an illustrated life

i bought this book
quite a while ago.

it is a wonderful compilation
of different artist sketchbooks.
i love
how you can view
many styles and techniques
all together in one book.
i love
how people can illustrate
architecture in their own way -
one is loose and sketchy,
one is very precise,
one is solid watercolor strokes.
and they are all wonderful to look at.
i love
how the featured artists
have common threads -
about how art makes them feel,
why they do it,
and how important it is to them.
i love
that i'm not alone -
in rediscovering my connection
to art later,
and in always knowing it was
a part of me.
i love
that it has helped free me
from making everything perfect,
and to just keep at it.
that i can make
my own rules,
and i can take it anywhere.
here is a peek
at what i've done this last week...

a book

well it doesn't seem
like just any book.
chapter by chapter -
i am brought to tears.
i need this book.
i am learning -
to notice &
be thankful.
i often chide koen -
for being too slow,
when i should be
learning from him -
to take my time -
to feel,
to notice,
to enjoy,
and to see.
i don't know
if i can ever be thankful
for dirty dishes.
but,
i am willing -
to learn,
and stretch,
and grow.

a few creations

this week
i finished up -
some art,
and knitting projects.

chalk bag for devins climbing gear

moebius scarf for my dear friend kerry

with beautiful daughter saige modeling it before it got mailed

it feels good
to look back -
at accomplishments
and finished projects.

a sunshine-y week

is it really january?
this past week
has been
so sunny,
and crisp,
and frosty.
with a bit of
the white stuff thrown in the mix. 
it's my favorite kind of weather.
i get all inspired
and motivated -
to do
happy,
sunshine-y
things.
donkey (that is our dogs nickname)
has been enjoying it too.
i am thankful
for these days.

a purge

before the new year
i started
getting on the right track.
purging unnecessary things,
keeping track of what i spend,
going out less,
and using what i have.
i had tons of wrapping paper and ribbon -
and decorations.
i did not buy any more.
i have heaps of yarn,
and a little bit of fabric.
i made some very nice gifts.
i still overspent.
but i am learning -
to plan,
and re-purpose,
and utilize,
and be satisfied,
living with a bit less.
i still have a long way to go.
and anyone
who has ever seen
my garage  -
will tell you so.

that is a serious amount of unorganized junk!

a photo

i thought of this photo today.

it is one that i took -
on our first trip
to malaysia.
it was my first
real travel experience and -
it opened up
a whole new,
adventurous,
world
to me.
the photo
is one of my favorites.
and it reminds me -
to step out
and do the things
i fear.
i haven't stopped
being afraid -
but it was
a beginning for me -
to get out
and
do
stuff
anyways.

we went to malaysia
on mission trips,
6 years in a row -
at spring break.
i will miss it this year, but -
someday i will go back.

a balance

steady

stable

calm

equal

level

poise

attune

harmonize

balance

a new lens

for Christmas,
my true love gave to me -
a beautiful new macro lens.
i have been having fun
playing with it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

i also had some fun
with a 'bokeh' -
that i made out of black cardstock.
so cool.

a new year

happy new year!
hurray for a fresh start!
i looked back
at my 2011 new years post,
just to see
what i was thinking then.
i'm pretty happy
with how the year happened.
i was more
mindful,
creative,
content,
understanding,
peaceful,
& productive.
i learned more about my camera,
and i took a sketchbook class online.
i still want to finish what i start,
get this body back into shape,
and be more gracious -
and thankful.
this year  -
i want more of  last year.
and -
to live blessed -
not stressed.