February is a magical month, it's my birthday month so of course I've always loved it.
It's the worst month ever when it comes to winter though! This is when it starts really dragging on and I start dreaming of sunbathing on the roof of my high-school best friend's house... We were in Florida, we could do stuff like that in February.
But this February will be the best one yet.
My cohort and counterpart Katie will be here tomorrow at 1 p.m., all the way from Las Vegas! She and her daughter are staying more than three weeks and we plan on getting A LOT done, so there may not be much time for blogging. Not that I'm around much lately, but I'll probably be around even less this month.
You should look forward to when she leaves though (I won't!) as I should then be able to reveal some fantastic top-secret plans and share some great times that we are sure to be having in the coming weeks.
See you then :)
P.s. I'm really missing all my other cohorts!! You know who you are! Xo!!
The Art Barn Project: Co-operative Arts and Living
Sunday, January 30
Friday, January 21
About a bag.
Gah, my blog is being totally boring and sporadic lately. Just not feeling it I think. I barely even feel like voicing my opinion on things lately, even in real life, which is way surprising.
I miss the old days with tons of time to upload (or even TAKE) photos, long rambling thought processes, ideas and ambition. Hah. Ambition.
Okay, no, the ambition is still there, it's just quietly lurking in the shadows while I am washing diapers and cooking breakfast and trying to remember to walk the dogs.
We've had a really good bout of sickness this past week. I've said on more than one occasion over the past few days that I think the evilest thing in the world is being sick with a toddler that seems to be feeling fine. He was sick first and just passed it to me (which he ALWAYS does) but this time it hit pretty hard. Add to that a husband that actually isn't allowed to leave work (thank you, Air Force) and it's a big, weepy, full-of-emotion snot fest.
Anyway, it has passed and hopefully it'll stay at bay for a few months at least.
While stuck in this house I actually managed to tackle a project I've been thinking about for quite some time. I wanted to make a diaper bag back when I still needed one and never got around to it. You know how it goes, just because you can make something doesn't mean you ever will for yourself. I've been using a backpack and an old messenger bag I bought in Maastricht that looks worse for the wear. So finally I gathered up all my favorite things and swiflty pieced them together into a new messenger bag.
I had to think long and hard on what type of bag to make. Of all of the ones I have I always gravitate back to that kind- so easy to throw on and cart around whatever you need, I can reach into it easily with Johnny in the sling and it won't fall off my shoulders ever. I went against my better judgement and added two huge open pockets to the outside for things I need to reach quickly. I love them and have tested them enough to not regret them, but in Europe pick-pockets are a true problem so we'll see how they hold up- although I don't think anyone would really want a sippy cup of watered-down juice that badly.
There are no pockets on the inside but I'm thinking of making a little removable zipper pouch and a matching padded camera bag. See? Ambition ;}
The fabrics are:
Silver and pink sari from a German thrift store,
Rainbow plaid shirting from Katie,
Unfinished quilt peices from a 1930's quilt off of Ebay,
Batik from the Base craft store,
Fruit and flower fabric from my Grandmother (I think),
Yoga monkey fabric (interior) from Kat as a baby shower gift,
The felted strawberry panel was a gift from Emily. I've had it for several years and have never done anything with it because it needed that perfect home where I could look at it all the time :)
So there you have it, thought about for nearly two years and made in a day and a half. I like it better than my L.A. Betsey Johnson bag, and that's saying a lot! I feel like Betsey herself would want to comission me to make one of these, haha!
I miss the old days with tons of time to upload (or even TAKE) photos, long rambling thought processes, ideas and ambition. Hah. Ambition.
Okay, no, the ambition is still there, it's just quietly lurking in the shadows while I am washing diapers and cooking breakfast and trying to remember to walk the dogs.
We've had a really good bout of sickness this past week. I've said on more than one occasion over the past few days that I think the evilest thing in the world is being sick with a toddler that seems to be feeling fine. He was sick first and just passed it to me (which he ALWAYS does) but this time it hit pretty hard. Add to that a husband that actually isn't allowed to leave work (thank you, Air Force) and it's a big, weepy, full-of-emotion snot fest.
