All Dressed in White

It's cold this morning with snow on the ground. I find myself missing my outside time this morning. I love drinking that first cup of coffee out on the garden bench with the breeze blowing and the birds singing. Yet I love the snow as well and the warmth of the fire inside with the family huddled close. Spring, I know, is just around the corner. And within a few months I'll be sitting on the garden bench with sketchbook in hand admiring the budding trees and plants. Until then, I will revel in the beauty of the yard all dressed in white.

The Birds... A Shadow Box

So I started this shadow box. I am making it out of an old drawer. I am not, as a rule, into birds, however, these touched me somehow. I want to create something that shimmers and sparkles, yet is calming and touching all at once. We'll see where I end up with it.

Finished Page

Finished my Christmas 2010 page. Time to start something new !

Welcoming 2011

Today is the last day of 2010. For our family, it has been, as always, a chaotic year. Deaths, births, many changes, both good and bad. But so much growth this year. My girls have grown up so much and I have grown as well. Internal changes in me have been as dramatic as the changes in my 12 year old's height! (And she grew like six inches!) I feel so much more confident, ready for change, driven to change, determined to change. I was reading another blog the other morning and she had chosen the word "soften" for her 2011 mantra. That really got me to thinking... so what will my mantra be this year? One word is really hard. I might be able to narrow it down as I go, but for now, here is my list.

"Embrace Change"

"Empty what's full and fill what's empty"

"Have Faith"

"Be Fearless"

I'll figure it out as I go and as the Good Lord leads me. For now, once again, "It's time to move on.... It's time to get going.... What lies ahead I have no way of knowing.... but under my feet baby.... grass is growin... it's time to move on... it's time to get going... Thanks Tom Petty for these words that have pushed me on year after year and whenever complacency encases me.

In honor of the new year I finally got my art supplies back out (glorious!) and started a journal page. This is what I have so far after furiously stamping, coloring and pasting. We'll see where it goes. Just like me it could go in so many different directions. Potential is a heady thing... and fear is what blocks it. Wishing you all the very best of 2011!

The end of Christmas Vacation

Here I am with my girls in the midst of the hussle and bussle of Christmas vacation. Such a special time of year and one that I look forward to. My girls are growing and maturing. No more cuddling, no more toys to buy. Now it's all electronics and money, but I am so thankful for their health and their progress. They are three strongly independant young ladies, which was my goal. Oh, don't misunderstand me, my husband and I screwed them up plenty, just like our parents did us and just like they will do with theirs. But all in all, I'm satisfied. I feel over the past year a shift. A massive turn of the earth under my feet that will uproot us and take us in new directions. I feel the second phase of my life moving away and the third pouring in on me at the speed of light. It's a scary feeling, but somewhat welcome as I am ready for a new challenge. As long as my family is happy and healthy and growing and evolving, then I'm up for anything. So with the end of Christmas vacation and the beginning of 2011 just days away, I am ready. Bring it!

Summer's end

You can hear the squirrels cutting away on the acorns in the tree in our backyard. That old familiar crunch as you walk across the lawn as you step on the fallen ones is so welcome. We have had such a long, hot summer and we are ready for fall's cool breezes and colorful leaves. Soon.... very soon....

In Memory

Painted these sunflowers this weekend because Erin loved sunflowers. She passed away on Thursday and will be very sharply missed by the family. Her smile and laughter will remain with us in our memories. We loved you more than you ever knew...