Basement Artist Studio

What started as 'I need to clean up my space' turned into a two day total clean out/up of my basement Art Space! I cleaned off every shelf vacuumed up every spider carcass as well as a few live ones and rearranged the furniture a dozen times before settling on this set up.

Our basement is concrete and two years ago my husband with a little help from me, cleaned out the space and painted a lovely yellow color. I have taken the liberty of 'creating' a separate space by hanging fabric over the area where we store house painting supplies. I used a fabric shower curtain that we used at previous residence yet I still loved, to shield my eyes from the shelves that house cleaning supplies. This gives a nice backdrop to the book shelves and still allows any natural light that may come in through the tiny basement window. I employed a piece of peg board to hold lots of scissors and other items I would like visible and handy!

A friend who has moved to Idaho left behind this tall table so I wanted to find a way to use it in my space. I think this works! You can see the peg board and wheelie carts that I use to hold more stuff to create with. Eventually I will clean those out too! Behind the long table was an awkward space due to the way the concrete was poured long ago with a 'shelf'. It's about 2 and a half feet deep and runs the perimeter of the basement. I used metal shelf units to allow me to stack clear boxes with supplies; easier to reach and see through so I know what is in them. 

I also have rolly carts which house paints, pencils, pastels, and tools for my work; this works well because I can roll them closer or move them if needed. I have used metal garden pots that are about two feet tall to house rolls of paper and reused the bottom of a box to hold up larger papers and boards there in the corner. The lighter area there with bars... that is the other window in the basement. You can see I have a power strip which hangs from the ceiling and have attached lights to the rafters. My mom contributed a string of LED lights which are on a battery I have those hanging from the ceiling also. 

Here's another picture which shows the box organization station a bit better. Though in the picture it still appears cluttered, it is actually quite organized and currently spider free :) 

Now that I have a clean space I can't wait to get in and dirty it up by creating some wonderful art!! 

Hope to post some soon!! 

Until next time....

Simple

Wow, the weekend is gone already? Here in Portland we are experiencing a spell of cold but no rain! Joy!!! Ok, perhaps its a groovy thing that I am enjoying but in terms of futures it is probably not such a good thing; snow pack = water for the summer months. But I have to admit I have really been digging the sun and being able to enjoy the backyard.
I am totally guilty of getting lost in the backyard. Not that it is oh so big but because it's sooooo enjoyable! And it was so active over the weekend. All kinds of birds visited and honestly they bring me such joy!! It's like having a flock of friends :) The backyard is where I gain A LOT of inspiration for the art work I have been working on for the Big 200 which opens December 10th at Pioneer Place Mall. I managed to take a few pictures for when it's rainy and I can't get out to enjoy the birds like I like to!

This one is the Golden Crown Sparrow... any wonder why? Hee hee!!

And here is one of my favorite subjects - the Hummingbird! Anna's Hummingbirds stay in Portland year round so I keep feeders out year round! I pull in at least one feeder at night and return it in the morning, it has been getting colder and colder overnight and I would hate for them to wake up and have frozen food for breakfast! (that and I worry, I mean in the Christmas Story that kid gets his tongue stuck to a pole... hummingbirds have long tongues and I wouldn't want to see one get stuck to a feeder!!)
So I had promised a few more pict's of the works done for the art show, now you have a glimpse of what inspires here's a few more of the 8x8's -

Hummingbird and flower; wood burned and then painted

Song Sparrows in flight

Nuthatch on a tree, I love the background on this one too!!

Another Hummingbird; wood burned and then painted.

I will save the others until next time, don't want to blow out all the picts in one post!!
These are the little ones that inspire me to attempt to capture the small joys and pleasure that comes from viewing nature in my backyard. Consider something that brings you small joys that you see everyday and share them with me!
Until next time, enjoy the Sun!!

