"letting life happen"

  " Let life happen to you. Believe me: life is in the right, always."

-Rainer Maria Rilke

After my last post of sheer ...overwhelm things have turned around. I am a little wary of getting too excited after all the twists and turns of the past few months but...we move out of here this Saturday!!! That's the plan and I think it's actually going to happen this time!! Can you hear a huge loud OMG!!! over there in your corner of the world?? I am soooo excited I can barely stand it!! It's a gorgeous house with lots of light pouring in everywhere,  huge windows...honey wood floors...A ginormous backyard (with rose bushes, a tiny bridge and a play set for Tara) ...can't wait to show you pics. There is a darling little deck off the master bedroom where we can have breakfast and Tara has a nursery and a tiny playroom (actually a huge closet that slopes and turns towards the back)!!. And guess what?? ...I am going to have an entire room for my studio!!  (happy just thinking of it!!)
The house is not very big but so beautiful and homey.  Also...it's much closer to San Diego proper so Tim doesn't have to drive for 2 hours a day to commute to work. That would have been brutal. We are going to rent it for a year (we were going to buy but that's another long story) and just couldn't be couldn't be more over-the-moon excited about it!

So I have been planning and scheming and writing down all sorts of lists...
* I have this sumptuous red/pink/gold sari fabric that I want to turn into curtains for my studio...maybe add a swath of turquoise fabric at the bottom?
* am going to put Tara's birdhouse collection on the huge tree by the side of the house
* can't wait to get all my books and art supplies out!!! (swoon)
* am actually looking forward to washing dishes and cleaning and cooking (never thought I would ever say that!!!!)
* am writing out ideas for paintings and projects and...all sorts of things
* am looking forward to Tara getting back on her schedule and Tim and I spending some quality time together (can't remember what that's like)
* am going to get a little chimeneya (an outdoor fireplace) that I have always wanted...
* am already planning -in every detail -my little studio...storage solutions, organizers, inspiration board...
* so looking forward to eating a real home cooked meal
These past 7 (??) weeks or so have been  jam packed with so many emotions, a blur of activity and ups and downs...Just breathing a huge sigh of relief over here...taking a huge breath and "allowing life to happen"...

These past few days...

(working on backgrounds)

These past few days I have been...
*painting
*taking Tara to the park everday (she loves it there)
*logistically planning our move with Tim
*catching up on some reading
*going to bed at a decent hour:)
*planning Tara's Halloween costume (she is going to be the cutest good little witch!)
Tim is here tomorrow and we are leaving for Virginia Beach on Saturday for the long weekend. I can't wait...we really need some R&R over here! I hope all of you have a great weekend too!

Making Time for Creativity

Well-the first week of Flying Lessons is over and it has been equal parts inspiration, information and...HEART. What an amazing week! One of the recurring issues that a lot of classmates have is finding time for creativity. We all have busy lives with children, husbands, family, jobs etc....so how can we make the time to write, paint, blog etc. Like everyone else, I, too, struggle with this daily; I have a toddler who requires my constant attention.  Here are a few tricks that I found work for me:
1. I plan, plan, plan! I really try to utilise the time when baby sleeps.
2. I carry my camera with me everywhere I go. That pic I took last week of a hot cup of tea and an apple pie might be perfect to use for a post on gratitude or simplicity that I have yet to write.
3. I carry a little journal with me and constantly write down ideas for my blog. They could be just scribbles of info. or more thought-out ideas
4. I set aside x# of nights (after baby goes to sleep) to paint no matter what. I don't await for inspiration or an idea, I just start.
5. I really try to set aside some me time-even 20 mins for a hot bath, a cup of tea and a fave magazine or meditation. This replenishes me.
6. I exercise with baby (walks, swimming) so I don't have to use spare time to fit this in.
7. I don't watch T.V. (this may seem extreme but it works!)
8. I cut back on sleep-not a whole lot but even an extra half hour adds up over time.
9. I don't stress about housework. Sometimes if the laundry isn't done or there are a few dishes in the sink; it' s okay.
10. I really try not to allow negative people into my life; I find that this is a major energy-zapper. Of course sometimes, it can't be helped eg a co-worker etc but ...I try to be mindful of the energy I allow into my space.
I have a really supportive hubby so that helps tremendously. Two books I highly recommend to help prioritize and plan are
1. The 7 habit of Highly Effective People
2. The 8th Habit
Both books are by Stephen Covey. They are not the artsy books I love with great visuals; lush art and photography, but these books are EXCELLENT in time management and achieving goals. It gives you the tools so that YOU can write a lush, artsy book! Now I have no idea how women with 3, 4 or more children manage their time to fit creativity in, but I would love to know!! I would love if you shared your tips on how to make time for creativity!