Hope you had a great weekend. It was the perfect crisp Autumn weekend that we have grown to expect from living in New England but haven't gotten much of this year.
Alex had fun even though she didn't really know what was going on other than getting to run around a lot and have people smile at her more than usual.
It was a bittersweet time as two good friends stayed over on their way to a move to Seattle. They will be missed and I'm looking forward to visiting someday.
Showing posts with label blee. Show all posts
Showing posts with label blee. Show all posts
Monday, November 02, 2009
Monday, June 22, 2009
New ACEO
Time to experiment with my art. The whole direction I had been going with my woodblock prints while I enjoyed it at the time just isn't working for me right now. I've been slowly touching up an unfinished carving and I am almost done. But to be honest I'm not sure what I will do with it when I am done.
I would rather push myself to make little pieces like this piece I have listed on Etsy and soon to be put on Art Fire. This is how I got started before, experimenting with smaller pieces.
I need to finish up this carving so I can clear my desk and get to work on some new small pieces. I might need a little inspirational run to the art store this week.
Heaven knows with this weather we have been having I have plenty of time to be indoors and create. That is if I weren't chasing after a stir crazy toddler all day. We had a break in the dismal weather on Saturday and enjoyed the day at a Strawberry Festival. We picked a bunch of really good strawberries and took Alex on a hayride before we had to take her home for a nap. She's been waking up early and getting exhausted early.
The rest of this week looks like rain, rain and some more rain. Bah!
I would rather push myself to make little pieces like this piece I have listed on Etsy and soon to be put on Art Fire. This is how I got started before, experimenting with smaller pieces.
I need to finish up this carving so I can clear my desk and get to work on some new small pieces. I might need a little inspirational run to the art store this week.
Heaven knows with this weather we have been having I have plenty of time to be indoors and create. That is if I weren't chasing after a stir crazy toddler all day. We had a break in the dismal weather on Saturday and enjoyed the day at a Strawberry Festival. We picked a bunch of really good strawberries and took Alex on a hayride before we had to take her home for a nap. She's been waking up early and getting exhausted early.
The rest of this week looks like rain, rain and some more rain. Bah!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Final Days
Of my Buy one Get One sale. On Saturday I am having an Open House in my studio in honor of Spring cleaning and will be shutting my shop down for the day. This might be the last chance for certain pieces. This woodblock print is just one of nearly sixty pieces that I have for sale now.
We enjoyed our Easter holiday with the family, but I think in the future we are going to ask them to visit a month or two later so they can enjoy good weather. They aren't religious so I don't see what the big deal about being here on Easter is. None of them joined us at church. Which is fine, but the weather will be so much nicer in May and early June.
Jon and I are making plans of our own for a nice little trip. We are finally going to make it to NYC in mid May. We got back into contact with some old friends and they invited us to stay with them in their spacious Brooklyn apartment. It will be nice to see them and other. I hope to make it to Etsy labs once, or at least see Anda from Etsy. I'm dying to meet her daughter!
The collage a day for a week went so well that I am doing it again, but with less restrictions. I just need to do some art daily. Yesterday it was a collage, today I'm not sure. I have a woodblock drawn on and ready to carve. It is quite small, but that is a good place to start.
Hope everybody has a great Wednesday. I miss the old days of blogging and reading blogs daily. I miss everybody.
We enjoyed our Easter holiday with the family, but I think in the future we are going to ask them to visit a month or two later so they can enjoy good weather. They aren't religious so I don't see what the big deal about being here on Easter is. None of them joined us at church. Which is fine, but the weather will be so much nicer in May and early June.
Jon and I are making plans of our own for a nice little trip. We are finally going to make it to NYC in mid May. We got back into contact with some old friends and they invited us to stay with them in their spacious Brooklyn apartment. It will be nice to see them and other. I hope to make it to Etsy labs once, or at least see Anda from Etsy. I'm dying to meet her daughter!
The collage a day for a week went so well that I am doing it again, but with less restrictions. I just need to do some art daily. Yesterday it was a collage, today I'm not sure. I have a woodblock drawn on and ready to carve. It is quite small, but that is a good place to start.
Hope everybody has a great Wednesday. I miss the old days of blogging and reading blogs daily. I miss everybody.
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Time for DVDs
I've already watched the first four discs of the Monty Python box set and I have Extras Season One on the way. Maybe I will rent Rome next, I love that show and could watch it again and again.
Now is a time where little blee needs a lot of casual care from me. She is happy to play on her own a lot but I need to monitor her so she doesn't get into trouble. So out come the DVDs so I don't go crazy with boredom or spend too much time on the computer. I tried doing some collage cutting because I can do that in the living room but she is going through a grabby stage so that didn't work. I can't even drink a glass of water in front of her without her grabbing at it and screaming when I won't give it to her.
I go to the gym and put her in daycare two to three times during the week and leave her with Jon so I can go on the weekend and that gives me a much needed break.
But my art life has been suffering and I don't know what to do. By the time she goes down I am tired and grumpy and I am just feeling creatively empty. I tried getting back into sketching but I just don't know what to draw these days. Ever since I lost my daily walks things have gotten much worse for my art.
