Guys! I think it's done! Well, I mean, it's sort of done. There's still stuff to add and links to fix, and, well, there's still a lot to work out, actually, but we're getting there. I have managed the move...
I'm now officially blogging over at www.inkstitch.net
Come check out my new digs! Woot! :)
Hi all! Thank you so much for all of the good wishes on the book signing. It was awesome, and I'll share more on that soon. Right now I am in the process of trying to redesign some things around here and implement a move. Not that this Typepad template isn't gorgeous (ahem) and not like I'm overdue or anything (double ahem) but I'm looking forward to showing you the new look.
That is, if ever I can figure out how to get it all done the way I want!
(I tried to find a picture of Violet screamin' mad for this post -- because that's how I'm feeling -- but this baby is so awesome-sweet I don't have one!)
Getting ready for my first book signing... What to wear? What to bring? What to write in the books? I should have scheduled a hair appointment and gone on a diet. My friend Jane gave me good suggestions on the book part (thanks Jane!) but most of the details, I think, have to work themselves out with experience. Except for the hair. But even on a bad hair day I'm pretty dang excited to be heading out for the experience!
Well hello, February. I remember you.
You're the one that offers tiny glimpes of brilliant sun and melting snow - and then smothers the world with white in a single afternoon. You're the one just close enough to spring, just far enough past Christmas, that you give us a silly idea about warmth on a near horizon - but then firmly reminds us that it isn't. You're the one that boasts about being the shortest month - and then some days feel the longest.
Yep, I remember you.
You are also the one that sparkles with sun and snow in the same morning. The one that cements a year into the comfortable now instead of the pressing new. You're the one that reminds us that hunkering down can be good, that cold days bring with them good bread, great soup, and perfect moments, and that home is our favorite place to be stuck.
Welcome, February. It's so nice to see you.
I have been thinking a lot about this lil' ol' blog lately. Blogging, whether reading or writing, makes for a lovely dose of daily creativity, and one of my favorite things to do is to sit down for a few minutes and see some of the making that goes on at sewing machines, in studios and around kitchen tables all over the blogoshpere. It is an inspiring way to spend a cup of tea!
Here at inkstitch, I am sneaking up on my own five year blogaversary. (Five years!) There have been many a gap in there as I have struggled to maintain the balance of power between me and my neverending to-do list, but the blog remains. Because even when it gets quiet around here, I think in blog posts. Even when I am not blogging, I still like blogging. And day after day, I find I like bloggers. What I'm saying is, it's not just the making and the blogging that's on my mind today, it's the community.
One of the first things that drew me into blogland were all the inspiring people behind the blogs. I was amazed and delighted, not only at the creativity that abounds in the blogosphere, but also the generosity and kindness. I saw an entire community of goodness, and I couldn't help but want to join in.
My list of blog-reads is as long as my arm, and most of them I have been reading for over half a decade. I think of these women personally, and wonder how their sick child is doing or how their class, their vacation, or their shop sale went. I say things like, "I know someone in Louisiana who..." or, "My friend in Texas said..." But despite this, I have not taken part as much as I wanted to, and I have made the mistake of thinking that if I wasn't updating my own blog I couldn't really comment on the blogs I was reading. Does anyone else do this? It is a mistake. I feel like I haven't taken care of those friendships; like I have been reading and loving all their inspiration and goodness and sharing, yet forgetting to thank them; like I forgot my manners.
I mention all of this simply to say, thank you. Thank you, all you lovely bloggers who have inspired me and entertained me for so long. Thank you for being so interesting and talented (and even for having cute kids). Thank you for your colors and your stories, for sharing your beauty, your insights, your families and your homes. I've been enjoying them all quietly.
As I settle into a new year and a new list of creative goals, I realize that for me, a big part of creating is wanting to join more in this creative community. I want to be part of a bigger conversation. If I suddenly send a comment and you haven't heard from me in awhile, well, sorry it took so long. As I have considered my five year mark, I have mostly considered what a big impact the blogosphere has had on me, and I want to give something back to this awesome group and do something nice to say thank you.
All this and some leftover chocolate cake are what's on my mind today. If I could, I'd have you all over to share it and we'd have a lovely little chat.
So think chocolate thoughts, will you? And thanks for keeping the door open.
