Ordinary Miracle Video

A friend sent this to me:

Yeah, the pink was starting to bug me...

I can only be girly for so long. Thanks for the Shabby tip, Jenna. I need a header--that's obvious. I'll get to it, maybe when I have some of my own art up.

Fonts and Instructions

Don't want to forget these places:

http://www.abecedarienne.com/

Photoshop Tute

Finished another booklet--yea!

Two things today. I finally finished my second set of eBooklets on Sculpting Hands, Feet, and Painting Faces. It's on ebay now and selling already. I would have loved a book like that when I was starting out--so it's a win-win.

The other thing is I found this on Donna Downey's blog.

http://donnadowney.typepad.com/photos/inside_the_studio/index.html

How would it be to have that much stuff and be that organized?!

Well, three things. I LOVE this painting by SuziBlu on eBay.



And, that reminds me--my Dick Blick art supply order came today. I painted some pictures/quotes for the Bathroom I'll have to post later. But I also got some 9X12 canvases to paint on. Fun. And a big pack of acrylics, so away I go. =)

Amazing Grace

I recently saw the movie Amazing Grace. Wow! What a story! I never knew where the song came from.

From the movie page: John Newton (played by Albert Finney in Amazing Grace) wrote the words to one of the most beloved hymns of all time between 1760 and 1770, while working as an evangelical pastor. Son of the commander of a merchant ship, Newton was captain of a slave ship for many years, until he underwent a dramatic religious conversion while steering his vessel through a storm.

Repenting and regretting the misery he had inflicted on the thousands of human cargo he had transported across the Middle Passage for many years, he devoted his life to the Church, and wrote the lyrics to many hymns which are still popular today.

In 1780 Newton left Olney to become rector of St. Mary Woolnoth, St. Mary Woolchurch, in London. There he drew large congregations and influenced many, among them William Wilberforce. Newton continued to preach until the last year of life, although he was blind by that time. He died in London December 21, 1807

The Lyrics of the Song

Amazing Grace (How sweet the sound)

That sav'd a wretch like me!

I once was lost, but now am found,

Was blind, but now I see.

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,

And grace my fears reliev'd;

How precious did that grace appear,

The hour I first believ'd!

Thro' many dangers, toils and snare,

I have already come;'

Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,

And grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me.

His word my hope secures;

He will my shield and portion be,

As long as life endures.

Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail,

And mortal life shall cease;

I shall profess, within the vail,

A life of joy and peace.

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,

The sun forbear to shine;

But God, who call'd me here below,

Will be for ever mine.

I found 3 really cool versions on Itunes--by Power of Scotland (bag pipes), one by Cecilia (wow, can she belt it out--and with wales in the background!) and Shawn MacDonald--very heartfelt.

Just a side note on the word "fear"--it means deep reverence, love or respect. Not scared. I don't think God wants us scared of him--just to reflect the love he continually sends us.

Embracing Commonalities

I found this video today, and while it's one more effective when you are feeling down or alone, it's message is timeless.

I've spent the last few years studying like crazy--and especially studying different beliefs and religions. Two things I've noticed that speak to me strongest. The first commonality is love. When on choses to love, to live with an open heart and be accepting, people can completely relate to each other--they already share a religion--the religion of love. Personally, I consider this the most divine quality. Whenever I move to a place of love, I find peace. The second common theme is that of our own divinity--that we are children or extensions of a divine source of love and light.

No matter how sad or dark I have been, always allowing myself to ponder on these two truths brings me peace and connection with God. We live in a world of illusion--as if we are far away on this planet and God is somewhere else. The trick is to see through the illusions of the eyes, to see God all around us.

An Evening with Kurt Bestor

My brother in law, Keith, called today and invited Randy and I to a Kurt Bestor Christmas Concert at the UVSC Events Center. It was wonderful. The Universe has heard my request for more music, art, and culture in my life. My only difficulty is that I feel so full of music --I need to go to sing-along concerts. There's a voice inside of me wanting to express. Maybe one day I'll sing really well, and that will be a good thing.




