Falling In Love With My Home

Hello my artsy friends . . . no I haven't flown the coup, I've been re-discovering my home and all the lovely things I have collected over the years.

I was getting so caught up in my drawings that I was letting things slide away . . . I tend to do that when I become engrossed in a task.

This is the side board that is part of my set that I use in the kitchen.  I never liked the idea of having a dining room that no one used so we didn't put one in our home when we built it.  This old dining room set sits wonderfully in our kitchen, a large table, six chairs, side board and a hutch.  

I noticed that the wood was looking a little dull so I dusted and wiped and got out the old handy dandy linseed oil and gave the old girl some moisturizer.  She just looked so rich.

I then pulled a few summer items together and changed up the decor . . . the little glass bird house I picked up at Home Sense for $5, I just couldn't leave it there and I had a bird just waiting for a home.

Wild Carrot

I love wild flowers and old glass jars, which I have quite a few, that are placed all around the kitchen.  Like the Queen Ann's Lace above I go out and pick fresh daily, along with the Brown Eyed Susie's, because they grow every where . . . I love it, it's so delicate.  I love bringing nature indoors.

We all need a little break from the day to day, to inspire us, to give us a sense of comfort, to give us peace.

I give you permission to break free and play . . . it will do you a world of good.

Sheila

Inspired by Kelly Rae Roberts

'Show the world your creativity'

A little while ago I purchased a book (a book Wendy told me about) by Kelly Rae Roberts, Taking Flight. I was so taken with her beautiful colours, charming faces and calming inspiration that I could hardly put it down.

Now being a pencil artist this type of painting is way out there for me. I work with a very controlled medium where I can bring to life the most minute detail, something that I absolutely love so letting go and exploring was very foreign. Wendy and I jumped in.

I wanted to try all of Kelly Rae's techniques, to try them on so to speak, and see what appealed to me. The above painting is taken from her book (page 55) but with a twist, I painted the heroine in my image. I wanted this as a reminder to myself that it's good to try new things, it makes you grow and reach.

It says 'I declare my intention to become true to me' Thanks Kelly Rae for your inspiration, I was able to stretch my wings a little.

A Well Deserved Break

('Dandy' photo by Sheila)

I've been working pretty hard these last few weeks, you know this is a busy time for a lot of us. I'm doing a lot of shows, teaching classes, keeping track of things at shops I have my prints at, finding new venues and My Etsy Shoppe and all that entails.

Some say 'Oh well, you've got it easy, you work from home'. Granted I am doing something I absolutley love and I thank the Lord everyday but I also work very hard and would never change it for anything. We artists have to work 3 times as hard as most to acheive greatness but when you believe in yourself (and we all have our moments of doubt) you forge ahead because you know deep down that this is the path that has been laid out for you.

Follow your path, you know you're only happy when you're there in the middle of it all, knee deep in frustration and balance but remember it's the journey we're on that's important and I've met so many wonderful flowers along my path.

Run With The Wind

Oldest offspring participated in the 'Rattle Me Bones' 5k run for the Ottawa Hospital Sunday with a couple of thousand other inspiring trodders. I realized, while standing at the finish line awaiting said shinning light, that we all have our paths that we are plodding along. Some with steadfast determination and focus to get to that proverbial end and others enjoying every single well laid stride along their journey. We all need to have an plan or path, it gives us focus and reason to reach for our stars, but it's how you choose to 'finish' that's important. Both are a means to an end, which one are you on? I'm taking my time, I don't want to miss a single moment. Love everything about your life.