and now it's time for more chili

Orange is one of the new colours. There certainly is something wonderful about squeezing a new colour out of the tube! Though I do love mixing colours too. But, oh, the fresh paint. Love it.

New place for my paints. received this huge cookie jar at my recent art play date. I've always wanted to have these big clear glass containers to hold art supplies. This one is a perfect size to fit my paints in. Also got a bunch of new paint colours to play with.

Other loves today: the sun shone again today
and it was light-ish out until 5:20 today
the glory of the sung benediction
a big batch of homemade chili (and those fixin's - fritos, cheese, onion)
peanut m&ms in pink

the tribe

great things about today (again, no particular order)

the sun peeking through this morning

yummy triple decaf mocha

dancing folks during the ice=breaker this morning

such a great connection at the all church retreat this morning

oh, how i love that Carolyn Myss quote (we evolve at the rate of the tribe we are plugged into.) it's *so* true, non?

5 x 7 rainbow index cards

smelly markers (the ones that smell like fruit and mint and stuff)

clementines with the little i heart cuties stickers

getting to know a tribe through 'people bingo' - seriously no one in our group of over 30 people had a tattoo...(no one had dressed up as Elvis or a Bible character either)

getting new comments on my blog and flickr accounts


an hour with a mug of decaf coffee and a stack of magazines at b & n

a night at the museum. really enjoyed this movie tonight.

good conversation, laughter, connections.

such a good day.

thanks.

encaustic day

Had the wonderful opportunity to meet up with a group of amazing artists today. And this is one set of what I created today. (I made two other pieces first, these are my favorites).


What a great day. Super sweet women, lots of sharing, laughter and tears. A perfect day. We even witnessed the most beautiful huge rainbow after the big rainfall. I was too engrossed in art and conversation to grab the camera to get photo of the rainbow. You all know what rainbows look like anyway, right?


House hunting continues. Some crazy yucky places, one totally perfect house -- except that it was about 10 yds from the highway and we'd *never* be able to step outside for a barbeque or a morning cup of coffee, or an evening glass of wine. But, oh, the house was *so* cute.

excited about my crafty t-shirt

i'm totally going to make one of these t-shirts for myself next summer.

i'm really trying to get caught up on posting all of the collage a days to my flickr (and taking the photos of them). i got behind on photographing them because it's just not as sunshine=y here, and i had this deep aversion to photographing with the flash. i'm over that. so stay tuned to flickr. there will be more and more and more of them coming in the next few weeks. until i finally catch up, and then it'll be back to posting one at a time.
what are your crafty + arty intentions for the year? I continue to highly recommend doing something every day. you'll be amazed at the results. Some days I don't like what I end up with at all. But, I feel like I've learned a ton in the past year.

the sun shone and we walked on water

so beautiful here today. sunshine and warm for a couple of hours. went for a walk along the water in kirkland. did a little window shopping. it's a little too foo foo and glittery in the section we were walking around in today. there was a tully's though! which kept us warm as we walked around later in the day. it's a bit cold and wet by the water.
there's another shot of this sculpture in flickr, without the mirrored building in the background. i like both the shots, but this one is edgier i guess.

make art everyday

it's good to have an art group to meet with.
i was able to go this saturday and had *such*a*good* day.


on the drive there i stopped at St. Vincent de Paul.
bought two plastic doily like things for stenciling
and a big wheel of vintage crepe paper
then in the free pile outside found 7 solid wood frames!
big plans for those.

then...
Tully's - this one has a drive through, nice because there were no parking spaces left in their tiny lot.

fortified and ready for hours of making art and conversation in a public place.
wonderful, sweet, talented women all.
i did some backgrounds for more collages.
finished one.



got some more decaf at great harvest for the drive home.
super inspired, i got home, changed into art clothes and stumbled into the studio for more hours of making art, on the cards, in the journal, and more additions to the welcome sign for church.

I picked Seattle when they asked which American city I'd live in if it couldn't be Europe

You Belong in Amsterdam

A little old fashioned, a little modern - you're the best of both worlds. And so is Amsterdam. Whether you want to be a squatter graffiti artist or a great novelist, Amsterdam has all that you want in Europe (in one small city).

