Cuckoo For Friday

Well it's here... my favorite day of the week. I am officially cuckoo for FRIDAY!

Hope you have a great weekend.

Moving Day!

I've never been particularly close to too many people. I'm shy, maybe too focused on work & have never really been that social (it can be painful for me) My best friend Gigi who has lived a little bit of everywhere the last 7 years is moving 3 blocks away. This is a strange universe moment for me, but I couldn't be happier about it. She made this beautiful little box for me a couple years ago. Now that she'll be close by we are planning on a Monday craft night, Thursday evenings we'll watch our favorite shows. Sundays Antonio (who loves to cook) is planning on preparing big family style dinners. I think we're all excited. She's is the sister I never had, Antonio's chicken wing partner & Luca's Aunt Gigi. She helps me remember I am not an island. You really do need people in your life. (especially crazy, fun ones like her!)

Ready, Set....

Go! Jumping head first into Tuesday! Lots to do. Thought I would start the day off with some fun art. I've been grouchy lately but woke up feeling excited & ready to go. Hooray for that! Here's to a great Tuesday.

Over in the Meadow

I received some exciting news this morning. "Over in the Meadow" won the National Parenting Publications Honor Award in the Children's media/ music category. Hooray for good news! If you haven't seen the book you can check it out HERE

Fall into Autumn

I painted this fall piece while I watched the Emmys last night. I've noticed that lately I'm starting to get ready for the colder weather. Flannel sheets on the beds, just bought our first gallon of apple cider, taking the winter clothes out of the spare closet & picking the last zinnias in the garden. (I know it won't be long..) Cold weather is not my favorite but I decided this year I'll make an effort to prepare. What do you do to fall into autumn?

Picture Day

About a month ago Luca went back to school. Today was picture day! I love seeing all the kids spiffed up for their individual photo. Getting him ready this morning was a challenge. (he wanted to know why he needed so many layers, why don't I like wrinkles, why he had to slick his hair back, why we needed to spend so much time brushing his teeth, why we use chapstick- so many whys?!) Capturing how cute & innocent he is now is well worth the effort. Hooray for picture day! (until junior high & high school, then Picture Day becomes something embarassing)

The Almighty Paintchip

I really like paint chips. I have several large zip lock bags full of them. I use them to get a quick visual grouping of a color palette. Each trip to the hardware store I grab a handfull. Sometimes I pick colors that I'm feeling that day, other times I base my selection of the names that amuse me or seem poetic. Either way it's fun (and free) Although my son will ask "mommy are you suppose to take all those?" So what to do with all these paint chips??? I did a bit of research & came up with some surprising results. Who new you could do so much with the almighty paint chip!

Little Things

I've been tired lately. We all get pulled in so many different directions. Some days I wonder what do I like... What makes me happy? Of coarse making art does & I'm lucky I get to do that. Other little things also make me tick. I love chubby little baby arms/ hands in bracelets, the smell of lilies, watching the sky turn all grey & then hearing the first few giant drops of rain. This list goes on & on. Each year that goes by I realize more & more that it's all about the little things.

desk treasures

I was excited when I received this month Mini Boden catalog. The cover is an assortment of all sorts of little treasures. My desks has tins & baskets full of buttons, trinkets & other odds & ends that make me happy. Before a stressful phone call, in a moment that I need a little pick me up. I'll put on a spritz of my favorite lilac perfume, I'll apply a bit of my favorite lipstick, or put a pretty button in my hand & feel it get warm. I have match books, wrappers, photos of the people I love. Little moments that brought something to me. I keep them close by- it helps. My desk is full of treasures.

Man of Mystery

Or in my case woman of mystery. I recently got glasses & keep catching glimpses of my reflection in the glass wondering who is that? I'm not use to them yet. My eyes however are much happier!

Oh My...

I'm noticing the beginning of subtle color changes in trees, crisp morning & an overwhelming urge to head the orchard for some apple picking. This can mean only one thing. Fall is around the corner!

Ready, Set, ENJOY!

I'm ready to enjoy a weekend of fun & family. After a busy summer & not much free time I'm ready to run barefoot through the grass, fire up the grill, & take one last dip in the pool. Must hurry before it's too late! Hope you & yours have a wonderful Labor Day Weekend!