Life As We Know It

Moving on!

 

Sorry for being so quiet over here lately, but I have been working on a major project... a new blog (which will take the place of this one. So please come on over to Artfully Carin and update your readers. I can't wait to see you over there!

Holy crap! I AM an artist!

 

Finding my feet, art journal, 2012

I never dreamed of being an artist. I only ever wanted to be a mum.

Yet somehow earlier this year, my dreams changed. I realised I no longer wanted to be a mum who does art on the side, I wanted to be a mother AND an artist.

That may seem like a subtle change to you. But to me, it was huge. It would mean admitting publicly that I'm an artist. And that was scary as hell.

 

I needed a serious push.... And I got one.

 

It started innocently enough (for her anyway!) with Marie calling me a visual artist in a game of tag.

Little did she know her words sent me into emotional turmoil. That my whole life up to that point literally flashed before my eyes. That I bawled my eyes out.

All because she called me an artist.

The second time someone called me an artist, it went out to all my facebook friends, new and old. Someone from the wild art group tagged me as an artist when we became friends. I didn't realise it would change my profession on my timeline. When I did, I seriously thought I was going to be sick. The  palms of my hands were sweaty, my heart was beating ten to the dozen, and my head was pounding furiously to the tune of "ohmygod!ohmygod!ohmygod!".

I wasn't worried about my new friends finding out, they all do art too, so they understand. But my old ones...Oh boy, that was scary!

I felt naked. Vulnerable.

I half waited for them to say I was delusional, a fraud, that they remember how crap I was at drawing at school, that my new art isn't any good either, that I should stick to being a housewife because that's all I'm good at (which of course set off a whole lot of mama guilt for even daring to think of being anything other than a mother).

And I seriously I considered changing it back to SAHM. Safe old SAHM.

Instead, I sat with it. I gave the fears, the insecurities and inner critic a chance to speak.

Then this calm came over me. I connected with it. I let it sink in.

I realised I AM an artist. That I have always been an artist. An artist in training at least.

 

Trust, art journal, 2012

 

Looking back, I can clearly see how every little thing I have experienced in life, whether it looked art related or not, led me here. That every little thing I have experienced has defined my art. That every little thing I have experienced defines how and what I want to do with my art in the future.

And you know what?

Not only did someone like my new work status (thanks Paty!), but as soon as I openly admitted being an artist, the Universe rose up to meet me, placing all kinds of bold new dreams and adventures in my lap. Like wanting to teach art journaling online in the future, and have my own online art business. Which takes me completely out of my comfort zone (what the heck do I know about video editing, or running a small business???).

But even though my legs threathen to buckle underneath me, I carry on, because I realise there is no other way than forward.

"And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom" - Anais Nin


                                                            ***

This post is part of a brave blogging challenge arranged by Liv Lane for the students of her e-course How To Build A Blog You Truly Love. 

366 photos: day 142- 148 (and blogoversary news)

 

Hey,

Can you believe it's Monday again?! The weeks seem to rush past. Last week was a great one though. I started two new workshops, Your Living Canvas with Christy Tomlinson and How to Build a Blog You Truly Love with Liv Lane. They're both wonderful and compliment each other really well. And on top of that... the sun came out! Yippee!

So, this is the week that was in pictures...

 

Monday: Ahhh! Line- dried clothes :)

 

Tuesday: Bliss!

 

Wednesday: Aoife was home sick, but had perked up enough by the afternoon to ask for a game or two of hide-and-seek.

 

Thursday: BFFs. Love these girls :)

 

Friday: Doing an exercise for Liv's course that really got me thinking.

 

Saturday: A day in the park, complete with picnic lunch. Wonderful day!

 

Sunday: Sunday dinner at Alan's cousin's. As usual, the kids made a bee-line for the piano the moment they arrived.

End of 21.