What European City Do You Belong In?

25 things I really miss about the Bay Area

(in no particular order):
1. eyebrow threading (if you know of a place to get eyebrow threading near me –Eastside of Seattle- I’ll be your best friend)
2. the Cheeseboard (pizza, garlic, and those cornmeal & cherry scones)
3. the first Peet’s store (never could remember the name of the streets, it’s in the gourmet ghetto)
4. Picante
5. Half Moon Bay
6. East Bay Depot for Creative Re-Use
7. SCRAP
8. BART
9. my friends
10. my job & co-workers
11. In & Out Burgers
12. breakfast chats
13. fresh pineapple morning treats at D’Autremont
14. lunches out with co-workers
15. Farmer’s Markets
16. honey chicken & fresh fried rice by the TJ’s
17. Japanese dollar store
18. sunshine
19. wearing Chacos nearly every day
20. Barbara’s Fishtrap
21. Walks along the beach in HMB
22. the ocean waves
23. our walking route in San Mateo
24. being able to take photos of my work outside in the sun
25. that little ice cream store on College Ave

can't stop sneezing tonight

I read it and liked it…and started answering the questions myself, so decided to do it. feel free to steal from me too.
What kind of soap is in your bathtub right now?
Green Tea from Trader Joe’s. And a Lime handmade soap I traded for at my last show.
Do you have any watermelon in your refrigerator?
No. This must be an *old* meme.

What would you change about your living room?
We *just* got our new couch and two cushy armchairs yesterday = yippee. I’m anxious for the brand new, glue smell to leave (we have an air purifier running and the window open). We’re still searching for the perfect coffee table. I need to make some new pillow covers, the throw pillows that came with the couch are hideous.
Are the dishes in your dishwasher clean or dirty? No dishes in the dishwasher. I keep forgetting we have one as we lived without one for 4 ½ years.
What is in your fridge?
Milk. cheese. Extra sour sourdough english muffins. Fire roasted tomato soup. A bit of letover pad thai from New Year’s Eve. olives. Wine. Lettuce. Basil. Carrots. Crimini mushrooms (sliced – I’m lazy that way). Whipped cream cheese. “fake butter”. Real butter. Eggs. Flax seed oil. Almond milk. Flax seed. Ground turkey (making chili tonight). Leftover cioppino.
White or wheat bread?
Whole wheat. (and extra sourdough white)
What is on top of your refrigerator?
A brown paper bag full of paper products that a congregant brought to us our first night in this rental. (so sweet). A pottery crock full of kitchen utensils. And the little rag we use to clean off the write on board we use for to do list and to buy lists (separate ones for each of the main shopping hotspots – Trader Joe’s, PCC, Costco, Target)
What color or design is on your shower curtain?
white, waffle weave.
How many plants are in your home?
Two.
Is your bed made right now?
Yes.
Is your closet organized?
Sort of. Everything is hung up or on a shelf. But it’s not in rainbow order or anything that spectacular.
Do you drink out of glass or plastic most of the time at home?
Glass. Or stainless steel water bottle.
Do you have iced tea made in a pitcher right now? No. Not a fan, and um, how old is this meme?
If you have a garage, is it cluttered?
Yes. No.
Curtains or blinds?
Both. And neither, depends on the room.
How many pillows do you sleep with?
Four. two to sleep on, one for knees, one for tummy.
Do you sleep with any lights on at night?
No.
How often do you vacuum?
when it needs it, not often, we’re a shoes off household.
Standard toothbrush or electric?
both. I’m the manual one, I can’t stand the way the electric one tickles.
Do you have a welcome mat on your front porch?
Yes.
What is in your oven right now?
not a thing.
Is there anything under your bed?
No.
Chore you hate doing the most?
weeding.
What retro items are in your home?
a couple of my favorites: a bird planter, a slipper chair with cool bright green and blue basketweave, granny square afghans, cast iron pans, loop woven hotpads, and so much more.
Do you have a separate room that you use as an office?
Sort of. I have a separate table in my studio with office type stuff there.
How many mirrors are in your home?
One in each bathroom (3) and the doors on the closet in the master bedroom have mirrors (2 each closet – that’s really *way* too many mirrors for me, but, hey it’s a rental).
What color are your walls?
white (rental)
Do you keep any kind of protection weapons in your home?
never. Though I have compromised on allowing a baseball bat to be kept on hand.
What does your home smell like right now?
glue of the brand new couch and chairs.
Favorite candle scent?
beeswax.
Ever been on your roof?
not this one.
How many TVs do you have?
two.
How many house phones?
One.
Do you have a housekeeper?
No.
What style do you decorate in?
Classic, with eclectic fun.
Do you like solid colors in furniture or prints?
Solid colors.
Is there a smoke detector in your home?
Yes, several.
In case of fire, what are the items in your house which you’d grab if you only could make one quick trip?
I have lots of canvas bags easily accessible on a hook in the kitchen…baby jesus (see recent post), laptop, the Bible my grandmother gave me (though right now it’s in the books boxes), my art journal bag, iPod, camera, purse.