Anyway, it has passed and hopefully it'll stay at bay for a few months at least.
While stuck in this house I actually managed to tackle a project I've been thinking about for quite some time. I wanted to make a diaper bag back when I still needed one and never got around to it. You know how it goes, just because you can make something doesn't mean you ever will for yourself. I've been using a backpack and an old messenger bag I bought in Maastricht that looks worse for the wear. So finally I gathered up all my favorite things and swiflty pieced them together into a new messenger bag.
I had to think long and hard on what type of bag to make. Of all of the ones I have I always gravitate back to that kind- so easy to throw on and cart around whatever you need, I can reach into it easily with Johnny in the sling and it won't fall off my shoulders ever. I went against my better judgement and added two huge open pockets to the outside for things I need to reach quickly. I love them and have tested them enough to not regret them, but in Europe pick-pockets are a true problem so we'll see how they hold up- although I don't think anyone would really want a sippy cup of watered-down juice that badly.
There are no pockets on the inside but I'm thinking of making a little removable zipper pouch and a matching padded camera bag. See? Ambition ;}
The fabrics are:
Silver and pink sari from a German thrift store,
Rainbow plaid shirting from Katie,
Unfinished quilt peices from a 1930's quilt off of Ebay,
Batik from the Base craft store,
Fruit and flower fabric from my Grandmother (I think),
Yoga monkey fabric (interior) from Kat as a baby shower gift,
The felted strawberry panel was a gift from Emily. I've had it for several years and have never done anything with it because it needed that perfect home where I could look at it all the time :)
So there you have it, thought about for nearly two years and made in a day and a half. I like it better than my L.A. Betsey Johnson bag, and that's saying a lot! I feel like Betsey herself would want to comission me to make one of these, haha!
Saturday, January 15
Learning some more.
I signed up for this E-course and I really can't wait for it to start!
Playful Learning Spaces
I'm all gung-ho trying to get the house in perfect order. I'm so fed up with it never being clean all the way and never being able to find anything. It has come a long, long way since Johnny was born but I'd like to get the hang of it before he starts 'school' (it took me 10 years to get this far, so I am not jumping the gun here).
Now that we will be having a regular art group I am trying to find ways to incorporate it into the house as well, so it's not just a coffee table in the kitchen. I suppose I'll get into that more once the course starts.
I am pretty happy with the toy system and I've been pretty diligent about going through them every few months to weed out what isn't played with or is just junk after awhile. It helps that we are not overloaded AT ALL by toys. J is not deprived but we do keep it to a minimum as much as possible.
My mom bought him a learning tower for Christmas! He lovesloves it, which is no surprise, he's been interested in what's going on above his head since day one.
Playful Learning Spaces
I'm all gung-ho trying to get the house in perfect order. I'm so fed up with it never being clean all the way and never being able to find anything. It has come a long, long way since Johnny was born but I'd like to get the hang of it before he starts 'school' (it took me 10 years to get this far, so I am not jumping the gun here).
Now that we will be having a regular art group I am trying to find ways to incorporate it into the house as well, so it's not just a coffee table in the kitchen. I suppose I'll get into that more once the course starts.
I am pretty happy with the toy system and I've been pretty diligent about going through them every few months to weed out what isn't played with or is just junk after awhile. It helps that we are not overloaded AT ALL by toys. J is not deprived but we do keep it to a minimum as much as possible.
My mom bought him a learning tower for Christmas! He lovesloves it, which is no surprise, he's been interested in what's going on above his head since day one.
I lovelove him by the way. He'll be 15 months in 3 days. That seems really young but to me it seems like he's been around forever. We have conversations and adventures and he is my little sidekick. I think being a parent is even better than I expected. :)
Friday, January 14
All is right with the world.
I made a dress this week for ten year old girl, she will be wearing it to her first dance tonight.
We had a very successful toddler art group this week and I managed to make it to craft night! Then I sat around with my sister and her great friend as we watched chick flicks and painted our toenails.
