AEDM - so grateful

AEDM Day 30

I'm linking up with Art Every Day Month throughout the month of November.

Creating art each day: doodling, painting, journal making, stamping, photographing, etc.

It is the last day of Art Every Day Month and I am so grateful. I'm also a little sad this month has been a-m-a-z-i-n-g!

I created a ton of new art. 

Creatively thought up an entire new line of products that will in 2013 become cards, original art, fabric, wall clings, and even silver pendants for necklaces. Totally excited and drawing up plans of how to make it all happen. Yes, that means that I will open an online store of some kind in 2013.

Also, I am so grateful for all of you. Your daily visits, kindness, words of encouragement, and love sincerely mean the world to me. 

Thank you!

Here are a few of my favorites from the month.

Also, I've signed up to participate in Kat's (at I Saw You Dancing) 'reverb12 during the month of December. I can't think of better way to reflect on 2012 and get excited about 2013.

Check back during December I promise there will photographs of NYC all decked out for the holidays.

Hop over to Leah's site at Creative Every Day and visit a few other blogs celebrating AEDM.

'tis the season...

AEDM Day 29

I'm linking up with Art Every Day Month throughout the month of November.

Creating art each day: doodling, painting, journal making, stamping, photographing, etc.

NYC is bursting with holiday spirit.

The store windows have all be revealed.  

The Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center was lit last night. 

There are decorations on lamp posts.

The doorways of buildings have garland and ornaments.

There are lights everywhere.

I bought a couple of poinsettias yesterday. (One for the bathroom where the cats can't reach and another for my day job desk.)

I even saw a construction worker with a Santa hat over his hard hat yesterday.

I love Christmas in NYC. 

I think it is about time that I put up a few decorations in my 300 square feet.

Oh, and maybe I should do a little shopping and send a few gifts home to my family since I will be staying in NYC for Christmas.

Hop over to Leah's website and visit a few other creative soul's who are participating in AEDM.

Creative Color Challenge and Day 28 AEDM

AEDM Day 28

I'm linking up with Art Every Day Month throughout the month of November.

Creating art each day: doodling, painting, journal making, stamping, photographing, etc.

Today I'm also participating in Louise Gale's Creative Color Challenge for November.  Each month Louise gives us a color palette to play with during the month. I just love the warm colors she gave us this time.

On Day 6 of AEDM I shared this piece of leaf art. Created with watercolors, inspired by the maple leaves of Central Park.

I decided to make a mobile out of them. Originally I was going to take them to my office, I still might, but for now they hang on my closet doors near my bed.

By the way, at the suggestion of a dear friend, I did not cut up my original watercolor. I photocopied it, cut the leaves out, and simply strung them with thread.

Thanks, Louise for the color inspiration and this month's challenge. Also, thanks to Deborah Velásquez for the mobile inspiration.

Hop over to AEDM and Louise Gale's site to visit a few other creative souls today.

As always, thanks for stopping by.

Holiday Cards & Shared Messages from the Universe

AEDM Day 26

I'm linking up with Art Every Day Month throughout the month of November.

Creating art each day: doodling, painting, journal making, stamping, photographing, etc.

The holidays are all around us and I love NYC during the Christmas holiday. Now that Thanksgiving is over I can start to think about Christmas.

I played with my flower stamp to create a few holiday cards. I loved how they turned out.

Hop over to Leah's page and visit a few other creative soul's blogs as we celebrate Art Every Day Month.

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 Also, if you are a regular reader you may be familiar with my Monday shared messages from the universe...

It is my belief that messages from the universe speak to me and remind me of something that is inside of me. When I first see them, I often don't even know what is really being advertised. Instead, the message conjures emotions or thoughts relating to something that is going on within me; in my heart, in my mind, in my soul. I see them on billboards, in magazines, store windows, church plaques...everywhere.

I secretly call them soul whispers.

The messages are all around us

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I had a pretty low key weekend, needing to take care of myself and rest. I am thankful for Superman being patient and creating hot baths. 

I came across the page above while reading and dreaming through a travel magazine. 

I seriously love this.

There are so many things that I could say but I am going to let it speak to you today.

Share with me in the comments how the message above whispers to your soul.

As always, thank you, for stopping by, reading, commenting, and for being you.

Flowers...

AEDM Day 25

I'm linking up with Art Every Day Month throughout the month of November.

