pages are not hard to glue on or rip in my hand! Use your discretion. It is ultimately about what you prefer and what you are drawn to. I often work intuitively and randomly, trying to get lost in the process rather than the details. I also like to do things even if I mess up on them. I experiment alot. I used to glue things down right away when I first started collaging and just see what happened. I encourage you to listen to your intuition and try not to think about it being perfect. My daughter made this collage the other day. she is 9. she made it in less than 5 minutes. I thought of how free she is when creating, not worrying about if it's going to be "perfect". I think it's awesome what she did. I guess my creative philosophy is trying not to worry about it too much and create like I did when I was a child! I tell my critic to be quiet and I try to listen to my muse! There is always more paper to cut and another try! 2. What paper do you use? I use 140 lb. watercolor for the small squares because it is sturdy and easier to handle. My squares are either leftovers from a large sheet I have painted for another project or sometimes I paint one sheet in random colors (2 or 3) and then I let dry and cut it up. I pick whatever colors from my bin and just start spreading/painting them on the watercolor paper. For other collages it varies. They mostly have at least a cardstock base and then I will mount them to something heavier. I save the backs of sketchpads, and the watercolor tablet. These are excellent and sturdy pieces to glue a collage onto. 3. Speaking of glue, what glue do you use? I've used lots of different glues and I find that the whole glue thing ends up being a matter of preference. I like different glues for different papers. Lately I've been using scotch brand glues. Both the stick and the liquid. I don't often "seal" my work with modge podge. Sometimes I will lightly brush some gel medium into the cut corners of things. I occasionally will finish a collage with a thin layer of regular gel medium, but not often. So, if I was to give you a summary of what I do consistently, it would be that I try to use what I have available in front of me at the time, I try to work intuitively and have fun. I encourage you to look through what you have and/or start saving bits in a box to use for small collages or squares. Hope this answers your questions. Feel free to email with any other questions and I will save up questions again and answer in a post next week! In the meantime, keep your eyes peeled for things you can use to collage with and keep a little box of those going so you have something available when you are ready to dig in and start cutting and gluing! Happy creating! Oh, and here are some sites where I have learned alot about collage: Art By Chrysti Art-e-Zine

"the Dreamer" by artjunkgrl

"the Dreamer" by artjunkgrl
Originally uploaded by artjunkgrl.

worked on "her" last nite. I actually like this piece. I usually am not satisfied with any of my pieces, but I think I like the crown here! it adds more seriousness to it. xxoo Lia

Art and Life, everyday!

wow, what a day...kids off from school...trying to get junk done at home. had my "art" time this evening and worked on my altered book...here is the page:

aside from that I did a bit of this and that (a day in the life below), especially for those that think my art desk isn't messy.......I took a pic before cleanin' it up tonight!

wearing my new apron from norththreads, what would I do without my flickr connections...they have the neatest shops! then I organized a bit of my ephemera (nance, I'm lovin' that collage sheet you sent! I also love having something to work with from a blog sis! Thank you for the copy of the pic from your personal collection!) It was so cool to find out the "millionaire's" girl was your Mom! lol! I love that pic!

I also took a pic of the book sideways like I've seen other "flickrette's" do...lol...here it is:

So, off I go now, dreaming of art and hoping for more time to "play" tomorrow!

dancing in my altered book!

Another altered book page for the sake of ART everyday in November"! Quote reads, "Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we're here, we should DANCE"~author unknown.

Sounds good to me. Either that or do ART, or both! When you do art, you can dance, sing and do go wherever you want anyway!

xxoo Lia

art projects going on here....

I finished up my spread in the last round of a mini-round robin with some of my flickerette pals! I had so much fun working in their books. I will have to find me another round robin soon....I really love collaborating on an altered book, except the part where I have to say "bye bye!". It definitely keeps me focussed having a project going. My book is done and at home. I look at it every other day. I just love it! I think the thing I love the best about altered books is all the "stuff/junk/doodads/embellishments" hanging off them. I feel like a little kid turning each page ever so slowly so I can drink in all the eye candy, color, words and fun. Yes, I'm a bit, ok, over the "altered" edge, but, hey, it keeps me out of trouble, ok, and there are "others" that also have the same addictions, so there....I am NOT alone! On other (related) matters, I will be participating in the greenbeanbaby vintage christmas swap. I am fixin to get all my "stuff" together this week. fun fun. that way I can send off for the mid month "deadline". I'll also be doing a postcard swap I found on flickr and signed up for on swapbot. Still trying to figure out all this stuff, but I work on one at a time, and boy is it fun! Well, off I go. I'm off to see the wizard of oz (dorothy and toto are dressed up and ready for the halloween party today). Have a safe halloween and don't scare any little kiddies, OK? xxoo Lia

Finished a page in round robin book!

