50's Greasers

So here is my hunky handsome at his work party on Friday. Don't you think he looks like the toughest one? (he is on the far right side)

Task 13:

Try something new! Play today with a new form of art or craft!

This is my new form of art! Tattoos!

Jon had a fun 50's themed Friday party at work today, so last night we gave him an awesome "greaser" tattoo. Using nothing but mad art skills, the help of google images, and thick & thin sharpies, I created this:


I believe my new career may be as a tattoo artist. The only issues with it being that I don't much like needles poking mine or anyone elses skin. Not to mention I hear you bleed a little with a tattoo... O and the fact that our church is against it. But you know, other than those, I'd be so for it! (Yes Mom, I'm being sarcastic)

30 Days of Creativity

I was blog surfing today & saw this creative challenge from Craft Critique. I have been needing some help blogging since my last challenge ended. So, I don't know how frequently I'll be doing this, but I know I'm going to get through the 30 days ASAP!

The rules: There are no rules in art! Play for 30 days consecutively or try one task every three days. Do the tasks in order or not. Choose to complete every task or just do a few of them. Blog about and share your work or keep this project to yourself.

Task 1: When you were a child, how did you express your creativity? Completed

Task 2: What colors are meaningful to you and why? Completed

Task 3: What words or phrases do you find inspiring and why? Completed

Task 4: Do some doodling... share it and write about it! Completed

Task 5: What artists do you seek out for inspiration? Create a small something based on your source. Completed

Task 6: How does your living space reflect your creative nature? Share a picture if you can! Completed

Task 7: Relax! Do you relax to create or create to relax?

Task 8: Create a self portrait, draw or photograph yourself. What do you see? Completed

Task 9: Make a list of creative people you are grateful for today. Completed

Task 10: Create something today inspired by nature! Completed

Task 11: Stop and look around you. There is something in this room you've never noticed before. What is it?

Task 12: Look at a child. See how connected they are to their creative self? Pretend you are a child and make something. Completed

Task 13: Try something new! Play today with a new form of art or craft! Completed

Task 14: Make something to give away. Send a card to a friend or make a little gift for someone you care about.

Task 15: Do you like to try new things? What about trying something new do you like or dislike? Completed

Task 16: Do you create best when your emotions are high? Do you turn to creative endeavors when you are sad, angry, or just filled with joy?

Task 17: Sing. Sing a song... make it simple to last your whole life long! How did that feel?

Task 18: Does the way you dress show your creativity? How? If not, why not?

Task 19: Do you keep a creative journal or have an inspiration board? Share! Completed

Task 20: Read a crafty book or blog and write about it or create something inspired by it!

Task 21: Find and photograph one object in your home and create something inspired by it.

Task 22: Take time today to thank your favorite creative people for their talents. Comment on their blogs, Facebook and Twitter.

Task 23: Listen to a favorite song or artist and create something inspired by that music.

Task 24: What is your "Creative Bucket List"? List 12 creative things you want to learn more about. Completed

Task 25: Write a simple Haiku. (5-7-5) Completed

Task 26: Write, draw or paint something with your non-dominant hand. Completed

Task 27: What is the usual theme of your work? If you tend to create joyful, bright and optimistic art, then try to create something somber or dark... or vice versa.

Task 28: Paint with your fingers.

Task 29: Photograph your favorite feature. Completed

Task 30: Make a Creative Tool Kit! Compile your favorite words and phases of inspiration, swatches or fabric and color, drawings and doodles, and images into a little book you can pull out anytime you need to be inspired!

Flash Back to November 2009

Jon & I went to California to visit a school we were considering. It was the CIA: Culinary Institute of America - their Greystone location. Its basically the Harvard of culinary schools, and the price tag definitely reflected that. I can't help myself, but I've been day dreaming about it lately. This school was so magnificent. It was honestly like a mini Hogwarts inside.