I am just lucky that I used to be super prolific because I have so much older work to keep my shops full. But having some fresh pieces would be nice.
I guess I am going to have to learn to be a stay at home mom without much of an art life for awhile. How long I don't know.
Now is a time where little blee needs a lot of casual care from me. She is happy to play on her own a lot but I need to monitor her so she doesn't get into trouble. So out come the DVDs so I don't go crazy with boredom or spend too much time on the computer. I tried doing some collage cutting because I can do that in the living room but she is going through a grabby stage so that didn't work. I can't even drink a glass of water in front of her without her grabbing at it and screaming when I won't give it to her.
I go to the gym and put her in daycare two to three times during the week and leave her with Jon so I can go on the weekend and that gives me a much needed break.
But my art life has been suffering and I don't know what to do. By the time she goes down I am tired and grumpy and I am just feeling creatively empty. I tried getting back into sketching but I just don't know what to draw these days. Ever since I lost my daily walks things have gotten much worse for my art.
I am just lucky that I used to be super prolific because I have so much older work to keep my shops full. But having some fresh pieces would be nice.
I guess I am going to have to learn to be a stay at home mom without much of an art life for awhile. How long I don't know.
Monday, January 05, 2009
We have a winner!
From my contest from last month. Danielle Andrews has won a mid-sized piece of her choice, an ACEO, some magnets and a pocket mirror. Value totaling over $80. Thanks for playing and keep watching for any future contests.
Sorry I haven't been around since getting back from Florida. Before Florida I got really sick. So sick in fact I was puking all night the night before our flight out. Even though I am better now I'm still recovering in a sense. Alexandra has been a huge handful lately. I am learning to accept that being a mom comes first and at least for now my artwork and everything involved with it is a distant second. But I do have hope to get some new pieces out this month. I did make a collage on new years day that I haven't scanned or photographed yet. It doesn't feel 100% done yet.
Florida was great despite having the plague. We got to spend a lot of time wandering around the beach and the weather and air were just perfect.
Wishing everybody a fantastic 2009!
Sorry I haven't been around since getting back from Florida. Before Florida I got really sick. So sick in fact I was puking all night the night before our flight out. Even though I am better now I'm still recovering in a sense. Alexandra has been a huge handful lately. I am learning to accept that being a mom comes first and at least for now my artwork and everything involved with it is a distant second. But I do have hope to get some new pieces out this month. I did make a collage on new years day that I haven't scanned or photographed yet. It doesn't feel 100% done yet.
Florida was great despite having the plague. We got to spend a lot of time wandering around the beach and the weather and air were just perfect.
Wishing everybody a fantastic 2009!
Friday, December 12, 2008
sleep
This little darling woke me up just before midnight with her crying. This is our first night together without daddy. He gets home on Sunday.
She wasn't hungry she was just tired and upset and falling asleep in my arms. But as soon as I put her back in her crib the crying began anew. So I did the most logical thing I could think of with my sleep clouded brain. I brought her into bed with me. It was sweet in a scary I hope she doesn't roll out of bed kind of way. But being there cuddled up next to her was very nice.
We slept there with my arm around her for about five hours. Her well me waking up every so often to check on her. Finding he sprawled on her back sleeping so soundly her pacifier fell out without being missed.
But by five she was up and hungry with a touch of energy. I needed to satisfy both of those needs before putting her back to bed at six and sleeping until eight.
So that was my night and morning. How about yours?
I'm not doing much art wise these days (again) but I am forcing myself to start keeping a sketchbook. I remember this time last year I was drawing a ton every day. Every bit of free moments I had would be used on art. What happened to me?
She wasn't hungry she was just tired and upset and falling asleep in my arms. But as soon as I put her back in her crib the crying began anew. So I did the most logical thing I could think of with my sleep clouded brain. I brought her into bed with me. It was sweet in a scary I hope she doesn't roll out of bed kind of way. But being there cuddled up next to her was very nice.
We slept there with my arm around her for about five hours. Her well me waking up every so often to check on her. Finding he sprawled on her back sleeping so soundly her pacifier fell out without being missed.
But by five she was up and hungry with a touch of energy. I needed to satisfy both of those needs before putting her back to bed at six and sleeping until eight.
So that was my night and morning. How about yours?
I'm not doing much art wise these days (again) but I am forcing myself to start keeping a sketchbook. I remember this time last year I was drawing a ton every day. Every bit of free moments I had would be used on art. What happened to me?
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Envy Myself
Sometimes I find myself envying the old me. The me that had all the time, energy and desire to print new art for hours multiple times a week. Now everything is such a struggle it seems.
But I am working on it and more importantly I am working again. Shutting myself in my studio during naptime with nothing but an iPod, a block of wood and my carving tools. My paper is still ready to go once I get these ideas that have been in my head out onto blocks.
On top of all that I have new supplies and a instructional DVD on monotype printmaking using the inks I splurged on last year but barely used. I was getting set to play with them again when I stopped and admitted to myself that I did not know how to use these inks properly. Thankfully I don't have to take the expensive class they offer an hour away a couple times a day because I found a DVD online for $35.