"Mini-creative fixes." I do believe we have a theme developing here the past few days. These things evolve on their own... you're cruising along thinking, Gosh, it's been awhile since I made a king-sized quilt or, say, painted a Pollock-sized mural, and along comes some miniature project and announces itself as your next creative need.
Riiighht. I can dig that.
I have some big ideas bubbling in my brain (something to do with a bloggy celebration), but these little earrings just had to be made. They look pretty in this wintery corner, brightened with spray-painted silver branches and some sparkling crystal. It's still dark and dreary here (in fact it's snowing right this minute) but I did manage to photograph these little creative fixes. Seems the winter landscape is influencing my color palette.
I'm off to find my next creative fix. I think it should involve some chocolate treat-making to fill those crystal dishes, don't you?
I have been working in my sketchbook pretty faithfully the past few weeks. Not even so much for the sketchbook challenge as for all the same reasons I have been doing daily writing and carrying an inspiration notebook more faithfully: it's time to up my creative game.
It seems any given year will come along and pick its own theme, and 2011 is no exception. Last year my focus was all about baby Violet, of course, and the year before that seemed to be all about the homestead, and brought with it an increased focus on chicken-raising and zucchini-growing. Those things haven't gone anywhere, and 2011 will include plenty of baby love and vegetables, but this year I feel a real itch to crank on the creativity.
Creativity is not really an on and off thing. I know you know what I mean: it may take a back burner but it's always there simmering. I have a neighbor who makes snow sculptures all winter long (that TRON up there? He's snow.), and another neighbor who composes five-minute poems from the seat of his tractor. Creativity comes in endless forms; left untended it will either manifest itself somehow or make us really cranky! When I don't make time for creativity via writing, drawing or painting it still oozes out somewhere. Less studio or sewing time might just mean more colorful meals or hand-lettered and doodled file folder labels!
But still. I'm all itchy and restless, needing to really make something. Despite the evident lack of cooperation from the clock and the schedule, I need to do a better job of fitting in some great making in easy little doses. With this new focus in mind, and with my sketchbooks and notebooks getting some love, my mind is beginning to buzz with mini projects. I'm looking forward to sharing these little bits with you, but it is a dark and dreary day in inkstitchland, so while I prowl the house and yard looking for a patch of sunshine in order to take a photograph, tell me: what do you do for mini-creative fixes when time and resources are short?
Ladies, start your sketchbooks. Well, guys too if you like, but I didn't draw you; your outfits aren't as fun.
We are officially in week two of The Sketchbook Challenge and I'm here to share some pages. You have you heard about The Sketchbook Challenge, haven't you? Have you joined yet? One of the happy successes from my list this year (finally) has been Carry a Sketchbook. I am not often a joiner, simply for the lack of time, but this has really kick-started me, and it's addicting! I have always (always) meant to carry my sketchbook more, but being a mom it just seems like there is already so much to carry that, well, it's been a little hit-and-miss over the years. (Yeah, excuses, I know, but still.)
Now I'm sketching. I'm drawing. I'm painting and coloring and inking and charcoal-ing and pastel-ing, and you name it, every day. And needless to say I am having a ball. I am practicing all kinds of new and forgotten things. There is a lot of color going on. I adore color, and I am very drawn to intense and vibrant pieces, but I have historically been a bit timid and unsure of my skills when it comes to applying it. This year's book seems to have insisted upon a theme all on its own, though, and that theme is definitely COLOR. While previously I have most often used pencil or ink, now I can't seem to put away the watercolors, oil pastels, acrylic paints and markers. It has been great fun to try my hand at different things, and while the results are not always impressive, it's all good practice, and I find myself looser than I have been, more willing to accept my lousy pages along with the good.
I plan to share more from my sketchbooks, but meanwhile, if you want a little eye candy and a lot of inspiration and encouragement...
One of my favorite sketchbooks to peek at belongs to the ever-fabulous Alisa Burke. Good golly that woman! The color is just gorgeous. (Okay, everything she does is gorgeous, but have you heard about her new Sketchbook Delight workshop?? Gah!)
Then there are Geninne's drawings. I want to be Geninne when I grow up.
