Around Here Lately

I’ve been working hard over here in the studio. Feeling completely LIT UP these days with art, with upcoming projects, with ideas. Love it when this happens. I’ve been creating new imagery in the way of feathers and hearts and (oh!) a hummingbird which so sweetly emerged on my studio table the other day. Love that. 

I’ve also been typing my heart out this week (and writing giant notes on the wall again), working on an announcement for my first ever e-course (announcement coming next week!). If I’m being honest, I haven’t been this nervous in a long time. It’s been a long time since I last put my heart out into the world in this way, and it’s all been a good reminder that we gotta be brave with our work, our lives, our hearts. Crazy excited. 

Speaking of putting yourself out there, my mom not only started her first ever Etsy shop, but she also rented a little space in one of Portland’s antique/vender markets (For those of you in PDX, the store is called Found, on Freemont Ave) to sell her assemblage art. Go, mom! Speaking of Etsy, have you guys seen this article about Etsy on Msnbc.com? Having started my art business on Etsy back in 2006, I am FOREVER thankful for the opportunity it gave me to create a living as an artist. 

We had a long stretch of gorgeous, sunny Autumn weather – a nice treat for our usually rainy season. I’m in love with this time of year. I’ve been bundling up in the mornings in my Wear Your Joy outfits and loving that new practice (will post again about it soon).

The other day the elevator was broken at the studio so I had to take the steps and look what I found. Love how the universe works – this is a tag from the Take What You Need signs! Reminds me of the time I was walking the streets of San Francisco and found my first ever business card sitting there on the sidewalk (whoa!). True story. 

Holiday season is in full effect! We kicked it off with a trip to the Zoo Lights. 

And then a trip downtown to see the holiday parade (we all loved it). I can’t remember the last time I went to a holiday parade or to see zoo lights (ever?), but having kids brings in the magic of such things.  It’s such a dear and fun time of life. Grateful. 

And then there was the decorating of the tree. I adore this shot of someone’s little chubby arm and hand reaching into the box. Love, love, love. I’ll share pics soon of our holiday decor – we’re fully decked out over here. You?

And then this happened. We were having breakfast with the grands before the parade and True decided to draw Grandpa. This is his first person drawing ever and with “fancy legs and arms.” I’m also loving the hair that isn’t quite attached to the head! As he recently turned three, I was wondering when people drawings would begin and voila! I cannot tell you how much I love this. Definitely getting framed. Did you know that there is a company out there that will take your kid drawings and make them into soft toys? How amazing is that? Thank you to Cherilyn and all the others who posted cool tips about kid drawings over on the FB post (apparently there are companies that can help turn your kid’s art into jewelry, too. Who knew?)