Creating art each day: doodling, painting, journal making, stamping, photographing, etc.

Flowers, flowers, and more flowers.

May your day be filled with smiles.

Hop over to Leah's website and visit a few other creative soul's who are participating in AEDM.

Doodle in color...

AEDM Day 24

I'm linking up with Art Every Day Month throughout the month of November.

Creating art each day: doodling, painting, journal making, stamping, photographing, etc.

Just a little doodle with watercolors...

Now to work on my sketchbook for The Sketchbook Project. 

Hop over to Leah's website and visit a few other creative soul's who are participating in AEDM.

Kermit and why there are less photos lately

AEDM Day 23

I'm linking up with Art Every Day Month throughout the month of November.

Creating art each day: doodling, painting, journal making, stamping, photographing, etc.

Thanksgiving, when I am in NY, for me means at least a glimpse of Kermit in person. Since I live so close to Central Park to not walk over and watch the balloons fly on Thanksgiving just doesn't make sense in my book. So after putting the turkey breast in the crock pot, Superman and I did just that yesterday morning. I always feel like a kid at the parade.

If you look closely there are windows open in the top right corner of the picture - the people there has balloon height seats!

Also, before the parade started someone had let some helium balloons go free. They dotted the sky and I tried to get a few pictures.

I recently have had a few friends express that they miss my photographs. They love the art I've been creating but they miss my pictures so I thought I would share why.

The past year has dealt me some health issues. I have fibromyalgia and have for almost 2 decades. For the most part, self-care and awareness go along way to me managing and living with it, most days I'm  fine. During the past year, I've had terrible pain in my knees and after much searching, many doctors, and treatments I've learned that it has a lot to do with my muscles being tight due to the fibro combined with all the day-to-day walking I do living in the city.

During the past year, my ability to take pictures every weekend, for hours, has been limited due to pain and/or fatigue. There have been moments of photography bliss just not every weekend.

This has pushed me to rediscover my love for ink and watercolors. 

Thus the reason that you are seeing more art.

What I've learned this past year is that when I am able to be creative (no matter what the medium) my soul dances a little and I am flying high.

Thanks for stopping by, checking in, reading along, and commenting.
Your kindness touches my heart.

Hop over to Leah's website and visit a few other creative soul's who are participating in AEDM.

Happy Thanksgiving!

AEDM Day 22

I'm linking up with Art Every Day Month throughout the month of November.

Creating art each day: doodling, painting, journal making, stamping, photographing, etc.

Happy Thanksgiving!

It is Thanksgiving in the United States.

May your day be filled with gratitude for the things in your life that mean the most to you.

For me, it is often the little things that I am most thankful for and for that I am grateful.

Now, to put the turkey in, make some coffee, walk across Central Park to catch a glimpse of Kermit flying, then the dog show on tv later today,more than likely a nap, and hopefully an old movie later. 

I hope your day is filled with joy and a little gratitude.

Hop over to Leah's website and visit a few other creative soul's who are participating in AEDM.

Flowers...

AEDM Day 21

I'm linking up with Art Every Day Month throughout the month of November.

Creating art each day: doodling, painting, journal making, stamping, photographing, etc.

Back in October when I visited my parents I stamped random okra flower stamps on white paper.

The okra I bought at the farmer's market in NYC and packed in my carry on, which by the way the TSA agents giggled at as they hand searched my bag to see what it was, produced only 5 flower petals when stamped. It must have been a different variety that the okra I had previously use (which you can see here).

I chose to doodle grass across the bottom.

I then added stems, leaves, dots, and depth to the flowers.

I also stamped some clusters. I then doodled them too.

I love the way these turned out. 

I want to see a whole page of them and then I'm thinking fabric.

Happy day before Thanksgiving. For me, this means a short day at the day job and a weekend planned with naps, art, and snuggles with Superman. I am so looking forward to a little down time.

Hop over to Leah's website and visit a few other creative soul's who are participating in AEDM.

Crates - Union Square

AEDM Day 20

I'm linking up with Art Every Day Month throughout the month of November.

Creating art each day: doodling, painting, journal making, stamping, photographing, etc.

Every Saturday morning Union Square in NYC turns into a farm fresh grocery store. Farmers descend upon the city to share in their bounty.

Recently, I went early to witness the unpacking and setting up. Really, I wanted to see the crates. I'm fascinated by boxes.

