A Bicycle journey through pages...

Something different. Change.

We all crave that occasionally, don't we?

This week I have gathered the necessary art supplies for my latest commission and have created a work space in our kitchen. I enjoy the corner nook, surrounded by sunny windows, big plants, and the coffee pot, of course.

This job is a gift. The client's friend recently challenged herself, along with her boyfriend, to bicycle across Kansas. In addition to the challenges that came with this journey, the woman has also suffered some back problems for quite some time now, causing her great pain. In fact, her journey on the Kansas roads has ended, and she is now at home, recovering from back surgery. Oh, how I want to get this surprise art journal completed soon so that her friend may get it to her, to enjoy and hopefully smile big while she is stuck in bed.

Her bike ride began on July 3rd.

I am stalking her Facebook page to capture the dates, the towns that she has passed through, and the highlights of their trip!

Right down to the meals that they cooked on their tiny camp burner!

Although I cannot fill every page in the moleskine journal, I like the idea of the recipient having the extra pages to add her own photos and journaling.

This commission is so much fun and quite different from my most common work- painting on a canvas and acrylics. For those of you who have followed my blog consistently, know that I am very passionate about art journaling and frequently dabble in my own personal journals. This is a huge part of my life as an artist...

and a person.

I am loving this ride and the change in "scenery"!

What's new in your corner of the world?

Be a sweetie, won't you...

and leave a comment and share!

Xo

 

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

 

Happy June!

Hello, friends!

And hello, June!

I sit here on this beautiful night...

Listening to the rain outside.

Burning indoor candles with tropical scents.

Going through photos on my iPad and just thought I'd share!

On our way home from our family visit last weekend, these retro gas pumps caught my eye!

As did this old church.

Our prairie yard is always a fun place to romp...

With a camera in hand!

Some guests dropped in to greet me!

And then they had to dash!

Did I tell you that I'm growing pumpkins?

Oh yes!!!!

Even white pumpkins and blue pumpkins!

Our flowers are blooming beautifully.

It's patio season all over again.

 

Beautiful skies.

Playful fur babies.

This is our life right now.

I hope that yours is beautiful.

Hello, June!

Until next time...

Savor each day!

Xo

 

Love Life!

Good Veteran's Day morning to you!

Thank you all who have served our country.

This glorious country!

The husband and I paired up with another couple for a weekend getaway.

Two Polaris RZRs...

Deep into the woods- Mark Twain National Forest located between Missouri and Arkansas.

Words, not even pictures, can describe the serenity. The beauty.

I played "Miss Photographer" as I walk along the streams of crystal clear water. The sound of crunching leaves beneath my feet, birds singing, and water splashing onto the rocks. This is all that I could hear. All is quite calm here.

I do much thinking.

The bold, red berries made me think of Christmas! I am looking forward to this holiday season, having more time at home to decorate and cook. I enjoy playing Martha Stewart too! Ya know, making things for the home, clever gift wrapping, cards, elaborate meals served on pretty dishes. I must admit, it certainly does take more effort, time, and energy to do such tasks when employed full time.

In just four days, I will be unemployed and much happier!

Friday November 15, 2013 means a new beginning to me. I will create the life that suits my husband and I best.

Choosing a new path is frightening, risky...

But in my case, looks so much brighter already.

We must love our life.

Blessings to you, dear one!

I shall return very soon!

 

CHANGE...

Hello, dear ones!

It's been awhile, I know.

Too often, we allow ourselves to "get lost" in life's busy shuffle. The enjoyable things are put on hold. Yes, I hate it when this happens!

Last week I could have found the time to blog, but chose not to. It was a challenging work week and sucked every bit of creativity right out of me! My spirit...

broken.

 

I would drive myself home, taking in all of the beauty surrounding me. Wiping a tear or two from my face.

The leaves have changed to an Autumn palette. Words nor pictures can even begin to show you how breathtakingly gorgeous it is here in the hills. It's a real treat to take this daily drive.

Change.

I could not get this word out of my thoughts.

Our life here on earth is constantly filled with change and challenges. Some of us try to hold on to the routines that are comfortable to us because we have been at it for so long. I'm guilty of this. No matter how difficult and unpleasant the routine becomes...

We fear change more. We stay. Stuck.

My divorce, a few years back, changed me.

I no longer fear change as I did.

I truly do embrace it.

Sometimes it must come sooner than we wanted.

This week, I turned in my resignation at work.

After doing so, I panicked.

What will I do now?

I prayed about it.

Folks, after only one day of worrying...

I have experienced joy! A ton of weight was lifted from my heavy shoulders! My supervisor even said to me, "You seem happier already"! I replied to him, "I am. Ya know, I'm getting closer to fifty, and I must be happy at what I'm doing". I have two more weeks to go, but it will certainly go smoother now that I see the end date.

I can breathe again and my heart isn't pounding at a rapid pace!

My wonderful husband has supported me more than I ever anticipated. He actually told me that he was happy for me!

Change.

Hello, change!

Oh...

It's also time to change our clocks!

I will see you back here, very soon!

XO