But get this, today is Life As We Know It's 1st blogoversary! What a fun year it's been! I have loved sharing everyday life and art with you over the past year. Thank you so much for supporting me! And with Liv's help, I'm hoping to make year 2 and beyond even better.

I will hold a giveaway in a couple of weeks to say thank you, combining it with another big celebration in my life. In the meantime, why don't you head on over to facebook and check out my new page! You should now be able to see a button at the top of right hand column of the blog too. Let me know if you have any problems.

See you soon!

 

how I {don't} fit it all in, part 3

 

This is the third part of a blog post on how I don't fit it all in. The first one can be found here. The second here.

    ***

Ha ha! So I set out to write a post on how I try to fit art and blogging into my daily life... and both kids got sick and needed my full attention, leaving me no time to blog or art!

Which reminded me I forgot one important tip in part 2... go with the flow! :/

Ain't life fun?!?!

 

Anyway, here goes:

 

Don't you just love how shiny and new that journal looks in this photo from last year. It's not so clean now, that's for sure!

 

Art (journaling)

 

Keep the journal out all day:

When Kirby was newborn and I could only fit in a minute or two to myself all day, I kept the journal open on the breakfast bar at all times, so I didn't have to waste time taking it out, opening it up to the right page, or what have you. Then when I had a minute, even if it was just waiting for the kettle to boil, I could add a little something to the page. It made me feel like I still had some me-time, even though I was knee-deep in caring for a newborn.

Kirby is (thankfully) a much better sleeper now, but I still keep my journal open all day when I'm working on a page. It's ready to go whenever I am.

If you have somewhere safe to leave your art out so you can add to it during the day, I highly recommend it.

 

Keep an art supply kit:

If you've been around a while you know I have worked from a shoe box full of supplies at the kitchen breakfast bar since before Kirby was born, and just change out the contents when I get bored of them or use them up.

I love having an art kit because it means I have everything ready to go, and it challenges me to make the most of whatever is in it. It can be as big or as small as you want/ need.

I recently admitted to myself (and to Alan, who has had to put up with the mess for the past couple of years) that the shoe box format isn't working (for us). It's too big and bulky, not sturdy enough, and far too tempting for little fingers. It has to sit out on the breakfast bar, so the breakfast bar is never tidy. It's driving us both crazy. So I am going back to the drawing board. I still want and need a kit, but it has to fit my needs better. I was thinking of converting Alan's old briefcase, but I'd have the same problem with storage, so I'm now thinking I might just hang a tote on the back of the door. You can't see it when you come into the kitchen, but it is still within easy reach.

I'll do a separate post on what I keep in my kit(s) at some point .

 

Use supplies suitable to the circumstances:

When Kirby was little, he would only sleep on me (in a carrier/ sling, or in my arms), see picture in the first fitting it all in post, so I pretty much only used WS crayons, coloured pencils, and glue sticks for a while, because I didn't want to risk touching him when my hands were messy.

Now he's older I still leave messy stuff till he's asleep, and do cleaner stuff (like sketching) when he's around. I fit in a lot more art in my day that way.

 

Make art with the kids:

Okay, so not all kids are as obsessed with drawing and painting as Aoife, but in my experience as a parent, and former nanny and au pair, most kids like it well enough that you get a few minutes to work on something while they're working on their own little masterpiece.

 

 

Blogging:

 

Keep notes:

As you know, I try not to go on the computer when the kids are around, but I often think of ideas for blogging when it is off, so I write the ideas down in my catch-all journal and come back to them later. If I have an idea when I'm out and about, I either write it in my phone or use the voice recording app that came with it to keep them safe until I get time on the computer. When I have computer time, I'm ready to go.

 

To-do lists:

Ha! I know some of you are cringing right now, but you know I love them. I use them for everything, including blogging.

 

Download/ edit photos often:

I  download the photos from the point-and-shoot and the dslr pretty much every day. I only do the phone pictures once a week, because I don't use them on the blog as often. I try to edit as I go, so I don't have a massive job on my hands later, but often use nights when Alan is out to catch up. That way, when I need a photo for a post I just need to resize it and sharpen it.

