Sometimes I feel like I should be doing more, making more, wanting more, being more than I already am. Maybe it's the hustle and bustle of Christmastime? Maybe it's the knowing that after the baby comes I will be limited in being able to do all the things I think I should be doing.

Then I look at my cozy cats and see that they are content to just be where they are, warm and unaffected by the driving forces that affect our human brains.

And I look down at my growing belly and feel the sweet baby moving inside of me and I realize that now is not the time to be putting unnecessary pressures on myself.

Now is just a time to enjoy and feel and soak up all the wonders in my life.

A few wishes

and also this.....

and while you're at it I would like a cup of this

thank you can't wait till christmas!

love,

Kelly

Images top to bottom:
tub from design sponge
chunky blanket from anthro
cocoa mix from tetoncocoacompany at etsy

It's all for you

I stole this quote from Doorways Traveler's blog. It really spoke to me today.

Do you have doubts about life? Are you unsure if it is worth the trouble? Look at the sky: that is for you. Look at each person's face as you pass on the street: those faces are for you. And the street itself, and the ground under the street, and the ball of fire underneath the ground: all these things are for you. They are as much for you as they are for other people. Remember this when you wake up in the morning and think you have nothing. Stand up and face the east. Now praise the sky and raise the light within each person under the sky. It's okay to be unsure. But praise, praise, praise.

~Miranda July, from "The Shared Patio" in No One Belongs Here More Than You. Stories by Miranda July

22 weeks

Here's me all pregnant....22 weeks and one day! Please excuse any streaks in the mirror. I know it needs a cleaning.

This little one has been moving and rolling around like crazy lately. Sometimes I wonder if he is sleeping enough in there. Of course it must be exciting to be a new human, so many body parts to explore and so many acrobatics to practice, so I can understand why the little guy likes being awake!

Some thoughts:

Being pregnant seems to consume most of my thoughts and energy. I have been researching what kind of childbirth I want to have. At first I thought I would just go into the hospital on the day I go into labor and let modern medicine work its magic, but after watching the movie "The Business of Being Born" I started to rethink this idea! I know that childbirth can be a controversial subject so I'm not trying to say one way is better than the other. I have never had a baby before, but now I want to know all about different coping methods in natural childbirth. I want to take classes and be knowledgeable about the stages of labor and what is happening inside my body. If you have had a positive natural birth I would love to hear about it!

I leave you with a picture of these pretty berries that grow outside my apartment.

Have a Happy Weekend :)

Thursday Things

Hello again

This is a little Christmas card I made today using paper scraps and this and that. I will probably send them out to friends and family when the time draws nearer or possibly put some in my shop.

A few other things:

1. Wanting to eat these beautifully decorated Snowflake cookies from Cakeboxcookies over at etsy.

2. If you have time you should go check out this blog for lots of simple handmade gift ideas!

3. I also found these natural looking stockings by thebeehivery over at the etsy gift guides. I don't know what it is but I am really drawn to the country look lately! Must be that I am cooped up in this apartment and would rather go wander the country side and take pictures of barns.

4. And in keeping with my country-ish theme you must check out this Primitive Wall Cupboard with Punched Tin Doors in ozarkprim's shop!

Thanks for stopping by and have a super day!

Hello Monday

Hello Monday, I have decided to be productive today. The photo below shows me amongst the many many boxes that we have to go through in order to feel settled. This was taken the day after we moved in so we have made some progress since then (thank goodness)!

Today I have plans of cleaning and organizing some of my "pretty things" (such as holiday decorations, lamps, and vase), making a guest list for my baby shower, and working on finishing a painting. Yes, I finally have access to my art supplies! They were boxed up for quite some time for the move and I am finally able to get some of them out and start making again. Since money is tight this year (we still have a mortgage to pay and also our apartment rent ugh) I have decided I wanted to make most of my Christmas gifts this year. I won't be posting them all since some of my family members read this blog, but I will share a watercolor with you that I have been working on for my husband's grandparents. It is based on a picture of their farm where they raised their kids. They still live on the same property but in a newer house. I am hoping this painting will evoke many memories for them :) Most of the gifts I plan to make will be smaller paintings and drawings as well as some painted ornaments. These gifts will be much more meaningful than something I could buy anyways right?

