kinda busy...

The Green Smoothie Challenge is going good. I am remaining active and eating healthy.
Even between taking CJ to Jr. Lifeguard training and his (many) social activities and playing with my pollywog, I have stayed up on my challenges... which were
1. organize art/school room and paint, paint, paint
2. work-out and get up early
So far so good. The art/school room is a mess. I have slowly been going through my house and continuing my downsizing project. I love it! As I get rid of stuff we don't need or use, and eliminate clutter- I notice my mind feels clear tool. Each room in the house is simple, clutter free and much easier to clean,(yipee) ... with the exception of the art room. Here is an embarrassing picture.

Everything is on the floor as I look for shelving. I need lots of shelf space to store school and art supplies. This is just one corner. I will spare you the rest of the room. It's been difficult to find the shelves I'm looking for so I am going to create my own. I also went to a local shoe store and they gave me a bunch of empty shoe boxes, (who knew- re-use!) I am going to decorate them and they will be my storage bins. I also purchased an Ikea, kids craft table on ebay. Only 24.00- and I sold pollywog's old pack-n-play and highchair for over that amount so I didn't even really spend a penny- I will keep you updated on the progress in this room.
Quick side note- I mentioned selling the highchair b/c pollywog is officially at the big table. It's so cute and she feels so big. She enjoys getting in on the dinner conversation.

I have also been painting ~I am trying to utilize my time wisely and not make excuses. Even when I don't feel like it I make myself and then I start getting into it. My goal is to finish a series by the end of July and show them locally.


I have still not made it to the sunrise cycling class- but- I have been working out and juicing...
speaking of juicing...to ensure the kids get enough fruit and veggies I made my "Famous Popsicles." (okay, they aren't really famous but they should be)
In a blender I mixed bananas, blueberries, mango and sweet potato- and made a set of pops

Also in my juicer I juiced carrots, apples and beets. I swear by this juice. It is high in iron, builds immunity, gives you lots of energy and taste good...No really they do. They make the prettiest frozen pops too.

I hope all of you are enjoying your summer, your children, your special someones, and your days. Tomorrow I hope to share some tips with you and a recipe of this awesome..........you'll have to wait and see :)
I'd love to hear about your summer days... I heard yesterday that the sacred is found in the mundane...mmmm

I live in a box of paints...

...at least I plan too for awhile... Having studied art in college, I always planned on making a living as an artist, (didn't we all.) That is not so much my goal anymore. Now I just paint because I literally have to, to stay sane...(my version of sane)
I love art, it is in my blood. I think about painting and creating all day long and into the night. I dream my paintings into existence.
However when it comes to the actually process I have always taken a half-arse approach.
I don't take the time to work on my sketches, I often paint while watching movies, I procrastinate- oh how well I do that. I often take it all for granted.
I have always been a stubborn art student- well student in general. The potential is under the surface but my laziness or bullheadedness~ often keeps me from getting to that place.
I remember sitting in art classes thinking- rules, art shouldn't have rules. I'm going to do it my way. I still possess this "quality"- but with more maturity. I don't like to follow any formulas when painting, sculpting etc. I don't want to follow any rules- I am desperate for originality and depth.Somehow I find answers or ask important question in these globs of paint.
But...I believe that in order for me to progress, succeed and learn I must follow the rules by being organized (and this is relative), doing my very best, devoting real time to hone my skills (I will only get out what I put in), and presentation (aka quit being sloppy)
So in the spirit of personal growth I am challenging myself.

1) get up and go to the sunrise cycling class
Seriously folks...I know this would do wonders for my life. I am desperate to do it, but the cozy covers on my bed grab me by the hair, wrap around my shoulders and hold me captive every morning. No more, I say...I will get my flabby butt out of that bed and make myself proud.

2) I'm going to finish the series of paintings I have been talking about, dreaming about, sketching and putting off for forever. No more : I don't have the time, I'm not in the right head space, I need better supplies, blah blah blah Nope I'm gonna do it. No more movies, no more constant cleaning, no more whatever it is I do when I'm not doing what I want.
The plan is to organize the school/art room. It is a mess and no one could be creative in that space. My hubby is on board with this b/c he is sick of me talking about painting and not doing it. Then every night I'm gonna paint, without distractions.
These are the goals...they are big but I am up to the challenge.
I refuse to be an old lady sitting on the porch thinking, "why didn't I live life to the fullest when I had the energy and vivaciousness. "
no regrets...

daydreaming in the sun

Today the house is quiet. Pollywog is asleep~ The house is clean as we await the arrival of grammy and papa~ There is a calm breeze slowly making it's way through the house~ my chirping friends our singing their daily chorus all around me~ and I am foggy with dreams~

I am lost in thought while staring out my kitchen window. This is my favorite spot in the house. The concrete floors are cool under my feet. They are a deep, walnut color. Rugs woven of fiber lay across the floor. Succulent plants fill my kitchen. Aloes, Hens and chicks, jades. They hang or sit in pots I made from the clay down at the stream (this is truly my favorite nook). Outside my window, chimes ,tinkle and plunk together. I love chimes so it's no surprise that they are all over the yard and the trees. I am kneading bread that I will let rise on the patio, in the warm sun. The same patio that I poured my blood and sweat in this past fall, (literally). I found the stones by all of our favorite rivers, and Brian graciously let me hull them home in our truck each time. I have always had an affinity for collecting rocks and stones. They almost have a heartbeat to me. I love the stories they tell, the way they feel in my hands, and the colors. My patio's floor tells these stories and displays these designs, that spoke to me near the rivers and streams.
I love the smell of the patio when it rains. The rocks earthy smell steams, and the mint, lavender and lemon basil that surrounds the patio, is a mist of heaven I often stand under, letting my pores sip.
Brian and Henry built a wooden, trellis overhang that honeysuckle and wisteria crawl, creep and wrap around. Under this shelter of sorts, sits a wooden table and chairs, a large candle and and usually someone napping, reading or lunching.
Out in the green meadow of wildflowers, mint and whatever else has managed to push through, sits an old, grandpa oak- and this oak kindly holds our hammock. This tree and me have become dear, old friends. I have made so many promises to it and in return he has loved me in only a way a dear, old, tree can.
I am so happy we finally made it. We found the perfect land in our blessed Oregon. Purchased this land with a few, dear friends. Each of us building our little nooks and straw bale homes.
It is here that we will eat from our land. It is here that we will laugh at our quirky friends, the chickens. It is here that we will name and fall in love with our goats and ducks. It is here that I will mold my clays, paint, cook, watch my children flourish,learn explore and dance with the seasons. It is here that we will all sing, make great meals and enjoy our piece of earth. It is here that Brian and Henry and whomever else joins in, will make, build, invent and create.It is here that we will give to the earth and she will give back in abundace. It is here...our casa...