52 Canvases..The Opening

Here are LOTS of photos from the opening.  Guys it was amazing.  I am so humbled by the outpouring of love towards the work on display.  19 of 52 pieces sold by Saturday.  That's huge.  We are hoping to get a few more sold before the show ends, so if you still want one head on over here and peek at what's available!

Enjoy the photos and again, thanks for the 52 weeks of support.



Week 51 and 52

I was reminded by a sweet follower that I'd not showed you the last 2 paintings.  Tisk...tisk on me!  So here they are.  I am loving this new direction....you know how I love a willow tree.  And hearts.  So together, swoon.....

And number 52, well it says it all in the wreath on top of a giant heart above.  "This is where my story began".  It did. 

As a child I was always drawn to art.  Always.  I was pushed into music because, well I was good at it.  Piano, singing, chorus, show choir, dance lessons, musicals...you name it I did it in regards to being on a stage.  But quite honestly I was jealous of the "goth" kids in the art classes.  Their room was in the creepy deep dark depths of my high school.  Creepy meaning where you'd open a closet and the basement dirt was right in your face smelling like, well, smelly dirt and possibly dead bodies.  Each year the art department hosted an art sale.  I bought art from them, much to the snubs of my friends.  I was drawn to it.  The lines, the texture, the talent.  Yep.  I knew deep inside I was an artist too and that one day I would find a way to express myself.

Fast forward some uh....well you KNOW my age, 22 years and I am now an artist.  Oh geesh it feels good to say that.  One friend at the show who was one of those cool "goth" kids in the art room was at the opening this weekend and said this to me, "Mary Elizabeth and I were talking the other day (both went to HS with me and now both work in the public library where we grew up) and she said to me, did you know this about Jenni?  That she was an artist?  Why no, I did not."  And then I cracked up and told her I was jealous of she and the goth kids in the art room!  She got a giggle out of it too.  Because no, I did not pick up a brush or pen until my freshman year of college.  And that is where my story began.  I had one giant heart for being an artist, and despite being the worst one in the class with the least skill set, I tried my best and gave it my all.  And look at me now.  Yeah.  Sometimes having a big heart for what you want to do can make things happen in magical ways.  It might take 22 years, but nonetheless it can happen.  So the moral to the story here is, if ya want it, then the only thing holding you back is you.  Because I have found that the answer to a question never asked is always NO.  And well, I am not that keen on no.  Just ask my family.  hehehe...

It's Done.

This is me and sweet Vero, the owner of Naked Art Gallery.  Without her, I'd not be where I am today in this little art journey.  She was the first gallery to believe in me.  And look now where I am.

The show was a HUGE success.  I can't really talk about it without getting a tad cloudy eyed.  19 of 52 canvases found homes.  Which means $760 is going to the Angel House.  I am so grateful to all who came.  All who supported.  All who bought before the show even opened!

I've so many photos to share, but it might be the end of the week before I do.  I didn't want the week to start without saying I did it.  And it's over.  And that I'm a little sad.  But I'm also seriously ready to start the next chapter of my artsy life. 

It's Time! It's Time!

I'm on my way to Birmingham right now.  So excited.  First stop is the gallery.  So I can look at all the paintings hanging in the room and go ahead and get the crying over with.  Oh who am I kidding.  I'm gonna be crying all weekend!  (Note to self...put on waterproof mascara).  I've also got to set the window up all nice and pretty.  And then I've got to get to Savages Bakery.  Because they make cookies like no other.  And you know, cookies are my favorite food group!  And then I've got to find my Aimee.  She knows just how to keep me calm and cool.  Otherwise I am going to be a nervous mess.  A lot of people are coming.  Like I am completely overwhelmed by the folks making the drive.  It kinda humbles me to the point of feeling too exposed.  I know, I asked for this.  The paintings were my idea.  The show was my idea.  I suppose a part of me didn't really get how my peeps would respond.  Yeah.  That's it.  I went into this expecting a few people to come.  But now....looks like the only one in my circle not attending is my HUSBAND!  Poop him.  Well, in his defense William has a huge baseball tournament and has to leave the house at 6:30am to get to it.  Someone has to tend to the little chickens in the house.  2 and 4 leggeds can't be left alone.