 

I can just imagine the harvest. 

By the way, I love to take pictures. NYC is so inspiring. Often, I go out for hours and walk the city, no agenda or plan. I say this because during 3 or 4 hours I can take hundreds of photos. Half the fun is downloading the pictures and looking through them.

Just a reminder to support your local area farmer's market.

Hop over to Leah's website and visit a few other creative soul's who are participating in AEDM.

Progress and Shared Messages from the Universe

AEDM Day 19

I'm linking up with Art Every Day Month throughout the month of November.

Creating art each day: doodling, painting, journal making, stamping, photographing, etc.

I've been working on my watercolor circle piece.  I'm still not finished but in spirit of a promise made to myself at the beginning of AEDM - sharing throughout the month, every day, and works in progress count, no need for just finished work to be shared.

The goal is to have something in each circle. So, I still have a little work to do.

If you are a regular reader you may be familiar with my Monday shared messages from the universe...

It is my belief that messages from the universe speak to me and remind me of something that is inside of me. When I first see them, I often don't even know what is really being advertised. Instead, the message conjures emotions or thoughts relating to something that is going on within me; in my heart, in my mind, in my soul. I see them on billboards, in magazines, store windows, church plaques...everywhere.

I secretly call them soul whispers.

The messages are all around us

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Last week was a busy week due to my day job. I traveled all 5 days. This is rare for me and honestly not enjoyable. I prefer to be home. The universe reminded me of this...while I was at 33,000 feet.

I paged through the airline magazine, you know the one you find in the seat back, and this was the first page I turned to...

Rediscover what matters.

All I could do is let go of a big sigh...open my files and prepare for my meeting. 

The universe keeps sending me little messages about what I should be doing - art, creating, etc.

So, I keep balancing. A girl has to eat. 

When my weeks are filled with day job craziness and little time for creating - - I guess it feels the need to remind. 

So, today I encourage you, no matter how crazy your days are...to rediscover what matters, if even for a few minutes a day.

Thanks for visiting and remember to hop over to Leah's page and visit a few other creative soul's blogs as we celebrate Art Every Day Month.

 

Leaf Doodles

AEDM Day 18

I'm linking up with Art Every Day Month throughout the month of November.

Creating art each day: doodling, painting, journal making, stamping, photographing, etc.

Doodling with a black sharpie is a great way to relax.
While we watched a movie last night I doodled.

I'm still stuck on leaves...don't worry, it may change to snowflakes soon.

I also created a simple repeat line pattern. I've decided that I want to create the line pattern with watercolors. 

I hope your Sunday is relaxing.

Hop over to Leah's website and visit a few other creative soul's who are participating in AEDM.

Leaves, Leaves, and More Leaves

AEDM Day 17

I'm linking up with Art Every Day Month throughout the month of November.

Creating art each day: doodling, painting, journal making, stamping, photographing, etc.

Recent walks in Central Park have produced some really great photos of leaves, color, and texture. I can get lost for hours playing in the park with my camera.

And, it reminds me that sometimes the little things that bring hours of joy. My camera, time, the beauty of nature. I must have touched hundreds of leaves that day. I took over 500 photos - most of which aren't very good, but I still am in awe of the beauty that I was able to capture.

I hope that you can pause today and enjoy the world around you.

Hop over to Leah's website and visit a few other creative soul's who are participating in AEDM.

Meeting Sketches.

AEDM Day 16

I'm linking up with Art Every Day Month throughout the month of November.

Creating art each day: doodling, painting, journal making, stamping, photographing, etc.

I was in a day long series of meetings and presentations for my day job yesterday. So, how do I pass the time - I sketched.

More flowers.

And a little whimsical love tree.

Thanks for visiting. I'm looking forward to having time this weekend to create some art, take some pictures, and spend some time with Superman. (Just one more day of meetings.)

Hop over to Leah's website and visit a few other creative soul's who are participating in AEDM.

A Pet Fish...for a few days

AEDM Day 15

I'm linking up with Art Every Day Month throughout the month of November.

Creating art each day: doodling, painting, journal making, stamping, photographing, etc.

I am traveling for my day job this week. So far, trains, planes, and automobiles - hotels and eating out. I'm tired, long for my own bed snuggling with Superman and The Creative Team purring. 

I arrived at my hotel to be greeted my very own pet. A goldfish.