Things will never be like they used to be, they will be better.
Have a great Wednesday!
But I am working on it and more importantly I am working again. Shutting myself in my studio during naptime with nothing but an iPod, a block of wood and my carving tools. My paper is still ready to go once I get these ideas that have been in my head out onto blocks.
On top of all that I have new supplies and a instructional DVD on monotype printmaking using the inks I splurged on last year but barely used. I was getting set to play with them again when I stopped and admitted to myself that I did not know how to use these inks properly. Thankfully I don't have to take the expensive class they offer an hour away a couple times a day because I found a DVD online for $35.
Things will never be like they used to be, they will be better.
Have a great Wednesday!
Thursday, October 30, 2008
First,
Let me get this out there and tell you that it took everything in my power not to make this for breakfast this morning. Instead I was good and had some steel cut oatmeal sweetened with a touch of apple cider.
5 minute Coffee Mug Chocolate Cake
4 tablespoons flour
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa
1 egg
pinch of baking soda
(optional but it helps)
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)
a small splash of vanilla extract
1 large coffee mug
Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly. Pour in the milk and oil and mix well. Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla extract, and mix again.
Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 2-3 minutes at 1000 watts. The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed! When it starts to fall stop the microwave and take it out. Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired.
My eye got better after Friday each day better than the prior and now I have been proclaimed %100 healed. But I still need to take drops until they are gone just to be sure.
My eye wasn't doing great on Saturday, but on Sunday it was well enough that we were able to enjoy a nice walk at the Arnold Arboretum with not so little anymore blee strapped to my back. We walked around for about an hour and enjoyed the painting that the leaves presented us and then were handed some fresh cider on the way out. It was a good day.
Recipe for chili coming next week! Until then enjoy your cake.
5 minute Coffee Mug Chocolate Cake
4 tablespoons flour
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa
1 egg
pinch of baking soda
(optional but it helps)
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)
a small splash of vanilla extract
1 large coffee mug
Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly. Pour in the milk and oil and mix well. Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla extract, and mix again.
Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 2-3 minutes at 1000 watts. The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed! When it starts to fall stop the microwave and take it out. Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired.
My eye got better after Friday each day better than the prior and now I have been proclaimed %100 healed. But I still need to take drops until they are gone just to be sure.
My eye wasn't doing great on Saturday, but on Sunday it was well enough that we were able to enjoy a nice walk at the Arnold Arboretum with not so little anymore blee strapped to my back. We walked around for about an hour and enjoyed the painting that the leaves presented us and then were handed some fresh cider on the way out. It was a good day.
Recipe for chili coming next week! Until then enjoy your cake.
Sunday, October 05, 2008
Quakers, Shakers and Candlestick Makers
Just a quick post before I head off to bed, hopefully tucking myself in before ten tonight. I've had a touch of a cold this past week and haven't been sleeping well on top of that. I have to wear a mask when I sleep or I have eye pain and sometimes that mask comes off in my sleep and I end up with the pain again. I saw a doctor awhile back and he gave me some goop and drops and said it would be better in a week, but it wasn't. But if I wear this mask and it stays on, which it does most of the time, I don't have any problems. Something in bed just seems to irritate my right eye.
Things are pretty good here. I'm drawing and writing a lot these days. New work is being made weekly, I'm hoping to do some printing this week. Lately it has been very relaxed and simple collage work. Reading an old favorite book of mine called Wise Blood and The Screwtape Letters right now. Both dark but in very different ways. My near complete lack of reading since blee was born has been bugging me for ages now and I am finally doing something about it. And what a perfect time to grab a book and cuddle up in bed with it. Jon is a total non-fiction political/social/ economic book junkie but I think he would enjoy Wise Blood. He read The Screwtape Letters years ago. Wise Blood was one of my favorite novels when I was in high school.
Went to a Shaker village in New Hampshire on Sunday kinda spur of the moment. I needed to get out of Boston in a major way and it was too icky to go do the cliff walk in Newport, RI like we had planned. It was a quiet little trip but I think the three of us had a good time. The Shaker religious sect is a pretty interesting one. Except for their complete celibacy to the point of not even communicating with the opposite gender I can really stand behind them. It is sad that they died out, but great that there is so much that is preserved.
blee is growing tall more and more each day and eating like a little piggy. At lunch she just couldn't get enough of her baby food and the adult food that we gave her. Then on the road home she drank a full 14oz bottle of whole milk! And then for dinner she ate chicken and some blueberries. She likes fruit and meat a lot, but veggies are a struggle with her. She will do sweet potatoes and squashes and carrots if I mix them with (a lot) of applesauce but that is about it. Oh she kinda likes cucumbers.
Okay, time for bed I've rambled enough. Hope everybody had a great weekend to start off a great week. Keep warm!
Things are pretty good here. I'm drawing and writing a lot these days. New work is being made weekly, I'm hoping to do some printing this week. Lately it has been very relaxed and simple collage work. Reading an old favorite book of mine called Wise Blood and The Screwtape Letters right now. Both dark but in very different ways. My near complete lack of reading since blee was born has been bugging me for ages now and I am finally doing something about it. And what a perfect time to grab a book and cuddle up in bed with it. Jon is a total non-fiction political/social/ economic book junkie but I think he would enjoy Wise Blood. He read The Screwtape Letters years ago. Wise Blood was one of my favorite novels when I was in high school.