But almost as amazing was the landscape it was nestled in. Jon & I had stayed the night in a nearby town, and had to drive about 10 minutes to get to the school for the tour. At first we drove a windy rode through the woody hills, but eventually it opened up into this amazing valley, THE Napa Valley. It was still early in the morning, so the sun was still really low and everything had a glow about it. If I could have sat by myself by the side of the rode & just watched the sun rise, I would have been in heaven. It was honestly the most beautiful thing to see these organized rows of beautiful yellowing grape leaves surrounded by lush green hills.


I'm having a bit of a love affair with nature lately.

Springtime

April might be my favorite month...

All growing up I lived in moderate southern California. So for me, winter was just lots of rain & fog & a bit of frost, and then it was spring for about a month. It would all of a sudden get so deliciously green. The hillsides looking like an Irish picture and flowers sprouting out of the ground everywhere! Like they were just waiting for the cold to end! It was such a beautiful wonderful time to be outside. You can't sit on the grass though because its damp under that beautiful ground cover, the birds are all out and singing. There are those perfect kinds of clouds that look like giant cotton balls and are perfect for lying on the trampoline with your little sister and finding the different shapes. And its so nice outside that you can wear shorts & a t-shirt while you're running around, but still cool enough that you need a sweater when stay in one place. I love how every day has that soft sweet smelling breeze while everything is blooming. I feel like you are shedding that gray winter skin and suddenly everything has a pink hue, like when the sun first comes up. Its that lighting that makes everything look soft and inviting.

Spring is definitely my favorite season.

Mr. Kellogg

My favorite teacher from Junior High & High School died today. I really loved him. He was an amazing teacher. He was able to make every one of his students feel like they were important to him, like they were his favorite student. He was my English teacher in 8th grade, and moved to teach at my high school my freshman year. He taught sophomores, but I used to visit him after class almost every day. Then my sophomore year he taught me Honors English & Lit. I loved his class so much I was a Student Aide my Junior & Senior years. I saw him with the other students & classes and even they knew how special of a teacher he was. I'm amazed at how much I've cried and how much I feel like I'll miss him. Here are just a few of the wonderful things my classmates are saying about him on Facebook:

Here's to you, Mr. Kellogg. You had a great impact on my life and I'm lucky to have known you. You will be dearly missed.

I will never forget our class with him... And that we were almost in tears when he left in 8th grade. He had such an impact on me and everyone else. Truely an amazing and inspiring man.. It's crazy how sad I am.

mr. kellogg, i never apologized before, but i'm sorry we put applesauce in your slimfast, and pencil shavings in your coffee. the NHD kids just loved you so much. we all love you.

Feel crushed. You were such an inspirational teacher, Mr. Kellogg. You'll be greatly missed.

ever grateful to you, mr. kellogg - you're gone far too soon.

To see the number of people whose lives have been impacted positively by you; to know that I am only one of many who has become a stronger person because of your teaching... that is a testament to your life. Rest well, Mr. K. You are already missed.

i've never known a teacher more respected and loved by everyone. he had been fighting cancer for a long time :(

Chocolate Bunnies

This weekend I went to Walmart with my husband, and while we were strolling through the Easter aisles (we had a candy craving that would not be denied) we found this: The "Dude Bunny." I couldn't believe that this was sitting next to all the classic chocolate bunnies. All I could think was what I would have done if I had woken up and found this in my basket on Easter morning, I believe I would have been very confused as to why Peter Rabbit looked a lot like Flava Flav



For more Walmart fun!

Greenhouse Visit

Today Jon and I visited a local greenhouse. It was wonderful inside and felt so humid & warm. After just a few minutes in there I realized green should be my new favorite color. There is something so beautiful about the different shades of lush green that have bursts of vibrant color. I believe that Jon & I will someday live in a greenhouse. We're completely serious, and if we ever have the opportunity we are going to do it. I believe we'll call it the "Green Estate."

I love love moss! Someday I want to have this in my yard, not to replace all the grass, but certainly I want it in my flower beds.

