a birthday

today is my birthday.
scary.
i went for a walk with my friend.

to one of my favorite places.

i had a pumpkin spice latte.
the full fat grande with whipped cream version.
yum.
i paid attention to my surroundings.

made these with koen & saige.

more yum.
hung out with these two.

went for supper at the new italian/greek place.
and begged for candy at in the neighborhood.
pretty good - all around.

a fall banner

like my new banner?
i adore the colors.
it's so fall-ish.

which is my favorite.

a hobby

a few years ago
i was in a scrapbook store with my kids.
they, as usual,
were complaining - while i browsed.
i had a few purchases in my basket -
then devin said to me -
"mom, why are you buying all this stuff -
you don't even scrapbook"
to which i promptly replied -
"scrapbooking isn't my hobby -
BUYING scrapbook supplies is my hobby"
it seemed kind of funny at the time,
and we all had a good laugh about it.
but lately i am coming to realize -
the more things i accumulate -
the less funnier it gets.
i really am spoiled rotten.
i've had the privilege of staying home
with my kids.
while my husband works.
i have money, time, space,
TONS of supplies.
and HEAPS of excuses.
take a look at my stash... 

a myriad of pens, pencils & markers

some of these are unopened

clean brushes - more unopened paint and mediums

cupboards and drawers full of books and paper

journals and sketchbooks - most of them empty

full drawers of misc doodads, glue, paint & jewelry making supplies

clean brushes and unused watercolor pencils

a whole huge darkroom full of photography supplies

it's time for me to stop consuming -
and start creating.
i am an artist on the inside -
i always have been.
it's time for me to start using what i have -
engaging in my life.
participating.
and producing.
i'm not going to buy anymore stuff -
i'm changing hobbies.

a field trip

today i went on a school field trip.
to victoria.
and i have to say -
that even though i was helping to supervise
40 some odd kids -
i had a really great time.
we toured the old chinatown,
which was absolutely beautiful.

i was totally in my element
with all the facinating architecture,
art,
people,
history,
restaurants and shops.
i want to go back again
and explore.
i rediscovered the camerabag app on my iphone,
and had an amazing time playing with it.
i felt creative-ly at peace,
and longed more for my dream
of opening up my shop.

but i'll speak of that dream later.

a return

i'm not lazy.
ok - maybe i am - a little.
i left this blog for a few months
even though i loved it.
i lacked motivation.
it seems to be a problem with me.
when russ and i were first married -
there was a song -
created and sung by his family, about the family,
to the tune of "12 days of Christmas".
each person was mentioned.
the part about me went...
'on the 10th day of Christmas,
cheryl gave to me -
10 unfinished projects'.
i hid my hurt -
but, i knew it was true.
what is it about me
that gets inspired -
starts things -
and then drops them like
a hot rock?
i have the time, money & inspiration.
i have no excuses.
i admire artists who are true to their work,
and struggle to make ends meet.
but,
all the planets need to be aligned -
the i's dotted, and the t's crossed.
in order for me to take the time -
to do
what i really long to do.
create.
crazy i know.