Everyday Moments

So much to celebrate....its hard to know where to begin. I believe you just begin by being grateful for life's little moments as there are far more if those then the bigger ones. Celebrate today's occasion.     
Celebrate. ...my new work in progress. 36x48

What one moment today did you have that caused you to celebrate?  

Recap of Art Everyday Month Day 29

 It's hard to believe Art Every Day Month is coming to a close...looking back, I think KNOW it was a great month of productivity and fun.  It has been an action packed month for me in terms not just creating art but teaching and sharing art as well.  I taught one class (Graffiti 2) at the beginning of the month,  the following week I conducted 2 demos at the Art of the Carolina's in Raleigh, then this last weekend, I did a Live Paint demo locally at Swank....Wowza!  That's a lotta art biz going on!

 Here's a couple of sneak peeks at the piece above that I did during the live paint demo. I am hoping to finish it this weekend.  I'm loving the funky colors and the half person half bird that has materialized!

During this month as well, I have been working on a variety of pieces for classes I'm going to be teaching next year (can you believe I'm actually doing something that far an advance???).  To be that far ahead of schedule is just so unlike me..lol.    I did manage to finish all the sample pieces to outline the basis of the courses and now I have time during the rest of the year to refine more samples for the students and get the art kits compiled...this is a BIG thing for me. My first major retreat!  If you only new the butterflies of excitement inside of me!

During the month I sold a few very nice sized pieces which I'm stoked about too!  I guess when you are flowing with the universe in the direction you are supposed to be in, it comes back to in a good way!

I also got a new commission that I started working on but that's for someone that may or may not ;) be one of my blog followers/facebook followers so I am going to hold off on posting pics of that until they receive their gift.  :))))

 So all in all, I finished a ton of projects-created lots of cool journal pages, got a few new jobs, prepared my projects for upcoming classes and best of all....I'm feeling much more motivated art wise to carry me through to the new year. Art Everyday month definitely has been inspiring me to put more routine in my step when it comes to creating. I create almost every day anyway, but this month I've been especially motivated. I've also been a much better blogger--and blogging is where I first started sharing and creating art so it's great to get back into it and to re-connect with many of my fav peeps :)

It's been a great month. 

Kudos to Leah of Creative Everyday for hosting this challenge!  She is one of the kindest souls I 'know'.

Make sure you stop by her blog and check out her wonderful and passion filled art!

Yesterday I spent about an hour working on my painting in progress (the bird above which is a 24 x 30 painting), and then the rest of the day typing up my class info, organizing my supply lists, and then editing and creating my pictures/promos for the classes.  I might be slow when it comes to all the editing etc but dang, that really did take me all day to do the 'bizzy' part of my art-from about 2-8pm.  Okay, okay so I did take a break and take ds to the sports tavern/restaurant so he could watch the Steelers but honestly I worked there, too..lol. I took my notebook and longhand wrote everything up and then typed it up--edited pictures as well...every once in a while I looked up and razzed Josh about the Steelers then looked shame face when the Bills did something stupid like drop a pass in the endzone in the most crictical of all moments...lol. Point is...I had a deadline to meet and I did it--and even compromised along the way so we all could do what we wanted and needed to do.

Whether you are creating art physically, putting things into place to create, taking photographs, writing, what have you--it all counts.  It truly does. Especially if you are really serious about going at this professionally, it's all apart of the process which is to not just be creative, but get the word out there that this is your passion and you want others to find you.   Or, if you just want to do this for yourself, that's okay too...everything you do to infuse a bit of creative inspiration in your life will instill even more peace and happiness and is important for your well being.   

I'm going to continue on every day in one way, shape or form from this day forward.  It's been very good for me and I hope you've found the same sense of satisfaction in this process :)

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I'm heading out for a work meeting tomorrow so I will be away from my art goodies..or will I?  Nope..bringing my journal and my travel bag full of my supplies so I'm not alone without an outlet to create on. It's amazing how this all has taken over my life. I'm so glad it has. :)  

Challenge to you--if you don't already have a travel creative bag or goody bag packed and ready to go for those days away from home, go ahead and make one up. You never know when inspiration may hit you! If you have one...do tell us what's in your bag! I'd love to hear about it!

Till next time....

