.love to create.

29::365

There is something about making handmade items that just cannot be replaced by store bought. It's personal. It has meaning. It's special. I love to create, but I cannot tell you the countless times I've gone into a craft store, mind full of ideas and projects, to come home with oodles and oodles of supplies only to not have the time, or the energy, to bring any of those ideas to fruition. I hate that. My hubby hates that because that means there's just more "crap" [gasp!] cluttering up the spare room. But I do love making things. Unfortunately, it seems as if the stars have to align before I can become inspired and motivated enough to get things done (that also applies to other things like housework). Today, I was FINALLY able to work on a Secret Valentina gift for a lady in my Unravelling group. I just hope that when I mail it off on Monday that she will get it in time for Valentine's Day!! Did I mention she lives overseas? YIKES! Working on this piece really got me to thinking about how much a really miss working with paints, and oil pastels, and scissors, and glue, and. . . and. . . artsy craftsy stuff. It brings me back to childhood memories spent at my grandparents' in Kailua, drawing and painting away as if I too was an artist getting ready for a big art show or craft fair. I miss that unbridled spirit of creating without inhibition. Children are a good reminder of that spirit. At times, I watch my little girl, crayon in hand, large drawing pad laid out in front of her, scribbling away, laughing at her own creation. "Mama! Look! Lion! Raaawwrrr! See his feet?" And although the large mass of circles and lines look nothing like a man-eating feline to me, she believes it does and she has all the confidence in the world that it is. I want that kind of confidence and freedom. We can learn so much from kids.

Every child is an artist.
The problem is how to remain
an artist once we grow up.
~Picasso.

.gathering of hearts.

28::365

So the weekend is here. FINALLY! I don't know about you but I am freaking out about the fact that it's already February. . . and FIVE days into it! I'll stop yelling now. Valentine's Day is quickly approaching and I've been wanting so badly to start getting some handmade "love stuff" made. Fingers crossed, this weekend will open itself up to allowing me to do just that! My brain is overflowing with hearts - hearts - hearts!! Speaking of those lovely symbols of affection, Rebecca Sower's blog is featuring a cute idea she calls the heart sessions where she displays a sweet handmade heart accompanied by love inspired quotes. Encouraging others to join in on the fun, she has listed several other crafty gals who have also started their own heart sessions. I think I see Elk in there! Seeing all these beautiful pieces makes me want to bust out the felt, scissors, beads and buttons! Care to join me?

.vortex of beauty.

I couldn't believe my eyes. Four dozen roses and for no reason at all. Well, except for the fact that maybe he loves me and thought that they would perk up my spirits a bit. They did. Or . . . really, should I be worried? ha ha! This pleasant surprise was the perfect subject to photograph, but I had figure out a way to capture them without being cliché. THAT I found to be much harder than I had expected. I tried every angle. Side. This side. Top. Bottom. Nothing. Then I thought get closer. . . and closer. . . that's when I started to take notice of their beautiful centers. A vortex of beauty. That was the comment a sweetheart on Flickr left on the muted version of this image. She couldn't have said it better.

.quiet time.

27::365

Today, I've been so dizzy, light-headed, and just overall worn out. There's been so much rattling about in my head. I wish, just for a moment, they could just be still long enough for me to sort them all out. Maybe I haven't been getting much sleep. The situation with the accident has yet to be settled, although everything is in my favor, it is still wearing on me. Perhaps I just need some quiet time. A moment of peace to reflect, to think, to let go. . . all without the distractions of the day. So, anyone out there willing to babysit? ;o)

.gypsophilia.

26::365

.some days.

25::365

Some days you just don't have the right words. Some days you don't have the right words and the best photo because your creative juices aren't flowing like they should because you're absolutely worn out. Some days you find yourself passing out on the couch only to wake up 20 minutes 'til midnight and realize you hadn't taken your photo for the day. That's when you sort of go into a slight state of panic, while still trying to wake up, and find yourself grabbing the closest thing to "frilly" and decide that it was the best subject to photograph. For me, that was tonight. Doily.

.getting in touch with my feminine side.

24::365

It's been a long time since I've seen her, Gypsophilia, my romantic, feminine self. I cannot tell you the last time I walked into a Victoria Secret with the kind of confidence one has when they know, I will look good in this. Instead, I have found more cotton drawers that resemble the ones my Grandmother wore [OH MY GOSH!] than the soft, dainty lace ones I used to love to buy simply because they were so pretty! Naturally being the tomboy that I am, there has been a whole lotta denim, and a lot less lace lately. But still, where'd that girly side of me go?! She's been either hibernating, or frolicking in some distant meadow without me for way too long! Someone please tell me it's not too late for me! Today, finally able to venture out of the house to run errands, I found myself entering a shop and bought a bottle of perfume, something I haven't done in ages. In an attempt to enchant my senses, I decided that yes, perfume has to be the best way to go to draw miss Gypsophilia back to the surface. With February having been tagged the Month of Love, I've decided to dedicate this month to the celebration of love and femininity. Ahh yes, I dare say, romance is in the air. . . with subtle hints of musk, amber, and dusky flora.