Went to a Shaker village in New Hampshire on Sunday kinda spur of the moment. I needed to get out of Boston in a major way and it was too icky to go do the cliff walk in Newport, RI like we had planned. It was a quiet little trip but I think the three of us had a good time. The Shaker religious sect is a pretty interesting one. Except for their complete celibacy to the point of not even communicating with the opposite gender I can really stand behind them. It is sad that they died out, but great that there is so much that is preserved.
blee is growing tall more and more each day and eating like a little piggy. At lunch she just couldn't get enough of her baby food and the adult food that we gave her. Then on the road home she drank a full 14oz bottle of whole milk! And then for dinner she ate chicken and some blueberries. She likes fruit and meat a lot, but veggies are a struggle with her. She will do sweet potatoes and squashes and carrots if I mix them with (a lot) of applesauce but that is about it. Oh she kinda likes cucumbers.
Okay, time for bed I've rambled enough. Hope everybody had a great weekend to start off a great week. Keep warm!
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Working Through Pain
New work is coming faster these days. But I won't be online much as a result, and for a number of reasons. Not this week at least. I need some serious online detox time and today I kept them off all day until tonight because I wanted to scan this in and upload some photos. Expect this piece in my Etsy Shop soon enough once I get more pictures taken of it in the morning. Side shots and the like since it is a dimensional piece.
But I certainly kept myself busy. Today was a sad day, the last day seeing the woman who has been our visiting mother for the past seven months. She was linked up with me through this great program and has been coming over for an hour once a week for months now. But all good things must end, or so they say. And this is no exception. There are actually pretty strict rules in the program for her to now sever all ties. She can't contact me but she did give me her email address so I can write and send pictures. Also, because I started the program so late she is looking into being able to come back for a visit in the future.
I cried while she was here and then put blee on my back, put on some sunglasses and went out to meet a friend for coffee. I drowned my sorrows in a totally decadent Pumpkin Spice Latte and Chocolate Creme Cheese muffin. Eeeep! Not going to do that again. Until I do.
Got groceries, came home, put blee down for a short nap. The nap was short but I still managed to make this piece in the meantime. It consists of pages from an old french/english dictionary collaged with one of my woodblock prints onto stretched canvas.
Then I baked Sunrise Muffins. If you ask nicely maybe I will post the recipe. They are very tasty and pretty healthy too. My baking powder and soda are both expired so they didn't rise as much as they should, but they were still good. And will be better next time!
I'm sad. Looking at the pictures I took of them make me sad. But they are also precious. Blee is going to miss her. I think Maeby will too.
But I certainly kept myself busy. Today was a sad day, the last day seeing the woman who has been our visiting mother for the past seven months. She was linked up with me through this great program and has been coming over for an hour once a week for months now. But all good things must end, or so they say. And this is no exception. There are actually pretty strict rules in the program for her to now sever all ties. She can't contact me but she did give me her email address so I can write and send pictures. Also, because I started the program so late she is looking into being able to come back for a visit in the future.
I cried while she was here and then put blee on my back, put on some sunglasses and went out to meet a friend for coffee. I drowned my sorrows in a totally decadent Pumpkin Spice Latte and Chocolate Creme Cheese muffin. Eeeep! Not going to do that again. Until I do.
Got groceries, came home, put blee down for a short nap. The nap was short but I still managed to make this piece in the meantime. It consists of pages from an old french/english dictionary collaged with one of my woodblock prints onto stretched canvas.
Then I baked Sunrise Muffins. If you ask nicely maybe I will post the recipe. They are very tasty and pretty healthy too. My baking powder and soda are both expired so they didn't rise as much as they should, but they were still good. And will be better next time!
I'm sad. Looking at the pictures I took of them make me sad. But they are also precious. Blee is going to miss her. I think Maeby will too.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
mmmmm Autumn
My favorite season is here. And to celebrate fall please feel free to take 15% off any pieces in Etsy Shop with a fall theme. If they have Fall or Autumn in the title is what I mean. Just put "fall" in the notes to seller and I will send you a revised invoice.
Monday night and Tuesday were kind of a wash for me. I planned on blogging on Monday night but I got tired. Then I slept in. Monday was spent packaging up some orders and getting them mailed while running some errands.
Today I went to Cambridge with a friend via T to go to this clothing exchange to trade in some of the clothes blee has outgrown for some gently used correctly sized clothes for fall. This along with the few basics Jon and I purchased over the weekend and the $100 Gap gift card we are waiting on should cover us for all of the fall and a good part of the winter. Especially if her growth continues to be slower like it has been.
There are a few of the outfits she has worn this past season that I can't part with just yet and have put into a box for maybe another baby girl someday.
My Visiting Mom comes for the second to last time on Wednesday and I am looking forward to seeing her, but so sad that she will be leaving our lives soon. She has been a real blessing to me and Alex during these past months. I know all good things have to come to an end, especially when they are scheduled too. But I am very sad about this.