Tonight I had dinner with my husband and son in our favorite Italian restaurant.
One of my parents told me I make their heart swell. I'm not sure which one, but thank you- you do the same to mine!
There is much more but we have to go video chat with family now. Have a nice weekend! xoxoxo...
We had a very successful toddler art group this week and I managed to make it to craft night! Then I sat around with my sister and her great friend as we watched chick flicks and painted our toenails.
Tonight I had dinner with my husband and son in our favorite Italian restaurant.
One of my parents told me I make their heart swell. I'm not sure which one, but thank you- you do the same to mine!
There is much more but we have to go video chat with family now. Have a nice weekend! xoxoxo...
Tuesday, January 4
Mission statement.
I created this at http://www.franklincovey.com/
My personal mission statement:
I am at my best when I am rested and feeling creative.
I will try to prevent times when I become overwhelmed.
I will enjoy my work by finding employment where I can create.
I will find enjoyment in my personal life through teaching and learning.
I will find opportunities to use my natural talents and gifts such as art and creative problem solving.
I can do anything I set my mind to. I will write a series of kids books, start an eco-creative magazine and start a co-op!
My life's journey is providing for my family the best life possible, creating goodness around me by helping others smile and make their own way and teaching others by example that what they dream can come true.
I will be a person who my family admires. I want them to say that I loved and led in a compassionate manner, allowing them all to blossom into their truest selves.
My most important future contribution to others will be the idea that they are amazing and individual and can honestly make a difference in the word around them just by being themselves.
I will stop procrastinating and start working on:
I will strive to incorporate the following attributes into my life:
I will constantly renew myself by focusing on the four dimensions of my life:
My personal mission statement:
I am at my best when I am rested and feeling creative.
I will try to prevent times when I become overwhelmed.
I will enjoy my work by finding employment where I can create.
I will find enjoyment in my personal life through teaching and learning.
I will find opportunities to use my natural talents and gifts such as art and creative problem solving.
I can do anything I set my mind to. I will write a series of kids books, start an eco-creative magazine and start a co-op!
My life's journey is providing for my family the best life possible, creating goodness around me by helping others smile and make their own way and teaching others by example that what they dream can come true.
I will be a person who my family admires. I want them to say that I loved and led in a compassionate manner, allowing them all to blossom into their truest selves.
My most important future contribution to others will be the idea that they are amazing and individual and can honestly make a difference in the word around them just by being themselves.
I will stop procrastinating and start working on:
- Organizing my house, mind and future plans.
- Taking more responsibility for my thoughts.
- Living on less.
I will strive to incorporate the following attributes into my life:
- Ingenuity
- Drive
- Compassion
I will constantly renew myself by focusing on the four dimensions of my life:
- Exercising
- Resting
- Giving
- Loving
~~~~~~
Here's my morning drawing (it was more like 1 p.m. but that's when I finally got to eat the oatmeal I had been dreaming of all night..)
And Johnny's...
Johnny enjoying said oatmeal:
:)
2011.
Cut and paste clouds.
I dislike odd numbers. I couldn't begin to tell you why, all I know is that 2011 doesn't sit well with me. Yea, yea, it's silly.
Thinking about this the other day, though, brought me to a pretty obvious realization: 99% of my bad days begin with me. I am to blame for my lack of patience, motivation and understanding and there is only one way to change all that. I cannot begin this year out with the thought that this will be a weird and unlikeable year simply because I don't like the number!
So, my only resolution this year is to take responsibility and make the best and most of every single day. I thought a cute way to start our day would be to draw a little picture of how we think the day will go, and hopefully Johnny will get in on the act when he's a little older. I think that an optomistic attitude would carry over into the rest of the day quite easily. I'd love to commit to 365 days of morning drawings! We'll see though.... (how cute would that be?) Not to mention, I MISS ART. I do something every so often and get so engulfed, I'd really like to include it into every single day.
Happy New Year and best wishes on your own resolutions!
xo!
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