Off to Oregon I go

I am leaving in about 15 minutes for a beautiful...but long trip to Oregon. My brother in law is getting married on Saturday and I am SO excited to see my family. Plus, who doesn't love a trip to the Pacific Northwest. I've got my journal, a few art supplies & my camera ready!

I can't wait to witness some love and snap some pictures.

Have a wonderful rest of the week & weekend.

I am behind on my photo challenges so I have some catching up to do when I get back. Not to mention She Art starting this coming Monday. :)

XO,

Jen

Thinking of the small....

Today is all about the small things.

The little moments have really been on my mind lately...

and I am clinging to them.

I am being reminded. 

Trying very hard to appreciate them,

not to overlook them or pass them off.

Today - 

a warm cup of coffee

the smell of rain

my almost 2 year old's pure joy & zeal over his bath

a friend's cheery voice

playing princess checkers with my beautiful daughter

and the day's not over just yet. :)

In honor of the "small" - I painted small.

Just almost 2" by 4". A wee little thing. It is actually a wooden domino from an old set I had for my classroom. I think I might stick a magnet on the back & add it to my fridge for spring's arrival.

I hope the little things in your life are bringing you many blessings.

XO,

Jen

Love Unexpected

All Four Love

 I should have known.

The evidence is everywhere.

I have always been quite creative and crafty.

When I was little I liked to write my own stories and illustrate them on the back of paper my dad brought home from work.

During my senior year of high school I won the "big award" in photography class for taking pictures of my little brother.

(Thank you Mikey for being my muse)

At UC Santa Barbara I ADORED my Art History classes and took as many as I could all the while being a psychology major.

My family has always called me "Mini Martha" because I always needed to make things look just right & liked to seriously decorate for parties.

My daughter's Alice inspired 3rd birthday

When it comes to giving a gift - I try handmade with "fancy" wrapping.

While I was a teacher (for 12 years - YIKES!) my favorite lessons were always the ones that had the kids & I getting our hands dirty or 

minds thinking....

 So I should have known.

It really should not have been so unexpected.

Crafting...scrapping...party planning - expected.

But, if you would have asked me years ago -  I would have never thought that I would fall "head over heels" in love with painting.  

Soul fulfilling - Art.

It is my

Unexpected Love.

I now adore:

• reading about artists
• paint all over my hands
• my kitchen table "studio"
• pouring over Artful Blogging or Somerset
• 40% off coupons from Michaels :)
• journaling
• Modge Podge!
• the dream of an ART retreat
• art classes (She Art you are next!)
• Following inspiring blogs
• saving "trash" to make junk journals
• And it goes on.....

I am so thankful that God has allowed ART into my life and for

a supportive family who help feed my passion. :)

So unexpected, BUT so welcomed!!

Next week's theme is Love Yourself.

That should be interesting...come join the fun!

TGIF! Right????

XO,

Jen

I love days like these

Seriously. Love.

Days that are full of creativity.

Taking in all the inspiration and letting go.

No self doubt, not over thinking - just painting & playing.

                                                                            

Moving from one thing to the next - 

journal pages, working on projects old & new, 

finding truths, trying new things, dreaming. (oh, how I love that one!)

      

I think I must have had paint everywhere. 

My shirt. My hands. My hair. My coffee mug. 

My dog. :) She likes to lay by the table. 

I don't always have days like these.

So I am very thankful for today. Very.

AND...looking forward to many more!

XO,

Jen

Loved Deeply

I have been meaning to write this post all weekend. But, this nasty cold I have has zapped all my energy! After some Dayquil and some rest - I think I can do it now. I want to link up to Jeanne and Courtney's
All Four Love!! 

This last week the theme was Loved Deeply. Take pictures of the ones in your life you adore. How fun, right? So, here are the ones that bring me immeasurable joy, laughing until my belly hurts, and blessings so deep -

 there are no words.

They simply take my breath away with one glance. :)

It was all about ice cream this week.

LoveBug ate it nice & slow savoring every lick :)

I am so glad SugarBean lets me take tons of pics!

I had to go into the archives for the next one. I needed a picture of my hubby. I love to see him with my kids. My heart skips a beat. :)

Yosemite 2010

This weeks challenge is to capture Love Unexpected. Hmmmm, kinda tricky. But, it is amazing what pops up when you least expect it!

XO,

Jen