Moving

I woke up Sunday morning and felt like I wanted a change. I decided to dismantle my art room and move it into the bedroom. I am hoping that this will inspire more art and more blogging (sorry for the long break). Now, the guest room is just the guest room (1st picture above). I have no idea why during the holidays I chose to start moving. My husband says its my cure for the desire to "move move" - maybe?!

Thanks for all your comments about the gym and procrastinating. I did make it to the gym that day! My goal is 3x/week with my daughter. Last week was 1x (yikes!), but here's to this week! We are talking about signing up for a Marathon, now if we can just make it to the gym:)

No More Procrastination!

I have been procrastinating on working out lately. I seem to find one excuse or another. Why can't Biggest Loser be on tv every night:)? I will exercise today & here are my top 10 motivating factors to leave the house & hit the gym:

#10. Decreases my irritability (so my family tells me:)
#9. Feels like an accomplishment.
#8. Biggest Loser show (no guilt when watching the episode)
#7. My pants will fit better (be able to breathe properly again:)
#6. I love to run!
#5. No thinking about the fact that I should be working out while spending time in the art room.
#4. Get to listen to my ipod.
#3. A check for the calendar (I mark off the days I workout on my calendar, can you say nerd?)
#2. Get to eat more chocolate (at least that's what I tell myself:)
#1. To be healthy!

Ok now that I have made the list, its time for the gym (no more procrastination:)

Life pL@nS!

On our 10 year anniversary, we had such big plans. We were headed out the door when a phone call came through that altered the plans for the day (lets just say it involved an ER visit, everythings fine). It took me way too long to adjust to the idea that our plans went out the window. I kept thinking maybe we could recover part of the day at least. The funny thing is that we had such comical moments throughout the day that I'm sure we will be laughing about 10 years down the road. Here's to adjusting faster & flexing with life!

"Ugly journal pages"

In Zom's blog, http://pinchmetoseeifyouaredreaming.blogspot.com/, she talks about "ugly journal pages" and she encouraged me to post one. This ugly journal page I actually posted it to my blog in the past, but cropped it because I really disliked it. One of the comments on Zom's blog, talked about focusing on the process not the outcome. I find when I do less thinking/planning that the page actually turns out better. I like the idea of not worrying about whether the page is "ugly" or not because its really about the process which for me is therapeutic. Here's to stopping the insane worry about whether the page turns out to be good, bad, or ugly:) Thank-you Zom!

Celebrating

I took the day off today to spend with my spouse. We are celebrating 10 years of marriage.

Credits: Photo altered at www.befunky.com.

Art Journal Page

I had taped the Biggest Loser (love this show!) to watch tonight and usually I just go to bed after watching tv, but tonight I felt so energized after watching the show. I felt like running a marathon, but settled on working in the art room instead:) I have no idea what this art journal page is about. The word "lost" just kept coming to mind so instead of over thinking it, I just put it on the page and let the page unfold.

Rain

Its raining for the first time in a long time. I love the sound of it and it always feels like it gives me a great excuse to spend the day in the art room, well at least the morning:) Good thing I don't live in Seattle, I'd spend every waking day in the art room!

Random Thoughts

I think this is the longest time span that I have gone without blogging. I have no idea what caused the delay - life I guess:) I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Its exciting to watch the neighbors hang Christmas lights today. I can't wait to get the Christmas tree, this has to be my favorite part of the holiday. Have you bloggers started Christmas shopping & decorating your place?

Making of a diamond

I was talking to one of my coworkers this week and she was talking about life challenges and how she has to remind herself that a diamond is not made through a gentle process, but through a rough one. I found a quote that I love that sums this up: "When we long for life without difficulties, remind us that oak grows strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure". by peter marshall

I wanted to say thank-you for the comments about my last blog entry. Very encouraging!!

The Present

I'm working on accepting that I am here in this place for now. I am so ready to move. I find myself counting down the days when the changes are months away. I have to constantly remind myself to enjoy the present. Here's to dreaming, yet embracing the here and now!

enjoying 2 days off

I love having days off during the week. I always make big plans then I realize I just enjoy sipping coffee and standing in the sunlight. What would you do with a free, unscheduled day?