My Brothers Twin?

Recently on my sister-in-law Brit's blog, she posted a video from Savage Garden here. Among her comments it came up that my brother shared quite the resemblance with Savage Garden's lead singer Darren Hayes. To be clarified, Dareen would be the metro/gay version of Michael. My brother was a bit upset, but I'd have to say I agree. What do you think?

Pendant

I found this darling Disney Couture pendant necklace that is a locket which folds out to be a map of Neverland. Cutest Disney jewelry ever!

Laundry

I love doing laundry. Call me old fashioned, but I love it! There is something about it. I take the bin to the washer, put the dirty clothes in, put in soap & turn it on. How easy! Then, I go make the bed, this is key to the next few steps. Then I gather up the next load of dirty clothes to be washed. Take the bin back, unload the damp clothes & put them in the dryer, with a sheet, and turn it on. So simple. Put the next load in & the routine repeats itself.

Finally, once the first load is dry I take it to the bed & dump it on there. Then I sort out the socks, shirts, shorts, bras, etc. Once I have organized piles, I begin to fold. And everything has a specific fold, the shirts are folded just so that there are no wrinkles, the socks so that once you pull them neither one ends up inside out, the garments are nicely rolled into one folded ball so you're never searching for the top or bottom, etc. I just love how methodic it feels to mindlessly organize. Its also so refreshing to use my hands to touch the soft clothing and to feel like I'm active (not just typing away for work). And then I place the fresh clothes in the drawers & I'm onto the next load that has just come out smelling like soap and feels so warm in my arms. I just love it. It just calms me. Ahh... I love it!

P.S. Tangled

I meant to say... I watched Tangled, and LOVED it! I highly recommend it. And now that I own the DVD, you are welcome to come watch it with me!

Disney Fever!

Ok, so I know I said I had writers block... but as soon as I posted that I realized that I know what I can blog about, exactly what I'm thinking about! And although it embarrasses me to admit, I'm thinking about my home land of Disneyland. Again.

This June they are opening the newest dark ride @ Disneyland... and I can hardly contain myself! Its going to be The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Undersea Adventure! She was my all time favorite princess when I was a little girl! I remember having little sleepers with her face on them. I even had a singing Barbie doll of her. Anyway, this is an exciting preview of the animatronic advancements Disney has made & it gets me EVEN more pumped & missing the park even more!

Writers Block

I don't know what to blog about today... o boy.

I can't let myself fall into that rut. You know that rut where you don't know what to write about one day, so you say you'll do it the next day and so on and so on! If I do that I know it'll be at least 2 months before I start this up again. And I put my foot down! I say "No!" I will not let this happen. You will see a post from me today! Just... give me some time.

The Story - Comfort Food: Part 3

By this time the Oreos were completely devoured, we had finished going through 4 months of style magazines, putting in new resolution to be trendy for our Senior year, and had begun watching our go to video for hot guys. It was all action, only one cute girl to compete with, and 5 hunky men. We each had our favorites, for different reasons. Megan had only recently admitted that the 60 pack brunette with long hair was her movie crush, Daniella had always loved the rebel blonde who had a witty comeback for everything. My favorite was the reserved, mysterious lead with dark hair & eyes. We were giggling over the school pool scene, which we believe had only been added to give an opportunity to show off their muscular physic, when Danny suddenly let out a groan & flopped her back on the bed.

Megan & I gave each other curious looks & paused the film.

"You ok?" Megan asked getting into a kneel off the floor.

"We can watch something else," I offered.

"Its not that," Danny said closing her eyes. "I broke up with Chase." Megan's mouth became a perfect o in shock. She looked at me, unsure what to say. I waited to see if she would go on.

"What happened?" I said after a moment, still not sure if she just needed to vent, or wanted to cry.

"Nothing," Danny said, finally opening her eyes, one tiny tear rolling out of the corner. "Nothing big or anything. I just, I just realized that I don't know what I feel about us anymore."

