Life in Focus

everyday creative...in my studio

Since the minute I opened this book, I have been inspired to tell our story in unique ways and to put more of my "life art" on the walls of our home. I have post-it notes on almost all pages with scribbles of ideas to try, photos to take, and stories to tell.  So, one of the projects I've had my eye on is the antique printer's drawer turned into a photo collage. I knew the moment I saw this project that I wanted our story on the wall in one of these drawers.  I loved the idea of re-purposing an antique and I loved the randomness of the collage...it's like a giant "eye spy" and so much fun to look at!  Since then,I've been searching and searching and,finally,I was able to purchase a drawer in excellent condition for a very reasonable price (thanks mom and dad for finding it for me!) I got to work on it immediately and now it's ready to hang!  I'm so excited! One of the best parts of this project is that I was able to go back and use some not-so-great photos from years past and isolate the portion of the photo that I wanted to keep.  Now,they are all great photos and each tells an important part of our family story. It really was a fun and pretty fast project to make and I love the way it turned out! Every time I walk by it, it makes me smile. :)

everyday creative

I have learned over the years that just like exercising, eating healthy, and taking my vitamins, I need a daily dose of creativity.  Recognizing my "everyday creative" self is essential to my spirit, attitude, happiness, and overall balance in life.  Whether I'm creating in my studio, preparing a meal, solving a problem, sewing a seam, teaching a class, or parenting my children, I try to be aware of the creative potential in all of it.

From time to time, I will share these random bits of "everyday creative" on my blog.  My hope is that it will help me to recognize and celebrate these acts more often and that it will inspire others to do the same.

Have you recognized your creativity today??

she flies

passion in her soul
a smile on her face
 dreams in her heart
wings on her back
she flies


and we are honored to stand on the sidelines
and cheer as we watch her go....

joy

Joy is holding a brand new life in your arms and feeling your heart swell with love.

this weekend brought us a new baby cousin to cuddle, kiss, and enjoy.  we are so excited!

hello september

I know it's already the 9th, but I am officially ready to say "hello" to September!  These last couple of weeks have brought us a daily flurry of activity as we celebrated one season and prepared for another.
Now I am taking a big breath and catching up!

Here are the highlights:

surprised the kids with a trip to the wave pool for a one day vacation.  we left behind the schedules and lists , packed a yummy picnic lunch, and just had FUN!  We spent the whole day riding the waves, sliding down the slides, laughing, and enjoying time together. summer bliss.

hosted a stuffed animal family reunion complete with a photo shoot of each family....note to self: make a scrapbook about this one!

spent lots of quiet time reading - he cruised through the first three Harry Potter books this summer and is now on the 4th!

went blueberry picking with my helpers and crossed it off my list of "must do's" for the summer. i even made my first batch up blueberry jam to go on some homemade banana bread.  yum!

learned how to ride the bike with the hand breaks....it was a little intimidating at first, but now he's got it and loves the speed!

celebrated her 12th birthday with a "fash bash" party for her friends, a dinner out with family, chocolate cake, and lots of gifts! this is one happy girl!

bought lots and lots of school supplies along with new backpacks, lunch boxes, and clothes (since every pair of pants in the closets were all too short!) 

celebrated the first day of school with our traditional number pancakes!  Everyone gets their new grade number in edible form with butter,syrup, and sprinkles on the first day. this is the last year of all single digits!

Although I held on as hard as I could to summer vacation, it's now time to let go and welcome a new season full of possibilities.  There's a little chill in the air today and the house is very quiet...such a drastic contrast to the active, loud, and hot days I've been used to these past months. I'm getting reacquainted with the routine of the school year, hanging a new wreath on the door, and looking forward to all that fall has to offer us.  hello september!