Going to go read some of the new chapter of "The Artist's Way" and go to bed. Goodnight and good morning. Or good whenever you happen to stumble upon this posting.
Monday night and Tuesday were kind of a wash for me. I planned on blogging on Monday night but I got tired. Then I slept in. Monday was spent packaging up some orders and getting them mailed while running some errands.
Today I went to Cambridge with a friend via T to go to this clothing exchange to trade in some of the clothes blee has outgrown for some gently used correctly sized clothes for fall. This along with the few basics Jon and I purchased over the weekend and the $100 Gap gift card we are waiting on should cover us for all of the fall and a good part of the winter. Especially if her growth continues to be slower like it has been.
There are a few of the outfits she has worn this past season that I can't part with just yet and have put into a box for maybe another baby girl someday.
My Visiting Mom comes for the second to last time on Wednesday and I am looking forward to seeing her, but so sad that she will be leaving our lives soon. She has been a real blessing to me and Alex during these past months. I know all good things have to come to an end, especially when they are scheduled too. But I am very sad about this.
Going to go read some of the new chapter of "The Artist's Way" and go to bed. Goodnight and good morning. Or good whenever you happen to stumble upon this posting.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Four Choices
One of these pieces is already up on my Etsy Shop right now, the others are not. Yet. One will be making it up sometime on Monday, the others during the rest of the week. I need your help deciding what should go up first. Thank you.
The weekend was thankfully much less eventful than Friday. Nothing to freak out about. A replacement cape is already being made and hopefully be with us by early next week. Plenty of time for blee's Halloween costume. We never got her one last year because even though the little baby sized ladybug costume was tempting, it seemed silly to buy something that would only get used once for a picture. Making a costume out of things that will be used again suits us much better. Plus blee will make the perfect little hobbit girl! I just can't give her a ring because she is likely to swallow it and that would be bad.
Let's see. Dinner at an awesome Ethiopian restaurant with a good friend and her not new anymore boyfriend on Saturday was fun. If you haven't tried Ethiopian food and like eating with your hands you are in for a treat if you ever get the chance. I got my date mixed up and I'm meeting with two girlfriends for a girl's night dinner two Sundays from now and not tonight. Which suits me just fine because two dinners out in a row is a bit much.
We ordered new Marimekko bedding for our new bedroom. Bright and cheerful instead of dark and intense. Also no cat claw rips all over it.
Autumn is here in Boston and I am enjoying it fully. My art sales are really picking up and tomorrow I am going to be quite busy packing up orders. I'm well on my way to getting that D-SLR I have my eyes on. Provided I don't blow it on a baby carrier. I'm starting Week Four of "The Artist's Way" tomorrow and I'm looking forward to it. Last week was rough. While it is encouraging that my business efforts seem to be paying off, the fact that I am still not feeling all that creative hurts.
Hope everybody reading this had a great weekend and has a great week. Time for me to brush my teeth and head to bed.
Here's a little blee video to bring a smile to your face if my words could not.
The weekend was thankfully much less eventful than Friday. Nothing to freak out about. A replacement cape is already being made and hopefully be with us by early next week. Plenty of time for blee's Halloween costume. We never got her one last year because even though the little baby sized ladybug costume was tempting, it seemed silly to buy something that would only get used once for a picture. Making a costume out of things that will be used again suits us much better. Plus blee will make the perfect little hobbit girl! I just can't give her a ring because she is likely to swallow it and that would be bad.
Let's see. Dinner at an awesome Ethiopian restaurant with a good friend and her not new anymore boyfriend on Saturday was fun. If you haven't tried Ethiopian food and like eating with your hands you are in for a treat if you ever get the chance. I got my date mixed up and I'm meeting with two girlfriends for a girl's night dinner two Sundays from now and not tonight. Which suits me just fine because two dinners out in a row is a bit much.
We ordered new Marimekko bedding for our new bedroom. Bright and cheerful instead of dark and intense. Also no cat claw rips all over it.
Autumn is here in Boston and I am enjoying it fully. My art sales are really picking up and tomorrow I am going to be quite busy packing up orders. I'm well on my way to getting that D-SLR I have my eyes on. Provided I don't blow it on a baby carrier. I'm starting Week Four of "The Artist's Way" tomorrow and I'm looking forward to it. Last week was rough. While it is encouraging that my business efforts seem to be paying off, the fact that I am still not feeling all that creative hurts.
Hope everybody reading this had a great weekend and has a great week. Time for me to brush my teeth and head to bed.
Here's a little blee video to bring a smile to your face if my words could not.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Friday Feature - Une Petite Etoile (one little star)
A star is what blee feels like when she wears one of our many luxurious bibs by Etsy seller Une Petite Etoile. My love for her clothing started when one of my favorite customers sent me a gift package filled with bibs and onesies back when I was pregnant. Now I have everything from blankies to diaper covers.