So I'm sure I'm blasting favorite music in the orange van right now as you're reading this.  Trying to pump myself up for the night ahead.  It's going to be so great.  So overwhelmingly great.  Thank you SO MUCH for being here in the journey with me.  I love all my readers so much.  And really, really look forward to seeing what comes next!

A 41st Portrait

 

Well this is me.  Age 41.  Not too bad.  I need to purchase some eye cream.  And I think my nose has grown since last year.  Yeah.  Definitely it has.  I've so much I want to do in this coming year.  It's a tad exciting.  Potential is out there just waiting for me to discover it.  I also intend to step back from this crazy art life a little and refocus my energy.  It's nice to be able to admit that right now.  I've decided the need to succeed has a new definition.  And success for my soul right now is maintaining a happy home life.  A balanced home life.  One that allows opportunities for art making, but not letting the making consume my view of what success truly is.  I find right now I am most happy teaching, coming home and tending to my family.  Carving out creative time in the quiet hours on Saturdays and Sunday mornings when all are still asleep.  Not rushing into the "I have to get this done" mentality I am so drawn to.  Instead I am trying to direct my energy into a more well-rounded view of home, art, teaching and self-nurturing.  It shows.  In my eyes I see that rest is needed.  After finally being diagnosed and almost getting well.....I am ready to unearth my sparkle again.  Years of doing too much have taken a toll on my entire being.  The photo above reveals so much to me.   

 

Hello 41.  It's nice to see you.  Now let's see where this year will take us.

The End

Last night I finished week 52's canvas.  It was sorta bitter sweet.  My birthday isn't until actually next Tuesday...I guess last year my birthday was on a Sunday and it was a leap year.  Because it seems I finished a week early.  Ha...I always do like to be prompt.

I thought a lot about what to put on the last canvas.  To a point of deciding to just quit thinking about it being the LAST canvas and just do it.  Let go.  Paint.   All the other canvases came quite easy, idea after idea.  52 different ideas.  Seriously.  52 totally different canvases.  You know secretly I thought these were never going to look good all hanging together because they are not a consistent theme.  But actually the color palette and style is so me (except for the first 4 which are encaustics) that I am actually quite pleased with the end results.

I've decided to keep the last two canvases a secret.  I know...but there has to be some element of surprise for the show opening.  Speaking of the show Opening.....I can not wait.  So many friends and family gathered in one spot to celebrate with me.  I am a lucky gal right now.  LUCKY! 

What's left before the show?  Well, I've got outfits to decide on.  Gotta strut my 41 year old self.   And paint a sign for the window.  Other than that, I am taking some much needed time off.  In fact, I am thinking about a major studio purge during my time off.  After the purge I intend to have a studio sale.  You might want to mark you calendar when the date is set.  Because if you read my other blog, my word of the year is "Chose".  And I've made some decisions about my art and life.  I am choosing to eliminate a lot of junk from our home.  Starting with the studio.  I know.  What??  But after spending a month not feeling well and spending a lot of that down time with my family I've decided that right now my focus needs to shift.  And the stuff in the basement I feel guilty for not "getting to" or "having time to get to" is leaving the house.  Because the 3 warm bodied persons in my house mean more to me than any unfinished project in the basement.  They mean more to me than the next show.  They mean more to me than deadlines.  God has a funny way of knocking you off your feet to make you see clearly sometimes.  The rose colored glasses are gone. And reality has hit me that in less than 7 years my children will no longer be living in our home.  7 years.....is a blink.  It's seven years that I plan on not missing because of my need to succeed.  Oh I'll still be painting and teaching.  But this crazy idea that to be successful I've got to do A,B and C RIGHT THIS SECOND....well it's just ridiculous.  My time will come.  It will.  And perhaps along this journey a new door will be revealed and some of my goals can be achieved.  I am settling into this teaching routine and am almost giggly everyday that I get to do this job.  And get paid for it.  Well, not much pay, but still.  So some other things I am choosing to do in regards to my artsy life:

