Celebrating Art & Accomplishments!

On a normal day, I awake, brew the coffee and get on my laptop. Today was different. Today, I woke up and realized that I could do anything that I wanted to do, guilt-free...

I had no commitments to concern myself with. The "Sketchbook Project" is now an accomplishment, a thing of the past, and once again, I can move forward! Before moving to Maryland I had purchased a new tin box filled with yummy Conte' pastel pencils.  They were untouched. New art supplies excite me! I got lost in my own colorful Wonderland, as shown in the top photo.

It was a very productive day all around and then this evening I celebrated ART! Why not?

First, a trip to Barnes and Noble for some serious book browsing. Then, on to Fresh Market! I felt so relaxed walking through the gourmet coffee and dessert isles, taking in the soothing classical music playing in the background.

I could not leave empty handed...

yes, I got a big, fat piece of Cappucino cheesecake! I finished off my celebration with a Starbuck's brew.

Life is good! (guilt free)???

The Sketchbook Project 2011 recap...

My entry for "The Sketchbook Project 2011" will be postmarked on Tuesday! The deadline was extended due to bad weather all around the world, however, I would have had it mailed on time. I'm going to use these bonus days to add a few more details to my overall book.

I don't want to show everything because I feel that it takes the fun out of this! I am hoping that my readers will be able to see the sketchbooks live...or, at their permanent home in the Brooklyn Art Library.

Until the tour...

enjoy these sneak peeks!

Aaaaaaahhhhhh!

I can now move on to other creative adventures!

Don't Be Late...Don't Be Late!

I'm getting down to the finish line with my sketchbook project!

I shall celebrate when the project has been postmarked!

Sketching & Sketching...

Ok! This is my final week to work on my Sketchbook Project. I must have it mailed Friday, preferably Thursday! Yikes!

My mind races as I sketch.

I wonder if I will find the time to go back and add color to my pages?

Will I still be able to create an eye-catching cover?

Will I do this ever again?....

ABSOLUTELY!

I love artistic challenges!

Now, I had better get back to work!

Comforts...

 Last night I sat in the warm bed and finished adding the details to my Sketchbook pages. In the colder months, I like to work on projects from my bed! Of course, it gets a bit chaotic with art supplies scattered and hidden beneath pillows and a comforter...but, it works for me!

I woke up to discover a dusting of snow outside! So pretty. So serene.

I have a big pot of Chicken enchilada soup simmering on the stovetop and the wonderful aroma has filled the air.

Aaaaaaahhhhhhhh, the comforts of Winter...

and today I feel so grateful to be at "home".

I'm still trying to get used to calling this house my "HOME".

I am safe, warm, and content. These are good foundations for creating a new home.

Blessings to all!

Slow Down, January!

I feel a bit overwhelmed right now with too many projects, deadlines, unpacking suitcases, laundry, and still trying to develop a routine which is even more challenging now after being out of town for 2 weeks! My latest entry for "The Sketchbook Project 2011" (pictured above, unfinished), was inspired by these overwhelming anxieties. I realize that sometimes we do need to just sit, breathe, think, prioritize our list of things to do. I did just this today, along with my soft, cuddly companion...

"Squeaky", my new Pillow Pet!

I picked him up throughout my travels because I wanted a pillow to rest my head on when taking long trips...and after seeing my neice's Pillow Pet, I just knew that this would be a perfect choice for me...

as he is also a very nice, warm buddy to cuddle with! Love this find and I'm still sleeping with him in place of a standard, boring ol' pillow!

I'm reading the Awe-manac book each morning and do hope to soon find the time to actually do the activities suggested. Wonderful inspiration! Thank you again, Laura.

Off to the grocery store now and then I shall finish up this Sketchbook entry!

2011...A NEW YEAR!

Oh my! Where do I begin?!!!

Today is January 4th, however, for me, it feels like the first day of the month and the new year since I was traveling for the first 2 days of 2011. Once I arrived back in Maryland at 3:00 am yesterday morning, I spent the entire day of January 3rd in bed!

I hope that everyone had a wonderful Christmas and rang in this new year with as much excitement as I! Yes, I am embracing this new year with great expectations and many goals.

Recently divorced. It was a long, drawn-out and painful last few years. It was a divorce that really shouldn't have happened, but did. Very sad, and I spent 2010 on an emotional rollercoaster. My art and creativity neglected.

I'm looking forward to being free from the cluttered mind and painting a much happier 2011!

Because I have been "blocked" for quite some time now, my dear friend, Laura, sent me this AWESOME book for Christmas! I will read each daily delight (365 of them)...directives to help make life more creative, amusing, gratifying, and extraordinary! Thank you so much, Laura!

I shall allow the creative journey to begin!

Because I have been quite busy with Christmas and family in Kansas, which was all quite enjoying, it does, however, feels so nice to wake up this morning in this new year, in my new life in Maryland. I am behind on many projects and commitments, but I do have the time now to play catch up and to savor the race!

It's nice to return to my blog as well.

Happy New Year to all!