This is my favorite song of Kurt's. Quite emotional with these pics--I found it on YouTube:

Art Journal Progress

So, I got my art journal--it's a cool little hand-stitched journal with a Chinese looking scene. Upon closer inspection, I found that the artwork is from a long time ago--either 1200 AD or BC--I forget! But how cool is that? I picked it up at a fun store in Park City months ago. Now it's got a great purpose.

ANYWAY...I'm still waiting to get my 5 year old me photo back from Costco's photo department, so the journal has just been sitting there. I did do the first steps--writing the excuses then covering with Gesso.




Sheesh--I'm an artist, and still I found a lot of excuses! After this I gesso-ed it, and now it waits. So, I jumped ahead. I wanted to see if I could make a face like SuziBlu--so I was looking at her Walking with Stars piece. Notice that was a link to her Cafe Press site. I want the poster! and the book, and the clock. So cute.

I've never really painted in acrylic before--not a face anyway, and not on paper. Just the spare block of wood here and there. So first I sketched out a similar face, and just started adding color. I had a big bottle of Liquitex pink--so I went crazy with it:



Just guessing here--and trying to look for shadows. Paint is fun to play with!

Hey, she's coming along. Now to outline a bit, and add some orange and white to the face:


Here she is in my journal--Inspired by Suzi Blu




That was fun--I learned a lot. I love doing eyes on my fairies, so this was extra fun having eyes be soooo big. I'm used to creating in a 2 mm space! (Fairies have tiny eyes). So, I guess this was my tribute to Suzi. I know many great artists began by studying the art around them. That helps me as well--so I can learn the process. Then I will branch out and discover ME more. Kind of like following a recipe before you cook and create your own recipes. It's great to just make art for art--not to sell, just to be tucked away in my journal. That's new for me. Thanks, Suzi!

Wonder what I'll do in this journal tomorrow....?????

A great concert....

This is Christine Kane. A few weeks back Randy and I had the chance to see her at a small concert in Salt Lake City. She was wonderful. She has such a great personality--we laughed, we cried. I like what Christine is doing for the world. In addition to her music, she does retreats for women as well.

My friend Marie first introduced me to Christine when she sent me this YouTube video. It's too funny!

Getting to know...ME!

I've been working on my art journal--though I'm waiting for my copy of my 5 year old pic to be done. In the mean time, I've noticed that I've become one of those people that hate pictures of themselves. I don't want to be that. So I've taken snapshots of myself here and there--self-portraits. And I'm going to keep up this practice until I feel okay with ME. How I look, how I sound, everything. I'm the one who knows me best. I want to love me best as well. Once your cup is full, it's easier to flow the love over to others.

Here's the serious ones--very serious:






And here's VERY happy--after playing in Compte (something like that?) Crayons in Photoshop. Hopefully it looks better enlarged when you click it. =)

Hmmm....still weird to see my own face. My face is much rounder than I thought, and my nose is pointier. I like playing with it in photoshop, though. That's fun!

Things I am Thankful for...

• Trebuchet font (first thing that popped into my head!)
  
• My sweet husband Randy
• my kids
• my family
• my computer (laptop--you knew that one had to be high on the list)
• laughing
• playing
• Disneyland (Universe, a convenient trip there soon would be awesome!)
• my health
• energy work (soooo thankful!!!)
• Tapping (no, not the dance)
• the Internet
• Christopher Westra
• Suzi Blu, Donna Downey, and all the artsy blogs I read
• Airport tours and understanding sisters =)
• my body (where would I be without it?)
• my life (well, that pretty much sums it all up now, doesn't it--I could put "everything")
• longer lists and details
• warm beds on cold nights
• smiling children
• big bright eyes
• enthusiasm
• hugs and "I love you's" from the kiddos
• watching kids slide down stairs in sleeping bags
• our van (still loving it very much--also seeing a Suburban in the near future--kids getting way big!)
• sex (aren't you?)
• snuggles
• my hands
• my talents
• my gifts
• God (He should probably have been at the top of the list--so imagine that)
• lists in no particular order
• video cameras
• Art Journals
• people sharing their lives
• profound moments
• feeling loved
• gratitude
• Manifesting (another top of the lister)
• truth
• meditation
• kittens
• funny-ness
• yummy food

That list could go on forever--it's starting to feel done for today, so there you go. What are you thankful for?

aj

• 
  

The Yellow Chakra

Okay, so I started to work on my movie...but then I found some quotes I had to share (and so I don't lose them!)

