The Leaves on the trees (at least other than the oaks, eucalyptus and redwoods) are changing color and promising that the cold and wet weather will be here soon. I am SO looking forward to it.
The cold and wet, for me, means lots of hot tea, books, crafts, art, cuddling with my kids and cat, and meditation/concentration of the what my imagination is always conjuring.
Though I am always in "creative mode", when the cool and cold weather are here it oozes and pours out all over all that I am and what I am doing tenfold.
Lately I have been concentrating on what I call the "Elephant Project".
The Elephant Project is actually something that a good friend of mine had the idea for and asked me to create. It starts with the fact that it is FOR a specific person who is going through cancer treatments.
Cancer is unfortunately a huge part of many people's lives, nowadays, and the treatments are difficult and can make the sufferer feel tired and overwhelmed and actually sicker than before. But, my friend (who is a nurse and has helped so many people through this) came up with the idea that "cancer is like an elephant...you can't eat the whole thing up at once...you have to take it one bite at a time".
So, the project starts with an art piece that is unique and unlike any other. This art piece I usually pour out me imagination into. This is what the latest looked like that I completed...
The pink elephant is bright and colorful and an individual like no other. I created it in a boat moving along in a sea of the universe, and the pink elephant is spraying and playing with the universe water. I made this piece unique to the person with the cancer and put certain details in there that is only for her...like her dog that you see below.
An "up-close" of some of the galaxy water...
After the main piece is completed (later to be framed) I start on the second piece of the elephant project. This one is a double sided piece. I start with an elephant that is a bit more dull, kind of sad...not as exciting...
Then I paste affirmations and pictures of loved ones (that were printed onto photo paper and cut out) onto the back side of the "dull" elephant.
Now, what I had done in the past was take the double sided piece to Fedex/Kinkos to have it laminated...it was an inexpensive way to have it done. BUT!!! The last time that I took it there this art piece they totally destroyed when they put it through the laminating machine!
I was totally upset and devastated. This meant that I had to have the little pictures reprinted, repasted and I had to re-do the entire 2nd piece...
Lesson learned...don't use Fedex/Kinkos for lamination anymore!
This is the second piece that I ended up making (sorry about the bad picture-the light was shining in bright through the window). I have a hard time re-drawing the same piece over and over due to the fact that I critic my work and usually get frustrated and don't like it the second time, so I made it a bit different. This time I added some wording...
But my daily life obviously doesn't consist of art ALL the time...
I still have my beautiful kiddos and husband, my home to attend and errands to run, and even my dedication to my health.
One of the things that I enjoy and thoroughly enjoy (especially since living in the magic forest) is hiking, running and trail running.
My husband got something called a "Poppy Pass" so that we could get into all the California State Parks in without additional cost. It is a one time fee, but since we love hiking and running at the State Parks it made total sense to invest in one of the passes.
I totally recommend getting one yourself. This way it's easy to get out and enjoy nature and the amazing things that the state park has to enjoy and learn.
One of the last hikes that I took the kids on was beautiful and magical!
Henry Cowell State Park has numerous hiking trails surrounded by redwoods. The one that I took the kids on was called the "Redwood Cathedral". Absolutely Amazing!
Here are some of the pictures that I took...
My son looked up and said "Hey mom! It's a Heart!"...
The pictures don't even come close to the actual beauty and peace that resonates here...it's like it is a Holy Ground.
Many times I go running throughout the week. I try to run anywhere from 14 to 21 miles a week. Now that it's autumn the weather is much more mild and cool, making my runs much more enjoyable.
Not too long ago, though, we had an arson fire nearby that scared a lot of us, especially after the devastation that hit Sonoma and Santa Rosa just recently. Thankfully we had amazing fire-fighters and the weather was on our side. After a couple days of the blaze, God blessed us with rain! Yes, full on rain! Just one night of rain was what the fire-fighters needed to get a huge leg up on the fire! The next morning the mountains were Gorgeous! No longer was there a huge cloud of smoke, but rather a thick and beautiful smell of mist and cloud from the rain.
During my run I captured a picture of the gorgeous raindrops that collected on a nearby pine. I also took pictures of some of the seasonal trees starting to turn. The beauty of nature is beyond words.
Okay...totally different subject!
STRANGER THINGS!!!!
When the first season came out I really had no idea what to expect about this show.
I am a huge fan of X-files (and many people who know me know this about me) and Stranger Things was recommended for me to check out.
Well, Let me just say that the Duffer Brothers are just brilliant, as are the actors and actresses!
I was hooked and ended up binge watching the first series more than once.
After watching the first season I had no idea what to expect. I wanted more, of course, and was weary that STs wasn't going to keep going...You never know anymore if a series will continue or not. Thankfully STs was greatly received and had wonderful reviews and awards! A second season was approved...then there was just the wait for release!
FINALLY the second season is out...and I am trying to be good to myself and not miss a night of sleep...I am trying to only watch one (or sometimes two) episodes at a time...
But it is hard. It's so good!!!
Then there is my creative side that I just can't seem to stop. It's either on my phone that I want to use an app to create things as such...
(This is the Portra App)My adorable King Kitty was the object of my art this time.
Or..I'm working on my favorite expression of art nowadays...Watercolor.
I always have a few pieces that I am working on at a time. I'm always up for working on sea creatures and water themed inspiration. Here is a crab that I am working on!
The details of the crab are better seen up close.
Now...there are real-life happenings ALL The Time...one was a wonderful anniversary!
My wonderful, hardworking husband and I celebrated our 14th wedding anniversary. Yep...14 years!
Of course, its not like its a 50 year anniversary, but every year should be celebrated as something wonderful. I feel blessed to have such a wonderful man to work so hard and take care of us.
He also surprised me with a beautiful ring that I had expressed that I liked when we went by the window of a jewelry store. I love how observant he can be sometimes.
You're probably wondering why I have a photo of a dead (or actually it was still dying at the time)wasp on the leather chair in our place...Well, I just had to give attention to the creature that snuck into my hat during my run, went into my long and braided hair and stung me on the back of my head several times. I thought I was going nuts! I honestly had no idea what happened!
All of a sudden the back of my head hurt so bad...and for no reason! I was literally about halfway through my run and did not want to stop, but did twice to try to figure out why my head stung and hurt so badly. It wasn't until I got home and shook my hair out several times that this little bugger fell out and onto the leather chair. Thank God I'm not allergic!
Last but not least, The maple in my front yard.
The sure sign of the season!
I love how the sun, at certain times of the day, shines through the yard and hits the maple and makes it glow.
Thank you for taking the time to read my blog!
I hope and pray that you all are using your time for being grateful and pursuing the things that you were predestined and gifted to do!
God Bless!