Playing in a New Sandbox Art Everyday Month Day 17

It's good for the soul to try new things from time to time.  In between projects and writing up class agendas, I've been tinkering with this piece which is turning into a funky abstract, something I don't normally do but really love the freedom  and movement that radiates from work like this.

I started out with just freestyle shapes on canvas and then started to fill in the shapes with blocks of acrylic paint glazes and washes.    Adding bits of drips and splatters...using different brushes (as they all tend to make different marks and strokes)

And then repeating the process over and over again.   I'm finding shapes and patterns and pulling them back out and accentuating in whatever way the canvas calls me.
\

And this is where I'm at today. I have no idea where I'm going or where I will end up...and that's the beauty of it.  With every layer, I see new shapes and patterns and I get more ideas on how I can evolve the painting even further. I am sticking with a limited color palette which does present it's own challenges. I love how its evolving and I'm feeling good about the fact I'm attempting something a little outside my own little artsy sandbox.   :)  Sometimes you just have to play and experiment in order to go in new directions.  Don't be afraid...just do it!

Prep Work Art Everyday Month Day 16

The thing about leaving for work at 7:30 am and getting home at 7:30 pm...it's hard to complete art every day :)

But we can at least prepare ourselves for future art projects and make a bit of progress...baby steps.

Tonight, I'm getting things prepared for a few very special projects...(yay)

I like to begin my backgrounds by using tissue paper collage and images.  You are seeing here a new sheet I stamped this evening with some of my favorite stamps using black Staz On ink and scrap dressmaking tissue (purchased at a yard sale).

I like to stamp several images of the same stamp so I'm prepared for the next project having lots of images to choose from.

You don't even have to be perfect when stamping, in fact, it's probably best when you leave an imperfect image so it looks like it's either fading or receding in your background on your substrate.

Next, I pick out a variety of papers...I like papers with words.  I'm challenging myself to use scraps of what I have before I tear into new stuff or buy ANYTHING else.  I'm using papers from old journal pages I scanned for a journal class I taught.  Use what you have!  After all....I have to make room here:

I have to find room for all these boxes of canvases I purchased at the Art of the Carolina's...umm...ya...this is just the tip of the iceberg people. I'm growing out of my new studio at record speed! :) But....but...just look at all the potential my bazillion canvases hold!!  I have a good year of arting here ready to go. Which is a good thing. After all, if I want to make a living as an artist, gotta have something to create on!

Okay so I'm going to go back and hit my projects up for another 1/2 hour or so before I have to lay it down and get some rest for whats sure to be another fun and adventurous day at the office.  Sighh....so glad I have art to escape to and play with when I need a dose of relaxation.  Even if it's for just a short period of time.

Happy Creating!

Still Waiting......

The last couple of weeks have been kinda quiet art wise.   I think I'm going through an identity crisis of sorts. I've been really bogged down with my day job, working longer hours than normal, seemingly trying to catch up and swimming against the current at every turn.   I don't recall a time ever like this.   All of the draining on my energy has limited my desire to really create with the same enthusiasm I have been.  But then again....maybe that's exactly what I should be doing to refuel my creative juices?  Despite the long hours and mental taxing, I did do a show last week in Granville, NC.



Here's the thing about art shows...you win some, you loose some.  Not that I'm an expert by any means, having only participated in 3 other shows before this one, but I am finding out quickly that they are unpredictable.  I don't think I could ever do them every week or even count on them for a good portion of my income.  They are good marketing opportunities and so I do want to continue doing them but I am going limit which shows I do because it's such a big production for me to do the set up or rather gather everyone together to help me do the set up, not to mention the travel expenses and time...to make 30 dollars, well, I lost money obviously on that one so it is what it is!    I love meeting new people that I see at the shows and talking about my work, but I wish more people that 'love' my work would pick a piece up and buy it..lol!  It's all good, the best part of the show last week was driving home with my boys and one of the kids friend, getting our dance on in the car with the radio's Open House Party...lol!



I do know, that good things come to those who wait....but wait and strive for those good things in the meantime.  Being 'Brave' means trying things you wouldn't have normally. Stepping outside of your comfort zone and taking a risk.   I'm trying to do that but this week I've been in a holding pattern of sorts. Going back to my busyness at work probably has a lot to do with it.  Even when I'm not working, I'm worrying about it.  I want to do my best but my heart isn't always in it. My heart is in my Art but my responsibilities are with my day job. It's quite a conflict, isn't it?   