Happy Accidents

I love when accidents become art! I don't even know how I got a picture of my smile on my camera. I was taking pictures in the car and must have snapped one of me without realizing it. I had planned to use one of the sky pictures (in previous post) in my journal this morning, but when I printed it out & tried placing it on the page ~ it just didn't work. I was looking through my pictures & this one of my smile (didn't even get my face) just struck a chord & voila ~ it turned into a journal page.

the sky

The sky was so amazing yesterday. I couldn't help, but share it.

Saturday

I wish every day could be Saturday.

hope

Thanks for your words of encouragement in my last post! I am enjoying my morning off from work and feeling more hopeful. Hope you are enjoying your Friday!

Credits: Stamp by Teesha Moore.

Questions Unanswered

I was talking to my husband yesterday & I was asking him why he thinks things don't seem to be working out (life things not marriage wise:). He responded that possibly the purpose is to show us what's not meant to be. Here's hoping the purpose will be crystal clear in the future. I came across this quote & I hope it proves to be the truth:

"Difficulties are opportunities to better things; they are stepping stones to a greater experience. Perhaps someday you will be thankful for some temporary failure in a particular direction. When one door closes another always opens." author unknown

Veterans Day

Walls of Graffiti

The first time I happened to find these walls of graffiti I was without my camera (something I try not to leave behind). So the next time I was in town, I made sure I had my camera and took some pictures to share with all you bloggers! You may have to click to enlarge the graffiti walls. My favorite on the walls are the radio heads - so random I know:)

Zetti Style Attempt

This is my second attempt at art journaling zettiology style. Its so much fun to just try something new.

Inspiration

Last night, I went to Teesha Moore's blog, http://teeshascircus.blogspot.com, and watched all of her videos. There is a succession of video tutorials on how she creates her journal pages. I have always wondered how she makes her pages look so unique. I was thrilled that she shared her secret. I gave it a whirl tonight. A few mistakes, but I enjoyed the process. Check her videos out & try it out - just play:)

First Page of New Art Journal

I am loving my new art journal. This is my first page.

Credits: Images from artchixstudio collage sheets, rub-ons from dee's designs, and 7 gypsies black tape.

bag of wishes

Wouldn't it be so cool to have a bag of wishes to hand out? I passed out flashlights at a football game two weeks ago for a domestic violence awareness vigil. When I altered the photo, it looked like I had sparkled gems in the plastic bag. I have no idea how I reached the conclusion that it looked like a bag of wishes! If you had a bag of wishes to give out - what would you give & to whom?

Sewing 101

My daughter bought her first sewing machine yesterday with the money that her Grandmother sent her. It was an interesting day that included a trip to the library for a sewing 101 book - a day of laughter & a little frustration:) Now its time for trick or treating.
Happy Halloween Bloggers!

Art Journal Page

When I created this art journal page it was Sunday evening. I journaled about my hopes for the week. I am trying to stay more positive about the start of the week, enjoying something each day. I have to say though I am still looking forward to the weekend! One day away . . .

My New Bound Art Journal!

I finished binding/creating my own art journal. Now I just hope that it holds up:) I'll let you know if it makes it through all the gluing, painting, ripping, and collaging.

Art Journal Pages

This is the result of just playing in my art journal and not thinking while creating. I just glued, painted, and then journaled. It was kind of fun to just stand back and look at the finished product & try to make sense of it!

A Movie Recommendation

It has been a busy few days with having to work on Saturday - yuck! I am so glad that it is Sunday. During this busy, chaotic week I made time to go to the movies with my daughter. We went to see the movie, Where the Wild Things Are, on Friday evening. I recommend it to anyone - its magical!

Past Photos

I love looking at past photos & thinking about the changes that have occurred since that time. Wow its almost insane too consider all the changes that have taken place in my life.

I completed a journal page with this old photograph of my daughter & I & then wrote about the changes (the journaling occurred in the evening not the morning - still working on that goal:) .

Ocean View

I love the Adobe Photoshop program. I decided to change my view from my front window. No longer is it a view of a house, but of the beautiful Atlantic Ocean. If only life was like a photoshop program:)

Journaling

After using that small book for my art journal, I felt overwhelmed looking at the large blank pages staring back at me. So I decided that I would journal on one side and create a collage on the opposite side. My plan is to journal in the morning and collage in the evening. I'll let you know if I stick to it, mornings are a little hectic here:)

Think Monday . . . Think ATC

Today's theme for Think Monday . . . Think ATC was punk. I loved the theme. I used images from Teesha Moore's Zettiology collage sheet - thought they fit punk perfectly!