But now is not the time for me to shop for myself. Now I have a friend who is expecting a little girl at the end of the month and I need to find her something special so here I find myself back drolling at little frilly yet hip dresses and more bibs than I could ever need even with my messy eater. The things that keep me going back are her flawless craftsmanship combined with a beautifully seductive array of fabrics. The hard part is choosing what to get!
I'm getting a fabric covered headband for myself because I can't resist.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Finding a home
Can't resist sharing this Toledo, Ohio shoutout from my daughter. My husband is from those parts and when we were in Ohio we drove up to see his grandmother and made the required Tony Packo's stop. Yum. Don't mind the sweaty head, she got a bath after the photo was taken.
~
Hmmm, second custom order almost in a row now. The last piece is the only custom piece, the other two are old favorites of mine. These prints will be heading to France soon. Sometimes I let my mind wander to all the places that my artwork has traveled and think about how even though we don't go to any of these places I have at least been able to touch them in some small way.
Check out my blog on Friday (or maybe Thursday night) for my first Friday Feature in awhile. Hopefully this will become a regular thing. This person is a favorite of mine for clothing miss Blee and I look forward to featuring her work.
~
Hmmm, second custom order almost in a row now. The last piece is the only custom piece, the other two are old favorites of mine. These prints will be heading to France soon. Sometimes I let my mind wander to all the places that my artwork has traveled and think about how even though we don't go to any of these places I have at least been able to touch them in some small way.
Check out my blog on Friday (or maybe Thursday night) for my first Friday Feature in awhile. Hopefully this will become a regular thing. This person is a favorite of mine for clothing miss Blee and I look forward to featuring her work.
Sunday, September 07, 2008
Happy Birthday Again!
So, I'm back to doing the "Artist's Way" and am finishing up week two tonight. So far it is going much better than when I tried it in the past. And even then it helped me. I think I will be back in business by October. Which is pretty usual for me because looking back in my journal I've had pretty serious creative blocks the two summers prior to this one.
I'm actually feeling kind of excited because usually when I do break through a block I end up with a breakthrough in my work. And that is something that I feel my work needs right now. Something to give me the spark and the deep passion back.
~
But other than writing in my journal every morning and going for a long walk and hanging out at a cafe by myself on Friday night this past week has been pretty much a wash for me. And that is okay. Who knew that a first birthday could be so hard on the parents? Guess that is what driving to Ohio for one party and then hosting another one for friends in Boston the following weekend does. I'm exhausted but happy.
Today was the Boston party and our apartment pretty much had the maximum number of people in it that it could take without me losing it and running out screaming. It was fun. There was cake. There were brownies that had a toffee almond chocolate bar in the center.mmmmm Nothing as spectacular looking as the Pooh Bear cake from the week prior but everything was tasty and people had a good time. And she finally made a mess of herself with the cake. Somebody is getting a bath tonight! More like she should be getting hosed down.
I wore the bleeeeeee! pendant we were given. It has a sturdy chain and she is quite gentle so I am able to wear it even while wearing blee. I just hope I don't lose it because I want to put it in blee's memory box and some point. I think she would get a kick out of it when she is older.
These last two weeks have really driven home how much our daughter is loved and just how much she reflects that love back to others. We are very blessed to have her in our lives. She truly is the best thing that ever happened to me, I wouldn't change a thing about her.
I'm actually feeling kind of excited because usually when I do break through a block I end up with a breakthrough in my work. And that is something that I feel my work needs right now. Something to give me the spark and the deep passion back.
~
But other than writing in my journal every morning and going for a long walk and hanging out at a cafe by myself on Friday night this past week has been pretty much a wash for me. And that is okay. Who knew that a first birthday could be so hard on the parents? Guess that is what driving to Ohio for one party and then hosting another one for friends in Boston the following weekend does. I'm exhausted but happy.
Today was the Boston party and our apartment pretty much had the maximum number of people in it that it could take without me losing it and running out screaming. It was fun. There was cake. There were brownies that had a toffee almond chocolate bar in the center.mmmmm Nothing as spectacular looking as the Pooh Bear cake from the week prior but everything was tasty and people had a good time. And she finally made a mess of herself with the cake. Somebody is getting a bath tonight! More like she should be getting hosed down.
I wore the bleeeeeee! pendant we were given. It has a sturdy chain and she is quite gentle so I am able to wear it even while wearing blee. I just hope I don't lose it because I want to put it in blee's memory box and some point. I think she would get a kick out of it when she is older.
These last two weeks have really driven home how much our daughter is loved and just how much she reflects that love back to others. We are very blessed to have her in our lives. She truly is the best thing that ever happened to me, I wouldn't change a thing about her.
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Happy Birthday to Meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
The party was Sunday in Ohio, but the day is today September 2nd at 7:14pm blee turns a year old.
I'm in shock. I'm also completely exhausted from the trip and needing to do a bunch of things now that we are home.
The trip was fantastic though despite the fact that my little one is getting her first molars in. She handles teething so freaking well, like the little trooper that she is.
And I got to see family, my best friend from college and a couple of Etsy people; Stilettoheights and Gemmafactrix.
