an acquired taste?

I had another couple inches cut from my hair today. If this keeps up (had over 6" cut 12/31), it won't be long before there isn't any left. I think I like it but will know more tomorrow (after I try to style it myself ~ ha!). The whole process, however, brings to mind another quote...

"Maybe being oneself is always an acquired taste."
~ Patricia Hempl, tale teller

I am finding, joyfully, this quote to be true. The older I get, the truer "me" I become.... along with being more comfortable with who I am.... It's quite an amazing ride, this thing called life, isn't it?

when you can't decide

I love quotes, so every now & then, I'm going to share from my favorites. As I enjoy my supper of cheese, crackers & wine (don't ya just love Saturdays?), I'm thumbing through my collection for just the right one to share tonight before starting work on some valentine cards for my family. This one seems to speak to the artist in me who wants my left brain to just keep quiet....

"If you can't make up your mind, 'What the hell' is usually the right answer."
~ Ellen Reid Smith, businesswoman

back in the game & having fun!

I've finally beaten that nasty bug and feel great! Thank you to those who sent kind words & well wishes my way.

It's been over a month since I created anything in the studio (ok, that ~ studio ~ feels weird to say, but DH has been encouraging me to use that term and believe in myself more). I took this afternoon and created three cards, figuring that was the area I'm most comfortable in, so it's a good way to ease back into the creative world.

Sunday I discovered Dover stencils at the book store & bought the CD. I've had trouble in the past getting my Silhoutte software to recognize the outline of images I would import in. Luckily the software worked great with these stencils.

Tomorrow's my dad's 78th birthday, and a good excuse to try out my new Prismacolor markers. The purple birthday card below may not seem like a man's card due to the flower theme, but he's a gardener and nature lover so he'll appreciate it. Besides, it's from his baby princess, who can do nothing wrong (yeh, right.... ha ha). The ridges aren't a scanning defect, I crimped the piece after it was done but before adhering it to the card itself.

I had a fantastic time playing this afternoon and can't wait to get back in the studio this weekend!

I'm still here....

I just wanted to drop in & say, hi, I'm still here....don't give up on me. This buggaboo just really grabbed hold and has taken me for a loop. What little energy I've had has gone to my job & getting well. DH helped by taking down the tree yesterday....the latest I've ever had it still up after the holidays. I haven't even checked emails, Yahoo groups, or blog-surfed for days... I'm beginning to go through withdrawals (smile). Hoping to get back in the game soon!

I'm a little late, but HAPPY NEW YEAR!

The stress of year-end and the holidays over, 12/31 I had 6+ inches cut from my hair & highlights added. I wanted a new look (not to mention, less prep time) to go with my renewed dedication to creativity & living a balanced life. I awoke 01/01 with a terrible sore throat & have been in my pj's ever since. Not up to creating art, I've used my sporadic awake-time to read & ogle every page of the latest issue of Somerset Studio before starting a new book, "life is a verb" by Patti Digh. What a great book this is! I'm so glad I ordered it as a holiday gift to myself. It blends beautifully with setting my 2009 goals. I love how she tells stories for illustration, and uses words I'm unfamiliar with so I must keep my pocket dictionary handy ~ exercise for my mind!

When I feel better, I have new toys to play with so who knows what you might see on my blog in the upcoming weeks. My awesome husband gave me new acrylic paints, Prismacolor markers, an electric dremmel (I'd been using a hand-me-down rechargeable from my dad) and Bamboo Fun from Wacom (electronic pen tablet). Was Santa good to you too?

Here's to a fantastic 2009, everyone!