chalkboard goodness

this has turned out exactly the way i had hoped...



company in the kitchen while I make dinner, reminders to me and for the kids, weekly planning for all to see, delightful pictures to enjoy all day, and of course hand written messages. This was waiting for me when I woke up Friday morning after the Harry Potter midnight show.


In case you can't see it it reads, "it's noon on Friday in case you don't know". He wasn't far off, I made it out to the kitchen no earlier than 12:10pm that afternoon. It actually took me until Sunday to feel like I had recovered from the lack of sleep.

I'm telling you if you've considered making a chalkboard of your very own and you have a place I highly recommend it. We have really enjoyed having this bit of creative space in our living area.

xo,
amy

Amy Vacation Day 2 - Adam guest blogs

o it seems only natural that I would seize the opportunity to do a stint guest blogging while my wife is taking a vacation from spending upwards of 8 hours a day alone in a 4,000 sq. ft. house with three computers and four monitors. You gotta think that would wear on even the toughest of candidates (I like to grab my audience right from the start, you know, get them on my side). I should mention that she not only left the house on the cleaner side of the scale, but also gifted me the new Kings of Leon album, “Come around Sundown”, which seems like a rather riskily titled album to be throwing around as you leave your husband unsupervised for better than a week, at least from a Freudian standpoint. But I couldn't recommend the CD with any more enthusiasm; it’s a strong buy if you don’t normally corrupt your senses with the likes of Taylor Swift, Shakira, or anything endorsed by the cast of Glee.

This whole trip to the Carolinas is something I really support. From a talent perspective, I think Amy has mad skills and never gives herself enough credit, so the opportunity to see other people's work and receive instruction should not only advance her as an artist, but also help her see just how good she is. I am a big believer that passion gets us where we go in life, for the better or the worse, and the biggest disasters are when we seriously jack up our chi by doing the safe thing, and in a classic over-correction, we end up putting off what we really want in life so long that when we least expect it we finally make some knee jerk reaction and explode into a phenomenally ill-advised career move.

So there is nothing more laudable than taking time out of life, which let’s face it, there is never really a good time, and getting some distance from the disquietude of domesticity, the endless whining of husband and kids, and reorient yourself by the compass hands of what really lights you up. For my Amy it is photography, creativity and self-expression. For me it is old architecture, interior design, dark beautiful woods, and anything involving Sofia Vergara. What?? Too soon?

creative wednesday | week 3

I started my creative day making a duplicate of the earrings I made last week. One for myself and then one to sell (I will add it to etsy when I can take a decent picture), a necklace to match, and another pair of earrings (I don't want to share just yet because I have someone in mind for them). It was about the time I was finishing up the last pair of earrings that it occurred to me, Christmas is just around the corner...I better start fulfilling my orders for the gratitude journals before my work gets mixed up with the holiday craziness.



So I spent the rest of my time double checking my design and printing copy after copy of the book. In fact my printer is still going. Crazy how long just that step takes. It involves coming back to the computer about every 20-30 minutes reloading paper, checking the printing, printing the reverse side, etc. But I am thankful for this one easy step because the real work is ahead of me. I'm not complaining though, I enjoy making them and knowing they are going to be enjoyed by someone for a whole year gives me enough incentive to spend my time making them.

I'm hoping to make some extras for my etsy shop, but that will all depend on my timing. I'll keep you posted when I have some available for purchase.

xo, amy

**Did you do anything creative today?

mystery plant

They found random seeds in the yard on Saturday and wanted to plant them to see what would grow. Megan was certain it was a watermelon seed, Tess wasn't so sure. They did agree on one thing though, it needed a marker so they could keep an eye on it.

the letter

Have you ever been asked to do something that you're not quite sure you can do and for starters you don't know how you got asked to do it in the first place, but it's the kind of thing you can't say no too?

Ya. I got asked to do something like that and it's so hard to keep the I'm not worthy and really what can I offer feelings away...