25 things I’ll never get tired of

1. fireplaces
2. decaf dry cappuccinos
3. the quality public library (King County - love it!)
4. NPR
5. quotations
6. swimming
7. my visual journal - paste, paint, ephemera
8. the ocean, river, water!
9. picnics
10. handknit socks
11. a hot bubble bath with beeswax candles & a book
12. fresh baked goods
13. handwritten letters
14. handmade gifts that really *fit* the person
15. game night
16. thrift store, estate sale, garage sale shopping
17. having a view of snowy mountains
18. teaching
19. learning
20. hanging out with friends, laughter, food, stories, games
21. peace
22. working for freedom in the United States
23. day trip adventures
24. taking photos
25. my family

live with intention

I haven't called them 'resolutions' in years. What I do like to do each year on my birthday - which is quite close to the new year, so works in time with many of the western world folks who are of a mind to write these resolutions/goals/intentions.
So, some afternoons by the fireplace at Tully's led to some journaled pages - a few highlights of the writing to come in the next few weeks.

Oh, Celine Dion, just rotated in. I just *love* her new CD. And Taking Chances - what an excellent song. Now there is a theme for the year for me! It really encompasses all of the intentions I have written down in the journal and have on my heart.
Perhaps you could read some of the intentions I have on the art journal pages. I do plan to continue the daily art practice. Not necessarily collage, since I don't have enough of the cards left. I had some more than the 365 cards, but I will soon run out of those, and then I will count time spent on journal pages, making art on reclaimed coasters, making earrings, pendants. Just being sure to spend time in the studio (or Tully's, or wherever we may be - hopefully we'll be able to take a vacation now and then)
One from my heart series. I'm trying to "go with" themes that come to mind while I'm making art this year.

The super secret sewing project. I made the TV cozy. We have used a big scarf for years...but, it slides off easily and I've wanted to make one for years. I like this one, but think it needs something...maybe I'll embroider some flourishs.

I forgot to take photos of the fingerless mitts I sent to my mom and SiL for Christmas...hey, if you two are reading this in the snowy Twin Cities will you take photos and then email them to me? Thanks.

More Christmas gifts to share with you later. I'm still getting over my nasty cold and need to head to bed for my few pages of reading and then restful sleep.

good things

I have been wanting an iPod player for a long time. I convinced myself that I would be less distracted by the computer if I could charge the iPod on something other than the laptop - because the internets just pull me in...and the next thing I know I've checked on all my flickr contacts, all the group photo updates, followed links and Yikes! I've been playing here for two years (erm, maybe more sometimes). So, It is Working. I love this thing. The remote control allows me to crank it up (when I'm home alone) and run upstairs for the iron and continue to hear my favorite podcasts. Right now I'm working my way through a pile of NPR Most Emailed Stories. While inserting other favorites here and there in the playlist (knitTherapy, Stash & Burn, Geek Farm Life, and more).
Another favorite thing I did on my birthday (the actual day), I took a pile of papers and my can full of pens and pencils to Tully's to sit by the fire and draw.
More collage bits to be added to each of these pieces. This is one of my favorites from the day.
Awaiting a favorite quote and bits of paper.
There's quite a mess in the studio tonight. Oh how I will miss having this much space to spread out...if only I could unpack all of my studio! One day we will find our home and I'll get to organize it all. In the meantime, I search through the piles of boxes til I find the one I'm looking for - today it was the silk purchased from East Bay Creative Re-Use Center (I sure miss my trips there!). I'm working on a super secret project. I'll post the finished piece later.
I just love making this up as I go. I hope it turns out as well as the vision I had for it. It just might need a little hand embroidery too.