Busy, Busy, Busy Me

Long time without a post or word. Alas! I am back on.
I have been busy creating art! Yeah!!! Very happy to be working on some beautiful pieces. I will have to post the works from my Big 200 pieces when I can get some good pictures in. The light hasn't been cooperating, or showing up for that matter. Well, I can't say it's the sky's fault; there was a holiday in the mix that kept me away from producing more art and taking pictures of it.
Yep - Thanksgiving has come and gone already - geez that was fast! Amazing how much time is spent getting ready for a holiday only for it to go fleeting by in the blink of an eye. Way too stressful for what it is supposed to be, a day of Thanks and being with friends and family. Happily we made it through and have digested the food and conversations. I am very thankful we had little to do with the Black Friday madness! What craziness is going on in the world where 'people' pepper spray for a TV?? Really? Has it gone that far? I guess the incidences from Tickle Me Elmo and the Cabbage Patch Kids Christmas's taught the next generation and they have taken it one step further... Makes me wonder and fuels the fears of coming years if lessons are not learned.
But that is a discussion for another time.
Meanwhile, here's a little something to bring it back to the Simple Joys! A wonderful little creature that went to the Audubon's Wild at Art Event, someone got to take this little cutie home -

I look forward to being back online and look forward to more artwork in the near future!!
Be Well and Keep it Simple!!
Suzy

Surprise? I am still here :)

Surprise!?!  I am still here... Celebrate Summer?!

I am still kickin and trying hard to find a speck of joy in the summer. A friend reminded me that I was known to say 'find something to smile about everyday' (well over 20 years ago) and I still do. Seems as I get older the smile pacifies me but I want more out of ... it, life, this experience. 

I am muddling through the summer with the temp job which is pushing my tolerance level of mean people to the bitter edge. I hope that I can hang in until the next wave of the season occurs. With Mercury in retrograde as of today, I fear that this already strained relationship will be pushed even further. It feels like being a piece of plastic wrap, not sure when the flexibility will give way and chaos will be unleashed like spaghetti sauce across a white kitchen. 

Ooooo it could get messy! But alas, I need to keep my cool and attend to my contract until something better comes to light that I can embrace. I'll keep asking and trying to put my best foot/ face forward. 

When all else fails, medicate!! 

May the Force be with us, surround us and Protect Us and God Love us still!! 

 

really!

Oh gee whiz!! Really, it's been since May since I posted??? Life gets busy I guess.
Actually, I went through a serious bout of depression - not that I am totally out of the blues but with every moment the sun graces us with its presence, it gets better.
I realize that the sun means so much more to me than I could possibly try to make people understand. There is something about life when that big ball breaks through the darkness and sends a glow upon the earth that reaches deep within my soul. With the way the Spring has been we've seen very little sun and warm temperatures... that hasn't happened either. It's June 13th and the heat came on this morning as the alarm went off at 5:45am. Go figure...but see, it's still cold and though if we could see the sun, it wouldn't get dark until 9ish but alas, it's cloudy enough to cause the day to go dark earlier than what was normal.
I had the opportunity to go to Boise, ID over the weekend. Not the plan that I made for the New Year, sadly those were squashed upon gainful employment. But Boise had sun, and my in-laws were there so it had some hugs there too. That made the weekend enjoyable. The World Center for the Birds of Prey made the weekend pretty dag on Awesome as well! Being a bird lover it was amazing to be so close to such awe inspiring beings. And the SUN!!! Boise has sun by the way and that's soul full filling :)
Ok - having issues with the computer and it's bugging me out!
I am back to the land of the living and hopefully will be with you once again on a more regular basis. Oh and pictures of birds to come once I get them off my camera!!

Oh My

Oh Gee Whiz!!! Really... Frustrations are abound like flies to *@%# - Ya know what I mean? I feel frustration with everything in my head, in my surroundings and in the environment. My head puts priorities in all the wrong places and I have been giving attention to all the wrong things falling deeper into a dark place. I am uncomfortable in my house, don't know why just am. And the lack of sunshine is just about to kill me. I use to dig living in Oregon, these days- loathing it!! 
And Artwork - Forget about It! Partially lack of motivation, mostly brain blocks that are Stupid! I shouldn't do this until I do that - but I don't want to do that because ... but I need to do X and I don't have the time to do Y. 
I go through this from time to time; this too will pass. I am hoping that letting go a pinch of what's bugging me will help to let it go. I know I am not alone in these feelings that I am having and my friends struggle with some of this too. Hang in there, have hope, think good thoughts and pray for positive changes!! 

