FEB & MAR TM

February/March Tender Mercies

* Purging household items.
* Learning the Waltz with B at our church ward activity.

* Spending more time with B. We had lots of lunch dates with each other which included Wich Wich and Ban Moon ( a Lao- Thai) place.

* Celebrating our 5th move. 

* Being able to write letters of love, appreciation and gratitude for the Young Women in my church and to the leaders I served with.
* Recieving a candy poster, anchor jewelry from amazing YW and leaders.

* Sharing and expressing my testimony of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on multiple accounts.

* Saying goodbye to our first home.

* Spending time with Mike (pop pop). He drove with us to Orlando from Texas.

* A surprise (ok not really a surprise) trip to Disneyworld.

Bucketlist Additions

*Go on more diverse date nights with B, other than a dinner and movie. We had so.much learning the waltz in Feb. I want to try different things.

* More acts of love for husband.

* Host a group couple date.

* Boost my physical activity level.

* Continue with gratitude journal.

* 30 Minute math sessions on Khan Academy hopefully evolving to 46 mins than 60 mins.

* Start researching next duty station.

* Start researching adoption agencies.

* Blog once a week on Sundays.

* DIY furniture.

Let it be unique for yourself

"Sunshine" Watercolor by C

January has been filled with various forms of reading, art-making, scrapbooking and a whole lotta of celebrating. Last week, we traveled to see B graduate Navy Officer school! Hallelujah! The last seven days were spent flying into Austin and Charlotte and then driving through New York, West Virigina, Virigina, Maryland, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Tennessee and returning home to Texas. Unfortunately, we all got sick along the way. It started out with C, then D, and of course, hit me last.

After my declaration of wanting to create more this year, I plotted/decided/pursued and dreamed of too many ventures. I started with basic watercolors techniques by checking out every book on watercolor at the local library. I semi-started Project life again! I wanted to include journaling too. I started looking at how to add mixed-media to the mix, and then Pinterest. Yes, pinterest. The mother of overload! How was I going to keep myself sane by not starting 100 new projects?

I finally saw an amazing mini journal idea on Studio Calico's community member gallery and I knew this is what I want to do! It's pretty much a smash book of all my creative pursuits and random ephemera. Euphoria!

I can't wait to show you January's collective album.

Celebrating 2014

Celebrating 2014

I ran a color run. I have always wanted to do one.

We bought our first HOME!

The husband became a Navy officer.

We visited Austin and San Antonio.

I started a new waitressing job 

and had many late night karoake sesh 

with co-workers (Peggy Lee and 

Nancy Sinatra are my favorites).

Aunt K moved in with us (and moved out

in December).

C was in the local production of

the Nutcracker. 

D started Kindergarten.

I decided an A-line cut is the hairstyle for me.

Pixie cut was too short. Lesson learned.

I decided to withdraw from my academic studies

to take care of the needs of our family.

Again, pending. Sigh.

We endured a long three months without B.

Boy, this was hard for me!

I am the 1st counselor in the Young Women's

Presidency. So many spiritual moments with

amazing Young Women.

BUT 2015 already feels good!

I started painting with water colors.

My Project Life album for 2013 & 2014 

is almost done.

Organized my bathroom and kitchen 

drawers. Every single one of those drawers
are organized.

Two more moves in the 2015 year.

B will be home mid-January!

Spreading Good Cheer

I've established that 2015 is about creating more and making art. But I also want to encompass more kindness, cheer, and COLOR. I want more color in my life. Colors that do not just represent said blue, white, black, but expand on emotions and conviction and love and gratitude-- you get it. We do not have to wait until a new year occurs to be more kind. It starts today. It can start now. 

I love the idea of passalong cards. This was another collaborated work with my children. All you need are white cards, paint brushes, party poppers, markers (I used a chalk marker which isn't listed), an assortment of washi tape, acrylic paints, and a work place for a mess.

And paint away.

These are some of the combinations we made. The ends will curl after drying. I used a heavy book to press down to keep it flat. Use your washi tape to adhere the popper to card and write your message. I went back with a black marker and paint to add more definition for the "Happy New Year" lettering. Stick in a basket, bag, purse and pass the cards to strangers, friends, er, strangers. We passed them out yesterday while at the grocery store.

I think these would be a great idea for any season or holiday or just to spread a happy message. I hope that your resolutions have been drafted for 2015. I do not think it is cliche to make goals or plans or any endeavor of any sort. I am grateful to have the opportunity to reflect on what changes occurred and what downfalls helped me grow. Happy New Year's Eve.

100 Favorites: Black & White Doodle Art

This was a simple and fun activity. I was inspired by this simple art prompt where one writes down "100 things I love" page. I used a plain white 8 x 10 paper and black penmate pen.

During the process, my daughter joined me in making her own. The difficult thing with pursuing an art medium is not to expect perfection and letting the quirks reveal themselves. My daughter wanted to throw hers away but I insistently told her that there are no mistakes and to just enjoy the process.

This will be a great and positive reminder of who we are and what we love.

Art Journal Inspiration

 

[Alisa Burke]

Creating in 2015

 

2014 was filled with more flops and flips and backward-steps than I can account for. Instead of pushing forward with goals, I let the world absorbed me. I withdrew from my current academic studies. My husband went away for three months. I let self-doubt, temptation, and advocates of every kind consume me. Perhaps, it wasn't as drastic as I'm painting, but I really let my faith in Him leave me. It wasn't until my husband's recent visit during Christmas break that I realize I hard I fell, how strongly convicted I was of my own pride. Instead of filling you in with abstract tales and sordid details, I just want to make a declaration to live more creatively in 2015. 

Over the weekend, I found myself picking up a journal and wanting to write more, but not just writing, but creating, longing for the artist to come out. Today, I found myself walking around the art isles in Michael's for hours. I found myself reading about watercolors, acrylics, and gesso (how to use it, how to apply it, what is it), applications, and numerous art techniques. I haven't created anything the last few years, but as the digital age is here to stay, I found myself wanting to create something more concrete and with my hands.

Last year, I picked up Project Life and was determined to fill the album. However, as many of my projects go, the Project Life endeavor  dissolved. I want to start explore more with mixed art mediums specifically with art journals. I need a process to display my heart.

I do not know who blogs anymore. But if you are here, reading this little space today, just know that I am forging ahead with some creativity this upcoming year.

I'm excited, 2015, it is going to be great.

[Inspirational Quote from Chatting With Sky]