 

Speed it up:

I'm terrible at this, but am trying to get better. Don't worry over every word and sentence, just write. Then leave it, if you can, for a bit before coming back to edit before posting. Much quicker, and much more natural. But, ahem, I'm still getting to grips with that one myself. Instead of just writing, I tie myself in knots wondering if I'm using the "right" words or if I'm using Swedish grammar instead of English grammar (yes, after 20 years in the UK, I still get confused!) , until I have completely over-edited the post. Working on it, folks! Working on it!

 

So that's just some quick pointers to how I try to fit in some art and blog time into my days. Hope they've been of some help to someone. If you have any other tips that I have missed, please write them in the comments. I'm always looking for new ways.

how I {don't} fit it all in

 

Let's chat.

It's been a while since I last sat down with you and had a proper chat, not just rushed through here like a whirling dervish.

So I have had a few questions lately on how I fit it all in; art, blogging, mindful parenting, doing up our home, housework, reading...

It cracks me up!

I can't believe you are asking ME how I do it. I'm hanging on by a thread most of the time, and you're asking me?!

Seriously?! Have you seen the state of my house?!

Besides, I don't ever want to give the impression that I do fit it all in, because I don't. I'm sorry if it seems that way. I wouldn't want to put that kind of pressure on anyone.

 

 

 

I'm a mum. I spend most of my days cooking, cleaning, wiping snotty noses and dirty bums, kissing owies, picking up and dropping off, playing peekaboo, and overseeing homework...

Just like most other stay at home mums with young kids.

And that's okay. Because that's the season I'm in.

There are tons of things I'd like to do, but have put on hold for now.

And that's okay. Because that's the season I'm in.

 

 

That said, I think it's really important to do something for yourself every day too, or you'll burn out. Nobody can do a job 24/7 for years on end without a break, no matter how much they love it. That includes being a mother.

Taking a break helps me be a better, more patient mum.

So when Kirby goes down for his nap, I quickly pick up and put away his toys, then sit down to blog, do some art, or read. And when the kids go to bed at night, I chill out with Alan, then head up to bed to read for a bit. We rarely do any kind of work at night (I do the grocery shop online one night, he irons one night).

Yes, that means the house is often a lot messier than I would have liked it to be, but I am a much nicer and happier person to be around!

And believe me, that counts for something!

 

I have loads more to say on this but it's already getting lengthy, so I think I'll split it into two or three posts. I'll be back with part two on Friday.

Till then, my friends!

 

Art of wild abandonment blog hop

 

 

 

Hello my lovelies!

And a warm welcome to everyone on the Art of Wild Abandonment blog hop! If you have followed along from the start you should have gotten here from Vicki's at Green Eyed Lady Designs. If not, or you're not a part of the blog hop but would like to follow along anyway, head over to Claire's at Creativity Rocks for the first post.

 

I signed up to the Art of Wild Abandonment workshop knowing next to nothing about it, and absolutely nothing about Junelle, but it looked good and I trusted Christy's judgement. I'm glad I did. It is a fantastic workshop. Junelle is such a sweetie. She is a gentle and supportive teacher, AND she also creates the most wonderful whimsical art.

One of the first things that blew me away about the class was Junelle showing us how she brainstorms and develops ideas through thumbnail sketches. It was right up my street.

It is no secret that I have wanted to get back into drawing for a couple of years now, but life with two young kids has kind of gotten in the way. Thumbnail sketching seemed a non-scary, and a not very time consuming way to get back into it.

Also, I am a memory-keeper by nature; I have kept diaries and journals for as long as I can remember, I blog, I photograph...and I quickly realised thumbnail-sketching would be another great tool for me to capture those magic everyday moments I treasure so much. To develop later at my leisure.