Grateful

Yesterday was Awesome in many ways. I got call backs on job prospects, went to the Art Museum, had a wonderful lunch out, had some girl time with a new friend and to cap off the day was greeted by a wonderful thing - the sun going down. 
I stepped out the back door to take the dog out and this is what I saw:

Bright sunshine just peeking over my neighbors roof line but it's what was apparent just off the stairs of the deck that was amazing...

For some reason this picture did not come out as well - but you can still see the rainbow!! 

T'was like a cherry on top of a great day! 

Have you had a great ending to a great day?? Or even just a good day?

Changes for Spring

Finally the world outside my windows is changing. Therefore I feel a need to change up some too. Yesterday I felt a need to make some changes and start a new in some respects. Since money is tight and gas is way too expensive to justify taking a long drive or even a small trip, I had to get creative. I was feeling stir crazy, not nice enough to be out too nice to be in and just feeling like I needed a change. So I picked myself up and made the decision to shave my legs. I know it's way early in the season to expect it to benefit the public, for certain I will not be wearing a skirt without leggings anytime soon. Even though it was a small change for some reason it felt right. 
Feeling a little lighter on the legs I lotioned up to protect that exposed skin during that time the fog on the mirror had dissipated. Upon looking in the mirror - YIKES!!! What a fright! My mane had gotten a bit out of control, even wet just towelled hair had the appearance of a Beetlejuice character. Ok, time to make a bigger change. I called and got an appointment then anticipated what it was going to feel like to loose weight off my head. It feels wonderful! 
After spending some time in the morning again searching for jobs, writing cover letters, tweaking  my resume and then taking time to take care of myself and invoke some change, I had hope that something good would happen soon. And it did! Seems that just deciding to and then following through with the small changes to alter that feeling in the soul the universe responded. By 4pm yesterday I had a call back from a contract to hire place that I had registered with over a month ago. At 6pm, I got a call from a job prospect that I had applied for earlier in the morning!!! THANKS TO THE UNIVERSE FOR ANSWERING!!! 

Spring has sprung, happy that I chose to jump in and swim up the river of change. Looking forward to new adventures to come:) 

burrr but sunny

After waiting for days and days and days, it's sunny today!! It's about 44 degrees or so but SUNNY!! 
So I am trying to pop in every little bit to warm up cause the heat keeps coming on - it's still cold. 
I am almost reluctant to plant the flowers bought earlier this week because of fear of frost! Perhaps it'll get warmer this afternoon or maybe I should just check with the weather channel to make sure it's not going to get below 35 degrees. 
In the mean time, I have plenty of help with cleaning out the dead branches from the old pots from last year. Karluk has been 'hands on'! (more like mouth on)

I have a lot of pots to clean before I can plant new stuff! Karluk will love the hose though! 

Rabbit has been helping as well but she likes to get into it, literally! She's been 'chasing' the worms - Yuck! I am surprised that she'd sit and stare and wait for them to surface and then pat at them. Surely not as fun as chasing a moth but maybe she's not warm enough to pounce but patting the dirt is about right! 

Well, I can only hope for the best today. Looking forward to some color and growth! 

Where'd it go??

It's Thursday already...almost Friday??? Wow! Where did the week go? Usually when my husband is away on business the weeks seem to drag on however, this week seems to have flown by. Job searching in the mornings tends to go into the afternoons which I suppose is where many hours have gone. Then there is the little zoo I have to care for, but eve that doesn't seem so bad this time. Mostly being stuck inside due to crazy rain and wind though Karluk and I have been lucky enough to catch breaks in the rain to go get some exercise. There was a day and a half of another day where it was good to be outside and I was able to go and get some plants to pretty up the back yard. Whew! I needed some color to brighten up the scenery. Perhaps those plants will make it into their designated spots this weekend! Maybe I will be lucky enough to have some sun to plant in...Hope, Hope!! 
In the mean time I did work on another owl wood burning but it took quite a while to undertake this one, it's very detailed but felt very good to stand back and feel good about the work. 

