Letters arranged alphabetically

As is usual, Kerstin comes up with some interesting ideas - I liked this one and tried it. The first few letters sound like they could be a shriek "AIIIEEE" type. Being a scientist, the last 4 reminded me of MRSA - which is that lousy bug you've all been hearing about - Methicillin resistant Staph Aureus - something we all don't want to get. Can't think of something for the T.

The red swirl has nothing to do with the letters, just an available piece of paper. I was trying to see if it is true (in my world) that the darker red looks closer than the lighter red. I guess it does....to me I really just see darker and lighter. What do you see?

Thursday morning - quick post

On Monday I wrote about a meltdown - and how I want to do so much and don't have time for it all. I've calmed down over the past few days, and realize that I don't have to give up anything - I just have to stop obsessing about completing things in a tiny amount of time. Give myself a break on the time limits! And not to worry if I don't want to finish a project. I find that if I start something I become compulsive about finishing it and it worries my mind if I don't. Well - to hell with that - if I start a project and don't really like it...bye bye project! Easy solution eh?

And with that in mind - I started working on a new little project last night which I know will take a long time to finish. Suki had written a post about an abandoned house and I kept thinking about a house being built with love, but then getting abandoned and with my propensity for anthropomorphism - I feel sorry for the little house.

So, my favorite overall wearing line people are going to build a house but then leave it to move back to the city. The house is lonely but then little animals start to move in, and raise their families there and the house welcomes them and becomes the "Happy Little House"

Hey - it's my way of controlling my world - make a happy ending! I'm not such a great drawer and DH has "offered" to help with perspective and ideas. I did ask him not to help by saying things like "that bear looks like a fox" and useful things like that.

And I am not going to obsess about finishing this project. It will be finished in it's own time, covered in a nice book cover and probably given to some deserving child.

I do feel better about this now. I just have to remember.....

Pictures from a friendly weekend and Animal Wednesday

A quick sketch of a bird face.  I've decided to do a bit more sketching  - quick stuff - to try to get into the habit of observing. Anyway, I think it does look like a bird....right????

Some photo's from last weekend on Martha's Vineyard.  The first one is after a nice hike, overlooking (of course) an ocean view. 

This tree was in the old Chappaquiddick graveyard - I thought it was the perfect size, shape and color for an autumn tree. 

We took the ferry home on Sunday and it was cold and windy and blue, blue, blue.   I just love it over there, there is something about that island that is relaxing and calming. 

I had very firm plans to have a fairly quiet weekend, starting with a concert in town on Friday night (Rachmaninoff - Vespers); a good sleep in on Saturday and a visit to a friends Open House on Sat. afternoon.   Then Sean, my 16 year old nephew called, and asked "what are you doing this weekend auntie? How about the movies?".  I couldn't have agreed faster.  MUCH more of a hassle, driving here and there, and sleep overs and changing the beds - but in it's own way MUCH more relaxing and fun.   This picture was taken after Brian's track meet, amazing to watch this kid run.   

Happy Animal Wednesday to everyone.  

Running Late

Like her creator, Miss Em is running late for everything these days! She has a lovely hat and new pot for the happy, prickly couple and wishes them great success in their new life together.

Something's gotta give

I had a complete meltdown last night. I didn't rant and rave (which I'm proud of) but did pout and whine (which I am not proud of). Of course I realize that I had this meltdown due to burning the candle at both ends for a week, but not burning with a clean flame.

A week of travel, and business dinners (and breakfasts....and lunches...!) and more travel home; then a weekend away with the friends was just too much in a way. During the weekend I didn't draw, knit or read for one tiny minute - we were too busy chattering, hiking or cooking. I had a great time, as I've said - but this morning I realize that I can't keep going on this way and that something has got to go by the wayside. I feel that I can't continue to work as hard as I do to support my little family; exercise and live a healthier lifestyle; be a wife (need I say more...that's A LOT of work!), draw and paint and sew and knit. There are some days when it all seems do-able and there are others when I really feel that I have to choose which direction I am going in.

I would drop knitting but took it up because it was something that I could do and be in the same room as DH while he cooked or watched a movie. I could participate and be with him while not really engaged in his activity.

I can't stop exercising, in fact I need to do more. We bike ride together and hike and I need to boost up the independent exercise routine for health, weight and stamina.

I can't stop working yet - simply can't. I've thought about selling our house, living a simpler lifestyle - but it has to be near a good hospital which knows about transplants - if, god forbid, we need that expertise.

That leaves a choice between being a wife; drawing; and sewing.

Tough choices.

First Annual Floundation Club get away

I'm going to add color...and some more details and make some tee shirts for my friends to commemorate the First Annual Ladies Foundation Garments Weekend Getaway. Long beach walks, hikes, lots of wine and non-stop chatter.

We're planning for next year already - and are going to spend some money going to an active type spa. We all need REAL R&R.....

Little Dance

Got home early AM. Leaving again this morning for the girls weekend away, I'm looking forward to it, but hate leaving home so soon, even for just one night.


Miss Em being eaten by a water snake sort of bothered me, so I redrew her this week and gave her an independent solution.



As I see these, I think I like the sky colored in instead of the water. What do you think?