It has been a crazy wonderful year. Blee is very loved by us, her family and her extended family here in the online world. That has become very clear to us and was driven home this weekend at the party. Thank you to everybody who was there following the horrible pregnancy, anticipating this little one and just caring. I already will have so many stories to tell her when she is older about how she was our little superstar.
I'm probably missing about a million things that I could be saying right now because I am so exhausted. I am thankful for our family, our friends, her Etsy aunties and others. This kid is getting a big memory box full of handmade goodies built up for her.
May year two be even better.
I'm in shock. I'm also completely exhausted from the trip and needing to do a bunch of things now that we are home.
The trip was fantastic though despite the fact that my little one is getting her first molars in. She handles teething so freaking well, like the little trooper that she is.
And I got to see family, my best friend from college and a couple of Etsy people; Stilettoheights and Gemmafactrix.
It has been a crazy wonderful year. Blee is very loved by us, her family and her extended family here in the online world. That has become very clear to us and was driven home this weekend at the party. Thank you to everybody who was there following the horrible pregnancy, anticipating this little one and just caring. I already will have so many stories to tell her when she is older about how she was our little superstar.
I'm probably missing about a million things that I could be saying right now because I am so exhausted. I am thankful for our family, our friends, her Etsy aunties and others. This kid is getting a big memory box full of handmade goodies built up for her.
May year two be even better.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Mixing Things IUp
New stuff is continuing to enter my shop a few pieces a day. Including this piece.
But I have been in an art slump every since finishing up that custom and printing new work. I've even been slow to scan in and upload many of those pieces. I decided to start journaling again and I came to a decision that it is time for me to step away from what I know and do some playing with art. For me that means monotypes of some sort. So today and tomorrow I will be brainstorming and I think collecting some leaves for stencils and on Saturday or Sunday I will lock myself in my studio and have some fun. Dammit!
It hasn't been easy because on top of everything blee isn't her normal easy going self. She's constipated and pretty darn cranky about it. Other than feed her certain fruits and give her plenty of water there isn't much I can do other than wear her a lot and ride this rough patch out. And that is exactly what I did this morning when she couldn't be soothed by any means other than putting her in our gorgeous and snuggly Zidee pod and going for a long walk with a friend. Worked like a charm, and for about an hour or two after getting home as well.
I'm planning on purging a few carriers in the near future but the Zidee isn't going anywhere. As she grows it just gets better and better. Learning how to wrap her on my back has made using the pod a snap. Here, have some cuteness and have a great weekend! Hopefully come Monday I will have some interesting work. It doesn't have to be great it just has to be free and experimental.
But I have been in an art slump every since finishing up that custom and printing new work. I've even been slow to scan in and upload many of those pieces. I decided to start journaling again and I came to a decision that it is time for me to step away from what I know and do some playing with art. For me that means monotypes of some sort. So today and tomorrow I will be brainstorming and I think collecting some leaves for stencils and on Saturday or Sunday I will lock myself in my studio and have some fun. Dammit!
It hasn't been easy because on top of everything blee isn't her normal easy going self. She's constipated and pretty darn cranky about it. Other than feed her certain fruits and give her plenty of water there isn't much I can do other than wear her a lot and ride this rough patch out. And that is exactly what I did this morning when she couldn't be soothed by any means other than putting her in our gorgeous and snuggly Zidee pod and going for a long walk with a friend. Worked like a charm, and for about an hour or two after getting home as well.
I'm planning on purging a few carriers in the near future but the Zidee isn't going anywhere. As she grows it just gets better and better. Learning how to wrap her on my back has made using the pod a snap. Here, have some cuteness and have a great weekend! Hopefully come Monday I will have some interesting work. It doesn't have to be great it just has to be free and experimental.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
modeling letdown
There was a call for models at this high end sling company in NYC that I heard about over the weekend. It was for the end of August so I knew that I was entering late and my chances were slim. But it was an excuse to get nice photos taken.
Well as soon as the skies cleared for a brief moment my friend with a D-SLR camera went out with me and took some photos. Among around 300 there were about 10 or 12 good ones and this spectacular one. (I need to start saving for a D-SLR as of yesterday)
Of course as soon as we get home an email is waiting for me saying that the modeling positions are full at this time. That they would love to use my photos in their gallery and will keep me in mind for the future. But no free expensive Psling for me this month. That is okay, could it possibly get any better than this one that I already have? I like this photo a lot.
I'm still listing new art on Etsy at a somewhat sluggish pace considering how much I have to put up. The custom and another order have been mailed out and I'm not quite sure what to do with myself artistically. When in doubt cut collage paper or tear printmaking paper. Or maybe even do some carving! I have a block I need to finish. Sketching sounds good too.
Oh and did I mention that blee is finally crawling? Eep! Now the fun really begins.
Well as soon as the skies cleared for a brief moment my friend with a D-SLR camera went out with me and took some photos. Among around 300 there were about 10 or 12 good ones and this spectacular one. (I need to start saving for a D-SLR as of yesterday)
Of course as soon as we get home an email is waiting for me saying that the modeling positions are full at this time. That they would love to use my photos in their gallery and will keep me in mind for the future. But no free expensive Psling for me this month. That is okay, could it possibly get any better than this one that I already have? I like this photo a lot.