"What do you mean?" Meg said stroking Danny's hair that fell over the edge of the bed.

"When I first met Chase, he was amazing to me. He was hot, and sent goosebumps across my skin just by thinking his name. The first time he kissed me was... and it was like ... and I felt perfect. I don't think I really feel anything when we kiss anymore, its just a reaction now. Not to mention I'm constantly frustrated with him! Every thoughtless slip up drives me crazy & makes me more irritated than before. Then he would come over, smile and hold me, and it feels really nice to be in his warm arms. Nice enough that I want to forget the argument ever happened." Danny sighed rolled over onto her belly. "But I don't."

"Its ok to break up," I said, "it happens, and its normal."

"I know that!" Danny yelled and began pacing the tiny room, "I feel completely justified in my decision! It only makes sense to break up with him! I mean, I'm being fair here! Its just ... why do I still feel so bad? ... Why does it feel like I still have feelings for him?" She was wiping away the angry tears. After a few moments of staring at us, she sat back on the edge of the bed with another exasperated huff. Almost simultaneously Meg & I got up to wrap our arms around her.

"It's ok to still love him, and not be in love with him." Megan said, Danny squeezed us tighter. We put back on the movie & continued with our night as though nothing had interrupted it.

Round 2: Bonsai

I think hobbies are such wonderful things, and my husband Jon is so multi-talented! He has such a love of nature, gardening, and just beautifying with nature. I posted here about the last bonsai Jon made on his own, well, its been a busy weekend. Here are two more he has created!


We went Bonsai shopping for this one to give to Mike, Jon's dad. Jon made this for him, and Sunday we were able to give it to him. He loved it. I think the best part for Jon was knowing it was something he had designed for his Dad.

After giving the bonsai to his dad, his dad offered us this beautiful rock (plus a few others) and Jon right away knew what he wanted to do. He came home & made this master piece. I have such an amazing husband.

Tangled

So, this weekend with Jon's family, we began watching the newest Disney film TANGLED! I was loving the film, but Jon & I needed to get home, so we left about half an hour in. The only reason I agreed to leave was on the promise that we would buy the DVD that evening & finish it at our house. To my HUGE disappointment, everyone was sold out! Walmart, Smith's, Kmart, Target, etc. Basically this is just my whine post, to explain that I was very bummed. The end.



P.S. I'm not planning on buying the 3D version, I just wanted to post the DVD image on here.

Snow White

Snow White has been my favorite Disney Princess for a while. I think its just how sweet she looks, her little blue & yellow outfit is just so modest & demure. I love her black hair & porcelain skin, maybe because I relate to being unable to tan? So in turn, she has become one of my favorite fairy tales. I found this artist on this blog and fell in love with her version. Enjoy

Snow White by Trina Schart Hyman
born April 8, 1939, Died November 19, 2004

Welcome to April?

I woke up this morning, expecting to take my dogs outside to relieve themselves on the beautiful green grass... and somehow in the middle of the night, it snowed. Now weathermen had been forcasting this, but we were up to 65 degrees yesterday and 70 on Friday, so I thought they were full of it. Shows how much I know.

I grew up in Sunny California, in places where it never snows at all, let alone is it cold into March & April. I remember the first year I lived in Utah & it snowed on my birthday (March 14th) and I just about cried. I remember it was so warm we had a swim party for my 10th birthday one year. This was definitely NOT swim weather. So, this is my post to say that I am SO ready for Spring + no more snow. Although, it does kind of look pretty.

Mobbed

Jon & I watched this last night & just about died! This is just the sweetest thing I have ever seen in my life! Seriously, I was crying by the end it was so cute. Jon felt the same way, he was telling me how I needed to call Brit right away (Brit has this LOVE of flash mobs especially the dance ones) This is the full first episode from hulu, but tune in to watch the rest of the episodes. I know I will be!



If you are on a time crunch, make sure to just watch the last half, that is where the magic happens.