Thank You.

I say thank you first because I ask that you be kind. I am not a trained artist. I am not a trained photographer. In fact, I didn’t introduce myself to art until my late 30s! Now that’s too bad because I’ve missed a lot of fun getting messy over the years. What I am is someone who sees things around me in a somewhat quirky way. I like colour. In fact I love colour. I love colour in my home, on my clothes, on the landscape, and as a backdrop to photos that I take. I treaded very carefully into the world of art. I dipped my toe into scrapbooking and eventually found my way to some pretty interesting women's blogs. These women inspired me to just play and be free. I'm learning to do just that. Don't be critical. Don't look back. Just enjoy the moment.

This brings me to my "word of the year". JOY. Who hasn't felt joy at some point in their life. Who doesn't want to feel joy in the mundane of everyday life. Basically, I'm someone who is trying to find joy, whatever the situation. Life can bring challenges; and I, like most people who walk this planet, have had my share. I love my life. My 40th birthday came and went, and since then I have been learning to open myself up and realize it's OK to not be perfect. It's OK to not be the best at something. It's OK to just play. The days I allow myself to play at art, or play in the garden, or play in the kitchen, or play at whatever it is I happen to feel like doing are the greatest days that provide the best memories.

This week I played for the first time with oil pastels. I had no plan. In fact I only had a few colours to choose because I wasn't even sure what to do with them. The feel of the colours on my hands was great. I think this is my new favourite thing to do right now. I have learned I like to get dirty. Brings back memories when I was really young playing in my backyard making the most wonderful cookies and pies with dirt, water and weeds. Wish that passion for "baking" would have stayed with me...but I digress. I'll leave that topic for another day.

I have attempted to post a photo of what I accomplished with those few oil pastels, but haven't figured out how to insert photos within the text instead of at top. They are both 8"x8". I notice that they have remained slightly sticky. If any of you artists out there know what a girl should do about this, please let me know.

I have lots more to accomplish today. New Year's Eve poster you are on my hit list. Design work for a new website for a valley business, you are on my mind and soon to be sketched out. Halloween ghosts and goblins, you won't be forgotten.

Have a great day everyone!