Simple, Silly Life...

Hello, friends!

How are you?

Well, August flew by rather quickly...

and I became another year older.

My sweet husband left a chalkboard message for me, beside my coffee pot, on the morning of my birth date.

I have never minded aging...

up until this year. Maybe a little last year, but not like this. 49. That's just too close to 50!

Art journal time has been badly needed these days.

If you keep your own journal, you totally get where I am coming from.

Just jotting down the day's events and some scribbling seems to help with my balancing act.

Commissions continue to come my way, therefor, I do not journal as much as I'd like to.

On my birthday, I did play, of course!

And...

today being Friday,

By gosh, I'm at it again and it feels fantastic!

It's been a cool, rainy day.

I did work this morning, but then this afternoon the urge came over me. You know...

when our mind plays tricks on us. I absolutely love those chilly Fall days, all wrapped up in a fluffy blanket with a hot cup of coffee and my paints. My Molskine journal. So, it suddenly became a real Fall day (in my head), and so the art journaling began.

Watercolor pumpkins that fold out and hold secret messages inside.

Wet brushes swooshing over the pages.

Colors spreading in directions, all of their own.

Pure joy for this girl. (I refuse to say woman at this time). "Girl" just sounds more fun, and fun is what I shall have!

Hours have passed and I'm still painting, cutting, pasting, and smiling.

Some may call it a waste of time.

For me, art journaling is one of the best ways to spend time. It's a part of myself, poured onto the pages of a sleek, black book.

Maybe some day my journals will be in the hands of others. Possibly my niece or a relative. I do hope that they will enjoy my ramblings about life!

I so love life.

The simple things, like grabbing my camera at 6:30 am and dashing out the front door to capture this amazing sunrise.

Just look at those rays!

No editing on these photos. These are all natural and true.

It was absolutely worth being outside, in my pajamas for this. (And I know that I looked silly)!

What silly simple things do you do to love your life?

Please, share!

Enjoy your weekend!!!

XO

 

Mapping 2014 with Jill Berry...

Hello out there!

Happy Monday!

Today is the day to reveal my project for Jill Berry's "Mapping 2014" challenge!

Mine is still a work in progress, but will show more and more throughout the duration of this blog hop.

I chose to create my map on the pages of my Molskine art journal.

Since resigning from my day job in November, my map reflects my hopes in perusing much more with my art. Along with living that creative life, comes our usual traveling to beaches, barn sales, amusement parks, casinos...

and magical places yet to be discovered!

When it's all said and done...

my most favorite place to be...

is HOME.

After all, that is where the art is!

See you again real soon!

XO

 

Free Spirit...

Hello to you!

It's a lovely weekend here.

My darling husband left town on Friday to play in the Arkansas hills. Me...

I needed some solitude, silence, and art.

It was a very chilly morning. A cold front moved in on us in the night. I poured myself a cup of coffee, wrapped up in my snuggie, on the sofa...

And began working in my art journal as the sun came up.

I found myself feeling happy and calm. At peace.

You see, my job is really stressful and very chaotic. I cannot go into great detail regarding specific responsibilities in which I have with my job because it is confidential...

but it is taking it's toll on me.

Some days I come home depressed and wonder if I will ever see a light at the end of this tunnel.

I'm happy to report that there is!

This week, hubby and I had a talk. Through all of this, I have discovered that I have a very supportive spouse. We have resolved this issue. At the end of this school year, I will be resigning. I do not know exactly what will come next for me, if anything at all. Hubby says to resign now, but my work ethics are near perfect and it is I who wishes to tough it out through May!

This art journal entry is my way of celebrating! I will anxiously await the new journey that lies ahead!

I feel free already!

He's now safe and back home...

That wonderful husband that I am so blessed to be sharing life with.

We sit here on the sofa, fireplace glowing and crackling. Pizzas delivered!

Happy, happy weekend!

XO