Another favorite place is Hubbub. Diana Trout's creative "nudges", encouragement, and of course her book are the perfect jumping off place for art journaling. I could write a whole post of Diana fan-dom, but I'll save that for another day.
And don't forget Carla Sonheim (awesome blog, awesome book). She uses silliness to help you discover your drawing talents even if you claim to not have any!
You can see a few more of my sketchbook pages here.
You can see the official challenge flickr group here.
(Have fun!)
Another item from the 2010 re-cap post that deserves a bit of clarification (and celebration! woot!) is the little mention of my book! You may remember last June I wrote a little list of goals for the coming year... Um, I do believe I've rolled out the red carpet for action around here!
I wrote a book!
And illustrated it!!
And I'm published!!!
The summer and fall of last year were just a bit nutty as I worked day and (mostly) night to meet some tight deadlines and learn a whole new process. I am so excited now to have real live actual books in my hands, and omigosh, forgive me for gushing, but it is just the coolest thing ever! Eeek! I promise a giveaway and some additional treats soon -- just as soon as I can get my head around the chaos of moving all the tall kids around the state and the world and, you know, maybe after I take down the Christmas tree...
Happy Birthday to Kimberly, even though she won't read this. I've had a few comments and emails asking about her, and it seems her birthday is a good time talk about things a bit. She's off, you know, just as I raised her be. Off on worldwide adventures, doing her thing, giving her service, learning the ropes, seeing the world...
What was I thinking?
That's the thing about parenting, isn't it? You spend a couple of decades running as fast as you can, with your heart all tied up in knots, doing all the stuff, barely keeping up, losing all the sleep, trying to capture it all and get in as much joy as you can hold... and then, just when you thought you were getting ready to let go, to see them fly, then they go and do just that.
And it rips your guts out, right while you're celebrating with them.
My oldest daughter is off to serve a full time mission in Argentina. She will be gone for eighteen months, and out of phone and email contact for much of that time. It is awesome to see her going! It is exciting to watch her setting out, to witness her becoming and doing all the things she meant to! Wow!
But when we dropped her off at the curb, it was snowing, and her face was wet with tears and weather, and as she walked away, I couldn't take my eyes off her tiny self. She looked awfully small as she melted into the storm and disappeared, and I tried to memorize the shape of her back, the way of her walk, the color of her hair...
When my son left for Germany, it was the same. That piece of skin on the back of his neck as he went through airport security and disappeared up the escalator, it burned its way into my heart as it moved away; that little place just below his cowlick that used to be as soft as velvet and as small as my wrist.
Next, it will be Logan's turn. A few days from now, he will pack up and move away to school. Not as far as Argentina, but away. Which is excellent, of course. Which is exactly what I want him to do. But although the busy demands of all the little souls left at home will leave me little time to acknowledge it, my heart will break a little. And soar. And break. And soar.
Which, I suppose, is exactly as it should be.
But what was I thinking?
(The photos: a little painting I did the day Kimberly left. Godspeed, Sister.)
(Edit: Photo by the amazing, talented, and oh-so-fun Jennifer Grigg. She travels.)
Happy New Year!
I have a secret: I happen to love Mondays. I love the "fresh start" they invite; the upped energy, the new possibilities, the open opportunity... and I love the first day of the month for the same reason. So a new year, well, that is King. There is a feeling of I can do anything! I be anyone! I can climb anywhere -- just watch me! All I have to do is name it! So, with the hubbub of the holidays and the emotions of getting my daughter out the door (more on that later) somewhat quieted, I will spend a few days doing just that: naming where I want to go. But before I settle in for a week of goalsetting, I thought I'd follow Anna's lead and begin the new year by paying a bit of homage to the old.
:: January found me awaiting for the arrival of my babe, busy, teaching, preparing, crocheting, sewing...
:: And in February she arrived, perfectly and perfect, to be greeted by a roomful of joyful siblings and Evan on speaker phone.
:: March found me sleepless, editing during naps and feeding breaks, still finding storytime and dinner time, but not much in the way of "me" time!
:: April took me to Tahoe for a much-needed break with my Sweetheart and the littlest crew member.
:: In May we took the entire crew to Goblin Valley for some tumbling through the sand and late-night cocoa under the stars. Inadvertnetly, we even packed an extra chair for Evan.