1.  remove my work from 2 galleries that are not selling it.  since they have a TON of my work, it's obviously not the right fit for the art.  it'll all be a part of the studio sale.
2.  create a studio website.  a real one.  not a blog.  but a big girl panties website. 
3.  take a year off from travel teaching
4.  make an effort with etsy.  no really.  like effort.  with my paintings.
5.  stop trying to reinvent myself.  just paint what I know and love more than anything.
6.  teach at the local art studios....
7.  host summer PSW classes
8.  stop buying crafting supplies.  stop.  stop.  stop. (they say when you say a name 3x it sticks.  does it work with life goals too?)
9.  clean out the far side of the basement so my husband can have a space in the cave. 
10.  clean out the studio.  like REALLY clean out the studio this time.
11.  clean out the displays.  because seriously 2 shows a year do not require that much display.  oh, and this will also be in the studio sale.

So that's about all I can think of right now.  Pretty big list if you ask me.  But now that it's in writing, well that seals the deal.  It will get checked off.  It may take a year.  But I'll do it.  The purge is happening as soon as I have a free weekend.  Which is in 3 weeks.  Looking forward to that!

Well, I'll be back next week with more details for the show opening.  I'm hosting a make-and-take on Saturday.  I want to be sure and share samples of that.  If you are interested in a canvas and can't make the opening click the link in the top sidebar that says, "want to buy a canvas?"  It will take you straight to the Naked Art Gallery site.  5 are sold already.  Whooohoooo!!

Later guys...and thanks again for being a special part of this year long journey.

The Other Stuff for Sale

Along side the 52 canvases Vero asked me to create some functional art pieces for the pedestals in the center of the room.  I struggle sometimes with this kind of stuff.  Kind of like handmade ornaments.  I just can't think of what to do!  But for some reason a giant light bulb popped into my head about a month ago.  After one costly trip to Joann's fabrics...a frantic search for reasonably priced sketchbooks, I've about got the functional art pieces ready to sell!

First up.....art supply jelly rolls.  Yeah...how functional is that?  I've always wanted one for my own brushes.  So this little item was truly made with puffy hearts.

It took a little figuring out on my part.  How far to make the lines, how to make it roll normal, how wide....the end product is by no means "made in China" perfect.  Rather quite lovingly stitched and topped with recycled felt heart and sweet trims to tie it all up.  These are $20 each. 

 Another item I had an "AHA" moment on were with these fleece blankets.  Gail had this uber soft blanket for porch time on our Southern Circle Retreats.  I love scallop edges on anything so asked her where it came from.  She said IKEA.....$3.99.  No frikin' way.  So I made a trip to IKEA and bought one in each color offered knowing that my little felted birdies would be a sweet addition to their uber softness.  I've got two giant Rubbermaids of old felted down sweaters.  In sorting out the felt I found baggies of birds I'd cut out a year ago or more to make 3-D birds.  Sweet find, right??  I used to make and sell these adorable felted birds that stood on long legs on vintage jello molds.  So instead of using side A and side B to make a 3-D bird, I laid them flat on the blanket!  Recycling 2 fold.  Score!!

Last item to be finished up are the sketchbook covers.  They are turning out so good...but have a little more stitching before I can show them off. 

Anyhoo....this about wraps up the creative journey.  2 more canvases to go.  Wow.

Headed to Birmingham

 

Sunday my Dad and his wife came over for the day to celebrate Mailey's birthday.   AND to get all the canvases I've painted so far for the upcoming show opening!!  In the 3 boxes there are:  50 canvases, 15 gentle reminder bracelets, 4 fleece throws, 5 art supply rolls, and one copy of Artful Blogging.  Yeah!!!!  I can't wait for Vero to see it all.  It's boxes full of joy.  Boxes full of happy art ready to go home with happy patrons.  It's going to be so GOOD.  The opening that is.  I can't believe all the peeps that are coming.  It's a bit overwhelming.  I can not wait. 