Last week I got a letter in the mail. I should have taken the letter a little more seriously after seeing the BYU symbol in the left hand corner, but I opened it as if it was junk mail. Man, how I wish it would have been junk mail. So you can imagine my utter shock when instead it was a one page letter asking me if I'd be willing to participate in Woman's Conference at the end of April as a presenter to discuss the topic: "She....Worketh Willingly with Her Hands" (Proverbs 31:13)

I know, after you've whipped the shocked look off your face let me just tell you how shocked I was when I first read it. I was literally motionless. When I was finally able to compose myself I read the letter over and over, double checking to make sure it was really address to me (it was) and then felt the panic set in. Tears welled up in my eyes and I stared pacing the house, they want me to do what? I can't do this! There are so many more woman out there who are more qualified than me that could do this. Can I do this?

Deep breath...

I just got off the phone with the woman who sent me the letter telling her, Yes, I would be willing to participate. It's a good thing I've had some time to think about this, I'm calm now and feel peaceful about the whole thing. I have a different understanding today than I did the moment I opened the letter. I've been praying for some time, over a year in fact, to find ways to use my talents for good. I know I have a desire to create for a reason and I keep searching for the answer. Whether or not this is it, perhaps part of it, I'm not sure, but I do know I cannot let this opportunity pass me up. I'm grateful for someone believing in me enough to think I could do this and grateful that I feel peaceful today knowing that I can.

That is today. I'm quite certain it will be around the middle of March when I'll start crying again and will need lots of encouragement.

***************************************************************************************************

P.S. If anything (stories, talks, quotes etc...) occurs to you about that topic please email me, I would love to hear what you have to say. I've decided not to even think about this until after the big meeting at the end of this month where they give me all the details and I meet the other 2 woman I'm presenting with, but I guess it can never be too soon to start compiling ideas.

finally giving PW a try

I've heard about Pioneer Woman for a long time now from Robyn and Hannah. Just recently after this post I decided it was time to give her a try...after all I want to be eating as well as the rest of you. The first thing I saw when I visited her site was this and I knew then that my family would never have boring same old meals again. Robyn she is my hero too.

I was intrigued by her site and so impressed by the amount of details she gives for each dish. Seriously, with her help anyone can be a cook. After searching through for a few minutes last week this recipe for strawberry jam caught my attention. I've always wanted to make jam, but was too afraid. I don't know, I guess I was intimidated by the inevitable jars not sealing properly and exposing my family and friends to botulism.

Enter domestic diva I can try anything (once) Amy...I tried it.


[photo by Adam. Check out my cute apron...first time wearing it. I knew I would have a hard time getting it messy.]

Round of applause please....I made jam, for the first time in my life. It feels like quite the accomplishment except I didn't follow her recipe exactly because I didn't have a big pot and didn't want to spend the money on it right now. Instead I did freezer jam. Definitely less complicated, but still intimidating nevertheless.



When I was done, took about 40 minutes, I had made 7 8oz jars of some fantastic raspberry jam if I do say so myself. Ok, so Megan doesn't like it, but Bella does and I do, so that's 2 out of 3 (Adam and Tess have still yet to try it). The best thing I have found about this jam, other than it tastes good and was easy to make, is they're perfect for sharing...I only have 1 jar left in my freezer! I think I'll be making a few more batches this weekend so we're stocked up this winter.

PS If you're not into cooking and never want to be still give Pioneer Woman a try. She's a great writer and is an amazing photographer with great tips. But I'm sure you already knew that...I think I'm the slow learner here.

5 hours, 0 kids, and 1 apron

You wouldn't believe it, I actually sewed today. I can't even remember the last time...I think it must have been Christmas. Anyway, I had a day to myself, thanks to Jill who has my girls, this cute fabric on hand and an apron pattern just waiting to be used.



Five hours later (it always takes way longer than you think) and a couple of British movies watched, thanks to instant play at Netflicks, and I have a cute apron at my disposal.

Now I just need a reason to wear it.

creating=happiness

As I alluded in my post yesterday, I have been struggling for a few weeks now to find the purpose of the everyday monotony...the waking up, getting the kids off, house work, more kids stuff, dinner, and then going to bed exhausted. Today after being reminded once again of President Uchtdorf inspiring words I realized what it was I've been missing.

