a surgery

last week
russ had surgery.
his rotator cuff was torn -
from playing hockey,
and it needed to be repaired.
he is in pain,
and he is discouraged -
but he'll make it through.

we've had to
adjust our schedules,
and attempt to slow down
a bit.

we've decided
against a tree -
again this year.
but, i've still
decorated the mantel
the front hall,
dining room,
and porch.
and the candy advent calendar
is in full swing.
i've almost got my shopping done -
and will manage some baking today.

things are buzzing along quite nicely.

a sick day

today i am -
sick with a nasty cold,
checking out my new sewing machine,
making paper snowflakes,
finishing
my sisters last year present -
the love pillow,
ordering some online gifts,
designing invitations for our year end dinner,
researching a pillow design,
crocheting a market bag for my mom,
& painting some tiny canvas ornaments.
i am loving
getting ready for the holidays.
it is busy -
but,
i wouldn't have it any other way.

a singing heart

i've been taking
another online class -
and
i've been making stuff.
i am loving -
having the opportunity
to create everyday.

it makes my heart sing.

an art swap

i recently participated in an art swap.
it was based on
a recent online class that i took
called 'bloom true'.
i was a scared
putting my name on that list -
because it had a deadline -
and i hadn't completed
one painting that i had started in that class yet,
and i was struggling to paint something
that i liked.
but,
i am so glad i participated -
it forced me to create
i had to work with the deadline -
i pushed through the struggles i had,
and i completed 16 mini paintings.
i added the outlines of flowers and leaves.
and in the end
i added a word to each painting.
using the word 'grow' -
and my trusty thesaurus.
i felt like i was really 'getting it'.
there were 16 participants
so i got to keep one painting for myself.
i chose this one to keep -
'swell' -

because it was the only one 

i felt moved beyond my original intention.

which was what the class was all about -

painting with no end in mind,

and using your intuition.

i even had extra time
to add some little goodies
to each package.

today is the deadline
and i am on my way to post them.
yay!

a last minute

i'm thinking -
that
the last week of november
is not a good time
to be looking through
knitting and crochet project books -
to get ideas for gifts to make.

but, typically -
last minute
is how i roll.

a collection

every week
while out and about -
i collect things.
here is this weeks findings...

a few watercolors

i've been playing
with watercolors.
anthea & I
have shared custody of
the tubes.
so far
this is what i've done.

 

a return

well,
here i am.
i haven't written -
since summer.
but,
i'm back,
trying to figure out
what is best for this blog.

i've got lots of
cool art projects
to share.

a garden

i am not a gardener.
i like
the thought of gardening.
but i'm a bit lazy -
and it seems like
a lot of work.
plus,
it is frustrating
when things don't grow -
or rabbits eat everything.
and weeds!
i have to say though -
i really love
my blueberries.
in the morning
i pick them
directly
into my cereal bowl.
they are low maintenance -
and very prolific.
they are huge -
and tasty.

a tangle

i'm probably behind the times -

but, i've just learned 

about zentangles.
controlled doodling - so fun.
i bought a couple books.
(i like to be well informed)
it's something
i will do often.
it's a killer
on my 40 something eyes.
but, i like small
and i like details,
and i have reading glasses.
i think it will help
when i can't get inspired -
because it doesn't require much thinking.

 

in progress

a country

happy Canada day!!
y'all
i feel so blessed
to live in this country.

jasper-banff

a washi

who doesn't love this stuff?
i will admit
i've gone a little crazy -
that is nothing new.
i discovered washi tape.
still not so sure
what exactly
to. DO. with. it.
i have managed
to stick it on a couple things.
here is my stash so far.
if you think of any really great uses -
let me know.

a moment

time usually gets the best of me.
i am
a planner,
a controller,
a multitasker,
i make lists.
when i am in the middle of something -
i'm thinking and planning what is next.
i doesn't make for a good listener.
and somehow i miss out on the process.
i am learning in yoga  -
to be present.
to acknowledge thoughts
as them come -
and then
send them on their way.
practicing that in everyday life
is a challenge.
the last couple of days
i've really tried
to just be where i am
and do what i'm doing.
if a 'what next' thought
pops into my head -
i don't add it to the list.
i am doing one thing at a time -
and when that task is complete -
i do the next thing
that pops into my brain.
i am accomplishing just as much -
and so far i haven't forgotten anything urgent.
i don't know if it is feasible
to do this every minute of the day -
because there are
appointments and commitments
that can't be put aside,
but i am liking being in the moment for now.

a tie dye

we had a busy weekend -
even though
there was only 3 of us home.
i spent most of it
creating things
and taking lots of photos
of flowers in the yard.
saige and i -
made some tie dyed shirts
for the crew leaders
at our upcoming vbs.
it was kind of messy,
but lots of fun.
i love all the bright colors together.

 

this next project

koen was supposed to help me with -

but it was a little finiky

and he got bored -

so i mostly did it myself.

these onesies are for his teacher.

she is soon to have twins. 

i saw a similar set on pinterest -

(it was just a photo - with no link)

and i used 

freezer paper stencils to make mine.

i used a bit too much white paint on the letters.

so it bled a little.

but i still think they are really cute.