Of course, I haven't done anything for the back ground but I may just stain the work and call it good. I like the wood grain and the stain will make that stand out a bit more. I did another one for my mom, I am not sure if I like it or not.

This has a light paint everywhere except the cardinals which have a nice dose of red. 
What do you think?? 

Changes

I went to two different workshops yesterday relating to unemployment. The first was at the unemployment office and the second was at PSU. The first one was using the Holland Code to determine where one's interest lay to align the career search to the proper field. The only problem with that is where most of my interest lay, there are no jobs. As far as what can I do; the counselor said "the great thing about you, you can do anything and excel. The difficult part is finding what will make you happy." Well, that was kind and I agree; I can do any job and do it extremely well but, it really didn't help with a direction. 
The Oregon Worksource office did give more techniques on the job search and how to research companies etc. If anyone needs tips, let me know - I am gaining knowledge and search skills like crazy! 
So the second workshop was put on by PSU it was called Leading Transitions. Awesome facilitator, Paul Spindel lead us through a process of understanding change and how to be at peace with it and make it work for you. Hummm... should have had this in February! 
Of course there's the normal flow that comes with change be it a death in the family, a separation, or a job change. There's shock, anger, denial, depressed feelings, blame and then acceptance. From the point of acceptance is where change begins; solve problems, make decisions, take action and find new vision. Well, I didn't have the shock, anger, or denial really and the blame system wasn't active either. I knew the layoff was coming. If I was angry etc. it was only because I thought that for the department I was in had already lost enough folks and I felt we didn't have room to lose another. As the HR manager had said to me and many others 'if you're not happy here go somewhere else'. I wasn't unhappy to leave that. 
I am joyful to be able to embark on the rest of the cycle; I love solving problems, making decisions, taking action and finding a vision. I am excited for this part and it felt so validating to be around others who needed to hear the same message. Quit rolling in the past, you can't change what happened yesterday, last week, last month etc. Today is a new day time for a new plan!! 
Paul laid it out simply and was so excited about his message that it was rejuvenating. It was explained that yes, this is and these are stressful times and if you are out of work in this economy it probably feels even worse but it's OK. Being stressed out isn't going to help you instead it will hurt you. Who wants to hire someone who's sleep deprived, depressed or outwardly stressed out - no one! The message is simple; 
Make Peace with Change
Take Care of Yourself
Don't assume the world is out to get you
Focus on what is in your control - REALLY in YOUR control
Don't waste energy on what is not in your control
Establish a support system
Help others 


And as my husband would agree on - GET OUT OF THE HOUSE!!! 
Going for a walk - Have a lovely day, embrace change - it's good for you :) 

Morning

It's Tuesday and it was a busy weekend and Monday. Funny how when there is so much to do is when I most feel the need to work in the studio. Kind of like I am inspired when I know I can't get in there and when I have time, I can create so many other tasks that need to be done. I think that comes from feeling guilty that I am not working to bring in an income right now. (so if you want to buy any of the below pieces - let me know! :) )

 I need to make time to make art. I have read books on the subject but reading doesn't make it happen, only applying the techniques does something get accomplished. 

I have been trying to hold back from buying art supplies due to the lack of income. My husband bought me a Michael's gift card for my birthday which I use when the coupon comes out, but I try hard not to be frivolous and go for only what I need. Yesterday after an hour + interview I was near the Michael's at the airport; since I had been looking for a particular nib for the wood burning tool, I stopped in. Amazingly enough, they had the nib I had been waiting for but it was in a pack of other nibs so it was a bit spendy - but I had the coupon so - Jackpot!! That one little tool was the inspiration for a lot of work beginning last night and into the morning. So, the work has begun and with the plans on the calendar for the next few days I will be busy with the job search but I have inspiration and motivation to put it all together eventually.  

