10 things I know to be true about 2011:

1. I fell in love with the man of my dreams.
2. Valley Creek Church rocks.
3. I spent a great 5 days painting at a Robert Burridge Workshop
4. Spent the most consecutive days away from my boys while they went on vacation with their grandparents.
5. Had the funniest dating experience that I have ever had in my whole life!
6. Watching my boys grow in everything they do is fun and such a gift.
7. I missed going to Wimberley this year. The beach is so windy.
8. It was the hottest summer since the 80's but we didn't break the record of the most days in triple digits.
9. Refugio Bobcats are the 2A State Champions! What a fun game and fun friends.
10. We got a dart board for Christmas. Can't wait to play in 2012.

Journal - Happy New Year

2011 has been a great year.
A really great year.

It was full of ups and  a couple of downs, creative moments, laughter, some frustrating moments, I cried a few sad tears but mostly 2011 was full of really good loving. The last 201 days were really good days of loving.

That sentence makes me smile.

2012 will see some changes for this little creative blog of mine. It's still a creative blog but 2010 and 2011 have taught me that my painting is sporatic and undisciplined. When it goes well, it goes well but when it doesn't it is non-existant. I'm not a full-time painter and though I love painting, I'm not 100% that just painting is my passion. At 42 years old, I'm still trying to figure it all out. Well, at least I haven't given up on discovering.

I finally finished my journal that I bought when I was 30. It only took 12 years.

Hopefully it won't take 12 years to finish this one:

Or, this one:

Happy New Year!!

Music Monday - Somewhere Over the Rainbow

This is the last Music Monday in my Year of Love and what a wonderful year it has been.

It truly is a wonderful world when you choose to see it that way. Be grateful for all that you have and for all that you are because if you dream it, you can be it.

Fifty Second Sunday

A strong man
stands up for
himself;
a stronger man

stands up

for others.

- Ben the Cow,

from the animated

movie Barnyard

is it silly that i love this quote?

Journal - Signature Page

Holy Crabby Patties! It only took me 12 plus years to finish this journal! And, I love it. I love the way it has developed. There is one white half page that I thought I would go back and paint on but now I think I'm going to leave it white. 2011 was a great year for Love. I found the love of my life, I love my boys, my family and friends so much, I'm going to church again, and I'm loving my art. Love, love, love. Thank you 2011 for being such a great year. Merry Christmas.

Music Monday - I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus

This is my favorite Christmas song! It's cheerful and fun.

Fifty First Sunday

I took a

deep breath

and listened

to the old

bray of

my heart.

I am.

I am.

I am.

- Sylvia Plath

Journal - Double Rothko

I was copying a Rothko painting that I like. This image reminds me of a window with the sky and grass.

Doodle inspiration

In 2012, I'm playing with the idea of posting doodles that I draw. This was done on a post it note- where most of my doodles are drawn. Yes! I've decided I will post doodles next year. And look! I can post them using my phone. Technology is grand!

Music Monday - Merry Christmas from the Family

I am something of a Scrooge at Christmas time so here's a funny song to try to get me in a jolly mood. Note: This is not for you. This is for me!

Bah Humbug!

Fiftieth Sunday

Today is

your day,

your mountain
is waiting,

so get on
your way.

- Dr Seuss

Journal - Bob's Trees in Green.

I worked on most of this while I waited for an oil change and tire rotation at the dealership. It's a good way to pass the time.

Music Monday - Rudolph The Red Nose Reindeer

It's the second Monday after Thanksgiving, the first Monday in December and I'm sure you have already been inundated with Christmas decorations, music and more. I have exactly 3 Monday's until Christmas so I guess I'll jump on the band wagon. And maybe, just maybe, it will help me get my Bah-humbug-self in the mood for some Christmas cheer! Hey Rudolph! That's my favorite part of this song. :)

Forty Nineth Sunday

It doesn't matter

where you come from,

what matters is

where you are going.

- Ingrid Munro

Journal - Guitar Heart

I'm loving the brick pattern lately. I drew a heart and in that heart I drew a C and it reminded me of the tuners of a guitar. So I drew the headstock in the heart. I love the sound of guitar.

10 things I know to be true about my day job:

1. As soon as I throw something away, my boss always needs it.

2. I conquered the 200g heavy bonded glossy paper and the Ricoh machine producing some awesome flyers.

3. I don't like answering the main phone line during my lunch hour or when Margaret is gone.

4. I don't think it's professional to call your co-workers love, darling, sweetie or any other intimate nickname whether you are male or female.

5. The view I see out my interior office window are of an eagle with a dead catfish, some hawks and bird dogs. The eagle print is most prominent.

6. I'm grateful for the Internet.

7. I love when my cell phone chirps and it's a text message from Chris. It makes my day happy. Happier.

8. I wish I could go back to my old routine of working out and eating a peaceful lunch alone in the real estate kitchen.

9. I feel lucky that my office provides lunches on Monday and Thursday which I stretch out to all week long. Salad on Monday, Sandwich on Tuesday, Soup on Wednesday, Lunch on Thursday splits in half to provide for Friday.

10. I know how fortunate I am to have an on site fitness facility and fitness trainer that I can utilize during my lunch hour.

December First

Today I was inspired by a post that my friend, Claudia, wrote at House of Shine.

She shared this video:


And just like that I am renewed and hopeful and inspired.

Do they show TED videos at schools? They should!