It Began Here

It began here, my affinity for stickers, stamps are after all stickers that can transport words across the miles or around the world. What do your childhood collections say about the adult you that you have become today?

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Kelly Pond

Midnight surrounded the landscape. The outline of the woods and the edges of the frozen water are only discernable to someone who was familiar with Kelly Pond.

Two people sat at the edge of this pond and waited for the darkness to ease.

As the moon rose, it cast an azure light through the trees and across the pond, transforming the snow into a mystical landscape. The brightest heavenly bodies twinkle their wink as the weaker stars were swallowed up in the moon's radiance. Venus, who only a few days ago was delighted to dance with the moon, now played a game of tag across the sky, catch me if you can.

Securing ice-skates to their feet, they ventured out onto the windswept frozen lake, the ice crackling underneath their skates. Their laughter filling the air.

As they skated, circling the pond and each other, they could feel something growing. Was this the beginning? Could the hands of time and the tick tock of fate be on their side?

Their energy spent, they found the ice to be a comfortable bed. Facing the stars, watching their breath plume above them and drift away, they hold hands, for that moment they are one.

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If...

If items are promises, what do these containers promise?  Is their promise to be realized or let go to make room for something else?  Something that better fits who I am today.

I am a push over for a container, especially if it is shiny.  Add in vintage and belonged to my Great Grandma and I'm sunk.

Any advice? 

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2020 Vision

There have been days, even months, in the past five years where my vision of what our future was going to look like was muddled with uncertainty. Before moving to Anchor-town the path forward seemed easy, obvious, attainable. We would have an idea, devise a plan, and implement the plan into action. These recurring uncertain days have been unsettling to say the least, and it is high-time to put these days behind us and have a sharper vision of our future.

We have tasked ourselves with clearing away the overgrowth of debris in our lives, both physical and emotional, our goal is to have an unblemished view of our future. The coming new year brings about opportunities for rejuvenation.

We have experienced a long fall, metaphorically speaking. I suppose you can say it has been a time of resting, and gaining strength. Now it is time to use the gift of our rejuvenated spirits. Time to foster healthy ideas, devise the plan, and see where 2020 leads us.

Our 2020 vision ~ rejuvenation!

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True Love Language

True Love Language

It is not about getting what you want, it is more about giving what they need.

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Project Four ~ Textures

Project four is out the door two days early! And it's out of this world. Wood, brick, and rust with a few celestial bodies for balance.

Now it's time to enjoy the remaining hours of the weekend with my favorite fella and a cozy fire in the fireplace.

I trust your weekend was relaxing, invigorating, and fabulous.

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New Chapter

One upon a time I did something else, now I am making plans to do something new.

New chapter, new chances for growth.

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Joys of Moving

The joys of moving mean that you get to clean out your pantry, and perhaps find some yummy graham crackers. 

It turns out that they do not taste very good when they are almost six years past the best-by-date. In fact they smelled so stale that a square made it to my lips just under my nose and I cringed away.

Good to know that the local Fred Meyer's store has plenty of fresh and tasty graham crackers in stock.

Happy moving day for both of our sons. Thanks for letting us join in on all the fun. Another good weekend in Fairbanks making memories together.

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Project Three ~ Reflection

Today we turn in project three, shadows and reflections. I was able to experiment using the classroom airbrush to enhance the flowers reflection, it is a fun tool. I can see the attraction for using an airbrush to produce watercolor paintings. 

We have one more project that is focused around texture, and a final project which needs to be painted on a full sheet of the fancy French cotton paper, 30 inches x 23 inches. Any and all ideas are welcomed.

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Moments of Change

There is a moment in time when everything changes, when a belief you thought you knew as truth becomes unfamiliar. Grab hold of this moment of growth as you just might become the best version of yourself to date.

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International Language

The international language of play. We all own it, possess it, and live to be part of the kinship. Laughter and harmony, one with who we are on the inside.

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Items are Promises

"Items are promises, promises of someday when." A day when the stars align and everything in life will be a fulfillment of those peaceful daydreams, a perfect picture of happiness. That is the day to un-package that item you have been saving. That something for someday.

Make today that someday. Take that something out of the package, off the shelf, or from the back of the closet and use it, drink it, light it, and enjoy today.

Change Your Closet, Change Your Life - Gillian Dunn - TEDxWhiteRock

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Sustainability, Culture & Connection

“The United Nations just released a global report on biodiversity showing that areas with some form of indigenous governance—amounting to a whopping one-quarter of the world’s land base—have significantly better protection of ecosystems. Culture, connection and protection seem to naturally flow from continuous occupation. The report calls for governments to support indigenous involvement in conservation efforts as a key part of helping to “transform the public and private sectors to achieve sustainability at the local, national and global levels.””

The Viking Guide to Oil Wealth Management

While other countries let corporate interests plunder their oil, Norway strong-armed the CEOs into giving its citizens a windfall. By: Mitch Anderson

Reasons to Be Cheerful - Tonic for tumultuous times.

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Project Two ~ Indigo

Did I tell you I have signed up for and am taking an art class at the university this fall? Beginning watercolor.

Project number two parameters included the use of only indigo paint, and the gradient is to be light to dark with no light next to light or dark next to dark of the same gray scale.

The class turned in their works of art yesterday and we partook in a group critique. My class mates are all talented, and their kind words shone  bright for other's pieces of works.

On to project three... painting water, with reflections and shadows.

Wish me luck. I'm gonna need it to keep up with my young and talented classmates.

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Twilight

As twilight approaches the raven calls, his voice echoing in the cool crisp air.

The leaves lose their luster, then their lofty view, letting go of the past, for change is what they do.

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Spoils of Summer

It was an excellent summer. You?  What gifts did you add to your list of happy moments?

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Earthquake ~ 5.1 - Upgraded to 5.2

Just home and about to start supper. These large shakers still give me a startle after the one on November 30th shook me to my core.

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Eggs & Lines

Eggs and lines equal the beginning of a creative interlude as summer turns to fall.

It is time to see what has been quietly resting under the shell of my inner abilities.

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Feeling Lucky

Feeling lucky to have lunch with my best fella on a random weekday at the Lucky Wishbone.  Best fried chicken on the planet. Seriously, on the planet!

Have a wonderful weekend my friends. Fry on!

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Glacier Hunting

Portage Lake in Portage Valley

Cascade Glacier in Prince William Sound

Barry Glacier in Prince William Sound

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