Here are a few pictures of my progress. I like to add lots of layers to my watercolors to build up a richness of color so I still have quite a bit more to do on this one.

And I just want to thank you for visiting my blog. I know I was out of the loop for quite some time, so your presence and comments mean so much to me!

19 weeks

18 weeks

Hi sweet blog friends

I have missed you and I have been so distant but I would love to reconnect and keep a presence here once again. I am now settled into our new home in North Carolina. It is actually an apartment which is kind of nice because it has caused us to get rid of some unnecessary clutter. Things are not completely set up, and it looks as if the baby's room will be an office/baby room since we only have two bedrooms to work with. Everything is a work in progress...especially my little growing baby which I will talk more about now...

I am now 19 weeks along. Almost half way! We had our "big ultrasound" yesterday and I found out we are having a sweet little BOY! When I saw the evidence my eyes instantly welled up! I looked over at my husband and he was grinning ear to ear. Just what he wanted :) I really thought I was having a girl, so thank goodness I found out otherwise I would have bought more girl things than boy. Now we can register for items and narrow down some names.

Other developments: I have been feeling consistent pokes and kicks the last 3-4 days which is the most amazing feeling in the world! Each time I feel the baby move I feel so blessed that I am able to feel this little human life inside of me progressing every day. What a miracle! I feel a little sad that my husband can't experience the same feelings. I know the kicks will get stronger and stronger and will probably eventually hurt but I really don't care! I love it!

The only thing that is a little tough is growing out of my clothes. None of my button up shirts fit me because my chest has grown. None of my jeans can button up so I just use this elastic belly band from target to hold them up! I love my growing belly but dislike some of the growth in other areas! It has caused a few tears some mornings when I try to put on an outfit that I usually fit into but I realize I have to grow so the baby can grow. I am sure all first time mom's have to go through this so I won't dwell on the subject. I am truly so happy about this baby and will grow as big as a house if needed!

Dear Tennessee

It has been a wonderful (short of) five years we have spent together

As a 21 year old your southern hospitality scooped me up with open arms. You offered me the perfect environment for growing into myself. You gave me teachers and friends who cultivated my passion for creating. For this I am indebted and forever thankful.

You gave me a place to call home, a foundation to build my family, and memories that will surely be some of my fondest.

You introduced me to twangy accents, beautiful old brick buildings, the smell of tobacco being harvested, and deeply rooted southern values.

Your soil is dense and hard to till, but the benefits of working the rich soil has showed me the beauty of rich ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, and sunflowers that reach for the endless sky.

I admire you for thriving in the summer heat, even when the cornstalks shriveled and burned last year. This year I am in awe of the power of the storms you have brought that have soaked the earth and given lushness back to the crops.

Most of all I love the people you take care of, their relaxed pace of life, their proud sense of where they came from and where they are going, their love for our country in good times and bad, and their ease and friendliness to people like me.

I love the essence of you Tennessee. I will miss you. Your charm and strength. Your never-ending summers. Your beauty that radiates from Graceland to the Appalachians in the East.

I know this isn't goodbye yet, but these are just some feelings I had to share for now.

Love,

Me

(We are moving to NC at the end of this month!)

Surprise!

After taking many weeks off from this blog I am back with an announcement. I am twelve weeks pregnant! This will be our first baby. This first trimester has been filled with emotional ups and downs and a lot of nausea. At first I thought I was going to be one of the lucky pregnant ladies who never experience "morning sickness" but as soon as the sixth week came around I was struggling to eat or drink anything. It was more like an all day sickness where the sight and smell of any food was nauseating. The last couple weeks I have started to feel much better! I have a kick in my step again and I am feeling more like myself rather than a zombie who mopes around the house all day complaining about smells and feeling awful. I can't even describe the feeling of finding out you are pregnant. It is a mixture of shock, excitement, intense happiness, and worry all at the same time. It is a life changing moment. I am looking forward to being a mom. After five years of being married I feel like my husband and I have had "our time" together and it will be fun to add another member to the family!