:: June brought my birthday, new list of need-to-do's, Art City Days, plenty of plein air painting, and welcoming Evan back from his exchange year in Germany.
:: July was all about the book! What? I haven't posted about the book?? More on that later, too!
:: August: still the book, but we also managed the Park City Art's Festival, a birthday party for a sassy three-year-old, and a jaunt to Moab with the littles.
:: September already?? Did I mention I was working on a book? With a newborn? And a houseful of homeschoolers? And teenagers?? In between we made it to the Spring City Studio Tour and managed plenty of "Arting" and "Spilling" with the apprentice set.
:: Thank heaven for deadlines! In October we jetted to Portland where I got to see the actual first printing of The Moonlight Message! We also shot JB's videos. Oh my! All very bloggable, but, well, when would I have??
:: November brought us all a much needed vacation to the Happiest Place on Earth. I could go on here about the three year old and the princesses, but that's another post...
:: December already? Where has the year gone! Away, I'm afraid, along with my pretty daughter, who is off to the MTC and then Argentina for a year and a half. This one deserves a whole essay on that staid, tidy walk disappearing into the snow, nothing but a tiny purple coat and a handmade shawl between her and the whole world...
It was a full, raw, fierce and wonderful year. Thank you, 2010.
And Welcome, 2011.
Months fly by; days fill up fast; weeks disappear. But one thing the days are always full of is making.
There's Ian, making music.
And Elihu making art.
We make gifts for big people.
We make gifts for small people.
We make warmth for coming cold nights.
We feed friendships (welcome home Heather!!)
And we feed bellies.
And sometimes we make stuff just for the making itself.
In between the making, I peek into blog-windows and find such lovely inspiration. Even skimming or on the fly, the creativity and goodness around the blogosphere never cease to amaze me. I like this little corner of the world where I can share when I am able. So thank you to those of you who have kept hanging out with me, even though it is only now and then. Thank you so much for stopping in, and have fun with all of your own everyday making! *Muah!*
I love getting Illustration Friday topics in my email; they get my mental creative wheels turning in the midst of the everyday. I don't often have time to draw "on demand," however, so I rarely get to an I.F. topic actually on Friday. But the goals on my list include more art and using my sketchbook, so Illustration Friday has been working its way into my week more often. (I still don't necessarily manage it on Friday. Today I give you Stargazing and Atmosphere. Last week's topic; and the week before. It's how I roll.)
Happy Friday.
It was a busy spring. Busy not with gardening, but definitely with other growing. Our family grew by one. Our love grew and our laundry pile grew. (I'm pretty sure my thighs grew.)
If you are family or if you are local, then you have already met our smallest princess, but for everyone else, meet Violet Mary.
She arrived in February, chubby cheeked and beautiful. She is worth all the sleepless nights and she brightens all our days.
And I don't even mind having less time to weed the garden.
Some of our first harvest -- yeah! The garden has been less of a focus this year than it has in recent years. I had less time this spring to get out there... It was a very pleasant surprise to see a patch of peas spring up on their own! And now these strawberries! We have a new handful each day. Not enough for a batch of jam yet, but our strawberry patch is small, and only in its second year, so we're pleased. And we're having berries on our cereal every morning. Love that.
Me at 39. A little sleep deprived. A little worn out. But excited too. And determined: I much prefer the horizon before me to the road behind.
One of my favorite lines:
The light of the dawn is burning my eyes, and that's just where I want it to be. (Kenny Loggins)
I thought about writing a list of 39 random things about me to celebrate my birthday and a jump back into blogging. But instead of listing things I've been and done, I want to imagine things I can be and will do, things I meant to do but haven't yet. Possibilities. I'll keep doing a lot of the old things, the same things; I am grateful to be at the helm of this crew. But while some of these are sensible "To-Do" items, others are little wishes that got dropped along the way. Therefore, without further adieu, I give you:
