Let's talk journals...

Oh, dear.

January is moving so quickly (but I am okay with that because I do prefer sunny and warm months).

I live in my own little corner of the world, quietly painting. I do not get out much, especially when it is so cold outside...

however, this past three day weekend I did have a reason to throw on some jeans and a real blouse.

Since this rarely occurs, I felt the need to snap a selfie to send to my darling husband, who was off on one of his "guys trips". Just after taking this photo, my best friend, Lori, arrived with all of her luggage and art supplies! Yes, indeed... it was time for our "Girls' weekend" and we kicked it off with a Friday night outing in downtown Lawrence. We were on a mission to seek out some vintage books from the used book stores.

We found this fabulous childrens' book! A perfect cover for creating a journal with!

Of course, while downtown, we popped into the "hippie shop" and I added two new t-shirts to my wardrobe. We also had sushi at my favorite sushi restaurant! My mouth is watering all over again just typing this! Delightful!

Once back home, here on the prairie...

we changed into our weekend pajamas and for the next few days it was all about art, creativity, more yummy food, coffee, late nights, scary tv programs, great conversation, and laughter!

Childrens' book was turned into a new art journal filled with lovely watercolor paper pages.

The fairy lights shined brightly wee hours of the nights.

We were on a roll and on Saturday we created a smaller journal with a hand made cover.

We were so very proud of our creations and naturally, we had to just sit and admire the journals for awhile.

We even crammed some online mixed media classes into our weekend!

We always feel that the time goes by too fast. I absolutely love our girls' weekends and cherish each memory made with Lori. (friends since 7th grade... we have certainly made quite a collection of memories)!

Monday was a difficult day for me emotionally, when Lori left...

and I was once again alone in my very quiet reality. (hubby was still working).This happens to me every time loved ones come... and then must go. This is truly the most challenging thing about leaving a home town to begin a new life, miles away.

I pulled out my current journal and spilled my sadness onto the pages.

Sometimes it takes a day or two before I bounce back to my happy self, loving this beautiful life and feeling very blessed. Right down to the simple pleasures that I thrive on, such as hanging laundry out to dry so that I can smell that fresh outdoors while sleeping!

I will always miss my family, friends, and many things about my home town. I was there 40-something years.

But then I realize that what I have now, is everything that I once wished for.

I look back through my art journals and witness the growth, the pain, the sacrifices, the change...

yes.

My reality rocks!

Blessings to you!

XO

 

Happy Summer!

Oh, dear.

I have done it again.

I have allowed myself to get swept away by Summer bliss...

losing track of days gone by.

 

Instead of blogging, I have been sipping organic tea on the front porch...

day dreaming.

I have followed crazy vines, searching for surprises.

Squeeling with joy when the first white pumpkin was spotted!

Did I tell you that I planted oodles and oodles of pumpkins?

Blue pumpkins, white pumpkins, tiny ornamental pumpkins, and of course, traditional orange pumpkins.

Two very plump, orange pumpkins have made their appearance since these photos were taken!

I never thought that I would say this because I am such a Summer girl...

but I am wishing for Fall to hurry and come.

I'm already thinking of creative Fall to do's!

But this Summer has certainly been a fun one.

I have tried on cool clothes in this very cool dressing room!

Bold colors bursting with bohemian designs...

it's enough to convince me to purchase all of the wonderful pants and tops, some having this same kind of flare!

It's so much fun to twist around and twirl while wearing big bell bottom pants and ruffled sleeves!

I never feel too old to do just that.

If clothing makes me smile...

it's meant to be.

After a sushi lunch with a nice, new girly friend...

I returned back to my prairie home, swinging my large shopping bags!

I have also changed up my routine this Summer.

Hubby and I wake early and enjoy our coffee together. He then goes a few yards away to his work.

I put on my athletic wear (no, I'm not at all athletic)...

and head out for a morning jog and walk.

I do both.

Jog.

Walk.

Jog.

Walk.

 

I am trying to live a healthier lifestyle and even going organic around here.

I will share more on that in a different post!

Some times I even have two fur babies tagging along!

I love this new routine. It's working well for me and has actually made my work days so much more productive.

Once back home, (and still early in the morning), I get my shower and get busy in the studio.

I am more inspired, happier, and even more creative. Really.

I think that because I am so observant of the wild flowers and colors that I see while out, it changes my whole frame of mind! I want more and more color, beauty...

and I can capture all of that again and again with paints and a brush! (In a sense).

Yes, I have also kept quite busy with work.

More and more commission work comes my way and I am still pinching myself just to see if this is all really happening for me!

Friends, I'm currently blessed with the biggest commission piece that has made me nervous, stressed, excited, eager, then joyful! I have remained focused on this piece- Monday through Friday.

A few evening hours were spent on this commissioned piece.

I love the stories that comes with each request.

I have also enjoyed simply being married to my best friend.

Today we had a lunch date out...

More sushi for me...

along with some sugar free dessert!

Note: this was not one of my choices!

Happy Summer to you!

 

Paint, Powder... Perfect!

Hello!

I'm sitting in bed, all warm and cozy...

watching the Oscar awards. A nice end to a perfect, snow filled day.

It started yesterday evening with sleet. At about midnight the fluffy snow began to fall from the sky. This morning I grabbed my Sony Nex 5r camera and stepped out to snap a few pictures.

6 degrees out. No kidding!

And then more snow came blowing in.

We were happy to be inside. Hubby cooking up good foods, including a pot of chili.

Me...

With all of my twinkling lights...

Painting.

I couldn't be happier.

Well, I suppose I did get a little happier when this painting sold!

So, tomorrow I plan to do another one somewhat like it.

I'm preparing for a show (March 15th).

It's not easy to create "enough" inventory, but I do the best that I can and just enjoy the entire process. It will be a fun day shared with another friend/seller. It's also for a good cause to help a local family in need. I love my community!

Are you watching the Oscar's?

Please, stay warm and enjoy!

I will be back soon!

 

Family & A Fresh Studio!

Hello, lovely ones!

How are you?

It's been a while, I know.

January was a very busy month filled with sadness and yet, happiness...

Goodbyes and hellos.

Family bonding through it all.

My family arrived on Friday and stayed here, in our home through Sunday. My heart full. I loved waking up on those mornings, to the sound of chatter. Family members visiting over cups of coffee, in our kitchen.

We crammed in as much as we possibly could...

and then pray for safe returns...

and another opportunity to be together again soon.

I so enjoy hanging out with my family! I'm also blessed to have a husband who feels just as I do. It was so nice to hear him laugh out loud again.

Prior to our guests arriving...

I went on a cleaning binge in the art studio!

Would you like a peek?

It sure made Monday morning extra delightful! A clean work table. Aaaaaaahhhh!

I got much painting in, and even completed one!

I am donating this canvas to Genesis Christian Academy for their annual fundraiser.

Now, on to the custom work that awaits me!

Blessings to you all!

Stay warm!