My husband and I are also in the middle of packing our belongings to move to North Carolina. I apologize for being so absent from this place but with so much going on I just needed some time and space away from the internet for a while. I look forward to sharing all the new pieces of my life with you and will try to keep a regular presence here.

much love to you all,

Kelly

Beautiful Things

I have not been able to articulate my thoughts and feelings into words lately so instead of putting that kind of pressure on myself I have decided to share some beautiful and inspiring things with you today.

I found out about these rugs by Amy Butler over at poppytalk and imagine filling my new home with them. Check out more rugs by Amy at amybutlerdesign.com/chandra

Love the constant flow of beautiful clothing from jcrew. Usually I don't buy clothes from here because the prices are a little high, but this season they have quite a few items that are splurge worthy and affordable.

I discovered an amazing photographer on Stephanie Levy's Artists Who Blog site called Bueller. Her photography is dreamy, ethereal, and simply stunning.

I think it is amazing how so much talent can be exposed and shared in this online world. I am inspired and lifted up daily by bloggers and artists who are able to showcase the talents of themselves and others. I hope you have a great Wednesday!

-me

House Hunting

Now that I know we will be moving I have been on a search for the perfect house to dwell in. Of course my taste is greatly different from my husband's. He would prefer something new, with little or no work that needs to be put into it, that feels clean and never lived in. I on the other hand wish I could live in a house like this....

Something with a little more character and spirit. A house that has a history and charm, even if it was built in the early 1900's. Oh and I definitely need a front porch. After living with one I will never go back. Why is it that some people (like my husband) don't understand that love for old historical homes. It's not that he doesn't appreciate older structures, its just that he doesn't want to live in one. His fear of drafty windows, rotting walls, and possibly ghosts may be the part of the reason why. At least we agree on one thing, we would both rather live out in the country rather than in a subdivision. This gives me an inch up on him because it is more likely that homes built out in the boonies will be old and historical. Just what I like ;)

Changes

I have been quiet this past week with lots of thoughts brewing in my mind. My husband and I received news that we will be moving to North Carolina for his job. At first I was reluctant and stressed. Moving from this house will be hard for me. It is our first home together. I have painted each wall a color I love. I have nurtured each corner and created a cozy space to live and create in. I need to view this move as an adventure, a fresh start, a new beginning rather than a bad thing. I trust that this is in the plan and I can actually feel that twinge of excitement brewing in my stomach.

Other than news of a move, I have been making an effort to truly enjoy the summer by grilling chicken and ribs, going on bike rides, hanging out with my husband, and trying to figure out everything from the move to my artwork. This weekend my husband and I are going to work on some house projects so that we can get our home ready for picture-taking. We have so much to do in such a short amount of time.

I have posted some new artwork in my shop and updated my shop banner. I really like the feel of my shop now as it feels more "me" and I hope to post more items throughout the weekend and into next week.

Hope you enjoy your weekend and soak in that summer heat!

Things to come

Hello friends. I would like to tell you that I am doing a revamp of my etsy shop. Over the past year I have allowed myself to try different things in the aspect of my art-making. I have experimented with different kinds of artwork from illustrations, whimsical prints, floral designs, large works on canvas, and of course my birds. This past month I started to realize that some of the things in my etsy shop didn't feel right to my current style, I have evolved and I always want my artwork to always be a reflection of me. I want the artwork in my shop to be things that come from my heart and to be things I love. Overall I would just like a more cohesive and clean looking shop.

As far as the new things you will be seeing in my shop expect splashes of color, organic shapes, old objects, and a little nonsense. I won't be getting rid of everything in my shop. It will just feel more like me! My shop is in vacation mode right now so I will let you know as soon as it is re-opened.

