collage favorites

“The artist is a receptacle for the emotions that come from all over the place: from the sky, from the earth, from a scrap of paper, from a passing shape, from a spider's web.” Picasso

1. 6_dec06.jpg, 2. no. 10, 3. Trees, 4. Thomas Campbell book 'Sing ding aling', 5. 3_nov07, 6. GOSSIP, 7. French Dot wallpaper, 8. 24 Divided by 3, 9. lucky

5 good things

inspired by liz elayne, i want to celebrate 5 good things in my life today:

1. today is the last day of my elimination challenge that i started on 12.28. i did this to discover what foods i have sensitivities to. the results were amazing and the reactions to some of the foods after abstaining were so immediate and obvious. i am really proud of myself for doing this.

2. i am so GRATEFUL for music. right now i am really into:
ray lamontagne
band of horses
flaming lips
shout out louds
madeline peroux

3.cutting + pasting has been such a joy for me lately. the image above is a quick journal collage i did this morning. i love playing with the colors and patterns.

4. i had a really gentle week being back at school. my hope for this semester is to have balance

5. project 365 - i have been really getting into taking pictures with my camera - maybe even a little obsessed? it is another creative element in my life that adds fun and joy.

flickr fun*

1. Around our place, 2. new wall, 3. 019 : 365 dec 12 java star, 4. llibreria - bookstore - Amsterdam, 5. from Brian Wildsmith's 12 Days of Christmas, 6. green landscape, 7. wooden bird trio, 8. Untitled, 9. ::, 10. Untitled, 11. becoming friends, 12. hello you

here we go

i need to say that i am having a hard time writing on this blog. i am critical and not allowing myself to practice and improve my writing skills. i need to stop comparing myself to other people in the blog world.

i am feeling a bit nervous as school starts up again for me tomorrow. i am taking one less class (total of 3). i am wanting to move forward and learn, but i really love having the space and time to play in more creative endeavors. i played alot on this break, not getting some things done on my list, like finishing my own website. which is funny, because i am a web design student. i guess i just really needed the break. my intention is to stay in touch with my blog, even if i just post pictures with quotes or flickr favorites.

today i went cross country skiing for the first time. it was actually harder than i thought! i fell at least 5 times - kinda fun. i noticed that i had a hard time concentrating, whenever i tried to look up at the view, i lost my way. i also just found my mind wandering all over the place. i tried to keep my focus and be in the moment. i listened to the sound of my skiis gliding in the snow, the sound of the poles striking the ground. i feel i did pretty good for my first time.

tonight shawn and i are going to see a play with some friends, this is a good distraction for me as i begin the week with work + school.

Mondo Beyondo Part 2

so this is the part where I put out the universe what I want to draw into my life for 2008 + the things I want so much it is scary to write!

I want more quiet moments and time to connect with Shawn
I want to invite more playfulness into my life
I want to continue to develop my relationship with God, find more about what works for me
I want to run more 5k's in spring + summer with Shawn
I want to support my body to run -- strengh training, massages
I want to keep creating art and going deeper, creating more from my heart
I want to deepen my self-acceptance
I want to dress in a way that makes me feel joy-full
I want my home to reflect my family and feel unique to me
I want to make my own pillows (covers)
I want to get a passport
I want to kayak in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

ok... for the Mondo Beyondo
I want to travel to northern California
I want to travel to Ireland and backpack in Europe with Shawn
I want to feel a passion for life more than I have ever known
I want my art to continue to partially support myself
I want a home in the country on land that I can walk with Max + (my future additional dogs) freely


ok.. Universe I am ready!

Mondo Beyondo Part 1

Inspired by the amazing Andrea Scher, I am doing my Mondo Beyondo for 2008 Part 1::

1. What do you want to acknowledge yourself for in regard to 2007?
(What did you create? What challenges did you face with courage and strength? What promises did you keep to yourself? What brave choices did you make? What are you proud of?)
I really grew as an artist this year. My art feels more relaxed, personal and I love that it meets me where I am in my life at the given moment. As a result, I sold more art than ever before as well.
I ran a 5k in December, which was am amazing accomplishment for me.

I had more faith in myself and what I am capable of doing. This fall I worked 25+ hours a week, went to school full-time and completed art for a show. I don't want to do this again, but I am so proud of myself for making it through. I had no idea how strong I was.

2. What is there to grieve about 2007?
(What was disappointing? What was scary? What was hard? What can you forgive yourself for?)
I think the biggest thing was the sudden loss of my father-n-law Larry in April. It was tragic, sad, beautiful and confusing.

I forgive myself for not completely letting go of food as an emotional crutch. I forgive myself for not being a super partner to my husband when my time was so limited. I forgive myself for my insecurities around my body and in general. I forgive myself for comparing myself to others. I forgive myself for not walking my dog everyday. I forgive myself for not having more of my life figured out. I forgive myself for looking at people.com everyday.

I am grieving the space and time I had before going back to work. I am grieving what the holidays used to mean to me and depending on others to create that "magic" for me.

3. What else do you need to say about the year to declare it complete?
2007 you represent: grief, loss, growth, strength and creation. Thank you. I am now ready to move on to 2008.

2008 is my year for spiritual growth, travel and relationships

Inspiration*

1. Untitled, 2. Our owls, 3. plate wall, 4. exterior, 5. photo session with swirly girl, 6. Untitled, 7. Doodling in bed, Tuesday 15 May 2007, 8. collage shadowbox, 9. sometimes truth

happy 2008*

I am delayed in getting clear about my goals for 2008 and lessons from 2007. Although, one of my goals is to continue to embrace my imperfections. My friend Kari talks about what season it is for her life.

For me, this is the season of::
Being ok with not knowing where my life is headed, let go more
Learning to sit more with uncomfortability
Loving + accepting myself exactly where I am
Making art + collages just for me, just because
Healing walks in the snow
Sandlewood + lavender bubble bath
Dance parties in the living room with my husband