Some of you have already seen a couple of the journal pages I developed from thumbnail-sketches:

 

 

To God with Love

 

Summer Lovin'

 

And the sketchbook is quickly filling up with ideas I want to work on. These are just a couple of examples:

 

Brainstorming memories of my (late) dad for later journaling projects

 

Looking at my 15 month old boy's favourite toys for journaling later

 

This sketch is one of "the lucky ones" that I have worked on. It is now a nearly finished journal page:

 

The season I'm in (sketch)

 

The season I'm in (journal page WIP)

 

So thank you Christy and Junelle, for making me look at my life with fresh eyes so that I can sketch it and treasure it forever.

Now, hop on over to Judy's.

Have a nice weekend!

Look what I won!

 

I had such a good mail week last week, getting envelope upon envelope of sweet pretties from fellow bloggers. I felt like I'd won the lottery. The ATCs I got back from the swap will have to wait for another day though. Today I want to show you what I got from Helena over at Craft and Creativity.

She's the one who sent me the pretty parcel I showed you on Monday.Inside was this:

 

I won that sweet doodle-ribbon in a recent giveaway of hers. Isn't it pretty?! I LOVE it. You know I love doodling, so this is right up my street. She threw in some cute buttons and a (blue!!!) decorated clothes pin too.

I'm so happy with my win. It had me smiling all day.

I love blogging :)

 

Creative dreams: 2012

 

Mixed media project in progress

 

I'm still catching up on what I'd like to do this year. Today a quick one on where I'd like to go creatively .

 

:: I would like to start blogging five days a week.

As much as I wanted to, it just wasn't possible to post daily before. Now I think it may be. It certainly feels right. I'd also like to update the design and layout a bit, maybe get customised buttons, that sort of thing.

 

:: I would like to improve my photography.

At the moment I feel like my photos are a bit hit and miss. I'm still learning my camera, and my lenses, but I love photography and would really like to improve my skills. I'm hoping to take a class or two to help me along.

I would also like to turn my 366 photos into a photo book at the end of the year.

 

:: I would like to do more visual journaling

I'm itching to get back into art jounaling again now things are starting to calm back down after all the birthdays and Christmas. I left a couple of unfinished pages that are desperate for attention, and have a many new ideas too. I can't wait to be covered in paint again.

I would also really like to do something like a smash journal with the mementos I have saved over the years. They used to go in my diary, but I no longer keep one and I since I didn't know what to do with them, they were dumped in a box for me to deal with later. I have been pouring over smash book videos on youtube lately and really like that as a way to store them.

 

:: I would like to finish our cross-stitch stockings.

I now have 4 stocking in various stages of completion. I would really like to finish them this year, even if it means working on them all year. I would like them all hanging on the mantelpiece come December.

 

Anything else is a bonus!

What are your creative dreams this year?

 

2011 Blog Headers

 

A quick trip down memory lane before we jump head first into the new year...

 

 

 

 

Happy new year to you all! I can't wait to see what 2012 has in store for us. I'm sure it'll be a fantastic year.

A quick message to my followers

 

Hi all,

Hope you had a good weekend and that you're having a great start to the Christmas week. I'm so happy to have both kiddos home with me this week. I have promised Aoife lots of painting and baking and I'm just as excited about it as she is. 

Just a quick one today.

Over the weekend it came to my attention that from March 1st, 2012, Google will retire the Google Friend Connect gadget on all non-Blogger blogs.

 

 

That means that from March 1st, 2012, GFC will no longer work on my blog.

And if you follow non-Blogger blogs through GFC, including mine, you will no longer get updates from those blogs. You will need to use an alternative service.

You can follow me in your reader of choice. Right now there's a little chiclet and link at the top of the middle column. And once I've updated my blog design, I'm hoping it will be a bit easier to spot.

Personally, I don't really use GFC anymore. These days I mostly use the Google reader in combination with the next button, but I'll miss seeing everyone's faces in my sidebar.

Have a great day.