I'm still listing new art on Etsy at a somewhat sluggish pace considering how much I have to put up. The custom and another order have been mailed out and I'm not quite sure what to do with myself artistically. When in doubt cut collage paper or tear printmaking paper. Or maybe even do some carving! I have a block I need to finish. Sketching sounds good too.
Oh and did I mention that blee is finally crawling? Eep! Now the fun really begins.
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
Even the rain
When a dreary rainy day doesn't keep me from enjoying my day that is when I know that I am doing better. Unfortunately with the sporadic storms we had to keep our walks brief but still enjoyable. And it least it wasn't hot out. And a new friend of mine, a SAHM that lives a few blocks away, came over for lunch with her sweet little boy. I have my work to keep me busy but having some sort of social activity during the day really helps me stay sane.
This is the two of us in a long woven wrap that I purchased months ago but could never get the hang of a back carry until today. I'm still no master with it but I will keep at it because it is very comfortable and I just love the material. If it doesn't work I will probably have it cut up and turned into a podagi (Korean inspired carrier). Blee looks like a total ghost baby in this picture, but she actually has a bit of color these days despite my lathering her up with sunscreen and covering her with a hat and sometimes even a parasol. But compared to me she will always be my little white girl. Especially since I have gotten quite a nice tan this summer with all the walking we've been doing.
Still scanning in and listing work from the weekend at a good pace. I also am re-organizing some files on my computer in an attempt to get organized and to get some high-res images over to the Flashbags ladies for a new line of my work. That is something on my task list for Thursday.
The weekend is coming up, not soon enough. Enjoy it.
This is the two of us in a long woven wrap that I purchased months ago but could never get the hang of a back carry until today. I'm still no master with it but I will keep at it because it is very comfortable and I just love the material. If it doesn't work I will probably have it cut up and turned into a podagi (Korean inspired carrier). Blee looks like a total ghost baby in this picture, but she actually has a bit of color these days despite my lathering her up with sunscreen and covering her with a hat and sometimes even a parasol. But compared to me she will always be my little white girl. Especially since I have gotten quite a nice tan this summer with all the walking we've been doing.
Still scanning in and listing work from the weekend at a good pace. I also am re-organizing some files on my computer in an attempt to get organized and to get some high-res images over to the Flashbags ladies for a new line of my work. That is something on my task list for Thursday.
The weekend is coming up, not soon enough. Enjoy it.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Enjoy Summer!
Hope everybody is enjoying summer and doing their best to keep cool in this heat.
I am doing my best to enjoy my little vacation. It hasn't been easy to shake the dark cloud that has been following me, but things are getting better. I haven't been able to take a 100% break from art as a custom print order came in and I am working on that. But that is a good thing not a bad thing! It is a fun custom representing the four seasons, I can't wait to see it completed.
We've spent a lot of time outdoors going on walks combined with going to Cedar Point amusement park when in Ohio I have gotten a bit of a tan. I always make sure to use sunscreen with blee and put a hat on her, I even have a UV reflecting and blocking parasol for really sunny days. I'm a touch paranoid about her skin as she is so much fairer than I am. I just hope that even though she seems fair she is like my little sister and tans instead of burns. I hope the tiny bit of Indian blood she has in her protects her.
I'm enjoying babywearing more than ever and continue to lose weight. I'm hoping to fit in a single digit pair of jeans come fall, that is my big goal. Sometimes I get negative comments from strangers but mostly people smile, say something nice or make a silly joke. Just today an older man commented that I seemed to have quite a load on. I just smiled and told him that weight bearing exercise is good for me! Then I kept on with my walk.
Blee is napping and I need to get back to prepping my studio to print tonight. I would like to print now but I don't want to get ink out only to have her wake up crying in the middle of printing. I need a chunk of time and I won't have that until she goes to bed.
I am doing my best to enjoy my little vacation. It hasn't been easy to shake the dark cloud that has been following me, but things are getting better. I haven't been able to take a 100% break from art as a custom print order came in and I am working on that. But that is a good thing not a bad thing! It is a fun custom representing the four seasons, I can't wait to see it completed.
We've spent a lot of time outdoors going on walks combined with going to Cedar Point amusement park when in Ohio I have gotten a bit of a tan. I always make sure to use sunscreen with blee and put a hat on her, I even have a UV reflecting and blocking parasol for really sunny days. I'm a touch paranoid about her skin as she is so much fairer than I am. I just hope that even though she seems fair she is like my little sister and tans instead of burns. I hope the tiny bit of Indian blood she has in her protects her.
I'm enjoying babywearing more than ever and continue to lose weight. I'm hoping to fit in a single digit pair of jeans come fall, that is my big goal. Sometimes I get negative comments from strangers but mostly people smile, say something nice or make a silly joke. Just today an older man commented that I seemed to have quite a load on. I just smiled and told him that weight bearing exercise is good for me! Then I kept on with my walk.
Blee is napping and I need to get back to prepping my studio to print tonight. I would like to print now but I don't want to get ink out only to have her wake up crying in the middle of printing. I need a chunk of time and I won't have that until she goes to bed.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