Here are a few pics of some new smaller works. I hope you have a great weekend and I will be back next week ;)

Me

Peeling back

I feel like I am on the cusp of something very new. Behind the scenes in my work space I have been creating some very abstract little pieces of artwork that is much different than the stuff that is currently in my shop. I know that over time an artist's work evolves and changes so I am not that surprised. This new way of making is very uninhibited. I do not think so much about what I am doing. I just do. It all started as a way to warm up before diving into something bigger I was working on. I will soon share some of this work with you ;)

Today is supposed to be a hot one. My sunflowers just started to open yesterday. Little by little the green folds give away to the yellow petals that are trying to make their debut. It's funny how we are not so different from these flowers. Sometimes a seed is planted in our brains and behind the scenes we slowly manifest what it is that is about to be created in our lives. Slowly we peel back the layers so we can show to the world what it is that god/universe wants for us to share. Not sharing will limit us. If you don't show the world your gifts you cannot inspire others to live authentically and fully. So if you love to write, share your writing with someone. If you love to paint, make a painting for someone. If you love to cook, fill someone's belly!

That's all I have to say about that for today :)

Peace out

jumping on the bandwagon

Mr. Jones ~ now in the shop

I have resisted the twitter craze for quite a long time. My sister called me the other day and said "Why are you not on twitter yet! It would be great for your business!" I had to agree. Networking and making connections is how people thrive in the online world. Not only that, but from what I've heard a lot of people have ditched facebook and other online social networking services for Twitter because it is more fast and easy. So come along and follow me. I will follow you. We will go from there because I have no idea what happens after that!

Today is Monday. I know not everyone is excited about that but I am hopeful on this monday!

1. Today I hope to be productive in my artroom. I have another bird painting to finish and then I would like to work on getting some prints made to list in my shop.

2. Today I hope the rain goes away for a while so I can finish mowing the back yard.

3. Today I hope to take a bikeride on the amish country road.

4. Today I hope for a surprise.

5. Today I hope my house magically gets clean. Ok that's pushing it. I know.

bonus room

Here is my completed bonus room. The walls were white to begin with and there were no other accessories except for the rug. I went to TJ Max yesterday and found two pretty silver lamps marked down to $30.00 each and I also purchased the four pillows which were 20 dollars a set. It is amazing how a little color can transform an otherwise dull space. I already had the vase and the cherry blossom branches from Pier One, but they used to be sitting in a closet collecting dust. The painting is one I purchased a few years ago and had not found a good spot for it until now. I am very happy with how it turned out. The other side of the room has a weight bench and an office desk. It is kind of a multi-functional room. I would show you the other side but it is still a mess! Oh and the color is by Behr paint and is called Studio Taupe.

a modge podge of thoughts

me jumping on a park trail

Illinois landscape

I have been back from my trip for a few days now. It was nice to get out of my town and to visit other lands even if it was just Illinois. I have to say that I really enjoyed seeing the fireworks this year. I love our country and feel thankful to have been born here. Isn't it funny to think that you could have been born anywhere in the world which determines the quality of life you have, the amount of freedom you have, and much bigger things like your religion? It blows my socks off thinking about it. It makes me count my blessings and reminds me not to judge others so much since they are a product of their circumstances and environment.

I am loving the summer. My sunflowers are about to bloom, my grass is still green due to steady rain, and the fireflies amaze me. They are like little wonders of electricity. Wouldn't it be funny if we could light up in the dark. No that would be scary. I am glad only fireflies and some kinds of fish are the only things that light up.

Now that I am back I plan on catching up on some things like weeding my garden, mowing, and painting the bonus room above the garage. I never knew what a bonus room was until I moved to the south. They are popular in my neighborhood since none of the houses have basements. I hate not having a basement. It freaks me out when storms come, to the point that I wear a helmet when the tornado sirens go off. I am going to paint the bonus room a grey brown color called ashwood. It should be classy and look nice with my dark brown furniture. I can add color to the room with pillows, curtains, and lamps. That's the way I like to decorate. Alright off to take care of business.