39 Things To Do Before I Turn 401. Read the Book of Mormon (again)
2. Carry a sketchbook
3. Carry a camera
4. Quit! Sugar!
5. Lose 20 pounds
6. Attend an art workshop
7. Add a stamp to my passport
8. Swim in a lake
9. Sit on a beach
10. Make quilts for all the babies
11. Teach Julia to read
12. Speak French
13. Throw a pot
14. Submit a piece to the art museum
15. Learn to knit
16. Finish a painting
17. Finish a children's book
18. Write poetry again
19. Send handmade Christmas cards
20. Create something for Dad's house
21. Run a race
22. Hike Maple Mountain
23. Build a solar oven
24. Learn to cook with a solar oven
25. Bake more bread
26. Blog more
27. Write more letters
28. Study the Constitution
29. Erect a flag pole
30. Build a barn
31. Remodel the bathroom32. Take the kids to Disneyland
33. Put an emergency kit in my car
34. Create a studio
35. Fill a journal
36. Complete The Artist's Way
37. Learn something new and musical
38. Live in the present! Let go of the baggage!
39. Pray every day
Happy Birthday, Me.
This just might become our best year yet.
Yesterday's pigtails, this morning's bread, spring sunshine... yep, that makes for a good morning.
Easter was busy, hectic, and perfect here. Not much slowness and contemplation, which [I hear] is nice, but full, with some of my most dear people. There was plenty of inspiration and rejuvenation of the very best kinds.
I am so glad to welcome spring. We're really, really ready for it in so many ways. I pretty much have garden on the brain, but beyond that, I am also craving some re-birth and re-invention in the manner of starting new hobbies and resurrecting old, of getting in touch with our food and prioritizing our time, of remembering my intent in each moment despite all the distractions. We need fresh air. We need a fresh start. We need a little hope and some fresh courage.
So. Welcome, Spring! We are so happy to see you! And we are setting out again, sun on our faces, hope in our hearts, plans in our heads... We have seedlings in the window and blank sketchbooks in the car; the spring cleaning has begun and my toenails are painted; peas are in the ground and goals are on the calendar. We are thinking new ideas and writing new lists of every kind. It is shaping up to be a spectacular season.
Ah! Good morning, indeed!
These little girls are just a couple of the handmade goodies that were kept underground for the holidays. I'll try to share a few more over the coming days and weeks (but you know me and blogging, so no promises!). Inspiration came from the Black Apple, and of course it was easy to use only stash supplies. In fact, these little dollies are the perfect project to use carefully saved bits of favorite fabrics, because they showcase them so beautifully. I did put rice into their little bottoms, which gives them a nice weight, which I love -- but I wish I hadn't! What was I thinking? The girls already need a wash, and the washing machine would, um, come in handy for that. Der. So they each may need to endure a minor remodel when I rip a little seam and try to re-stuff. I'm still debating. Meanwhile, though, they are a huge hit, and are the constant companions of their new little mama. Gotta love that! :)
Nothing pulls a gal out of a blog break better than playtime! I've been busy making and doing and living, but not blogging -- nevertheless, I still visit craft blogs when I can (it's an addiction) and when I saw everybody's giveaway goodness all around the blogosphere yesterday, I couldn't resist joining, even late. -- But then, of course, Typepad wasn't co-operating and ate two of my posts. Gads. But here I am at last, with a lovely little giveaway!
This little dolly quilt and matching pillow are made from 100% cotton and are machine washable for lots of carefree mommying. The quilt measures approximately 12" x 15" and the pair will be shipped to whichever lucky commenter is drawn from the pot. Since we got a late start, I will leave my comments open until midnight Friday before choosing, so please spread the word! If you mention me on your blog, email me and I'll enter you twice. Yes, Dona, Bridget, Kimberly... you can enter if you like, too!
Click back Saturday morning to see if you have won! See a full list of fantastic giveaways here.
PS: The comments from the previous post, which were left for Giveaway Day WILL be added to the drawing. Thanks so much for visiting and for patience! :)
Awww. This is so sweet. The coordinating pillow is a lovely touch. My daughter's doll, Lula, would love it! Thanks for entering me in this generous offer.
Posted by: Beth | December 04, 2008 at 07:24 PM
Beth, please email me using the link at left. My girls had fun reading all the comments and then drawing one from the pot, the old fashioned way. I hope Lula and her "mum" love it! Thanks for playing, and thanks so much, all of you, for stopping by. Giveaway Day was so much fun, and I intend to do more of them, so please do come back -- or better yet, subscribe! :)