The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are.
~Joseph Campbell

(oooh, doesn't that just zing with my last post!)

Increased excitation is perceived as an urge to organize feeling into action.
~Stanley Keleman

(Wow--when my daughter learns this one, look out world! She's a little fireball!)

"To be independent of public opinion is the first formal condition of achieving anything great."
~Hegel

(Can't always be asking everyone else if it's okay--got to come from inside!)

And an old favorite:

"You must be the change you wish to see in the world."
~Gandhi

(A saint if there ever was one)

aj

This is Cool---Google Reader

Ooohhh...Universe delivers today! Found something neat that made me go, this is very cool. It's www.google.com/reader and you can enter the blogs you like to read and it goes and gets you all the new posts, all in one place! Very cool. Of course, I'll still want to go to the sites from time to time and check out their links and other cool places, but this might help me to stay put with what I have for now. A mind can only fill so fast, you know?

The only part I'm having trouble with is---it's not pretty! Where the place I get to customize, add my own cool banner? Is that funny that is really hard for me?

Okay, okay, I really better get to work today. I need to finish up the yellow Chakra movie so our partner can write music for it. Off I go...

The whole me

I have several blogs and a ton of websites, but today I was thinking—why am I compartmentalizing? I guess I've thought certain parts of me only appeal to certain audiences, and in a way, I've once again catered to this view I have of "others"—what their interests are, what I should offer. In some ways, that's simply good business, and it creates value for people for them to find just what they are looking for. That's fun to do. But I want to discover the whole me—the real me. Have you ever stopped to think about the many views and ideas that we are immersed in each day? Which one is you? Which have you been taught to be? Was it really you?

I feel compelled to be genuine. And to me, compelled isn't "forced"—I suppose I could say "inspired" instead, but that doesn't express the feeling of something coming through me that will be no other way. There are some things that just are. Gravity is one. Gravity is compelling. It's doesn't exactly force a ball to fall to the ground—though I guess you could see it that way—but it also just IS. So, I feel compelled to be genuine.

I've been thinking about Suzi Blu lately, and by now I've watched MANY videos on Art Journals. But hers were compelling. Hers were the most attractive to me, and today I could put my finger on it. She is being genuine. Yes, often in a silly, fun way—but who among us (deep down, if need be) doesn't love fun and silly? Besides teaching about art, she is simply BEING HERSELF. And that is inspiring to me. And that is part of the JOY I see in my 5 year old's eyes. No pretense, to seeking to please—just being. Just BEing. Being oneself. Listening to the inner voice, following the bliss.

I want to find the whole me, and stop breaking myself into so many pieces. For instance, this blog was a place for my art pictures, etc. But I was removing myself from the pictures. And that isn't ME!

A steady stream of ideas….

I've been wondering about that "New Blog Post" option in Word, so today I decided to try it out—how cool—Word and Blogger must be friends cause they can chat with each other. Now, I'll have to learn how to make pictures part of the er….picture…so I can add those. I'm loving that I can save my blog entries right into word. If only I could set a default font—because I love Trebuchet.