baby Jesus

My best birthday gift. I cried when I saw the cradle, I knew. Mom sent this to me, very carefully wrapped separately in bubble wrap and inside the handwoven lined bag (my mom's a very talented handweaver - lucky me). I'm certain she's told me the story of baby Jesus over the years...though I had forgotten the story. Thankfully she wrote it down for me. When I was born (cough) several decades ago, a very good family friend was vacationing in Mexico and found this beautiful cradle and porcelain Jesus. If I remember correctly one of our traditions each year was to put baby Jesus out on the Rosewood Chest (my favorite) on my birthday - exactly one week from Christmas. Thanks Mom! I love having baby Jesus in our home now. And the special storage case for him is fabulous.

happy birthday to me

have enjoyed many great adventures for my birthday celebration week.
One whole day walking all around Pike Place Market - meeting various artists with spaces there, looking at couches, searching for a great birthday lunch place (we chose Etta's - the only thing anyone raved about at our table was the hamburger and both of the desserts the four of us shared - triple coconut cream, mexican chocolate tart - we would only go back for dessert).

Places I'd highly recommend: Beecher's cheese, the woman who makes leather band bracelets, the man who'll carve you a chop while you wait (I really should have gotten one - i'll go back for one soon), the woman who makes hair ornaments out of piano wire, the guy who makes silk screened cards - especially his Pike Place cards, and of course for those of you who like Starbucks - the original Starbucks is right down there. Thankfully there's a Tully's very near too (I just don't care for the burnt, bitter taste of Starbucks coffee).


spent time at our local Tully's by the fireplace. reading, watching the fire and drawing. (some examples here).

a few things i'll share about my hopes and plans for my new year:
finally figure out how to make prints to sell on etsy (& shows)
knit a pair of socks a month
knit a lace shawl
first i have to dye that yarn
buy an elliptical and use it every day
find a good Thai restaurant
write more letters
let go of hoping that means i'll get more letters (though i really only wrote that because i think i should, i really want more letters - and comments)
set up the kilns and get those pendants in production
produce a show

holiday goodness

One of our stops last sunday night. First up that night was christmas tree decorating at my SiL's flat. Beautiful tree, lots of chatter about the history of many of the ornaments. Then crabcakes, salad and other yummy dinner. Afterwards, sugar cookie decorating. Amazingly I took no photos of any of this!
Next stop. Bellevue for Snowflake Lane. Big crowd. *over*the*top* decorations and planned to the second. Great uniforms, lovely to see all the projected snowflakes and the soapbubble flakes falling. We were running a bit late so we powerwalked right by the Chiluly sculptures on the way out. Afterwards while I craddled my Tully's decaf latte, I was thrilled to see all of this!
Isn't it marvelous? I'll have to go back sometime in different light to take more.
Love!
Stop after Bellevue Square. Apparently they have workshops to show you how to make these light sculptures (and I'd imagine you're a bit obligated to help with filling this place up too). Many more photos at my flickr...
Talking with my mom the other night, relating all the excitement of this evening, she mentioned that I spent my first night out of the hospital in Bellevue. (and my birthday is coming next week, so we were enjoying that)
my favorite scene here.

we've been thoroughly enjoying preparations for the holiday season.
making handmade holiday ornaments for the Second Annual Holiday Ornament Swap (that link sends you to their flickr album - amazing craft out there!)



i've receive three so far. aren't they great - and wildly different?



we are looking forward to buying an eliptical machine -- it just pours here too often for consistent walking. and longjohns for the days when it's not rainy and we can go for our favorite new walk along the water here.


i made this yummy tomato sauce the other day - totally inspired by dona's blog. i just wrote down a few ingredients, ran upstairs, chopped some stuff, threw it in the pan and boiled some pasta at the same time. topped with a bit of parm. yum.