Cards and Journals

I am on a 2 week clinical placement at the moment and don't have a lot of time for creativity. Between spending time with the kids, keeping up with some housework amd washing, cuddling my husband and doing study and assessments there is practically zero time left for playing n the studio.

Before I started prac I had made these cards and altered some journals. They didn't take a lot of time so I think I will make some more for the markets (which are in 19 days).

Tomorrow I have a date with my daughter to spend the morning in the studio (before I go to work). I think a few more journals will be on my to-do list.



Our spring friend

Last year a spotted turtle dove made a nest in our petrea which is right underneath our front window. It is a fabulous spot for us to observe new life. Last year the bird had 2 eggs which she guarded until they hatched. We kept an eye on our bird and her eggs everyday and were delighted when the eggs hatched and 2 new spotted turtle doves were born. Fluffy, small and perfect.

Imagine our delight when we opened our front window the other day and a spotted turtle dove was back in the nest. We don't know if it is the same dove but we can assume it is.

Isn't she beautiful. We haven't seen what she is sitting on yet however we are waiting in anticipation for a look and to see new life birthed again.



Today I am....

Wishing:  I didn't have to do 2 weeks clinical placement whilst my children are on school holidays. I usually love the holidays and even though I will be around between shifts it just won't be quite the same.

Grateful:  that Steve supports me and my dreams and has re-arranged his life to be the at-home-Dad while I am off playing nurse.

Remembering:  the great fellowship we have had this weekend with William and Esther. So refreshing to hang out with like minded people sharing our collective dreams.  We can't wait for them to move closer.

Wondering:  how it could be half way through September already. I am sure it was only February last time I looked at the calender.

Frustrated:  about the ever growing to-do list that never seems to get shorter. Why is that??

Smiling:  as I see the new growth appearing in my garden and looking forward to what else is to come.

Reminiscing: about the delicious lemon-meringue pie I made on Saturday and wishing I had made two as it is now all gone.



Inspiration

I love it when the kids come into the studio to play. I am quite happy for them to use most of my supplies as long as they ask first, use it correctly and put it away again.
Sarah is usually in the studio the most, however the other day Timmy decided he wanted to make some items to sell at the markets.

Here is what he made

He says he was inspired by the card I had made. 

I think his creations are adorable just like he is.



Fabric and paint.

I had a lot of fun creating these cards. Working with 2 of my favourites:  fabric and paint.  I used muslin and acrylic paint. Mixing colours and sponging it onto the muslin. I love how the muslin frays so nicely. Once the paint was dry I stamped with black ink and attached the muslin to white card with some small brads.  I really enjoyed making these cards.



Simple is OK

I like making cards with lots of elements but some days simple is best. This card using a Hero Arts stamp and some Basic Grey paper was made on a 'simple is best' kind of day.



Today I am....

Covered:   in ink, paint and glue. I am having a day in the studio getting as much done as possible for the markets in October.

Happy:  because I choose to be.

Waiting:  for some special things to arrive in the post.

Grateful:  for all the wonderful women in my life who encourage, support, love and buy Body Shop products when I host a party. A very successful afternoon last Saturday.

Feeling:  tired as I stayed up really late last night to watch something on TV. It was worth it but I am suffering a bit today.

Anticipating:  the weekend ahead as a  lovely couple will be staying with us. Should be very good for the soul.

Dreaming:  about our future. So many good things to look forward too.



9/11

It may be 10 years since that dreadful day however we have not forgotten.  My thoughts and prayers are with those whose lives changed forever on the 9th September 2001.



A little bit of creative play in the studio.

I have been busy with study and family but trying to fit in a bit of creative fun too. Here is a sample of what has been going on this week in the studio

This canvas is still a work in progress.



Living in the moment vs getting the job done.

My 7 yr old son is a delightful, inquisitive, clever, interested, young boy.

However, some of these positive characteristics make getting ready for school a real hassle. He gets 'distracted' (his word for it). I say to him "go and get dressed for school". I then check on him 10 minutes later and he still has his pjamas on and he is playing with something or looking at something or working out how something works. His inquisitive mind really is a huge distration for him.
Anyway today I snapped BIG time.

I yelled, I ranted, I raved.

I was awful.

I was impatient.

I shamed him.

It hurt us both.

We talked about it.

We hugged and kissed.

I said sorry.

I told him how much I love him.

I told him I was wrong.

I told him I understand how hard it can be.

We talked and continued to cuddle.

I took him to school.

I came home and I felt yuck.

Fortunately Steve was home and so I debriefed a bit. He let me talk it through.

It is hard to be a parent. To teach them and mould them. I find the whole situation with Timmy difficult because as adults we are often trying to slow down, live more in the present moment, 'stop and smell the roses' stuff. My son is doing that. He is noticing the world around him. He is living in the present moment. He is doing it very well in fact. And I don't want to squash it.

However sometimes you have to stop noticing and do what needs to be done. Oh the balance is so fine and delicate. Teaching that balance to a seven yr old is HARD. We have to teach it and he has to learn it but how. I guess the answer is example. Living it ourselves. Showing how its done. 
It won't be easy. And I will stuff it up OFTEN.  I guess this is where grace comes in. Being gentle with my soul and Timmy's soul. And continuing to love well.



P.S. One encouraging thing this morning was something my daughter said. When I was crying she asked why. I told her I was sad because of the way I yelled at Timmy. She said to me "just say sorry Mum and it will be OK".  Steve said she has this modelled to her and so she knows this is what needs to be done when you are unkind to another. I am encouraged to know that what we teach and model does reach into their hearts. Seeing the fruits of our labour is good.

Today I am....

Relieved: that my 3000 word essay is done and submitted.

Loving: the chance to be able to spend the whole day doing housework (strange I know).

Marvelling: at the sky and how it changes over the day and into the night.

Content:  with my very old lounge, stains and all. It is comfy and homely and I like that.

Blessed:  to be married to the kindest and most gracious man in the world.

Proud:  of my son who has perservered with school work using his left hand without complaining, whinging or giving up (he has a broken right thumb and he is right handed).

Enjoying: the peace that comes when the kids are sleeping soundly and the only sound is the dishwasher doing what it does best.

Grateful: for friends who care, take an interest and share openly and honestly. Had a conversation with one of these friends this afternoon and it was delightful.



One day......

Life right now has so many unknowns, questions, possibilities, wonderings, to do lists.  I am in a blurr of assignments, business, children, housework and of course washing. Then I have to fit in loving my husband, friendships, exercise and art. 
Oh art.



Working in my art journal.

 I have certainly been in a creative whirl lately where I think about art, ideas, projects ALL THE TIME. It seems as though every waking moment I am dreaming about a new idea, a colour combination, a medium to experiement with.  It can be very distracting but also very lovely. However, as much as my mind is going in so many directions and soaking in all the lovely possibilities the realities of my life are there and cannot be ignored. It is so hard to be patient but this is what I MUST do. I must focus. I am so very close to finishing my degree. In 14 months I will be finished uni and then I will have a lot more freedom. Freedom to be creative, freedom to dream and perhaps freedom to put some dreams into realities.
For now I will focus on the dream of becoming a nurse and in my 'spare' time continue to play, to experiment, to dream  and to love art and being creative.
One day..............



An Ode to Spring

Today is the first day of spring here in Australia. A beautiful sunny day. The birds are singing, the flowers are 'smiling' and the breeze is gently blowing.

                                                   

 S sunny warm days

                           

P pretty flowers

                            

R radiance

                             

I invitation to play

                            

N new life

                           

 G growth