Lessons Learned...

Please don't call blog protective services on me

I know it has been an incredibly long time since I have posted here, and for that I appologize. As with all of you, I am sure, I have been really busy ever since the holidays were over. Funny, that's when I thought it would slow down...

Part of the reason I have been MIA is because I have been focussing all my attention and effort on opening my new Creative Arts Studio and Shop.  

I'm dying to reveal all the fabulous details, but just can't yet. Don't worry, I will be doing just that very soon.

For now you can check out the new blog I created just for the studio here. Check back often because I am working on it regularly to keep everyone informed about the progress and upcoming events. Make sure you don't miss any updates by subscribing to the blog's feed. Just look for the 'Subscribe' button at the top of the page. You can also follow us on twitter.    

Hope to see all of you very soon!

~A

Right now I am cuddled up on the couch with my not-so-little little girl by the fire. She's reading another new book and I'm getting some face time with the laptop.
I love it when the kids are out of school and the rush of the holidays have gone! Life slows down. We get the chance to hang out and just be together.Truly my favorite time of the Christmas break.
I hope you're enjoying this time of year too!
~A

i love a rainy morning

 I really love a rainy morning that I don't have to go anywhere and all I have planned for the day is baking, blogging and crafting with the kids; could there be anything better?

I meant to share this with you the other night, but by the time I finally got an acceptable picture and the kids into bed I was just too tired.

Have you ever tried to photograph a rambunctious young dog and two kids after their bedtime for Christmas cards?!? Don't. Well, unless you want to have a few laughs. I'll share some of the highlights and just tell you that I'm glad I'm digital - 64 shots to get one half-descent picture would have been expensive with film.

 
  Believe it or not, there is a second child and said doggie in this shot.

Uh oh, the new doggie doesn't know what a camera is and needs to check it out!

 
A shot as I get knocked over by said doggie that thinks it's time to play!

Said doggie not thinking he was so lucky to be adopted by us...

Giving up on said doggie in picture didn't make it any easier at this point....

Ok, one more time with said doggie. Let's try it with treats this time.

Never mind.

Have a great day!

~A   

 

so much going on in my wee little head

I think that it may burst! It's funny, I used to be very analytical and more of a corporate/business-minded person (I guess I'm still analytical), but since I have really pushed my creative mind to the forefront I have found it harder and harder to "run numbers" like I used to. I guess it's just about finding balance like anything else in life....I digress...I am working on some big plans that I hope to be able reveal very soon, but for now you have to accept my incoherent rambling.

Sitting at my art desk, working on a new project or class has really become a wonderful exercise in relaxation. Even when it's something I have to do and have a deadline for I find great comfort in letting myself play.

Do you play? When was the last time you played? Ever thought that kids might smile more readily than adults because they're encouraged to go play everyday? Just a little something for you to think about.

Have a wonderful evening!

~A

blame it on the upgrade

well, that's what I'm going to do! You see, my very sweet, loving husband only wanted my computer to work faster for me...He was sure that Windows 7 would do just the trick...I told you my husband was sweet and loving, right??

He is, its just that he is also a devoted Microsoft guy and I have a wondering eye for a Mac (those commercials are so much fun to torture him with!). So he thinks the answer to my computer issues is always to upgrade. I probably don't even need to say anything else or go into any detail - you now know why it has been three weeks + since I last posted.

It now looks like things are better now (knock on wood), so you will be able to get more of me and my witt on regular basis again!

I'll try to play the catch up game tomorrow.

Good night

~A

a quick pictoral catch-up

 
We celebrated a birthday.

We carved pumpkins.

We dressed up for Halloween.

 
 

 

And we added a new member to the family.

 

Have a great day!
 
 
 
 

things that inspire me

The list is quite long and ever-changing as is the case for many of you, I am sure. With that said, here's my current, partial list.

First and foremost, these two! Kids have the most imaginative and uninhibited little creative souls!

Flowers. It doesn't really matter what kind as long as they are vibrant and full of life! Have you ever walked into a nursery or garden center and just instantly felt the urge to fill your car with flats and flats of foliage as if you were born with a green thumb? That's what happens to me every time, problem is I am still working on my green thumb (it's sort of yellow-green now).

The freedom to create. No rules, no lines to color inside of, just pure exploration of your creative side!

Fresh ingredients waiting for my mad cooking skilz!

Art supplies out in open, begging to be used.

 
An organized space. It makes me feel like I can do anything.

 
My space where I give myself the permission to PLAY. Do you let yourself play?

There is so much more on the list of things that inspire me, but I have to say that I am feeling too inspired to sit in front of the computer any longer. So I am off to see where the inspiration leads me. Maybe I'll even have something to show you.

Have a wonderful day!

What inspires you?

Is it the stunning beauty of your surroundings?

 
Is it getting your hands dirty?

Is it a beautiful flower waiting just for you to take its picture?

Or is it watching a child realize he or she can create something on her own?

Tell me what it is that inspires you and I will tell you what inspires me tomorrow.

I had a good mommy day today

Let me start by saying that I (full-service mommy) have been MIA for just about a month trying to get over whatever-it-is-that-I-have-that's-not-the-flu. But finally today, although I am still not 100%, I had enough energy to put a big dent in my mile long To Do list that is longer than normal since I haven't done much of anything for a few weeks. That in and of itself makes me feel really good, but this makes me feel even better:

He's practicing his guitar at the kitchen table while I am in the kitchen baking cookies for him and his sister after school. (Before you roll your eyes, they were just those pre-made halloween sugar cookies.

 Luke has been learning the guitar for six months now and as anyone who has had a child learning an instrument (no matter how much they say they want to learn it) can attest to it is not always easy to get them to practice. Thankfully he has finally learned a song that he knew already and knows all the words to. He loves that he can sing the song while he plays it and he already knew the tune.

Thank God for small miracles! Let's hope next week's music/song will go just as well.

~A

tomorrow is this little man's birthday

Eight years ago tonight I was already fasting to prepare for a C-section. With a two year old at home and a new one ready to enter our lives, I thought my life was perfect. We didn't even know if we were having a boy or a girl. It didn't matter. As I think about my life, I cannot think of it any other way that would make me happier. I thank God everyday for the chance to witness the wonderment of my two children growing.

Eight years ago I thought our lives were perfect. Little did I know that with every passing day I would think that I would see even more perfection in our lives. That's what you get when you look through your heart to see, instead of your eyes and love is reflected back.

Happy Birthday my sweet, sweet boy!