Hope you all had a nice holiday weekend!!

Travel

I will be heading out of town for the fourth of July. I am feeling much better and am no longer contagious so it's time to get out of the house and head out on a road trip to good ole' Illinois. I will be staying at a friends parent's home where we will enjoy lounging at the pool, doing a little shopping, some hiking, and of course relaxing.

I was a little hesitant to go as sometimes I can be a home-body but then I remembered a quote I read by the lovely Sabrina Ward Harrison in her book Brave On the Rocks:

"If you don't go, you don't see."

So that gets me thinking...if I don't see then I won't know and if I don't know then I won't experience wonderful things! So that is why I said yes to going and I will always try to apply this philosophy when it comes to travel.

Thanks for all of your comments and sharing this week. I am really enjoying my blog lately. It's like a home away from home, a home that lives in a screen, full of friends and strangers who strangely like hearing about my day to day meanderings.

Be back next Monday or Tuesday!

Why Create?

playing with my paints this morning

As I mentioned before I am taking an e-class called In the Fishbowl by Marisa Haedike. It is a class that covers how to make it as an online artist plus so much more! I have been sitting with some of the questions that have been brought up in class and would like to share some of my thoughts with you all today. If you don't mind :)

One of the questions was: Why do you create?

I create because I have a strong desire to do so. So many of us lose that passion as adults. When I make something I lose track of time and I can enjoy just being in the moment. I believe that when people create they are putting pieces of their souls into the world. I like to think that the paintings I make reflect my personality and show the world how I see and define beauty. And like some of my classmates have mentioned I believe that everyone is creative in their own way and that people would be happier if they took some time out of their day to make something.

Another question that one of my classmates brought up is: What are you doing when you are at your best? and when you are at your best how do you feel?

When I am at my best I am creating, running, making conscious decisions, learning new things, not judging myself or others, and enjoying the moment for what it is. When I am at my best I am not trying to do or be something I'm not. When I'm at my best I have focus and passion for what I am doing in life. I feel free from the expectations of society. My spirit is just how it was meant be.

Those are my deep thoughts for the day and now here are some pictures of my garden. I am so excited for my sunflowers to bloom!

Bye!

calla lilies and amelia bedelia

I am officially sick. I thought I had strep throat for sure, but it turns out I have an upper respiratory infection that has settled mostly in my tonsils. Yuck. I have to take antibiotics every 6 hours. I guess sometimes our bodies tell us when we need to slow down and thats exactly what I intend to do. The only thing I have the energy to do is paint small watercolors. I am going back to the basics, just focusing on one small object at a time and appreciating it's simple complexities. I love the fluidity of watercolors and how flexible and fast they are to work with. Here is a study of some pink calla lilies. They make me feel better just looking at them. Since I am no longer going to be going into the flower shop, drawing and painting flowers has become the next best thing. Amelia Bedelia seems to enjoy them too :)

Maybe later today or tomorrow I will tell you about an e-course I am taking by Creative Thursday's Marisa Haedike . I cannot tell you how wonderful I think e-courses are. They give you the opportunity to meet so many other artists and it has been a way for me to learn so many things about myself and to discover why I love to make things. My friend Ashley over at 31 experiment had some great thoughts on why she loves to create and I recommend that you check out her super cool blog.

Have a lovely Sunday folks.

Succulents

I am really fascinated by little plants, especially succulents. I photographed this little guy while I was in Lowes a few days ago. People must think I am crazy walking around photographing plants in such a big store.

I love my watercolor paints and hadn't used them in a while. I painted this today as I am not feeling well and it is very relaxing to me. It will be for sale in my shop later today if you are interested.

5 x 7 inch watercolor with ivory matte

Now I'm off to the doctor's. I think I have strep throat, which is crazy because I haven't had strep since I was in high school! I haven't taken any kind of antibiotic in at least ten years.

Have a happy Saturday!