Art Journal Page

I have always wanted to try the Caran d' Ache water-soluble crayons. I finally picked some up at the craft store & I am already in love with them! You just dip the crayons in water and start writing or doodling. The doodles/writing on my page is the black water-soluble crayon. I highly recommend buying a set if you enjoy art journaling.

Art Journal Completed!!

I love the feeling of completing an art journal & the starting of a new one. My mom sent me the journal behind the completed one. I love it & its small so I plan to use this art journal while I bind my own. I plan to use Traci Bautista's book, Collage Unleashed, to walk me through the steps of book binding. Wish me luck!!

"Bucket List"

A coworker was telling me that after watching the movie, Bucket List, her & her friend created a bucket list (i.e. list of things to do before they die). One of the items on their bucket list was to see Cher in concert & guess what - they flew to her concert in Las Vegas & said that it was an unforgettable experience! You have to wonder if they would have made it happen if they hadn't recorded it on their "bucket list".

I journal back & forth with my friend & we created our own version of the bucket list - I figured why wait, might as well start now! Our list is 30 things to do in our 30s! & when we hit 40 it will be 40 things to do in our 40s:) What would you put on your bucket list?

Morning Journaling

I was looking at a recent blog post about morning pages (see pinchmetoseeifyouredreaming - link on side bar of my blog) & I decided to try it out. I usually am in the art room late in the evening, working in my art journal. I never really thought about the difference between recording events vs. just being in that moment & journaling whatever comes to mind. It was fun to just change things up. Give it a whirl, when you wake up in the morning tomorrow - start journaling!

Think Monday . . . Think ATC

Today's theme for TMTA was autumn impressions. Autumn makes me think of home with the trees turning bright, beautiful shades of red, yellow, orange, & gold. Just thinking about it makes me miss home:(

On a lighter note for today, my daughter & I went to the movies to watch Fame. It's a good one, catch it at the movies if you still can!

Credits: Time stamp & home image from Life's Journey collection from K & C Co.

Good Finds

I went to Barnes & Noble bookstore today & spent time looking through all the new art magazines (i. e. Somerset Memories, Art Journaling, & Somerset Studio, etc.) & browsing the art books (i.e. Image Transfer Workshop, Journaling Bliss, & Wreck This Journal, etc.). There is so much inspiration right at our fingertips - check out the craft section next time you visit a B&N and you'll see what I'm talking about:)

enjoying Saturday

After working 12 days in a row, it feels like such a relief to have a day off. I haven't blogged for a few days because of my work schedule. I really missed the art room aka "bat cave". This week helped me realize what is important to me.

Credits Female image & ruler transparency from artchix studio collage sheet.

Searching 4 Balance

"What I dream of is an art of balance". by Henri Matisse

Think Monday . . . Think ATC

Today's theme for TMTA was cities. So I chose one that I would love to visit . . . Paris, France. I did something different for this ATC. I took a photocopy of one of my chubby book pages and cut it up and used on the ATC background. I have read that other collage artists use photocopies of their art journal pages/art work and use the photocopies in future art. I enjoyed updating the elements from the chubby book page & recreating the look of my original collage.

Credits: Artchix collage sheet images.

Art Journal Page

I had to work this weekend. I really missed being home, spending time with family, & of course the art room (which my husband has coined as my "bat cave"). I managed to complete one journal entry this weekend amongst the work day.

Credits: Images from artchix studio collage sheets.

Art Journal Page

One of the many reasons that I love art journaling is that at times it becomes more about self-discovery than documentation of daily events.

Credits: Sculpture in Taos, NM & transparencies from artchix studio collage sheet.

Collage Canvas Friday

looking for hope.

Credits: Female image from artezine, Clock stamp by Stampin Up, Grunge board by Tim Holtz, and rub-on transfers by 7gypsies.

Stop & Smell the Roses

Just a reminder to slow down & enjoy every minute. At times I dread the days ahead because of some anxiety provoking task or another, but I'm trying to just remember that every moment holds potential even in the most unpleasant of situations.

Credits: Girl image from artsy collage & time stamp by stampin up.

ATC

a reminder to keep dancing . . .

Credits: Female image from artchix studio collage sheet & flower (colored with Tim Holtz' s inks) from Paper Studio.