Steady stream of ideas. I look over my life in the last 2 months—I took Jack Johnston's Professional Level Course on Dollmaking—loved it—and made a 14 inch art doll. It was amazing and I met some really cool people. I've never felt so at home! There were other people just like me, getting happy and excited about the same things I do! While there I met some awesome gals that made realistic baby dolls. So I ventured into that arena, and loved doing that. And then I've been working on my fairy books and sculpting fairy babies and this and that. But now my latest love is these art journals and folk art from people like Suzi Blu and Kelly Rae Roberts. Something about creating so quickly really appeals to me. See, sculpting takes hours and hours, and often weeks to complete a project. I LOVE the end result, but I can feel my joy waning along the way, and the old "I must endure and get it done" mentality can creep up. That is not me—or at least, it's a part of me I don't want to be so alive in me anymore. It may have been helpful for high GPAs in college, but it doesn't work with art. There is no forcing the muse. Art and inspiration flow in a peaceful, relaxed state.

I've stood back and been curious and I follow my joy, and see it take me from one thing to another. I must be addicted to the thrill of something new. Though I love each and every element—all the different ways of expression. I like to see it as the Universe answering my desire to fill my life with joy. There is part of me that knows my joy better than I do. I'm being given a tour, I think. "Here Apryl—you love this and this and this—and so many things." I love creating. I love taking ideas—or receiving them—and bringing them into a tangible reality that all can see and appreciate. This is what artists do. And the other thing I am learning…we are all artists. And we all contribute in our own amazing ways.

Farewell to busyness…

The Universe and I are having a talk today. Universe, I realize I have said hundreds of times "I'm so busy" in one way or another. Thank you for honoring me! But now I'd like to change that. Because the deeper I look inside of me, I find that busyness is NOT me. The wonderful flow of ideas and new fun ways to spend my time is a wonderful gift—one I will always desire. But this way of making it tricky to fit things in—yuck. I'm not liking that. So let's change it.

I am experiencing having plenty of time for all the things I love.

I am experiencing enjoying each moment of my life.

I am experiencing sharing my joy with my children in calm, fun ways.

I am experiencing inspiration coming at convenient times, when I have pen and paper ready, or can easily hop on my computer and record it.

I am experiencing peace of mind, calmness in my soul.

I am releasing rushing and hurriedness.

I am savoring each moment.

I am speaking my truth.

I am knowing how to be ME.

Finding my Joy, Seeing the World differently

November 18, 2007 4:48 am

Yes, that’s right –4 in the morning—and this is after laying awake for a while finally deciding to pull myself out of bed.

I must express. I must give existence to the world outside of me, all that I feel in the world within.

Artists see the world differently…

We just do. Still feels a bit like getting used to a new shoe when I venture out and call myself an artist—but it must be true. I feel most at home with other artists, I feel most myself when I am creating, when I am expressing.

It’s like there is a ball of energy in the pit of my belly and I must give it life in the form of expression. If I don’t, I get sick—literally. I get agitated or depressed or just plain ornery. To live my life in joy, I MUST EXPRESS IT—there really are no options about this. I am compelled. Though I don’t consider it a negative thing—in fact, I’m learning to love this about myself—even if it does have me up at 4 am wondering which of the many projects I want to play with today.

I guessing it’s largely due to the increase of feminine energy on the planet—and the more I let my vibration rise—the more I live in joy—the more I can’t deny this creative, expressive side of me. This part that sees the whole so clearly—at times it’s hard to function, no—it’s hard to live life any other way. This awareness surrounds me.

The ambiguous words of the poets throughout time begin to make curious sense to me. It’s an awareness of a formless world, seeking manifestation.

I’ve thought a lot about Mozart and other great artists that seemed so unusual. With my small taste of life increased through connection to Spirit—to divine consciousness—I’m convinced these people were so intuitively connected to the unseen world, to reading the akashic records, to being in touch with the ethers—that “normal life” wasn’t an option for them.

It’s like being able to hear music in the air—to feel a beat that causes us to move and sway in the rhythm of life.

I believe we all are artists—we are all creators—and artists have a hard time doing anything but create. Yet the vision they offer the world touches something deep within each of us—we gaze at a picture of art—and feel deep within, a part that sees the world in that way too. It creates a stirring, a feeling of life, of aliveness, and all of us long for this feeling. That’s why we love art and expression.