Then I go home and I see all that needs to be done here and I feel like a tidal wave washes over me. Oh my goodness, there is so much to do.  I'm only one person and between it all it feels at times like I could be suffocating if I didn't take time to breathe.  It would be nice if I had someone to share the burden with along with the joys, but there's not...but my youngest son reminds me that there is...there is him.. and he is here for me.  As he says those words, a wash of sweet relief  refills my heart and eases my  mind. No, I'm not alone..but I still feel overwhelmed. Frankly, there's not enough time in my life to share it with anyone anyway but that doesn't mean I want that to be that way always.  I'm still waiting for the answers to make life easier, fuller, more satisfying, less overwhelming, and more prosperous in more ways then one.


"Still Waiting"...art journal pages in progress...still waiting for the words to come to me to express how I feel. :)

In the meantime, I sit and reflect, taking time out to breathe a bit in my art journal I created awhile ago but haven't filled with much  yet.   Am I on the right path?  Should I be striving for this professionally or should I just stay where I am at and write it all off as a stage I've been going through?  It hardly seems like a stage but maybe I'm running in the wrong direction? 



I'm rambling now.  It is a dream for me to do this.   But it seems like an empty dream when one is overwhelmed with the rest of the world.    I'm trying not to use my less then successful venture last week and my tumble weed strewn Etsy shop or my quiet and non existent love life as an indicator of my worth. It's a challenge though at times!



"Battle 2"
Sigh...when I feel stale or in a cross roads, I like to re energize by trying something new.  For me that was taking an online class with Jared Knight working in abstracts.  Jared is a fun teacher and one that encourages you to be free while at the same time be in control of your freedom. Create and destroy is one of mottos.

Create and Destroy.....we go through life doing that not just in our art but in our own worlds.  We build up and we move on.  We fill our world piece by piece and then we wash those pieces away and start fresh once again.   Our lives would be quiet and sad with only one layer to them.  So it goes for art....covering up a part that you love is not a sign of weakness, it's a sign of bravery as you work towards more depth to your painting, more depth to your soul. It's still a part of you...but that layer is not the main attraction anymore.  Thank you Jared for helping me through a mini identity crisis I've been going through this week.  It's time to create something new and destroy a part that is unneccesary anymore.  :)

Like An Angel.....

There would be days when she would write poetry from the top of a mountain,

And sing with the angels

As the sun rose each morning,

Laugh with all the world's children 

And dance until Midnight come.

But it was painting that healed her

Broken heart

With each color of the canvas shining a light

That had grown dim.

Looking back now 

It seemed so easy to live

But so hard to smile.

It was the laughter of a child and 

The magic glow of her art

That saved her from

A life that was quiet and cold.

Her heart is full now

As She Waits 

For 

Next....

Like an Angel, Art Saved Her.

Broken But Not Lost

"Broken" work in progress....
I've had what was once a pure yellow background forever. It just sat on a shelf, waiting for me to be ready for it.
I took it down last week and began working it--adding black, gray, splatters of white. Scratched into it, beat up the canvas as I created what was inside of me. And then, this portrait began taking shape. Perfectly representing what I have been feeling lately.

Not knowing where to go with this.....

I'm still working through my strokes as much as I am my feelings.


Little by little, with every layer of paint, her destiny is becoming more clear.

Despite the fact she is 'Broken' and many tears have been shed, she is not Lost. I know she will be all right.
****
Stay tuned for the finished painting :)

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Hope you had a very Merry Christmas or Happy Holiday as you celebrated all that is joyous in this season. I had a great Christmas, filled with lots of friends and family. Both boys here together, an abundance of food, laughter and fun. Late at night I did sit and reflect on this year and how many things have changed for me. It's good to sort things out with your own soul before you breathe them to the rest of the world. I'm still sorting and hoping to have answers as to where I want to go next soon. Or, perhaps the answers will come to me later. Either way, I am going to make some changes around here. I'm feeling the need to move forward after being held back for so long. In reality I did move ahead over the last few years but it was doing so with a anchor weighting me down. Now the anchor has been released, there's no telling what's ahead.

What do you hope is in store for you in 2010? If you had to choose one or two things, what would they be??