I haven't named her yet. I'll have to work on that today.

Last night before I fell asleep I did a quick sketch.
Be gentle, this is what I did after midnight and a few beers.

Now I'm off to a day of presentations and doodling. 

Hop over to Leah's website and visit a few other creative soul's who are participating in AEDM.

Flower Sketching... in Flight

AEDM Day 14

I'm linking up with Art Every Day Month throughout the month of November.

Creating art each day: doodling, painting, journal making, stamping, photographing, etc.

What do you do when you fly? I've been traveling for my day job the past couple of days (and more to come).

Last night 1 of my flights did not have any turbulence, so I sketched flowers.

A micron pen and some paper and the hour flew by so quick. 

This may have to be habit when the flight permits.

I hope you enjoy your day. I am off again, this time on a train - highly unlikely that there will be art being made on the amtrak train. So, I guess I will just have to do something once I arrive at my next destination.

Hop over to Leah's website and visit a few other creative soul's who are participating in AEDM.

The Start of a Flower Doodle

AEDM Day 13

I'm linking up with Art Every Day Month throughout the month of November.

Creating art each day: doodling, painting, journal making, stamping, photographing, etc.

My Monday was filled with airports, delays, turbulence, and spreadsheets.

My goal was to draw and doodle in between my spreadsheet work. (I have a client meeting today for the day job.) Well, sometimes plans just don't work out well.

I had airport delays, spreadsheets to update, turbulence on one flight so bad that I couldn't do anything, and my other flight was so short that this is all I was able to get done.

Hopefully my flights home tonight will be smooth so I can do a little more.

Hop over to Leah's website and visit a few other creative soul's who are participating in AEDM.

Shared Messages from the Universe, Apples, and Art

AEDM Day 12

I'm linking up with Art Every Day Month throughout the month of November.

Creating art each day: doodling, painting, journal making, stamping, photographing, etc.

If you are a regular reader you may be familiar with my Monday shared messages from the universe...

It is my belief that messages from the universe speak to me and remind me of something that is inside of me. When I first see them, I often don't even know what is really being advertised. Instead, the message conjures emotions or thoughts relating to something that is going on within me; in my heart, in my mind, in my soul. I see them on billboards, in magazines, store windows, church plaques...everywhere.

I secretly call them soul whispers.

The messages are all around us

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As I waited on the platform one morning last week, I noticed this on one of advertisements...it made me smile, giggle, and shake my head. 

Then, as always, it made me think...sometimes you have to wade through the bullshit to get to the answers and I smiled again while I took this photo.

I thought about it for the next 15 minutes. 

I believe that there are moments when we each feel a little overwhelmed, beaten down, or like we are ready to give up. Any of us who are holding down a job that doesn't feed out soul feels this way. 

Hell, any of us can feel this way for any reason what so ever - you know that feeling that you sometimes get when you just want to crawl back into bed and pull the covers over your head. Or, if you are like me, it feeds my desire to be 4 again. Come on admit it, 4 was a great age;  you knew how to use the bathroom, you could feed yourself food that someone else cooked for you, no school, play was encouraged, and napping was expected - 4 was an awesome age!

I also believe that it takes great courage to embrace where you are, right now, even if you aren't doing what you really, really want to be doing, even if you don't have all the answers...even if you are waist deep in the bullshit.

So, today, I want to encourage you to embrace the bullshit while you are wading through it and searching for the answers. 

I know you can do it! I know that you have the strength to move forward...one step at a time.

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For Art Every Day Month, I made an apple tart (Lori's Lazy Apple Tart), yes I just made that up but it's true I don't use a recipe - I just wing it. 

I use a pie crust pre-made that you an buy at the store. 

Cut up 5-6 apples, sugar, cinnamon

(the amounts of these are really up to you but I probably use about a 1/4 cup of sugar and a tablespoon or cinnamon)

Unroll the pie crust on the pan.

Mix the apples, cinnamon, and sugar in a bowl.

Put the apple mixture on the crust and gently turn the edges up around the apples.

Add a little sugar around the edges of the crust that you just turned up (simply wet the crust and the sugar will stick)

Bake until brown, 20-25 minutes at 375.

I also stamped some more white flowers. This reminds me of a snowflake.

Hop over to Leah's website and visit a few other creative soul's who are participating in AEDM.