some good stuff around here

 

* this is my gorgeous girl  these days...very self assured, independent and brimming with life. She loves anything pink, sparkly and girlie (can you tell???) and wants to do everything herself, thank you very much!

Just trying to really savor every moment of her adorable self because, quite frankly, it's all going by waaaaay too fast for my liking. 

We've set up her little corner of my studio (pics soon!) and we both love it!!! Everything is arranged so Tara can be creative anytime she feels like it...and she has full access to crayons, markers, watercolors, pencil crayons, oil pastels, papers etc. She just started her very first sketchbook and is busy drawing + writing away...this is her most recent self portrait with glasses...I can't get over how detailed and emotive her drawings are. Also...did I mention we have been overtaken by glitter???? it's impossible to get this stuff out!

 This past week has been so sunny and warm that, except for the fallen leaves, is more like summer! We have been going on our photowalks...and it's refreshing, meditative and calming. Really been incorporating this into our everyday lives.

This is my breakfast most days...smoothies chock full of goodness...keeps me full until way past lunchtime. Also sticking with my morning workouts...some days it's such a struggle...I really only want to go back to sleep once the alarm goes off... but I just made pact with myself to practice self care...it's non-negotiable ...and that's that!

So happy to be featured in the Women in Art 278 November Issue that showcases female artists from all over the world! I am honored to have my work with so many talented women...my heart is full of gratitude these days. P.S. If you are interested, you can order the printed or digital version.

things around here

I am thoroughly enjoying Vivienne McMaster's Be Your Own Beloved class! Some of the exercises have been personally challenging for me...but those assignments are the very ones I need to do! I am realizing that our bodies hold onto our stories...all of them. This collage is a self portrait; I took the exact same pic and edited the right hand side pic and the left one is the raw image.I see how some days are such a struggle for me...to look at mySELF with loving kindness. It is  a practice...it is a practice:)

Last weekend I was thrilled to attend the Georgia O'Keeffe Exhibition at the Denver Museum of Art. It was a fantastic take on her deep and abiding love for New Mexico. the exhibition also talks about her love for American Indian and Hispanic art...so thrilled to experienced this!!! It was my artist date for the week:)

I am here...self portrait

Been enjoying some down time, quiet hours with a book and coffee. I found this wonderful little cafe that is secluded, cozy and has the best coffee!

 This magical pic happened earlier this week. I was trying to do a photo assignment when Tara came twirling right into the scene!! I edited it to the hilt...using layers and adding a smattering of stars. It was such a magical image, I wanted to go over the top. I use Pixlr-o-matic which is super user friendly to use. LOVE!!!

 

I haven't had much time in my studio this past little while-I just work on bits + pieces when I can. And of course...backgrounds are so much fun!!

A few days ago ...enjoying the most gorgeous sunny day. Today it's raining cats + dogs BTW...but aaaaah...so nice to bask in the sunshine:)

My photo assignment for today...I wanted to capture a sense of energy + movement rather than a purely visual story. So much fun:)
 I am so looking forward to this Mothers Day...simple and sweet:)
happy weekend everyone!

things around here...

We are getting ready for everything Halloween...how about you?? I grew up in South Africa so I never celebrated it growing up. In fact, I had never even heard about it until we moved to Canada; I was about 12 at  the time!!! So now...with Tara...it's a pretty big deal! The only thing I hate about Halloween??? All the candy!! Seriously...why is everyone passing candy out like it's water??? And to toddlers? Ugh!! With childhood diabetes and obesity at an all time high, I can't possibly see why adults push candy on kids. I have very strong feelings about this...I had a grandmother who was diabetic and I saw, firsthand, the ravaging effects of diabetes. Let me tell you...it's not pretty. Tell me what you think about this...okay?

I am managing to squeeze in some painting hours...after Tara goes to bed at 8:30...I relax for half hour or so and then get into my studio. I am currently listening to the Dangerous Old Woman series on audio tape and, I swear, that's my secret to having the energy to paint after a long day keeping up with Tara. Its' just so interesting and ...inspiring...the hours zip right by!

Tara is enrolled in 3 different classes right now...and she loves them all! They are Mommy and Me classes...so I get to see her learn and grow and interact with other kids. This is her latest art creation-a paper bag pumpkin! Our home is overflowing with all her art work...it's absolutely everywhere! Love!!

Tim and Tara are really developing such a close relationship...it warms my heart to see it unfold. I breastfed her until she was over a year old, so it was only after that time that they really started bonding. Nothing makes me happier than seeing the two of them together...walking on the beach, hanging out, watching the Lion King...on and on. These moments are so precious to us..fleeting and magical...this is the stuff of life!

And this is my little Tara-poo...growing up so fast I can hardly believe it! Amidst all the toddler hoopla, time-outs and tantrums..all the frustrations and looooong days and tiredness...I don't take any of this for granted. All too soon...they are going to be over. I was recently reading an article on Steve Jobs...and towards the end of his life...the only thing he worried about...was his family; his wife and kids. He reportedly said that he "just wanted to see them graduate from high school". That really resonated with me...brought tears to my eyes. as older parents...Tim and I are very aware of the fleeting quality of life...and my greatest hope is to see Tara to adulthood...to be there for her as much as possible.
*Well, dear friends...that's some of what's  going on around here. How about you? I hope that-on the other end of the computer screen-life finds you well...and full of heart.