Check out some of my work for 2009 in this Flickr set:

CLICK HERE

New WIP-and House News!!!

Remember this video from a few weeks ago? Well, in between projects, I've been working on it some more and wanted to show you the work in progress up to today.



30 x 40 mixed media acrylic painting on stretched canvas. Orange!! A totally new color palette for me. I love to experiment with colors and and textures if you haven't already figured that out about me and my art! I knew it would take me a few weeks if not a month to complete this painting (and it has) so I wanted to work on a painting that was more fallish in tone but not necessarily theme. I'm also trying to think ahead for my next outdoor show in October for the Holly Arts festival in Pinehurst. My goal is to have 3 new LARGE pieces to showcase for it. Can I do it?? I want them to be attention grabbers! Any ideas on other striking color combos I could use for a fall show???


As you can probably see here, I've outlined my subject and lightly started to paint in the main features....the shirt here. The background has about 5 colorwashes of a variety of orange hues and a slight amount of collage elements on the right hand side.



I took the above photo indoors so it's a little blurry because it was dark but you can see now how the skirt is coming together.

Closeup of the side view of flowers and details on the shirt.

I haven't done a lot with people or the human figure but I was pretty siked that I was able to acheive a sense of fluidity with the shirt and skirt.

and here we are as far as I have gotten. I still need to add some more details and a little saying on the left hand side where there isn't as many flowery vines...but overall, I'm pleased with the painting. I was joking with some friends thought that she turned out more plus sized then I attended but perhaps I was portraying myself subconsciously (I'm a size 14 on a good day ;).
It was fun just coming up with my girl's fashion choices on the painting! Long, long, long time ago, I used to want to be a fashion designer so this is probably as close to I'll ever get to being one. The possibilities are endless with paint and a pencil!

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Okay. on to my house hunting news--last week I wrote about narrowing down my choices about buying a home and today I'm here to let you know that my offer was accepted for the older home so I'm on my way!!! whooooohhoooooooooo! DS loved the house when we went to see it last Saturday so it solidified my decision to make this move and which one to pick. We've had the home inspection done and overall it was pretty good for a home that was built in 1963 but there are some things that need attention so I'm going to have to address those things in our next round of negotiations because while I have money to do this right now, I don't have alot of leeway to make major repairs (like the roof and a new airconditioning unit or at least repairs of the two items). Luckily, I have friends and family that know how to do all of the things that are on the home inspectors list so it wont' cost me as much money but still.....before I sign the dotted line, I need to evaluate some of these items a little further. Overall, I really think I will still move forward so hopefully by the end of September, I will be moving!!! :) This is something I've totally have been obsessed with for a long time, so I'm really excited. Thank you all that have been following around for your good thoughts and words of encouragement. The last month or so has been totally chaotic for me so to start house hunting on top of it, well, I couldn't have done it without all this wind at my back!!

Hope you have a great week!


**PS stay tuned for an upcoming anniversary give away!!! In September it will be my 3 year bloganniversary!!!!! Can you beleive it?? Anyway, I will be hosting a giveaway soon in celebration!

PPS---Don't forget to stop over to Creative Workshops and check out my class, "Fun with Faux Encaustics"! It's a great class to learn about collage, mixed media painting, using acrylic mediums and more to create a 'faux' encaustic look. I've put together 16 videos to walk you through all the steps from a-z, all for only $45.00! The best part is that the classes are open ended so you can work at your own pace on the project. We are also hosting MANY other classes on Gail's website, so if this class isn't for you, be sure to check out some of the other offerings! You won't be disappointed!!!!

Peeking in on me :)

After almost a month off from really creating much of anything, I'm back in the studio. I needed a break to be honest with you. Preparing for Springfest really burnt me out! BUT, I'm ready to get back at it. I'm working a bunch of things, including a few custom orders as well as putting the final touches on my new class coming up July 15th.

Take a peek!

Spring Journey: Mixed Media Work In Progress

All I can say is wow--my blog readers are the best. The last couple of posts have really brought out some raw emotion, true sharing of feelings and experiences-it's been heartwarming to read through all your comments and share a few moments of your life. Thank you to those who stopped by and entered my contest and left comments about how art and creativity has helped to heal you! I am always amazed at what connections are created through blogging and the online community. The world seems much less smaller when you find ways to connect and glimpse into the lives of those who may be miles and miles away, but are close in spirit and experience.



