August Break - My Two Babies

Here are my two snuggly babies getting cozy on the couch. 

In My Studio - What I'm Painting Right Now

I'm working on a few paintings right now as I'm sure many painters do.  I have to set each one aside for a while and work on something else until I "feel" what I should do next.  Here are a few pics of a girly canvas I'm working on.  This first picture is a start and I had to sit with it overnight to add a few more details.



The next two are with more detail and whimsy added (just two different angled shots of same one).



A few more touches to be added like some depth in the white flower and some light blue and lime green in the little purple leaves on top. 

Not sure what I'll name her yet but it'll come to me (hopefully!).

What do you think so far?  Any comments are always welcome!

Thanks for stopping by today.

Loving Instagram - August Break

Just found Instagram on our ipod touch and I love how I can alter the pictures to look vintage, black and white or any of the other options. 

This is my sweet daughter Isabella who typically DOES NOT like me taking pictures of her, but maybe because it was ipod related she cooperated!

Looking forward to a sunny Sunday here in Wisconsin*

Life Should be a Crazy Ride

Don't know where I found this quote by John Mallow, but I love it!

"Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely,

in a well preserved body,

but rather to skid in sideways,

totally worn out,

shouting, 'Holy Shit...what a ride!'"

Reading this makes me want to go out and really hoot it up.  Make some trouble (well as much trouble as a 39-year-old mom can make).  Climb a tree and hang by one arm from it.  Scream at the top of my lungs driving my car with the windows down. 

I know, that doesn't sound too exciting but it forces me to think about the shortness of life and how we often forget to just fly around on a crazy whim and just tear up the town.  Really use this life and this body to "skid in sideways" screaming and singing like there's no tomorrow.

The best I could do for a wild picture was my husband and daughter acting like goons on a 2008 trip to Mexico.  I guess we do need some more crazy in our life, hey?

Have you done any wild, screaming things that have made YOU feel super alive?  Any suggestions?



Flying Lessons

Kelly Rae Roberts has been inspiring me for a few years.  I found one of her canvases at a local boutique in Pewaukee, WI called Harvest Home and was instantly intrigued by her unique style.  I looked on the back of the canvas and found her name, looked her up online and ordered her book immediately. 

Ever since then, I've been so inspired and encouraged by her life and her art.  I even e-mailed her telling her my story of wanting to listen to my "whispers" to begin creating art (since it was a dream of mine since being a little girl).  I was shocked and thrilled that she e-mailed me back.  A woman with a published book actually personally responded to me!!!  I printed that e-mail out and saved it.  She gave me a few suggestions and I took them.  I haven't turned back since.  I have an etsy shop, a blog and do a few local art shows a year--all because she gently suggested I do so.  I would have NEVER done any of those on my own.  So I thank Kelly Rae Roberts for being a huge inspiration to me. 

Now I am taking her on line class Flying Lessons and am thrilled to hear her advice and stories as well as my fellow classmates' advice and stories.  I'm truly grateful that she is willing to share her "secrets to success." 

Another inpsiration that keeps me and my dream alive is this quote from Henry James: 

"It's time to start living the life you've imagined."

August Break - Bright Pink Zinnia

Dream "Getaway" Painting - August Break Photo

"Getaway" new painting on etsy.  I LOVE the Caribbean Sea--this is what inspired me to paint this one. 

Thanks for visiting and perhaps dreaming with me!