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Monday, May 28

Thank you.

Thank you, thank you, thank you
veterans.






I think you are better than a hazelnut latte on a rainy morning.
Better than a delivery of new art supplies to my doorstep.
You are better than my brand new juiced up ipad.


I love this country.
I have lived over seas and traveled throughout the world.
 I know, first hand, how very, very fortunate I am to live here.
Do you know how many people would give all they have to live here?
The freedoms and priveleges that come with my passport.
The choices and comforts I have.




We are far from perfect.
We have a long way to go. for sure.
And we always will.
We have some horrific history.
It's shameful. I know.



But I still love this country.
And I reap the benefits of your sacrifice every day.
Thank you veterans.



 
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Thursday, May 24

Koi Pocket Field Sketch Watercolors



On a recent trip to the art store (a dangerous place) to buy canvas
and I've wanted them since forever
well, ever since I saw Alisa Burke's sketch books

One of the first art classes I took in college was watercolor and  liked it,
but it is a hard, unforgiving medium.
I was always nervous that I was going to mess the whole thing up.
And I did, more times than I want to remember.


So fast forward 15 years to Carla Sonheim's class at Artfest in 2009.
I brought a very basic set and started going to town.
It was super fun. And simple.



They make me really happy.
Watercolors are such a nice change from mixed media
because they are quick and portable and simple.
And satisfying.



I can draw a quick sketch while the boys are playing in the backyard
and get my art fix in at the same time.


I draw with an extra fine point Sharpie first,
and then paint with the water colors.





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Sunday, May 20

My Terrible Whatzit

Man oh man, it's been so long.

There's so much to say, I'll have to make it a couple of posts:
 koi watercolors.
picmonkey.
on creating and self efficacy.
the big blogger change.
and adventure.
terrible whatzits.

I'll start with the terrible whatzit.
A classic favorite of mine.
I found it in Jack's book stack and spoke right to my heart.
Listen:

 I think it might have been written just especially for me. and you.
I was trying to think about why I flip out before big stuff
(like teaching art to grown ups)
and struggle with depression
and all I can hear is:
"you're not enough"
"who you are and what you have to give is not enough"
and in my brain I know it's a lie from the pit.

We had some friends over to dinner for the
first time in years and years (my dream come true)
and we were talking about getting our whatzits into the light.
Exposed. For all the world to see.
When you put your whatzits in the light,
they lose their power over you.
and you become free.

And my wise husband shared what they say in recovery
(He is a counselor.)
You're only as sick as your secrets.
Think about it.
Deep.
I know.

I say this because I've been practicing being honest and getting my junk out into the light.
And you know what I am learning?
We all have it. Not one person doesn't.
And if they say they don't have it, they're lying.
I promise.
And I realize that I'm not alone.
And  relationships become safer and more real.
And it makes me brave.

 
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