An artist can give manifestation to a feeling we all feel—we see the painting and part of us is saying, “Yes, that’s it—that’s what I’m feeling.” A poet does this with words—and it’s this emotional connection, this recognition within, this longing for expression in all of us—that is finally given life. And having expressed, we feel contented once again.

The Art Journal Begins...

Wait, you thought this was the art journal. No, I've been made aware of a better kind. Following Suzi Blu's advice, I'm creating a place just for me. The first assignment was to find a picture of our 5 year old self. Being the energy work chick that I am, I became quite aware of the inner journey I was taking as I looked through photos. So this is it. Get ready for many pictures.

This was Dad--1971--He's 18. But very crafty--and those long fingers--luckily I got his hands--they've been great for piano! =)

And here is Mom. She's about 27? here--Doesn't she look young (and beautiful always!)


And what a sweet little boy--my brother Zeke--to actually be INTERESTED in the clothes he got--my kids cannot relate. =) So, here's me--on the right with my cousins and brother:

And this one is here really for no other reason but that the look on my face was too hilarious not to share. This is me with Zeke and my Dad's brother, Gary:

And here, well, I sympathized for my brother--must have gotten my old coat. But he doesn't care--kids are so great.

This is me and Zeke--I'm probably 4-ish...


This picture I love--and I am 5, so it counts. This is my dad's mom--Grammy--she died a few years ago--she was awesome! But isn't that grin amazing--pure joy over a doll (did part of me know I'd make them as a career someday?)

And this picture I love--summers in Sun Valley Idaho--and my proof that I was a toe-headed blonde and once had straight hair. Thank heaven's they invented the chi iron to straighten my curls when I tire of them!


Me and Zeke--just being happy kiddos. Must have been Easter or something...





All of these early pictures show a lot of JOY in my face. Was Suzi being psychic when she chose the age five? The joy was alive and strong then.

Now for the catharsis--I noticed a striking change in my face after this time. The smiles are there, but not that unbounded joy anymore.

As far as I can tell, two events happened, that impacted the joy factor. First my brother--my buddy--fell off his crib and onto a cement nail on the floor (unfinished basement). He survived just fine, but that tragedy really affected me. It nearly killed him. Here he is in the hospital:

And then, my folks split up--not once, but twice (divorce, remarry, divorce).



I did a close up of this one--something is definitely missing...

See the difference compared to this earlier picture below?


So, thanks to Suzi, I'm learning to make art--not to sell--but for the pure joy of creating. For the joy that little face above knew about--knew as everyday life--when life was to explore and create--and we all were artists. That was nearly 30 years ago--man oh man--but I know this same joy is inside me--it comes back to visit from time to time, but my aim is to capture it again, as a permanent part of the smile on my face. Because when I create what I love to create--the joy comes back and seems to melt away the pain I learned to carry along the way--and it can work for all of us. Thanks, Suzi. Do you know how profound you are?

Oh me oh My!

I am loving this collage art people! Just discovered Suzi Blu, and now this cool Tascha chick as well! They are so funnnnn!! Both make cool videos to watch, and I must say I am so inspired! I can't wait until my oil pastels come and I will play, play, play! I would love to figure out a way to incorporate these ideas with my sculpting--wowee--that would be fun. And I love this video idea--you can talk to thousands of people yet be in the comfort of your own home. I LOVE THE INTERNET! I love what people are creating! Heck, I just love people!!!!

Pics of Lani--my sis...

My silly brother and step-dad--they are hilarious!

Lani, Mom, & Zeke, sporting the new braces
(yes, I know, I have the most beautiful sister in the world)

So apparently, while Randy and I were watching "Across the Universe" my family was in Salt Lake as well, taking my sis out to eat and to Trolley Square Mall. Luckily, my sister in law, Jenna, caught some pics of the event.

Sister in town...

I'd have to say that's my highlight for the day--my sister is visiting from Germany. We're planning a girls night out next week, which I am way looking forward to.

