Happy New Year!

Spending the last night of 2010 relaxing with my feet up.  Enjoying a movie and the last night by Christmas lights.  Decorations are coming down tomorrow.  I hate to see them go, but it gives us a lot of room back in the house.  

Another transformation is my side of the our office turned into a nursery...

BEFORE.....

 AFTER.....

 
BEFORE...

AFTER...

 

That's our latest change.  2011 will be full of changes for us.  I hope that I can also return to the studio and have the creative juices flow a bit more.  

I have also been blogging for over a year now, let's hope a little more frequently in the new year. Despite having my hands full.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!! 

Christmas on our block

Our first year of collectively stringing lights.  It's so nice to come home to, even if there isn't any parking!  And the picture was taken with my brand new DSLR!!  Boy I love that camera.  I am having so much fun with it.  Many more pictures to come.

The holidays were low key and relaxing.  It seems we are entering upon the quiet before the storm.  5 more weeks till baby girl arrives.

Nursery glider

Thankfully, my Mother had a glider that she offered to us.  It just needed a few tweaks.  I started the painting, but Mom finished it, and did the awesome re-upolstery job.  It looks perfect in the room!!

 BEFORE....

 After....

Christmas tree farm

Every year Hubby and I go to Davidson's Christmas tree farm to cut down our tree.  It's one of my favorite traditions!  Yesterday was a busy day, so as far as we got was the tree in the stand.  Decorating will commence tomorrow!  I so enjoy the holidays, I want a whole 4 weeks to enjoy the living room lit, by the light of the tree.  Happy start to the Holiday's!

NEW CAMERA!!

Who hoo!!! Christmas came early!!!  I am so excited.  I FINALLY have a DSLR(and just in time for the baby too).  I haven't got to play with it much, but here are the first pictures of the furry kids.  I can't wait to use it more. I am going to drive my family crazy during the holidays. Hope they are ready for their close ups.

 

Progress in the studio

Finally!  With the help of my Mom and Aunt I finally set up some temporary space, and worked for a bit yesterday.  Here are some encaustic pieces that are all in progress.  Feel a bit stuck on some of them, right now.  Hoping to live with them and maybe something will come to me. 

A special gift

I was so blown over by this thoughtful gift.  I have LOVED this blanket since I first started knitting years ago.  I mentioned it to one of my co-workers who started knitting last year.  I was so touched when she presented it to me at my shower.  I wanted to wrap myself in it!!!  The handmade gifts are the best!

Maybe I will tackle one myself now, and pass on the love.  

The last bit of daylight

Hubby and I took a walk in the park, as we were loosing daylight.  Here are some pics.  I FINALLY had a good studio day on Monday.  Started a few encaustics, but no images yet.  Hoping to finish some up this coming week.  So, happy to be creative again!!  

 

Good morning!

Off to work, then I have my second baby shower this afternoon.  Looking forward to good friends, yummy food and cute baby girl stuff!
 

steps in the right direction

So the creative juices have started to flow.  I haven't put it to the test yet, Monday will be the show down in the studio.  (It won't be put back together yet.  But, I should have a plan B).  

First I started reading some of my favorite blogs out there, then I researched some of my favorite artist and checked out some new ones.  That was certainly a dose of inspiration.  I combed through the latest Artist Opportunities Monthly and put up some show entry deadlines for myself.  (that usually is a good kick in the butt).  Lastly, I went to my favorite site that just oozes with creativity and prolific artist; check it out here. I mean seriously, look at this studio visit with Jamie Vasta! I am in awe.

So writing, and sketching and really looking forward to producing and feeling like my old self. Wish me luck!

Rainy day

No work today.  It's so gloomy out, rainy and the colorful leaves are falling off the trees.  I decided not to fight it.  After a morning of errand running, I've made a cup of tea and will catch up on the two Netflix movies, that have been sitting for the last month.  If motivation sets in I can catch up on household chores.  But for now, I am going to enjoy laziness. And maybe tackle something yummy in the kitchen.

 (taken with Poloroid app on my Android)

 (taken with the Toy Camera app on my Android)

 

No good dead

It's no secret that I haven't been very productive lately.  But, it is the time of year for art auction and I usually try to participate when I can.  (I have a hard time with the word "No"). 
I agreed to donate to a particular one and then quickly realized that I have such a depleted inventory and the little one is using all my creative juices.  So, before I went out of town I found this 10x10 encaustic that I had started in the spring.  Great, a few tweaks and it will be ready to go.  

When I headed into the studio this morning - my mother's garage - my encaustic work table had been cleared of supplies and stored away to be replaced with new ceiling tiles for Mom's basement.  oh crap....Well I believe what I said was a bit more foul and imaginative than that.  (I guess that's what I get for not being in the studio much this month.)  Then there is the problem that the painting needs to be picked up at noon, and it is now 9:30am.  
I bring the painting, one clay tool and a razor back to my house.  Then realize that my office which has been taken apart to begin the nursery is scattered all over, and I need to print out my bio, and auction form.  Hmmm...so I quickly throw together an office on my kitchen table with my power book and printer.  I pull out the encaustic painting on the other end of the table and begin to make my tweaks.  Here is the result.  I rather like it, thankfully.  And I delivered the painting on time.  Whew!!!

