A Quiet Kind of Together by Kathryn Sturges

This work explores the paradox of human connection: the coexistence of presence and isolation.

The fairy, initially alone, became part of a relational space through the addition of a second figure. This shift was not meant to resolve her solitude, but to complicate it—to reflect the lived experience of being both connected and internally distant at the same time.

Rather than offering closure, the piece invites contemplation. What does it mean to be seen? When does proximity become connection? And how do we hold the quiet spaces within ourselves, even in the company of others?

Sew Felt Junk Journals!

I FINALLY cleared way to get back to my sewing machine. My old sewing studio has become a room to store things, because my health was not good enough to sew. Now my health is slowly improving, so I cleared off my sewing table and made a path between the storage bins to get to my machine. I had switched to a new Brother Sewing Machine right before I got sick, so the machine still feels pretty new and I’m not used to it. My old machine quit right before my body did, lol! I know that is not funny, but the correlation is uncanny. I used that old Singer Sewing Machine for like fifteen years or so before it had enough of my patchwork and upcycling mayhem.

I started getting into book making after I got sick. I’ve tried a few different types of books. The thing is, upcycled materials get my creative inspiration going so much that I go off on all these tangents. So it took a long time for me to come up with the concept for these felt journals. I have made two so far, one for myself and one for a gift. It is nice to have finished projects done on hand to gift for birthdays, and other festive celebrations. Make a few of these junk journals to give. They will be well received!

Felt junk journal number two by Kat Sturges

Felt Junk Journal Number One by Kat Sturges

Fairy pages in felt junk journal by Kat Sturges

Back cover pocket of felt junk journal by Kat Sturges

I don’t think that there is any need for step by step explanation. The journals are basically a cover, elastic to hold the pages together. I created a back pocket to hold pens and markers. I was going to make a bunch, but oops! I closed my Etsy shop. LOL! I hope that you get inspired to make some journals of your own, to use for junk journaling and for gifting.

Some paintings inspired by "The Portals of Locke Meade"...

Here are a few paintings I did along the way as I was writing the book. They will give you something of an idea of what the book is about. I chose to keep the book as just text, because young YA are just getting into full length chapter books. So I wanted the book text to stand on it's own.

I worked for over three years off and on writing this book! It is my finest book to date, although I’m still really partial to my art book, “The Faeries of Octo Bay”. “The Portals of Locke Meade” is a full length book of YA sci fi fiction! Be a part of the adventure today!

"The Portals of Locke Meade" is on Amazon!!

“The Portals of Locke Meade” is now available!

Amber Gamboge is learning what life is like beyond the chateau doors. What do the Fashion Police want with a little aristocrat who has never been on her own? Join in the adventure! Grab a copy of “The Portals of Locke Meade” today!

"Rise" by John Pavlovitz: Book Review

Lent is arriving right on time for me! Honestly, even though I have been a Christian since I was in my teens, I have never celebrated Lent. I’m the kind of open minded Christian who studies the Bible on a personal level. The takeaways I get are my own interpretation of things. Some people might consider that unholy or wrong. Sure, many Christians go to church and get taught how to pray. I did the church thing when I was young, and it was not a good experience. To the girl who didn’t fit in anywhere, church was a great place to be the odd man out. Double the sense of not fitting in, my parents didn’t go to church. So church elders looked at me with grave suspicion. I didn’t let that stop me. I was ready to devote my life to Christ, regardless of whether they wanted to be a part of that journey or not.

Nowadays I’m a lot more laid back and open minded. But honestly, this year I could use a renewal of my faith! It has been such a hard few years of my life. Harder than ever it seems. I’ve been doing these mini prayers sprinkled throughout my day, just to be in God’s presence for a while. And today I started reading the book “Rise”, by John Pavlovitz. If you have not heard of John Pavlovitz, he is a former pastor turned writer and leader of a movement for change. He symbolizes the good side of Christianity, not the MAGA side. I’ve been soaking up his writing for the last year or so, mostly through his Substack posts. He fires me up to make a difference.

It isn’t too late to celebrate Lent! Grab a copy of “Rise” from John Pavlovitz’s website and get praying!