Week 50

Week 50....Lovin' the Journey.  I know this is late getting posted, but between being out of town all week and quite honestly not feeling myself for oh....5 weeks.  It was all I could muster to want to paint.  And that's just not like me.  I don't look like I feel well either.  In fact in one week I lost close to 10 pounds.  And can't seem to get the weight back, despite the number of fries I'm eating (because that's the only thing I want to eat right now).   It's kinda personal what's been going on.  But the overall picture is that one little infection has snowballed into one mysterious ailment. Throughout it all I've learned what I am allergic to (the freakin' hard way) and how much I love my new medical insurance.  They've been patient and kind to me throughout the entire ordeal.  And hopefully by the end of today a final test result will come in and we'll have an answer and a medication!  If not, well then I might just come unscrewed.  Seriously. 

So today we are back to school.  Winter break has come to an end.  I am glad to have the distraction.  I'm glad my polka dots are gone and the pins that were sticking me figuratively have subsided.  Yeah.  I'm going to try running today in hopes that it will get my little soul back in synch.  I've so much to be grateful for right now.  And so much joy happening in my life.  I hate that it's being clouded by illness, I really do. 

So when I painted this above it was honestly a blessing.  It was early before the house was awake. I couldn't sleep, well because of said ailments and allergic reactions.  It was just me and the canvas quietly working.  I thought alot about my year and where I am now verses where I was last year.  So much good has come our way.  Little blessings .....big blessings....big accomplishments....little accomplishments....chapters closed....chapters started....it's all a part of my journey.  A big ginormous exciting journey.  And I wouldn't trade one step.  Because it's gotten me to here.  Now.  The end of my 40th year.

Hopefully I'll have happier things to report later in the week.  But since this blog really is about my 40th year I decided I couldn't leave out this icky part.  It's a part of the journey too.  Alright y then...I suppose I'll be seeing you guys later!

Week 49

First, I am cracking myself up that I took this on my kitchen counter this morning quick so I could show it to you today and didn't even think about the background having the never ending jelly bean jar and our orange bread tray in it! I could have at least cleaned off the counter right?   It's been raining like 30 hours straight here so I can't do my good shot...it will melt in the rain.  No really, the stabilo pencil doesn't do well in the rain!

This painting was something I'd had in my head for a spell.  In getting images ready for Southern Circle Retreats I did a search for Mason Jar coloring pages.   When I printed the above jar I did several sizes of it in case someone wanted to make a small one verses a large one.  When you go to my print page it asks you how many do you want to repeat of the image.  For the smaller size I said 9 times to fill the page.  When it printed out I was like....oooo....I know what I'm going to painting soon!  I added a 4th row to make it a nice even 12. 

Originally I was thinking about filling the hearts kinda like one of the other week canvases (The mine, yours, ours painting)  And then it hit me.  Nope.  Just one heart.  Mine.  Right in the clear jar.  For you.  My sweet readers, friends, artsy comrades.  I knew you where here during the year, but now that the invitations are out and some canvases have already sold....it feels strange.  What?  You see, those 52 canvases ended up not being just 52 paintings.  They became a journal of my 40th year.  A personal story that was full of emotion, love, kindness, excitement, adventure, hope, fear, strength, weakness, and more.  In fact, I wish I'd written more about my personal life during the year here in the blog.  Maybe like a punch list or something.  Or a thankful a week thing.  Something more.  It's like I was afraid to reveal too much, but now I see that was a stupid fear.  I should have just laid it ALL out right here.  Heck, I could have made a novel out of it.  I guess this means I just need to start a new year project.  Right?  Haha..

Again, thanks for following the journey.  Three weeks to go.   Three short weeks.

You Can NOW Buy a Canvas!!

The show is just around the corner!!  I am getting so excited.  Especially after a trip to IKEA with my buddy Susan yesterday.  I found the coolest items to add my special touch to for the center of the room artsy treats.  I also have 2 very special projects in the works that are like "Duh..why haven't I made these before!"

But the big news here on the blog is that you can PRE-PURCHASE a canvas!  Yep.  Vero has the online gallery up and ready.  She rocks.  Each canvas is $110.  The shows is running March 15-April 27th.  At that time she'll take all the sold ones down and ship to you.  This is an awesome thing since many of you can not make the opening reception or don't live close enough to see the gallery exhibit. 

Here's the link:  Naked Art Gallery, 52 Canvases

And remember 40% of the sales are going to the Angel House here in Newnan, Georgia.  A  shelter for teen girls. 