I did want to say that I'm working on exercising--just a little bit. And this is in addition to all the running around I do with kids. I've noticed doing something each day, day after day, is hard for me. I get bored very easily--that's probably why I always have a million projects going. But anyway, I digress...exercise. The plan is to do 5-10 minutes a day. I can always do more, but agree to at least do that much. So yesterday I did the Donna Eden energy routine. And today I did the routine, plus 35 crunchers on the Ab-Lounge--a great invention.

I know it's not much, but as Chris Westra says, Incremental steps lead to monumental results.

I'm learning to have faith in the little things--and to draw contentment from them, rather than just the big achievement they lead up to.

The kids did a Jog-a-thon today at school. Josh did 21 laps! Jairen 11, and Justin 9. Josh is a born runner. Can you believe that kid?

Last night I read that my cousin Rachel's baby has Down's Syndrome. It's her 6th baby--wow--she's amazing. The little guy is so cute. He couldn't have been born to a better family.

I need to get my fairy base painted, and sculpt on some of the dolls I've left behind. I spend some time on Donna Downey's blog today. I like watching her videos, and the paintings she does. I'll have to try them sometime. (Did I get bored again? No, I think I just love so many things!) I need to find a way to share this with my kids more. I was good with 3, felt overwhelmed at 4 and was still trying to adjust when 5 came along. They contain a lot of energy. I want to share art with them, but it gets so crazy. Maybe we'll practice some small, short projects together, so they can learn to sit quietly and create. Or do anything quietly.... I keep telling myself, one day they will be grown and I will have too much quiet around here. Then I think--I wish I could have my future self go take a bunch of naps for me when my kids are grown, then bring the rest and energy back to me for right now!

Ooooh, I need to make the fairy's wings as well. Almost forgot!

Better get...

More to say...

I guess I have more to say today. I was reading Kelly Rae's past blogs...still wondering what she is writing her book about, and knowing we have alot in common....and I came across this quote:

"We cannot tell the precise moment when a friendship is formed. As in filling a vessel drop by drop, there is that last one drop that makes it run over. So in a series of kindness there is that last one drop that makes the heart run over." unknown

Kelly was talking about girlfriends, and it reminded me of my lunch with Randy last week.



We went to Zupa's and I had their wonderful Lobster Bisque. I was talking to Randy about girlfriends, and how I wanted to have some gals with common interests I could go to lunch with. My kids are finally big enough I can reclaim some freedom. So Randy said he hoped he was a good surrogate girlfriend today. It was funny.

We've always had so much in common, I haven't had a lot of girlfriends--I just wanted to hang with my hubby. I still am crazy about him, but I'm also sensing a need to connect with women as well. I'm hoping to make some artist friends--we can talk about creating stuff. In the mean time, blogs are way fun, and I love my Internet buddies.

aj

Sneak Peek of the Contest Fairy

I couldn't wait to finish her wings and base first--I wanted to share pics--

She's holding a dragon fly pendant necklace:


I love how her eyes turned out, and I had fun playing with her hair.

Too fun! I hope the contest winner loves her!

Contest Details

I'll get her base and wings done soon, and then do some more professional pictures, but I was really happy with how she turned out and wanted to share! Happy Wing Making!

Fun Site for Piano Music

So I have still been loving the "Only Hope" song, and I just downloaded the music to it. I think if I plunk around enough on the piano, I can do it. I love this site: http://musicnotes.com/

Mostly what I love is instant gratification! Another think I love is printer ink--in the CORRECT cartridge. I've been wanting this song since Sunday, but I was out of ink. This Epson doesn't even let you print so-so pages. As soon as the ink was less than perfect, it's been saying out of ink, and wouldn't even let me cheat and settle for a bad print. So then I finally got the ink last night, but I'd forgotten which model of printer I had, and got the wrong one. That was a bit anti-climactic. But tonight, I did it right, and have freshly printed this music. I love music. It's the vibrations, I know.

So yesterday, my magic moment was during dinner when all of the kids started laughing and couldn't stop. We were having a Family Night and I got them some brownies, vanilla ice cream, and Magic Shell. They were thrilled. I realized I could make my own healthy magic shell with raw cacao, agave, and coconut oil--and perhaps another oil so it would be smooth. That's such a mom thing to say--but hey, I'm a mom.

