Retirement Practice – Day 1

• Monday morning grocery shopping
• Christmas card crafting before lunch
• Pandora while I worked
• Errands with a smile

Inspired By Yellow

I’ve been neglecting my art journal something terrible this year, but finally dove into some inspiration over at Daisy Yellow for the journal page above – I’ll add some journaling on the right, but have to say this was definitely the jump start I needed after the self-imposed art stress I’ve created over the last few weeks!

OH and I have to tell you – those tapes you see along the edges (the yellow/gray floral and the burgundy, blue and mustard patchwork) are new from Happy Tape – LOVE!!!

Revealed a couple of my “secret” art projects this past week so stay tuned – I’ll share photos soon!

Month of Hearts #4

Dirty Car Heart – I’d wash it, but there’s more snow predicted for Wednesday (8 inches!!) so it hardly seems worth the effort.  Especially now that I’ll be driving around spreading the love. 

Winter Randomness

We’re pretty much snowed in out here in the heartland!  The weather people are, of course, having the time of their lives threatening dire consequences and counting up snowfall totals (12.6 inches with drifts up to 6 feet).  I have not left the house in two days and am realizing what a spoiled brat I am since I fell off the latte wagon (need… vanilla…  latte…  BADLY).  But, we’re safe and warm, there’s plenty of food in the house AND we have electricity (which was not the case for the better part of a day the last time Oklahoma hosted a blizzard), so I really should not complain.  Plus the sun was out today and it was just beautiful (looking) outside.  Moe the snow dog is in heaven!

I have LOTS of art projects in progress but can’t show you much because they’re mostly surprises, but I will share my calendar challenge page for February.  I adore pink, so decided to apply it with passion…

I’ve also had my nose in a book – Anne of Green Gables.  I never read it as a child and am going on a spring retreat for which is was recommended reading.  You’ll never guess the retreat… it’s a big one… on my life list even… and it’s on Prince Edward Island (home to Anne of Green Gables)… give up?  Click here to find out.

I saw robins last week when the weather was warm and was just certain spring was on the way until THE BLIZZARD ROLLED IN!  The good news though is Punxsutawney Phil did NOT see his beloved little shadow today, so maybe spring really is on the way.  Let’s cross our fingers, okay?

December Views 30

Hubby got me a fish-eye lens for Christmas that fits on my iPhone.  I’m still experimenting, but looks like lots of fun to be had here!

This lens is made by Digital King and they also offer a wide angle/macro lens that I’d love to try – not sure what the story is, but the only retailer (giant bookstore who shall remain nameless) is listing it as unavailable.  I might have gone a little Veruca Salt when I put on my pouty face and stomped my foot at this news.

December Views 20

I found a new sushi place right by my house!!  Fast, inexpensive and yummy! This is a Dragon roll (tempura shrimp, cucumber and avocado; topped with eel, avocado and green onion) – pretty, right?

December Views 19

If there is one thing I am certain of – when Hubby sits down, with his glasses AND good light, to read instructions… the task must surely be VERY complicated.

December Views 18

My holiday vacation begins today and I’m in my happy place!  Plans include sleeping late, unrushed Christmas busy-ness, good books, and time with family (not necessarily in that order).

December Views 17

Our yard is the envy of the whole neighborhood right now – except for the part where it’s 32 degrees outside and Hubby’s still having to mow.

December Views 16 – Part 2

Standing at the kitchen sink this afternoon, I looked out at the gray fence that serves as my daily view and was shocked to see a grinning face!  Up close, it’s a scrape in the wood (I had to go outside and check), but at this distance, it’s decidedly an elf with a long crooked nose and possibly a sly little wink!

Can you see him too? Or have I lost what’s left of my itty bitty mind?