Here's what I started last night/this morning:

This is how the panels start out with the wood burning, then I add color and I will post a few of those that I finished recently. 

Hope you enjoy, have a Great Tuesday!!! 

being sick sucks!

So, I managed to catch a cold. Very unusual for me at least for a few years anyway. I attribute it to having company, job searching and a stressful relationship. Having company is AWESOME!! Loved every minute of it but I neglected to take the usual cocktail of vitamin D every night. Job searching is kind of stressful in that these days one doesn't just create a resume and put it out there; now it's create a resume for every job you apply for. That takes time and research, doing this at the employment office opens one up to many, many germs that are not the normal exposure. And lastly, my unemployment puts a lot of stress on the relationship with my husband.  Shake all this up together and it's a recipe for the attack of the local cold that is cruising through Portland at the moment. 
It's hard to have a cold do a job search and try to allow myself the time to do art work. Sleep was definitely on the agenda, and then job searching for hours and hours on end, next was caring for the dog and home obligations. When all that was done I had little energy left to do much of anything. I was well taken care of near the end of the night by my bestest buddy.

Love and warmth were graciously offered. I was thankful for my snuggle bug!! For taking such good care and offering such comfort he got an early visit to day care, and loved it :) 


Before I came down with a dreadful cold I worked diligently on three panels, two are meant to go together and the 3rd is a stand alone. Let's see if I can get them to upload! 

OK well looks like they loaded...Though the colors didn't come out as well in the picture as well as I'd like. I tried to take the photo's outside so the lighting would be better. Perhaps I should work on the colors! 
Back to the drawing board - Pun intended!!! Ha Ha! 
Back on the mends, hopefully back on a regular schedule of writing and creating too! 
Should the opportunity be convenient - would love to know what you think of the above works :) 

Morning inspiration...sort of

This picture was taken at 7:30 am, I felt hope. It only takes a few minutes of sun to break through the darkness of a clouded disposition. And I embraced the moment.

But alas, the sun has buried its head

as if to go back to bed

The clouds have encroached again

only to lighten the darkest shades of grey

what about that feeling of hope, of all things possible?

This feeling it will come again my friend

It may not be steady until the month of May

But when it comes, it will be Incredible! 

Patience is a virtue and a test. A virtue is defined as a 'quality deemed to be morally excellent and thus is a foundation of principle and good moral being'. I had considered myself a very patient person however, Spring always gives me a test. One that often times I fear the big fat 'F'. When I awake in the morning and there is sun I am full of hope and inspiration! Then the rains come again and it's as if the sky says " Ha- Ha, nana nana boo boo thought it was bright but Who Knew"!! And I feel that sense of anger, like being the kid that classmates played a joke on and there is no one on my side. There's no way to deal with the anger and disappointment so, I sulk. 

This is when I have to dig DEEP. I have spent some time gleaning tools from seminars, workshops and books; tips and techniques to conquer the 'blues'. Some days I have to pull every tool from my tool box of ways to stay positive and sane. Then there are the days I open the box and there are only shreds of paper that I have to work hard to fit together like a puzzle to find the answer. Other times I open the box and it's over flowing with solutions, it's easy. The change of seasons tends to be a challenge in many ways but it is important to embrace change, no one said it would be easy. 

It isn't unexpected it is an evolution taking place- Spring, a new job, getting my art out there; nothing left to do but pull out the tools, get to work, and exercise patience!!!! 

Unless you have a better idea, which I would love to hear!!