One arm to go on the fairy sculpt. I hope I get to decorate her tomorrow. That's the funnest part. At least she'll be ready to show, and then I can finish the wings slower and take my time. I lost my makingfairies.com site for a moment to day (the domain set to auto-renew did NOT) so that was scary--my auction looked terrible with a bunch of broken link images! But I think it only lasted under an hour. I'm so glad we got it going again. I love making these wings and teaching people how to do it. I get so many grateful emails. I remember when I finally figured out these techniques, after much heart ache at times! It's really fun for me to share this info!

Let's see, did today have a special moment? I guess seeing my fairy site back up, after I'd been told it may be 3 days! Yipes!

Holding Jasen, who didn't want to wear his boots (they are buzz lightyear--isn't that still cool?), as I was walking out of Office Max--he has great squishy cheeks for kissing.

So I saw a deal, someone selling their 21 month Gold's Gym membership for 15.50 a month--this is VIP and everything. Now I have the funds ready--I want to find another deal like this, just for me. I need to get back to the gym. I just get more excited about exercising when I get to go out and do something special!

I was told my Cloth, Scissors, Paper magazine might take 4-6 weeks--after they had told me it would be sent out November 15. I'm hoping it still finds me quickly--it could happen.

That's all for tonight. Better get sculptin'--after I read a few blogs... =)

aj

Just browsing...

I've been having fun going through my sister-in-law, Jenna's, links to cool places. Today I'm exploring Ali Edwards.

I've been fascinated looking into the lives of other "creatives" because I see so much of myself--or rather, what I want to see--in these people. I love the idea of creating something each day--even just taking a picture.

Some days are filled with magic moments--and others--I think I just don't pay close enough attention.

Today, my magic moment was watching my boys head out onto the deck in the rain, after frantically searching for umbrellas. Actually, Jairen, my oldest son, was out there first, on his own, just gazing at our view. We do have a wonderful view of the city below. It was striking when we first moved here. I'd do well to follow my son's lead--and stop and look more. It didn't take long for the other boys to notice, and want to take part.

Anyway, they were so cute out there--even barefoot for a while--until the cold got to them.

Children must be here to help us remember the magic moments we might otherwise forget.


My contest fairy is almost to the first baking stage--meaning I almost have her sculpted except for hands and feet. I really don't mind hands and feet now. Each hand still takes me an hour, but it's relaxing now. And once I'm to these extremities, I know I'm almost done, and will get to do the hair and costume soon. That's when they really come to life.

Before I sculpted, I was amazed what people could do with a lump of clay. Now I am still amazed--even though it's me doing the sculpting. The process is still magical. Half the time I'm just amazed that I'm the one doing it.

Somethings I got from Ali's blog:

Came across zen habits recently and it is a wealth of ideas and lists for simpler living. Things to think about and actions to take. Here are a couple of my favorite ones:

Handbook for Life: 52 Tips for Happiness and Productivity
How NOT to Multitask - Work Simpler and Saner
Simple Living Manifesto: 72 Ideas to Simplify Your Life

These sound good for me to check out as well!

aj

About Friends

I especially like to post things if I have a picture to include--but today, I am pictureless. Still, I've been thinking a lot about friends. I have some dear ones--but over the years, many of them have become online only. I love my online friends. But I'm now imagining myself going to lunch with friends--I'd like to create the more tangible kind as well.

I love meeting friends from all walks of life--people fascinate me. I love reading blogs and seeing what people are sharing.

I've been working on my give-away fairy lately. The hard part (face) is over, so now the rest will be easy sculpting. It's likely whoever wins her will be a newbie sculptor--so I like thinking about this new owner. A completed fairy is a great sculpting tool. As I sculpt, I feel happy to be able to give this gift to someone, and help them along the path I've traveled.

Sheesh, most of the time I still can't believe I'm an artist--but I truly love it!

aj