The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul. No matter our talents, education, backgrounds, or abilities, we each have an inherent wish to create something that did not exist before....Creation brings deep satisfaction and fulfillment. We develop ourselves and others when we take unorganized matter into our hands and mold it into something of beauty.

A couple of weeks ago it occurred to me I haven't done much creating since the Christmas season. I don't know why I've chosen not to find time for something that has, in the past, brought me great joy, but as I sat listening to these words this afternoon I realized what an important part creating has been to my happiness, and it no doubt plays a huge part in the reason I'm feeling the way that I am.

When I got home the lesson of creating hit more home when I saw Bella starting to write a new story in her new notebook (thanks akenheads) and Tess making pottery with her pottery wheel (more photos to share when I get my computer back). They looked happy and content and I knew it's what I needed to do to get me feeling like me again.

So I start off my week with a renewed commitment to my earlier goal to find time everyday, even if it's only 20 minutes, to create. I use to think it was something I enjoyed doing and now I understand I need those little break during the day to help rejuvenate me.

Does creating make you happy too?

march giveaway

Right now I feel like I'm running faster than I have strength. In fact, I'm not quite sure how I'm doing all that I'm doing, but I'm grateful that I am. I'm really glad I have this brief moment before dance to post my giveaway because yesterday I actually had an SPT, but not time to post it. Sigh! I hate when I'm this busy.

So without further ado, this month I'm giving away a small 4x5.5 inch book I sewed together and bound with ribbon. Let's just say it's my ode to spring.



To enter just leave a comment and I'll announce the winner Friday.

Have a great day!

three stories and a winner

When I went to bed last night I had such high expectation for today because it's one of the first days I've been able to get out (run errands) since I got back from Vegas and my schedule is open for the most part. Those expectation were unfortunately dashed when I laid in bed all night wishing sleep would come and it never did. I only got two hours of sleep last night which has left me with zero motivation to do anything.

Anyway, I thought I would share a few things from last month that failed to make it on the blog that I want to document.

1. Bella is learning what it means to be creative



She got a knitting kit for Christmas and started to knit a scarf the last few weeks. She was convinced she would be able to finish the scarf in two hours because that's what it said on the kit, but I think my dose of reality, "it will definitely take longer that two hours, you're just learning", has sort of made her disenchanted with the whole thing. I think she's realizing it does take time and she'd rather be doing something else. I do hope she finishes it, but no pressure from me. Knitting isn't for everyone.

2. inspiring Megan art



This is Megan's art from school and when I first saw it, it made me think of how hopeful everyone is feeling right now despite what is going on with our economy. It feels like when times are tough everyone pulls together and does their part. It's very inspiring.

3. a mouth full isn't always a bad thing



A surprise awaited the girls when they came home from school a couple weeks ago. Finally, yes finally the skittles we added a year ago, I can't believe they lasted so long, were gone and I gave them the pleasure of adding Jelly Bellys. You know I thought it would be fun for them, and it was for the most part, but as you can see Bella is clearly frustrated Megan is trying to help her, and well they all had a hard time being patient for their turn to put a coin in. Eventually, their mouths were full and it was quiet.

4. And the winner for January's giveaway is....

Amberly! Just send me your address and I will send them out to you this week. I hope you enjoy them.

Thanks for all your responses everyone. I'm looking forward to the next one.

spt (self portrait tuesday) - resolve

tuesday, january 6 i resolve to take more self-portraits
tuesday, january 13 i resolve to take more self-portraits with people i love
tuesday, january 20 i resolve to take more self-portraits while trying new things
tuesday, january 27 i resolve to take more self-portraits doing things i enjoy



Although sometimes I do get discouraged and frustrated by trying new things, I actually really enjoy the challenge. I love to look at something and think, I could do that. It doesn't always work out like I want it to, but sometimes it does. I guess I've gotten to the point that I would rather try and fail than never to have tried at all. So this year one of my goals is to try new things. I would love to be able to combine last weeks spt and this weeks and try new things with those I love...there's nothing like learning with your favorite people. I guess that means I need to start planning some creative overnighters.

projects

I was busy the last week working on a few Christmas gifts. There are some I can't show you, but a few that I can. Namely the ones I made for my girls. I was pretty excited about making each of them a different gift and hope they will be as excited to get it as I was to make it.