in reading, I found it

I am part of an artist group that meets just about every week. There are authors, painters, printers, and crafters with mixed media. We read books to encourage and inspire currently we are reading The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin. Last night, unable to sleep I crept downstairs and picked up the book to read further on being happy. In the chapter 'June: Make Time for Friends', I found the perfect description for what I was trying to put into words on the last post.
 "Hearing her voice brought back a lot of memories I'd forgotten; it re energized some part of my brain that had been dormant." (pg.145)
Not only did my visiting friend awaken part of my brain but she also encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone. I smiled the rest of the day! We attended the Pagan Faire, "Magickal Warriors-- Earth Healers". Thanks to her son working the venue, we arrived to find this is a non-profit organization supporting and celebrating women's spirituality. I found this event to be intriguing and curious and spontaneously fun. 
As we sat on the floor chatting there was an evolution of change going on around us. Props were being set up, children moved back and then the ching, ching of finger symbols flooded the atmosphere. It was time for the Belly dancers!! I was entranced. Their movements so fluid, the various sounds of bells and chimes that adorned the outfits and fingers were energizing. The fact that all types and ages of women were represented with none being self conscious instead they seemed self professing; I am woman hear me ring!! 
I couldn't help but smile, not a pleased to see you smile but a smile that resonated from deep down. The audience was encouraged to hiss at the more sensual moves and to preform Zaghareet, a high pitched yell of sorts to express approval for the dance that is being preformed. I tried but felt intimidated, so many times I wanted to bust out and yell but reserved my right to do so more that I did. I think it's that part of me that has been dormant for so long that the cork remained wedged well in my throat despite the urge to let loose! 
What a weekend of reacquaintance in so many ways. I am feeling encouraged to take steps to  get out there; breathe in, let go and rediscover. Who knows - perhaps I will even try belly dancing!! 

Visitors from a far...

I am totally psyched to have my friend and her son for a visit! She's here from VA and it's been a total kick in the pants to see her again. I tried to think back to the last time we saw each other after going back 15 years I gave up trying to pin point it and just enjoy the company. Sometimes in life you come across certain people where it really doesn't matter when the last time you saw each other or spoke; some folks you can pick up right where you left off with out skipping a beat. 

It's nice to have that sense of familiarity, that energy, it's almost like an AH- HA moment. Or a sort of awakening back to a former peculiar state.  I see now more clearly that I have put up barriers and have probably been denying myself all the while. It's not the denying of life's enjoyments of chocolate or tasty treats more to the tune of excluding myself from the music of life. I don't make a point to delve into the symphony and examine the instruments but rather have just been listening to the tune as I pass by hoping no one will notice.


Well now that this discovery has come about, perhaps it's time I stretch even further and find an instrument and make some noise! 
We'll see what happens next, any suggestions or ways you know to stretch out of the familiar and/ or make some noise??

Just Thinking

It has been a long day of rain. The weatherman says we might see a dry day come Monday. 


I know that life here isn't as bad as other's have it around the world with the wars and natural disasters occurring daily and really I should think outside the box I dwell in. Times like these, when I am feeling blue (or gray) I think is when being mindful of all the things I am grateful for comes in handy. Perhaps I should fill a jar with pieces of paper with the gratitude's written on them so when I am blue, I can pull out a piece at a time and recite out loud what I am grateful for. 
Hummmm, I like that idea! 
I am grateful for: 
a forgiving God, terrific husband, great pup, happy kitties, playful turtles, a house to live in, wonderful family, wonderful group of women I get to see most every Saturday, Birds, art supplies! the opportunity to look for a career, pretty good health, great attitude, spell check
Wow, I am feeling better already! 
Does anyone else ever make a list to get themselves in a better mood? Sure does help! 

SunBreak!

Amidst all the turmoil of recent events it's hard to think beyond the devastation. Though after seeing interviews with several Japanese who were able to muster a smile, I had to think hopeful thoughts. 
Days and days of rain and the forecast shows nothing but rain for the next 10 days. However, what the weather people fail to show is the forecast of sun breaks! Where the dark clouds that shield the earth from the heavenly rays split for a moment or two and allow inspiration and a feeling of hope to grace the soul. It doesn't take long for the feeling of doom and gloom to be replaced by a glimmer of hope with just a few minutes of sunshine. Likewise I can only hope that those folks in Japan and in New Zealand are able to glean hope from the sun and feel the prayers that have been directed their way. 

A sun break above the yard, for those who aren't sure what a sun break is :) Just enough to make me hopeful and looking forward to Spring. What makes you feel hopeful during the doldrums between Winter and Spring?? 

Bouncy, Bounce!

