New Year= New Art

In Jan of 2007 I participated in my friend (Emily's) art challenge called "A Deck of ME" where we journaled once a week by creating a piece of art around a topic about our lives. It was so fun to push myself to figure out what I would do for her topic, sketch, paint it out, and then journal about it. I love looking at my pile of paintings from that year. In 2008 I didn't keep up with my art as well and so I've decided to join in again this year with Emily. This time she is asking a question a week. I'll answer the question with a painting and journal my answer on the back of my little 4"x6" watercolor post cards. Seth keeps challenging me to paint in a bigger format and I am tempted, but the nice thing about the post cards is the size. I actually finish something that way. I'm so use to it by now and I have all these nice quality tiny brushes. I've always loved miniature things and so I'm really drawn to this format. I'm sure bigger would make it so I could add more detail and push myself color wise, but for now I really enjoy small.

I would love to invite anyone to join in with us. Here's a link to her challenge explaining how it works this year here. Most participating are scrapbookers and create the most lovely things. I want to keep improving with painting so I chose to join in that way. It's open for anyway of interpretation though. Come on... it's fun. Let me know if you join too.


Week 1 Question: "Wishes for 2009"

Before you think I'm super corny and that I'm wishing for world peace when you look at my painting- hear me out. Of course I wish war would stop, especially with all that is going on in Iraq, Afghanistan, Israel, etc. etc. and of course I wish violence would cease and people would be more giving, but I can't really do much about that. What I'm wishing for that I can make a difference with is having more peace in my heart and in my home. I chose to make my painting reflecting the recent Christmas season because it brought my family and myself so much peace and happiness. We were all a little more relaxed, focused on our Savior more, and relished time with our new little angel girl- Penelope. What a special spirit she brought to our home. So as I think of what I want for 2009- I see that I just want it to feel like it did at Christmas all year long. I have asked myself what can I do to bring greater peace to my home and life and have decided on a few things that are my resolutions for this year:

1. Study from my scriptures everyday and spend time praying and meditating.
2. Use more kindness and patience with my children.
3. Build more on our emergency fund savings.
4. Give back to myself by:

~painting at least once a week
~exercise 3 times a week
~attend the temple at least monthly

Some of these things I'm already doing pretty well and have established habits of, but can increase my dedication to and some I don't do well with at all (ahem... exercising). I feel all of these things answer my question of what will give me greater peace.

Just for fun here's a picture of our beautiful little 3 week old baby girl having tutu fun with her big sister.

Okay- and some more. What? I'm a proud mommy. :)