I'll be back later in the week with the newest canvas.  It's a favorite.....

Week 48

I feel so blessed right now.  In many ways.  Although this is a very hectic week...Billy's out of town.  And boy is our week filled with activities, school play, cotillion, work and practices.  But I wouldn't have it any other way.  We are together when we do these things.  And that's what really matters. 

This week I entitled the painting "Taking My Heart Back Home".  As I've really been studying the 52 images so far I see where I was struggling and where I was flourishing.  The funny thing is, I flourish the most when I don't try so darn hard.  When I just have fun and layer the paint.  When I keep it simple.  When I let go and paint another bird despite the fact that everyone and their brother is ALSO painting birds.  So what?  These are my birds.  I don't think to be a successful painter you have to paint everything alike.  Or even in the same genre.  But a common thread of some sort running through your paintings is important.  I think my common thread is getting a tad wonky.  Like when you learn to crochet how it always ends up shaped like a triangle? 

This year has been good for me.  Because it's kind of put it in my face how the thread has gotten a tad wonky.  So I made a list (I make lots of lists in my list book).  And wrote what I like the most about each painting, what catches my eye, what styles are best for me (Because I've got WAY to many techniques in the pot), what subject matter I like the most, etc.  And from there I took it even further and wrote a little about the personal reasons for each style, type, etc.....to find out once and for all what kind of artist I want to be.  Why do I like the black background verses white?  Why do I paint on wood and not canvas?  Why do rain drops keep popping up in my art?  Yeah....lots of questions for me to answer. 

I imagine artists go through this often.  They get off track because of trends, burn-out or just lack of inspiration.  My problem is the abundance of inspiration, skills and drive to be more.  I've got one too many coal's on the fire as they say.  I've spoken to other artists about this as well.  At some point you just have to say "enough is enough".  I am a painter.  And this is my style.  And I paint......

So hopefully in 4 weeks time I'll have it ALL figured out, right?  hahahahaha....probably not.  But in asking the questions and really looking from the outside in at my work I'll find some hidden answers to who Jenni Horne is as an artist. 

Week 47

This new birdie is making me so happy right now.  In fact, I went out and bought 4'x8' wood to paint a giant version on as soon as I get done typing this.  So gotta go......hope you had a fabulous weekend!!

The Canvases

This week marks the week I dedicated to photographing, editing, putting on a CD, getting into flickr all the canvases so far....not an easy feat.  I had to break it into three sessions so not to get finger blisters.  haha...

Next week I'll be focusing on the invitations.  Getting them out that is.  I've already got the invites and envelopes on order!

I also decided on the charity this week.

I've not painted the canvas yet.....

Would you like to see all the work in one place?  It's pretty cool I have to admit.  I need to get into flickr and move some around to get them in order.  I uploaded in order but somehow they got scrambled.  Wacko.  But love that flikr.  Click HERE to see.

As soon as Vero gets the images onto my page in the website we'll go live with sales.  Yep.  You can pre-buy a canvas!  At the show end she'll ship the canvas to you.  So head on over and pick a favorite.  Remember, your sale is going to help some amazing teenage girls in our community.

I'll be back later in the week with a new canvas.  And perhaps some other surprises!

The Charity

I've thought about who I wanted my portion of the sales from the show to go to for...well...a year.  I'm not sure why I've had a difficult time deciding this.  I guess there's just so many deserving organizations.  It was hard to single it down.  It's not going to be some insane amount of money either.  So what I can give I want to be received well and used well.

The Angel's House.  You can read more about their story here.  Interestingly enough when they opened the house I was an active Junior League member.  Our group was in charge of furnishing and decorating the playroom in the basement.  It was such an amazing experience.  At the time I was teaching 5th and 6th grade at the Heritage School.  I had a bunch of my students meet me at the house where we turned the walls into an African rainforest.  It was a beautiful mural for the kids to enjoy for years to come, but best of all was the interaction between myself and the students.  I still run into kids who say, "Mrs. Horne, do remember when we painted the monkeys and trees in the Angel House?"  Several of my own paintings and collaborative art pieces decorate the main area of the house.  This weekend the Angel House is hosting their annual Run For Angel's.  A 5K and 10K race followed by a yummy chicken-Q to raise money to keep the house going.  I signed up to run of course.  And then it hit me square in the forehead......duh!  The Angel House should receive my money!!  I am so overjoyed that not only will the money be going into my own community, but I personally know that the money will be used appropriately. 