Okay so who is my winner of my artful goody pack, chock full of items to get your creative juices flowing?? Well, I picked a number through the random number generator and the winner of my contest is TRISHA T! Funny how things work out, I met Trisha not too long ago at a local shop where she works (which just happens to be one of my favorite shops in town). She's also an artist who just started her blog recently. She had the good news that she is going to be in an upcoming Stampington issue featuring one of her pieces. My little town is full of creative peeps in every corner. I never realized how much so until I joined the Carolina Mixed Media Guild and started to connect with other area artists. Since that time, I've made many new friends that have a lot in common with me, primarily, we are all passionate about the creative process and leading a creative life. Anyway, I digress, please visit Trisha and give her some beginning blog love-encourage her to post some of her work!!! I'm not sure Trisha can use anymore art supplies, she probably already has a ton of her own but it's always fun getting different items, at least that's how I feel! Just because I have a ton of supplies, it doesn't stop me from visiting Michael's or Jerry's ....or stopping by Etsy, Ebay, or any number of online shops! I'm an addict (to art) that's for sure!



These are some work in progress pics for my newest painting, Spring Journey. It's a 30 x 40 piece that is really turning into one of my favorite pieces. A few posts ago, I had a call for ideas on colors and my friend Jeanne had a suggestion that just really stuck with me.

...pink, white, black, and lime green.....perfect. Bright, bold, and springy. Good vibes will come to those who see my painting :) Thanks Jeanne for the suggestion!


I already know this month will be chaotic for me as I am preparing for my first ever show, April 25th---or rather, my first ever OUTDOOR show. I am driving everyone nuts that is helping me with it...lol.... That's just me, I stress about things A LOT. Did you know that about me? I tend to worry myself to pieces over things I know I can do so why I get so worked up about it, I have no idea. I guess even though I know I can do it, I fear failure despite my competence. Doing a show was on my goal list this year, so at least I can cross that off. Completing a large piece a month was also on my list and this is my first one for the year, so you can see how that's going. I just have not had the time to devote to really large pieces like I wanted to. Maybe the last 3/4 of the year I'll do better on that front.

How are your New Year resolutions going?? Is it time to do a check in and see where we are and if we are on track?? (I'm raising my hand and nodding head....ohhh yes, I need to do that for sure!)

Thank you again for all that have stopped by over this last week, for your comments about my friend's tragic death and for sharing your stories of artistic triumph. I have truly enjoyed your thoughts and messages.

Upward and onward!

Sweet Spring Please Come Visit

I had to take a quick break from my big new work in progress to get back to my custom
order thats due soon. The break was induced due to a lack of the right paint colors. I know. Okay those few of you who have had the pleasure of visiting my 'palace' know that I have a FEW paint colors within the corners of my studio. Heck, I've even sent one of you on a treasure hunt for paints for me at the Art of the Carolina's...so you especially know that I have a few colors. Fabric junkies will be able to relate to this. You may have all that you need in your stash but somehow, there is something even more perfect out there waiting for you. In my case, I didn't have the right color purples even to mix my potion nor did I have the correct green. So what did I do--buy those colors and a few more to boot from Claudine Hellmuth's new Studio line. I do have to say I like them, they are like butter. Good coverage, sweet colors and worth the price. I paid 4.92 a bottle plus shipping from this store. Go check them out!

These pieces are 10 x 20 on 3/4 inch stretched canvas and are going to a good home
in NY. I love the springy color combination that the customer chose for this work. It's brightening my gray dreary day here in NC. Okay this weather has a split personality, last week we had a snow day one day, 80 some degree weather a few days later, then this week it's been all week long. Here we are on Saturday and it's COLD, GRAY, and RAINY. Where is Spring??

I took these pics at night and indoors so they aren't as good as they could be (maybe that's why I haven't been picked for Artful Blogging?). Haha. I just get so excited and want to share what I'm doing no matter what the light is...lol. I need to find some more texture wallpaper. I've about used up my stash pure slam out. I guess 2 years of painting with the pieces I have would do that.


I'm loving all the COOL and FUNK color choices you all have picked out for me for next big work! You ROCK! I'm still not sure which one I'll use but I have a feeling I'll do more than one piece with the variety of colors my Sweet Repeaters have tossed to the artistic wind for me.



