Well, it's been quite the week here- between a three year old with bronchitis, a traveling partner and our bikes getting stolen out of the garage:( -I am left feeling slightly defeated and depleted- so I thought I'd post today about some of the positive things that are happening round these parts- to counter balance what seems like a lot of negatives:
here-we-go....
FAMILY:
Look at these two little buddies
I seriously CANNOT imagine my life without animals
animals OR children for that matter...instant LOVE and JOY
HOMEWORK:
Here's my current BFF
yup- that's right, it's a digital recorder. I am an interviewing maniac!!! 4 down, 2 more to go!! Trying to get my research work done this week is CHALLENGING to say the least- I had an interview via Skype with a woman in Ohio today and planned it when the kids were both going to be at school- then ended up having to get Mosie from school early (still sickly) an hour before the interview was gonna start!!!- but he was a champ and didn't interrupt me during the interview:) - thank you to the technology of television and movies on demand! PHEW!!
FOOD:
made this for dinner last night- big sister EM has been whipping up these great root veggie casseroles- that was my inspiration (not the best pic- but you get the idea)....
INSANELY GOOD- here's what it is- I used my new fabulous food processor (thank you Grammy Sheila) and thin sliced potatoes, sweet potatoes, turnips and acorn squash. Tossed them all in EVOO, salt and pepper, a few cloves of garlic, goat cheese, and dill in a tube (genius product here)- into a casserole dish- topped with a little shredded parm- baked for 60 min.'s at 400 degrees- PERFECTION- so easy and SO , SO TASTY!!
ART:
I have some how?????made time to paint in the last month- thank goodness.
The first piece is a commission of sorts- someone won my services at an auction last spring for mural painting- she was concerned about the permanency of a mural and asked if I could do something on canvas instead- OF COURSE I CAN!
She emailed me this inspiration shot of the beach she grew up at
Here's what I came up with.
What do you think? I am still going to work the foreground a bit more, but I'd love some feedback:)
I also did these two little guys- (BOTH FOR SALE - contact me if you're interested!!)
MEDITATION:
I attended a mindfulness based meditation workshop a couple weeks ago and was blown away- and inspired- so the next day I went with it-and rearranged my only own personal space in our home (my studio) and set up a spot for meditation
Here it is
and below is where I plan on making a small meditation "shrine" type of thing on the wall out of reclaimed wood (will be looking for some this weekend!)
it was also a great chance to reorganize the studio and clean things out- I picked up these super-duper cheap shelves from IKEA to assist in the process
it feels so much larger- and more peaceful in here now- I also whipped up some of my favorite- super-simple-grommet drapes out of a Target shower curtain- 4 curtains out of 1 shower curtain- BARGAIN! I have these drapes here, here and here in our house:)- and also in a hallway that I don't have a picture of:)
I also have a couple special pics I wanted to share with ya'll-
This is a figure study watercolor panting I made my first year of college- still love it:) Contact me if you're interested in this piece too- it would be lovely in a bathroom;)
and I recently acquired a bunch of old photos from one of my grandmothers- this is a picture of my Dad as a little guy playing in the sandbox with his little sister and father after work- so precious!!
That's all I got:) Hope you are all well- thanks for stopping by!
We had a little bit of healing today- after a very long, very difficult weekend of cat searching, calling, crying, meditating, and coming to grips with the fact that our sweet Frida girl may not come back- I finally feel a little sense of relief knowing that I CANNOT control this situation- and what is meant to be will be. Accepting that has given me some peace.
This little man has given us all some peace, a little bit of hope, and whole lot of healing...
His name is River- I call him Baby Riv.
and yes, it can get even cuter...
I SWEAR I did not prompt or set this up in any way shape or form- my kids are just that cute;)- and the cat was literally looking at the pages during the entire "read"
Me and D are sitting listening to the various projections, feeling grateful to be back in this "baby stage" of animal-parenting. And Beau is being his sweet self...laying quietly, but inquisitively so curious to meet the little guy- he's warming up- I predict they will be friends buy the end of the week:)
I am thankful for new life, new loves, and the sense of hope that adopting a baby kitty has given our family.
I thought I'd do a daily quick post for the month of November. It's a busy month for us already- LOTS of things scheduled and things needing to be scheduled, etc. SO- following a lot of my good ole' FB friends I thought I'd *try* to do a daily blog post on things I am personally thankful for...here goes nothin'
#1
Earlier in the week I, like many was thanking my lucky stars for my family, home, and the security that came with all being in one piece after the hurricane hit the East Coast. I am thankful that we live in a country where there is aid to help people in need, and resources that get to people who need it most in times of crisis such as this. I am thankful that people are pulling together and assisting those who are feeling the effects of this horrible storm, and I hope that all of the efforts ease the pain that so many people are feeling right now.
#2
Finding out TODAY that the floor tiles that I recently removed in our kitchen (in prep for the hopeful kitchen reno we will be doing this spring) are in fact NOT asbestos as me, D, and a contractor had all seriously questioned at one point in time. I AM THANKFUL for sure!!
What are you thankful for?