If you feel led to give on your own please go to their site here.  This tab allows you to donate online or through the mail.  You can also donate any of the goods listed here.  The list is quite lengthy. I am thinking of asking anyone who attends the opening to bring an item on the list we could then donate.  This way it's not just money coming into the house.

Well....the details are being checked off the list quickly.  In a very short 6 weeks the opening will happen.  I am getting teary just writing this now.  It's going to be an amazing weekend indeed.

Week 46

"Rainy Days Can Be Fun When Shared With Friends"...Oh how true.  I've got another friend going through some serious rainy days right now.  This makes #4 in the past 3 years of dear friends going through this same rain storm.  I have a hard time wrapping my heart around it.  I guess because I simply can not imagine life without Billy and the kids.  On the flip side though, I am SO proud of them for making these tough decisions and moving on.  My mother held on for 12 long years.  It was pure hell.  Seriously.  I resent her in so many ways for staying with my Dad, not just saying GO!  Or I'm outta here.  And then we had to endure the almost 8 years of her hate and mourning.  As a married person I get her sorrow, hate and desperate need to hang on.  I do.  But as an adult child in the middle of it all it sucked the life out of me.   So in other words since I was around 18 until about 2 years ago my mother has not been an easy person to know or love.  And then there was my Dad who finally married his love and is crazy happy now.  Talk about being torn in two.  Just saying.  Not easy. 

So each time my sweet friends have told me they were leaving I seriously say, "I am proud of you."  Because being the child of a long drawn out divorce near about killed me.  Right now she just needs someone to hang out under the umbrella with her.  Help navigate the storm.  Listen when needed.  Use kind words at other times.  And every-once-in-awhile have fun.  I'm pretty good at sharing my heart.  Especially in times like these.  Last night as I crawled into bed though I was ever thankful and ever grateful that God placed Billy into my life.  I slept soundly knowing that any storm I had to ride out in an umbrella he'd be right beside me.....

Week 45

"Sometimes Love is What We Need to Reach New Heights"....my words.  I was going to stamp them onto the painting but lately I've been hesitant to add words.  There is such a trend right now to put thought provoking words onto your art.  It was certainly ALL over the mart.  In college I just remember that being the biggest NO-NO.  I suppose those professors really got into my head in regards to words and art.  As a viewer of art you should be allowed an opportunity to decide for yourself the meaning in art.  Heck, we probably wouldn't really want Vincent van Gogh putting words across his art.  Right?  But seriously, I was talking to Tiffin about this just recently how we feel pressured to place some deep thought provoking make you cry words onto our art.  When really, the art itself is such an expression on its own.  I told her I write on the back of my canvases...often a quote or an elaborate title.   Galleries have been known to giggle at some of my rather long titles.  I believe that as a viewer you should first approach a piece and enjoy it with your eyes.  Then let your thoughts mull over what the artist was thinking or trying to say, at this point letting your brain work.  And then glance at the title.  Sometimes the title makes you go, "What?"  Other times, "Ah....that's what that is."  Either way, I am finding myself running back to my art roots and not jumping on the trendy train.  I'll let you discover meaning in my art.  There is always a gentle reminder in my work.  With the underlined meaning always coming back to joy.

Artful Blogging Feature

This was in my mailbox yesterday.  Yep.  Talk about a heart stopping moment.  You see the magazine comes in a plastic sleeve with a letter on top saying, "Congrats for being featured here's your advanced copy".  I couldn't see the cover.  When I ripped off the plastic and the letter and saw that my little hot air balloon was on the cover....well I just about cried. 

