Ode to Spring

I am so thankful for the spring sunshine. I can't tell you how much I missed it. A huge part of me is lost when the sun starts fading before 6 pm. Some people say our seasons here in Florida aren't that noticeable, but I can tell a difference, especially in the way I feel. The air is light, crisp, and fresh. So is the sun. Beach days are greatly missed. What am I waiting for? I'm way past due!

Spring has sprung and I'm happy to present my latest batch of handiwork - Lovely Art Pendants. Prints are mounted to wood, stained with inks, sanded, and put together using various bits and pieces of found necklaces with delicious shabby charm. I had so much fun making them. However, I think I have the jewelry itch out of my system for now ;P

These two are my favorites:

You can find the whole batch --> in my etsy shop.

Okay, so our never ending kitchen rehab. I finally picked the color and painted the walls of our kitchen - it was previously a teal blue and is now a nice light skyish blue color. The corner desk was found on the side of the road and painted gray to match the soon to be gray counter tops. More work will be done this weekend.

Cheers to longer days!

Big Love,

Carissa

The Fall of The House of Procrastinators

I ordered some test prints tonight. I'm excited to see how they turn out.

We decided it was time to clean out the garage, clean out our life once again. We're in the awkward phase where everything is pulled out ready to be organized and rearranged. All my life has fallen out into my living room. Its a slow process but we're making small steps every day. Tonight I walked carefully across the cold tiles with my heavy old typewriter and placed it on the floor next to my bed. It all happened in a slow motion kind of way. God I love the sound, the smell, the feel of an old typewriter. I always wonder about it's previous life.

I've been trying to think of a word to use this year, but I haven't been able to condense my thoughts into just one. The word "less" popped into my head as I was typing this. Hmmm, something to ponder. Less. Less. Less.

Love Finds A Way

in progress. . .

I tapped into some old sketchbooks for inspiration. I drew this girl a couple nights ago before bed (because its my favorite thing to do before sleep!)

Happy Holidays!

My First Sale

I sold my first painting! I'm a little late to share the news, but it happened on Friday the 13th (a few weeks ago.) Its such a warm feeling, I was so excited to actually make money from my art. Its propelling.

I'm a tad obsessed with numbers...

• In 2009 there were 3 Friday the 13ths - that only happens once every 11 years.
  
• The check for this painting was written on the 3rd Friday the 13th of this year.
  
• The house I live in turns 13 this year.
  
• A few months ago, I adopted a black Siamese cat who was 13 months old!
  

Can you see why i'm obsessed with numbers? When I start paying attention to them, I notice all kinds of connections. I wonder what I'll be doing 11 years from now on the next 3rd Friday the 13th? Hmmm. All I know is, 13 has come up a lot for me lately.

Still searching

i'm riding the carousel of life.

I've been dealing with this feeling, its hard to describe. I visualize it as this cracking open where parts of yourself are revealed, but it comes with these awkward growing pains. The only thing that seems to soothe the process is - the act of just letting it happen. Not trying to resist. Feeling the growing pains of life and living through it anyway.

That's where I'm at. This year has been a whole big birth-giving-process for me. Now the problem is I'm having so much trouble parting with the art I've created. I know I must set them free to soar, but damn if I'm not afraid of letting go too soon.

Used My Easel for the First Time

work in progress

Hello! I'm happy to share with you my first experience using the easel I found at the Flea Market. There are many emotions floating around with me lately. It was good to let loose and paint.

I've been struggling with managing my time and balancing my heart and mind. I have this feeling that I'm constantly running out of time. Trying to find balance is the most challenging. Right now I'm working and trying to finish a degree in graphic design. Its not a bad job, I can work on little projects while I'm there as long as I keep it low-key, but I prefer to create when I'm home.

I spend a lot of time alone lately. Don't get me wrong, I like company, but in the past year I've taken a step back (or a step forward) to examine my life. I read many great books, mostly written by other female creatives, and did lots of documentation and soul searching. "The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron was recommended by a dear friend. I did the entire 13 weeks, answered all the questions, and WOW. My entire life has changed. I'm going to actually purchase the book this year and refer to it often. It may not work for everyone, but it caused me to write daily again (Morning Pages) and answer some tough questions about myself / my past / etc.

Here are some goals I'd like to accomplish by years end: (edit - 1/14/10. i think i have to start setting a smaller list of goals, practicing "micro-movements like sark recommends. my mind gets so far ahead of myself sometimes and then i feel guilty for not getting more done. I finished half of this list.)

1. Food allergy blood testing - i've had migraines my entire life. time to solve the problem!
   
2. List originals on Etsy - i must let go, so new art can be born!
   
3. Make prints of my artwork.
   
4. Order some really good paint.
   
5. Take myself on a date.
6. Make little paintings for gifts.
7. Go get loose leaf tea and crystallized ginger treats.
8. Continue working on our kitchen project.
   
9. Go to dinner with friends / my man.
10. Remember to P L A Y.

Its funny how quickly I forget to do the things that nurture and fulfill me. Little things like venturing out just to take pictures, recording my thoughts as I drive, swinging on swings, taking videos, documenting life. Getting out and stretching my wings.

I wish for you to always remember what nurtures and fulfills you.