artsy-crafty babe

happy halloween!

A ladybug, a skeleton, a vampiress, and a chicken (or rooster? turkey?).  Fun was had by all most.  Way too much candy was consumed :) 

Somebody came up with a costume at the last minute.

I used my mad duct tape skills to fashion a skeleton.

This one likes to get into character.

And this one, well, she was just along for the ride.

Halloween 2012 :)

one

It's hard to believe that it's been one year that Ceci has been in our lives.  This sweet little girl that I couldn't imagine being without.  She turned one today.

I'd love to eloquently say something profound to mark this special occasion, but words escape me.  I am overwhelmed with gratitude and love.

We celebrated today with family and close friends.  It was a glorious day with the most wonderful weather.  We couldn't have asked for more.

Last week we had the chance to spend some time with my grandmother.  Near the end of our visit, after observing us throughout the day, she commented to me "you're really enjoying this one".  Yes, so true.  I have been enjoying Ceci as much as possible.  I know from experience how quickly the time goes by.

Happy Birthday, Ceci!  I love you baby girl and I'm so happy that you're part of our family!!!

working out the kinks

I've been drinking the kool aid, the Wiksten Tova kool aid, that is.  I'm sure you've seen this shirt all over blog land.  I love it despite the fact that this style doesn't flatter my shape, and more importantly, it doesn't fit me!  Those two factors would dissuade most normal people, but it made me more determined to make it work.  What can I say, I like a challenge.

 

So far I've made 3.  Three muslins, none of which are suitable to wear out the house.  Well, the first one could probably pass, but I never finished it. I got fed up and moved on, for a little while.

 

Here I am with version #4 all cut out and ready to go, a few tweaks made from version #3 (I never planned to make a version #2).  I have my fingers crossed that this is the one!  I'll keep you updated...

my sketchbook

For a while now, I’ve enjoyed taking a peek into others’ sketchbooks – Alisa, Lori, and Denice, to name a few.  But it was Blair’s sketchbook project that gave me the nudge to start a sketchbook again. 

Over the years I’ve started many sketchbooks.  I’ll start out with good intention, but then I quit.  I lose interest or simply get frustrated…I can’t draw.  The good news is that drawing can be learned (this I discovered while taking a drawing course in college), but it takes time and practice.  Honestly, there were always other things that I preferred to spend my time on, especially when drawing didn’t come naturally and felt incredibly uncomfortable.

I guess I wasn’t ready.

In my past sketchbook attempts what I’ve failed to see is the point keeping a sketchbook.  PRACTICE.  It doesn’t have to be perfect.  It’s not supposed to be a book filled with beautiful perfect drawings – it’s for experimenting!!  And discovering!! And playing!!  Oh my goodness, how did this concept elude me?

Now that I’ve set myself straight on the purpose of a sketchbook, drawing is fun.  I’m stuck on these silly little houses.  So what if it looks like a first grader drew them, I don’t care.  I’m having about as much fun as a first grader with a brand new coloring book!!  I’m enjoying the process, so the outcome doesn’t really matter, does it?

I’m sure I’ll get sick of these houses eventually, then I’ll move on to something else.  Little by little, I am beginning to feel more comfortable and not so afraid to try something new…even if it turns out awful. After all, it is only a sketchbook.

Hello, October!

Wow, October already. I love October, it's one of my favorite months. There's so many things to love about this month - the weather, the season, my wedding anniversary (15 years!), pumpkins, a first birthday, and Halloween. Well, I don't really love Halloween, but it is fun in small doses.

The only problem I have with this month is that it is jam packed with activities. I'm afraid that it is going to fly by in an instant. I want to savor these days! I'm already a little bummed that Matt and I won't get to properly celebrate our anniversary because he has a football game on the actual day, then Lily has a soccer tournament the following weekend. Her soccer schedule is seriously cramping my style.

In an ideal world I'd be spending my weekends cooking soup and baking pumpkin muffins while knitting or working on some hand work...not traveling for hours to sit on the sidelines of a soccer field. Oh well, soccer season doesn't last forever. (can you tell I'm not really a sports fan?) Sorry, I'm just being grumpy. I really do love watching my kids do the things that they love...and I'll be on that sideline whether I feel like it or not.

I guess I'll have to figure out how to fit in the cooking and making in between all those after school (and weekend) activities, this month is too wonderful to miss out. Bring on the mums, pumpkins, and colorful leaves, I'm ready.