This journey has been amazing.  Really.  And seeing my work and words in this gorgeous magazine makes me realize how fortunate I am to have been given this gift.  Creative people don't ask for the gifts, they are given to them you know.  Sometimes it's difficult to be this creative soul.  Always wanting more for my art and what I put out there, wondering if it's enough, praying it'll be well received .  Reading the article I truly became emotional.  Even though the words came from my own hands and mind, they were words that touched my heart with their truth.  I can not thank Jennifer Jackson Taylor enough for publishing the words and pictures.  It is a beautiful layout. 

Again, the Show Opening is literally around the corner....March 15th and 16th at the Naked Art Gallery in Birmingham, Alabama.  Vero has been so gracious with my entire artful journey since the beginning.  I can not wait to share this journey's end right back at the root of my personal journey as an artist.

Week 44

Week 44....Chose.  I love to paint portraits of old Mason jars.  I just line my real jars up and sketch a few compositions out.  I've a variety of shapes and sizes, and prefer the good old blue tinted ones over any other.  Actually one of my favorite paintings so far in this journey is the Mason jar one with the firefly in it. It says, "let nothing dim the light that shines within".  Not sure what week it is.  I need to go back and see.

Anyhoo, this week marks Billy and I's 17th Wedding Anniversary.  I know.  Seems unheard of this day and age.  In my own little world many of my friends didn't make it this long.  Sure, there are plenty of times I wish he would mold into the mold I imagined the perfect husband would fit into.  But honestly he's mighty fine the way he is.  He accepts me and ALL my quirks.  He really likes my ...well should I really tell you this?  Oh why not.  He likes my thunder thighs (which I hate).  He lets me be who I want to be and has allowed me to fail miserably only to be standing right there not saying "I knew this wouldn't work" but rather saying "What's next?".  We mesh pretty well with the kiddo raising.  And still manage to gross them out with our kissing sessions in the kitchen.  He is painfully moody once a month.  But I imagine I am painfully moody once a month as well.  That leaves 2 weeks of happy.  Haha...

I chose this life.  I did.  He asked.  I said yes.  There's never in my married life been a time where decisions weren't mine. Oh we've made plenty of decisions together, and compromises are a part of any marriage.  But in the end I am choosing my own path.  Whether I'm running or walking it, it's MINE.  I can not judge the path you are own, because it is the one you chose for yourself as well.  Nor should you ever let anyone choose for you.   Because people, the right to CHOSE is a GIFT.  A gift we shouldn't take for granted nor let go of.  We need to embrace our ability to choose to be happy....choose to be strong...choose to be amazing....choose to be loved....choose to be who we are destined to be.  The 3 jars represent this....jar one has 1 daisy, jar 2 has 2 daisies and the last has none.  I chose this jar because I want to fill it with my own wishes and dreams.  Daisies are my favorite flower, so it's hard to pass them up.  But ultimately the empty jar has much more potential to fulfill my dreams.  (Oh and the 3 little daisies can also represent my little family.  That I really like keeping close by.)

This is a picture of us leaving the reception and heading off into our new lives together.  I wanted sparklers, but Mom was afraid people would catch me on fire.  So we threw pink rose petals.  So sweet.  Dang...17 years.  16 of it we grew in one house.   Now we nest in a new one.  And look forward to filling the empty jar for the next 17 together.  

Week 43

 

Another week...another silly happy painting.  Yep.  One day I'm gonna paint something dark and scary just to prove I can.  HAHA...This idea was in my sketchbook and now it's come to life.  I just love the way the birds are holding onto their hearts while others hearts are swinging in the breeze. It's how I feel about the willow tree.  There's something about those trees that remind me of swaying hearts.  Swaying hearts ready to be grabbed a hold of.

You make think I'm going a bit off the deep end...but seriously school has been making me very happy lately.  Teaching school that is.  The kids are very calm and sweet finally (even the Wednesday classes which I thought was unthinkable).  It's like they've figured out my strengths and weaknesses.  And I them.  We are bonding.  They are my little willow tree.  Hearts swaying in the wind...catching me off guard with hugs.  Taking my breath away with the beauty they create.  And calming my soul as I travel this creative life.  They give me purpose everyday as I walk through the doorway.  They've made me realize that making art is important, but teaching art is even more important.

Yep....seems my swaying hearts have been caught over and over again here at school.  And I'm pretty sure I've grabbed a few hearts myself.