Click on this picture (well all of the pics will lead to flickr) and I went back and added a few notes highlighting some of my supplies. Anyway, so this is what a single artist does on a Friday night....my sons were with their Dad and Momma was home alone elbow deep in acrylics. Sounds kinky huh. It's not....lol. Be ready to see lots of action from me this month though in the studio (not that type of action...painting people, geesh). It's just a little over a month until the Spring Fest in Southern Pines, NC and I am going to have BUNCHES of treasures for the eye for anyone that is kind enough to stop by my booth. Hopefully I'll have BUNCHES of sales to go along with my treasures. I don't want this experience to be like my 85 dollar tomato plant a couple of years ago. Me and my brilliant ideas :)

Next post--My March Giveaway!

So what brilliant ideas do you have for this weekend?

State of the Studio

She's working it, girls....she's working it!

Tonight's the first night in WEEKS that I've felt like really working on anything. Not sure what hit me but I could probably go all night but my commons sense is telling me to start wrapping it up for the evening, after all, it is almost 10:30. I guess because I was sick for most of February, my mojo went on vacation while I recovered. She's back though...I can feel it!

This evening I worked on getting a few pieces completed that I am stockpiling for the art show mentioned in the last post. I'm hoping to have at least 50 originals to showcase and I think I can do it, as I'm taking things out of my shop downtown for that weekend in addition to the 15 I already have here. I'll also work on making at least 150 magnets (have about 40 done so I'm in good shape with that). Thank you to those who sent me some great tips, I really appreciate it. It's an outdoor show so the big things I'm worried about is the tent and walls to hang my pieces on. The good news is that I put a call out to the guild that I belong to and someone offered to sell me an EZ pop up tent that they no longer use. That's a big item off my list, so I'm definitely relieved.

Next Saturday is the M4 challenge (see my sneak peek in the last post) art gallery showing at the Artist Alley. If anyone is in the area of Moore County, NC-be sure to stop down to Jean Skipper's gallery and check out our show! It is going to be a great one, and I can't wait!!!

Okay I'm off to paint for a few minutes, do laundry, make dinner then take my oldest son back to his Dad's and brave the torrential rain that is supposed to turn into snow tonight. Perhaps we will have a snow day tomorrow...:)


Question of the post: What's upcoming in your creative world that you are excited about???
((BTW..I love hearing about you when I pose questions, it's always so much fun!))

Creative Chaos!

The majority of the week, this is what my art table looked like...pretty much chaos. I don't have a lot of space. I pretty much have turned my dining room area into a full time art studio...lol. The only time we eat here is on holidays. I'd love a real studio, but I don't think I'd want it totally separate from the main hub of the house. I kinda like being in the midst of things. Unless it gets too chaotic and I have too many things going on at once. I almost always work on several things at once, it just is an effective way of doing things. I can't imagine just doing one painting. Maybe my tune will change down the road, but for now, this is how I roll.
What am I working on?
2 challenges for Cloth Paper Scissors
2 Custom Pieces
1 painting for an upcoming prize I'm doing for someone else's blog--stay tune for this one!!
I'm also working on some small samples for an article I'm writing...that is pretty much due this week but I'm stuck on something so I set it aside...but by sticking it aside, I may be late for the deadline. I'm trying, trying...but something isn't just clicking for me and I don't want to do something I'm not proud of...there's a fear of failure I dont' normally have. Sometimes just putting things off for a bit gives me a new perspective once I come back...if I'm late, then I"m late.

I'm also working on a new batch of magnets for a few different places-I've sold out of my set of blue ones and now am on to a new collection called "Green Apple Sweet HeART magnets"..lol Despite the fact that they are not all green and have nothing to do with apples is beside the point. I liked the name :)

After seeing all this choas, I just had to take back the madness and clean things up. I bought another 3 drawer plastic cart to organize my paint, my sprays and some of my watercolors. Phew...what a relief...

...a relief for all of ten minutes then I was back in the saddle! It doesn't take me long to make a mess. But what beautiful things arise from chaos!

I'm sad that this is my last day of vacation. It's amazing though, I can get more done when I'm working......I guess I just work better under pressure than I do when I have all the time in the world. Amazing revelation.

Hope you have a creative week and pull treasures out of your own chaos!