First of all we have welcomed in December with the same advent calendar we made last year. We put the finishing touches, the candy, on last night. It was a crazy event, everyone was fighting over the peeps (note to self buy more peeps next year), but fun nevertheless.



As promised here is the finished elephant I made for Bella. I was at the fabric store a month or so ago looking for fabric to make Megan a dress with and found this cute pattern for the elephant. Immediate I thought Bella would love having her own, she adores her stuffed animals, so I abandoned the dress project and spent the time I had getting supplies for the elephant. It was harder than I thought and I ask you not to look too closely. I fear that unless this elephant stays on her shelf the ears may fall off. I don't think they are sew on too good. Oh well, it's cute, original, and all hers. Here is the website it gave on the pattern if you are interested.


[German case binding is the method I used for putting the book together]

For Tess I decided to make a sketch book. She loves to draw and the only problem is I find papers all over the house. My initial instinct is to toss them, but I don't really want to. My solution, giving her drawings a place of there own, a bound place, so they can no longer get lost or accidentally tossed. I think it will be cool over the years to see where she started and hopefully she'll have several of these as she grows up.


[Knit hat]

Megan is very fond of hats. Really she's fond of anything you can wear, but she looks so cute in hats so that's the route I decided to take. I think its a little big and am debating whether or not to make another. I guess it all depends on what kind of time I have when I've finished with my holiday list.

Are you making any gifts this year?

Gratitude Week: Tuesday

“Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What you have caught on film is captured forever...it remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything.” -Aaron Siskind



I am grateful photography entered my life. It has given me a way of expressing myself, a way to find beauty in the world, and help me capture all the little details I never want to forget. And long after I'm gone I hope the photographs I leave behind will be glimpses into the woman I was and share the intimate feelings of my heart.

finding my voice

My visiting teachers came over this week and we were talking about our individual eternal potential and it got me thinking about what it is that takes us away from seeing who we are and what we are capable of? For me, a lot of it comes down to fear. Fear that I'm not good enough, that I'll never find my voice, that I could fail.

It's weird to have this feeling that anything is possible, but then let my fears creep in and cause me to pause. This morning I finally got the book I had been anxiously waiting for, Taking Flight by Kelly Rae Roberts in the mail. I've been devouring it all morning, absorbing her words and being inspired. In there she says,

"anything is possible in our lives when we stop denying ourselves the chance to see our own potential."

When I read these words a light went on. For far too long I've been afraid of what I'm capable of because that means I need to put myself out there. After all the more you know the more you need to do. Life can be a very safe place when you don't push yourself and explore what could be and I don't want to be safe anymore. I'm giving myself, as hard as it is, permission to be vulnerable.


[Kelly Rae inspired painting that's not completely done. Still need to fill in the face and add a few other details.]

For a long time now I've been trying to find my voice. Along the way, I've realized I draw inspiration from what others have done and when I duplicate their work I learn, I grow, and continue to find the things that will make me unique. There was a time when I thought I wasn't unique at all and that maybe my talent was simple figuring out and creating others work; however, through this last year of trying new things, I've begun to understand that our voice is often found by exploring others. We learn from each other and take pieces of them into our own life. Is that not why we have each other? To help us grow and see our own potential...to become our best self. I don't think we could ever be what we are without the people in our life supporting, cheering, challenging, pushing, and inspiring us to continue with our dreams.

I love thinking that what we are and who we end up becoming are all pieces of the individuals we let into our life. It made me think about blogging/internet and how it allows me the opportunity to learn from individuals I would have never known other wise. I'm definitely a better person because of it. I'm not sure where my creative endeavors will take me or how my story will play out, but I do know that I am grateful to all of you who have inspired me one way or another to find my voice and help shape my journey.