Oh, I"m so excited! I got Mendy's book this week (one of my flickr buddies!) and it's soooooo cool. It's a "girl" theme book where each one of us puts on the right side what kind of "girl" we are and on the left side there is room to list things you like, etc.
Mendy is a texas girl and I thought about it and knew what I was most~ an old-fashioned girl. I've had a love for all things old since I was a young girl! I LOVE the book Mendy chose. It's is a notebook with chipboard pages. I've never done anything on chipboard before, and let me tell you, I REALLY liked working on such a sturdy surface. I also like that the pages come out of the book, makes it easier to work on as well! I am going to have to work on a chipboard book myself. I have had such a great time working on these books and I just love the whole collaboration thing. Thank you Mendy for letting me work in your book! xxoo Lia

random spread in my altered "play" book.

random spread in my altered "play" book.
Originally uploaded by artjunkgrl.

I "played" in my little altered play book after the kids went to bed tonight. I am experimenting with different compositions and such. I really like the small size of this book and the old pages. I will keep adding to this one. I've decided that I do better with smaller books. they are so much easier to work in.

Round Robin~for Carrie's Time capsule!

Round Robin~for Carrie's Time capsule!, originally uploaded by artjunkgrl.

Finished up touches to Carries fun time capsule. Here is the back of envelope I posted yesterday and "wish" tag goes inside. The postcard in the back has my wishes for the future and a note to Carrie. Oh, this was fun.

I will be sending off early this week.

I'll also be organizing some of my ephemera and one of my new found obsessions: vintage postcards. I'm sorting through my 2 boxes that I have saved from childhood. Oh, I have so many family photos and junk to sort through. I've been trying to organize my older photos so I can put them on discs. I spent some time this w/e reading up on photoshop elements features and what I can do. I am not very good with the graphics, digital manipulation thingy, but I need to learn as I want to correct some of the vintage photo scratches and such.

ok, long day. but my art brain doesn't turn off! lol! nite nite. Hope I'll dream in color like Lynnette tonight...

Envelope for Carrie's Time Capsule

Envelope for Carrie's Time Capsule, originally uploaded by artjunkgrl.

"You live but once, you might as well be amusing." coco chanel

I worked on my envelope for Carrie's time capsule last night, just before going to bed. I am almost finished and will be sending off soon! I also posted some pic on flickr of some fabulous vintage photos I got lucky on from ebay. I'm so excited. Hope to get some house stuff done today as well as have my art time! Then, hopefully relax for once! More soon, Lia

The full page spread: Carrie's Time Capsule book

The full page spread: Carrie's Time Capsule book, originally uploaded by artjunkgrl.

I'm done with the spread!! yippee. I must of changed the left page 5 times, then just took out stuff and painted flowers and journalled my dreams for the "future" on top. That's what I love about collage, you can change things! sometimes I collage over stuff. you can do that too! I just kept adding color and detail. I've been doing that more and more lately. kinda just adding and adding til I think it's "done", but I don't think it ever is! But I think I need to stop now while I'm ahead and I like it. I hope Carrie likes it. It's been a fun theme. If you want more details on what materials, etc. I used and the layers of stuff, please leave me a comment and I will be happy to post. Ok, gotta go get this place in order now! yikes until I get to go into my little artworld again, Lia

"Mother LoVE"

• 
  Time Capsule RR: "Mother Love", originally uploaded by artjunkgrl.

This is the right side of my two page spread in Carrie's book. The theme for her round robin book is a "time capsule". This book comes in a gorgeously decorated tin (aka "time capsule") . I'm excited to write up some things about this year and do my sign in envelope. What a fun idea! I had some "free" art time today. Yes! My Mom came over and kept going on and on about how she likes my "studio" and that it's "old fashioned" (we now call this "vintage" lol...") and I said, "who do you think I got the taste for old things from????" Our taste is very similar, although she does like things a bit more formal than I do.

Round Robin in Lilia's Book, "Tea Party (girls only!)"

Left side of RR spread: Lilia's Book, originally uploaded by artjunkgrl.

Here it is, the left side of my spread in the Round Robin I'm participating in with some FABULOSO ladies! My daughter (before leaving for college) thought up the theme for my 2 pages. She also cut out the teacup and wrote the Tea Party letters. She really wanted to be part of this before she left. I REALLY enjoyed working on Lilia's book. I will miss it!!!! It was also special that Ria wanted to be a part of this--I believe because she wanted to share in something I like so much. It was a great diversion for me as well with all the chaos of packing etc!
Regards, Lia

"try it because...." by artjunkgrl

"try it because...." by artjunkgrl, originally uploaded by artjunkgrl.

worked on this little collage last night. Had fun with it. Tried something new. I love putting together collages, it's like doing a puzzle and it is SO relaxing for me. It's definitely my "escape and relax" time!

Items used:
_wallpaper background (from discarded wallpaper books, check your local hardware store. I called once and they were begging me to take them!)
_sewing pattern piece
-vintage image from an vintage sewing magazine
-photo markers (I always use these for the black and white photos to add some light color). If you want to know brand, I will look it up for you.

About the quote: try it because...

try what you say? art, collage, going with the flow, that new dress, a new style, seeing things in more than one way.... you fill in the blank!

Have fun this summer! I'm "trying" to! lol!

--Lia