I made a cup of tea to go with me to the park yesterday, the paper tab that hangs from the string read "Youth would be an ideal state if it came a little later in life" Herbert Henry Asquith (1852-1928).  I thought this was appropriate seeing as it was my birthday and all. Then on Face Book a friend commented that it 'seemed like last night that we were playing spotlight in your backyard'.  This brought forth a flood of memories from those carefree days of kid-hood. Those evenings that were spent playing spotlight, hop-scotch, and one of my most favorite memories - 4 Square! We played 4 square for hours at a time all summer long, ah youth I had sooooo much more energy back then and other kids to play with. 
About the time the Jane Fonda workouts became popular my mom bought in and got the workout album complete with pages of images showing how to do the moves. Shortly there after a mini trampoline was introduced to the house. Oh boy what fun that was. In the fall, winter and spring when running about with my friends was limited that trampoline was a saving grace place for extra energy that needed burning off. I grew older, interests changed, friendships transitioned and the trampoline became a dog bed. 
Recently my gym membership ran out, I didn't really use it and being unemployed couldn't justify that expense. I did see an ad in the Sunday paper some weeks ago and there was the trampoline! "Wow they still make those"I thought and then got really excited.  I mentioned that I had gone online looking for one of these trampolines to my husband and last night I unwrapped the Perfect gift for me!! 




Check it out! It is the new improved Trampoline (I am saying improved rather than admitting that the bands will be used to help stabilize this old body). 
I did receive several nice gifts for my birthday but I must say becoming a Tigger again is something I am really excited about. Is there something that reminds you of kid-hood fun? I hope you can take a moment to remember a little something fun and let it inspire you. As for me... Let the Bouncing Begin!!! 

I'm coming out! Put your Party Hat On!!

It's my birthday today! What better day to greet the world with a Blog than today?! I have thought about beginning a blog several times over the last year and since I have turned over into a new decade, why not step out of the comfort zone and go for it! 
A bit about me: I am an artist (that's my painting you see above), I am a wife and a caregiver for two cats, a dog and two turtles. Currently unemployed with high hopes of that changing soon, but in the mean time, I enjoy doing art works and taking walks (weather permitting). I live in Portland, Oregon where it rains a lot of the year and its gray skies but green everything else is the backdrop of my life. Though I have always found simple things in life to bring a lot of joy; living here has made modest joys seem generous. 
My profile picture is a classic example. Just a yawn but captured at the perfect moment which makes me giggle every time I look at it! By the way this is Rabbit one of the two cats that enrich my existence on this crazy planet we call Earth.  
Speaking of crazy places, as mentioned, I live in Portland, Oregon. The Independent Film Channel has a show which 'spoofs' many of the quirky aspects of this town. One of my favorite spotlights is the "Put a Bird on it" episode. http://www.ifc.com/videos/portlandia-put-a-bird-on-it.php  (the link for your viewing pleasure) I thought I might take a moment to give an explanation for putting birds on things, painting birds and the like. Portland is a gray place and a lot of time is spent in the rain causing many to spend much of their time indoors or well covered when outside. There is a necessity to connect with nature and the most readily available creatures to enjoy are right outside a window, viewed from a porch, and are always out and about even in the rain - Birds!! They are everywhere and in all shapes and sizes and thankfully they don't mind the rain. Even if you don't have a feeder to lure them in, little finches and sparrows are hopping around in the bushes and in the trees tweeting little songs to welcome the day. I find great inspiration from the little birds, braving the cold rain and wind to wake up and face another day with a song none the less!  So, why not pay homage to these simple joyful creatures and put a bird on the ordinary everyday things?:)
From Finches to Raptors, there are many birds to be amazed over and appreciate every day. Who doesn't find a little finch hopping around chirping and pecking for crumbs whilst at an outdoor cafe too cute?! Or find total amazement at the size of the Bald Eagle flying above; the stillness of the Heron standing like a statue? 
Birds are like the shadows of ourselves, they are all around but how much attention do you really give them? Perhaps pause a moment in the busyness of the day and enjoy the simple song.