So whatever it is holding you back from your dream or your goal, let it go, and just go for it. Fly.

creative evening

Thursday night Adam was out of town which usually encourages me to stay up in my studio all night. For some reason I was in a scrapbooking mood so after dinner and asking my girls to get their jammies on and clean up the basement, I got started. After about a half hour it occurred to me I hadn't seen or heard from my girls in quite a while, usually I get both, so I went seeking them out. I found them at the other end of the house, Bella was like this


busy writing in the living room. I didn't know it at the time, but later found out she was busy writing a book called, Meet McKenzie Suzy. Before she fell asleep she read us the first 2 chapters and I was quite impressed. So impressed I actually questioned whether or not it was her words. She is a good little writer and I hope she continues with the story until it gets finished. Actually whenever she had a spare moment this past weekend she would work on it.

Then I found Megan and Tess like this

laughing in the Library busy drawing and painting. What I didn't know at the time, and I was grateful for this lack of knowledge, was the laughing came from the mess they were making with the paints. If you look closely you can see it all over Megan's clothes. Apparently they were making butterflies.

It was fun for me to sneak in on them and see them having a good time creating. I think I would have enjoyed it even better had we all been doing it together. I'm hoping these moments will happen more often than not, but I sense more than ever how busy life becomes the older my girls get. It's definitely a goal of mine to make family time at home a priority and hope being home is something they will always enjoy and appreciate the older they get.

After all was said and done ( clean up, showers, brush teeth, prayers) we all snuggled into bed together and one by one fell fast asleep. Of course before it got to far into the night I carried each of them to their rooms and gently placed them in their bed...it was just too much girl for one bed.


Here is what I got done (finished some on Saturday)...


This has actually been siting on my desk for months and finally finished it.

[lifted Ali Edwards]


[lifted Jamie Waters]

taken from this post

Happy Birthday Lolo!!

creatively blah...learning from another artist

Basically I've felt sort of blah for a while now. Not really knowing what or how to "do". The not knowing tends to leave me constantly thinking, which inevitably causes me to do nothing at all. I have at some point been able to thwart my funk and taken a few photos last week, but other than that when it has come to anything remotely creative I have been empty. Yes, empty is a perfect word for it. I've definitely not had anything in me, no reserves to pull from.

Moods like these are always a bit depressing or misguided as I often run away and hide, preferably in a book, hoping that inspiration will come. And I guess at times it does, but often it keeps me focused in on other lives inside the novel and I forget about my own.

Yesterday after looking at the four blank canvases on my wall one too many times, I took them down and started to build my foundation. I pulled colors I thought would work good together, but also work with the wall color. Once I had completed the first stage (keep in mind only the first stage), I laid them to dry next to each other and the overwhelming feeling that I get sometimes started creeping in...what I saw was four seemingly blank canvases I had no ideas for.



I stopped. I left. I came back. I felt the same. Determined not to allow myself to let go so quickly I got on the computer and let one link lead to another until I found Elsie Flannigan. I must admit she has never really been an inspiration to me, not because I don't think she's fabulous or an inspiration, but because what she creates I cannot possibly relate to. My mind doesn't work the same way, so while I admire her style and creativity, I admire with jealous eyes wishing I could be, they way she is, completely unique. Then I saw this painting that caught my eye. Perhaps it was that I had made a mistake while working on my canvases and already had a green background dried and ready to go or the fact that this drawing had a camera around the subjects neck. Whatever the reason, I decided I wanted to paint it. I want to tell you I was so inspired by her that I did my own thing, but sadly that is not the way it happened. Instead I was inspired to copy her painting...from the color, to the drawing, to the design. It's not what I set out to do, but I guess I knew my mind was too full to be creative in my own right and I was so desperate to paint...I gave it a try.

It felt so good to just paint something, even if it wasn't mine, to feel like I actually knew what I was doing gave me loads of confidence. It also taught me a lot about my technique, mistakes I've made in the past, and gave me ideas. Yes, ideas. So this morning I woke up wanting to do it again so I could continue the learning process I started yesterday.



Again I pulled from Elsie so I didn't have to think where I was going next, but I could just work and learn. This is as far as I got. It's not done, at least I know I want to put cloths on the girl and some detail work, but I don't think I'll spend time finishing it. I learned again from trying, feeling the paint beneath my paint brush and realized what techniques to use and what not to do to get certain results, and so for that reason the painting is finished (seeing how I'm not going to anything with it since it's not really mine).