"Congregate" 10 x10" encaustic on panel

Now I am feeling a bit inspired I hope they get the ceiling done soon, and maybe I can make some more artwork!!

Halloween in our 'hood

The neighborhood was gearing up for the Halloween weekend.  I have seen so many more decorations, and pumpkins this year than years past.  Thought I would share some images from my walk.  Especially since I didn't get to carve my pumpkin this year...can't seem to find the  storage bin that has all my tools and patterns.  I guess I should of just gone old school!

Georgetown

Had a lovely visit in Georgetown with two dear friends.  My friend P was in from Denver, and our friend H met us with her lovely daughter.  Such a beautiful fall day, after lunch we walked around the Georgetown campus. So great to see them both!

Blocked

I have been feeling good!  Ran a 10miler with some friends at 17 weeks.  Here is a bump picture.  

I have been avoiding posting because I haven't been able to create anything in the studio.  I've been going, and just can't seem to create anything.  I'm gonna blame it on the baby! Must be using up all of  my creating energy. 

Did have some fun weekend trips with the girls. Vegas and the local beach.  They were bachlorette parties, so no pictures I can post!  But, I really wish I could post some pictures of some actual artwork!!  Here's to hoping I get some motivation soon.   And meanwhile, I am going to try not to be so hard on myself. 

On the Farm

Leaving the Farm today, and really wish we could stay longer.  Hubby and I are so relaxed.  We wonder if we should give up our city life.  Alas vacationing is much different than living in a place. 

Growing up we spent every summer here at my Aunt and Uncles in Ohio.  Such great memories.  I hope our new addition gets to enjoy it as much as I did.  Lots of family and fun!  And now we are road tripping home.

BFF

H

My best friend was in town for a few days.  We had some quality girl time pool side with some trashy mags, a little shopping, and lots of good food.  I've decided that 3000 miles is too far away for a best friend to be!

One really long work day today, and tomorrow Hubby and I are off on a family vacation.  Can't wait to relax some more!

Summer painting

Had an afternoon in the studio!  I have been wanting to paint something to hang in our kitchen.  I've never done that before.  I've hung my work in the house but never painted something specific for that.  I wanted it to seem fun, a bit quirky.  Here it is in progress. 
(sorry the pics aren't better - it was a bit over cast.)

 

A new addition

Hubby and I are expecting our first child in February.  It's one of the reasons that it's been so quiet here.  That and I am just enjoying the summer!  Spending a lot of time relaxing, and doing lots of summer activities.  

I feel slightly guilty for not getting enough time in the studio. But I am sure I will get back in the swings of things soon.  Until them enjoying our good news and the slow pace of summer.
 

cats and dogs

These are the latest commission pieces.  They are all for the same client to decorate her nursery. (What a great idea, huh?!)

 Madison

Vegas

 Beau

I may have another commission coming soon, but for now it all my stuff all the time in the studio!  I am very excited. My wonderful Aunt sponsored a trip to the art supply store.  I am fully stocked with canvas and can't wait to get working! Perhaps I can sneak a few hours in before the week is out.

Peanuts and crackers jacks

Had a great time watching the Ironbirds, our local minor league team.  Great seats, affordable treats and the team always puts in a great effort.  

Another favorite summertime pastime.

The weather has finally broken as well.  For a week or so I felt a bit confined.  The temps and humidity were so bad I couldn't enjoy being outside for summertime fun.  The past few days have been great, and morning runs finally enjoyable again.  There may even be a breeze today!

Urban gardening

Last year Hubby and I attempted our first urban garden on our row home roof.  It was a but too hot, and nothing was very happy, including me when I had to trek up 3 floors to water.

This year we turned our cement backyard into a container garden and have been enjoying it all summer.  The lettuce is about done, the herbs are going crazy as are the jalapeno's and the cayenne peppers.  Hubby doesn't like spicy, so I'll be giving away some salsa!

I am really looking forward to the tomatoes!!  In a week or two we'll be able to enjoy the first one of the summer.

I am so thankful, I can just walk out the back door to water!

My favorite pastime

Even though I have been seriously slacking on the posting lately.  I felt like for my 100th post I should do something big.  But I couldn't come up with anything!!  I  am having serious brain fog lately.  

Instead, Erika asked me about some book recommendation yesterday and gave me a good idea for today.

I have always been addicted to reading.  When time allows 2 or 3 books in a week!  My friends always ask me what books I recommend.  Sometimes I hesitate because I feel it's a bit subjective.  But, hey they don't have to like them, or finish them.  

Here is a small list of my favorite all time reads.  I will say I love all kinds of books.  And most of my summer reading right now are crime novels, and chic lit.  Usually because I read so much and you only stumble upon an amazing book every once in a while.

So here is my list: 

1. A Prayer for Owen Meany, John Irving

2. The Time Travelers Wife, Audrey Niffenegger

3. All the King's Men, Robert Penn Warren

4. Memoirs of a Geisha, Arthur Golden

5. Pillars of The Earth, Ken Follett

6. She's Come Undone, and I Know This Much is True, Wally Lamb

I also love to read Stephen King, Kathy Reichs, Patricia Cornwell, and I laugh out loud to Janet Evonovich's Stephanie Plum series.  I just finished "The Girl who Played with Fire" by Stieg Larsson the 2nd book in his series.  

Thanks for asking Erika!  And giving me a great post idea.