It feels very strange to have blatantly copied another artist, I'm not sure why I'm sharing it on my blog as it seems a bit shameful, except the fact that by doing it, it helped me, it opened my eyes. It got the paint brush in my hand and helped me move again. It got me feeling excited so now when I look at those four, now colored, canvases on my wall I'm not overwhelmed...just looking forward to playing with each one.

partner in crime

This is me today.

photo courtesy Tess

Not far from what it's like everyday...Megan hanging on me, while Tess, sitting across from me, actively coloring. That's what I'm doing here, coloring with Tess. I thought I could get away with working on something else while she colored, but she insisted we work on the same thing. I need to get that girl some photos and paper to play with so we can do the same thing.

Though I'm not a fan of getting hung on, I have enjoyed having this time with them. In my studio, creating with me, while I wait for laundry to dry and dinner prep to cook. I guess it's the next best thing to everyone napping, everyone doing something together that we all can enjoy.

live your life

"To live a creative life, we must lose our fear of being wrong."
-Joseph Clinton Pearce

I saw this quote hanging from the ceiling of Bella's elementary last night as I walked into parent teacher conference. I said it to myself over and over as I walked down the long hall so I wouldn't forget it before I had a chance to write it down. It was the icing on the cake to a day that had already brought with it a few stresses and many thoughts about what I want to achieve and where I'm headed. As I took out my note book to write down the quote these words poured out of me.

I would have never called myself creative years ago. I remember loving art projects and drawing as a kid, but also remember that feeling of uncertainty that I had no clue what I'm was doing. I remember always trying to look to others for inspiration instead of looking inside myself. Perhaps even then I was uncomfortable with what I saw.

As I think back I can remember searching through old boxes to find any and all the photos of me I could to create a scrapbook. I had a strong desire to tell my story even then and wished I had known more about my childhood. I still feel that way today, which is one of the reasons why I still scrapbook and document what I can about life, my life and those around me. However, I only mention it to remind myself it was at that time, while I made those books, that I didn't worry about what it might look like, if it was good enough, or what someone else my think. I did it for me, for my heritage, and I was very proud of it.

Fast forward 9 years later when I got my first sewing machine, then I started scrapbooking, I had kids, then many other things fell into place for me creatively. I started knitting, made quilts, cards, other paper crafts, and got heavy into photography. It has been an evolution for me one thing building on the another, however, one thing seemed to have remain constant though it all...the uncertainty I felt of not measuring up. I use to feel bombarded and even discouraged by all the scrapbooking magazines full of inspiration and knew I didn't even come close to touching what those talented woman created. Of all the photographers I've studied I knew my abilities just didn't even come close to there's. These thoughts definitely held me back from creating in a meaningful and comfortable place.

"Never compare your journey with someone else's. It's a marathon with no finish line. Someone else may start out faster than you, may seem to progress more quickly than you, but every runner has his own pace. Your journey is your journey, not a competition. You will never 'arrive'. No one ever does."
-Cheryl Jacobs

I came upon that quote months ago when I was making a very important should I/shouldn't I decision in my life and it helped me to see how I was mistakenly measuring success by other peoples standards...with dollar signs, with being published, with being well known. Yesterday I came across it and was once again reminded of how much making that decision changed my life. I know for me being creative isn't just something I do for fun, it's something I love. Not only something I love, but it's something I need and want in my life. It wasn't until recently when I let go of the measuring stick, the fear of being wrong that has continue to hold me back for years, that I felt this rush of comfort and confidence in my creative self. I no longer worry or fear that it might not be good enough. I do it because I love doing it. Don't get me wrong, there are times when I'm not as confident as others, I still need to work on so many areas of self-confidence in my life, but I'm beginning to see just how much changing my attitude changes my creativity. Changes my life.

If I could tell myself 11 year old self something today it would be to LIVE YOUR LIFE and never apologize for it. Not to say not to take others feeling into consideration, but be you and express yourself how you choose. We are all creative in our own ways so stop wasting time worrying about it being perfect or whether or not it measures up to others standards. Remember who you are and embrace what you love. You have the power to make your life whatever you choose. Just DO!