mind's a buzz...

So the big goal this week is to get up at the crack of dawn and work-out. I haven't, yet this week, but there's time. Tonight I went to bed early (so why am I up? hold on...I'm getting there)- all of us went to bed early. CJ was exhausted from staying the night at a friend's house yesterday. There was lots of swimming, fireworks, BBQing and of course, staying up late. He fell asleep the moment his head touched the pillow. Pollywog was a different story. She was so excited to be laying in between mom and dad. Usually one of us gets her to sleep then we go to bed later. Tonight we all climbed in bed together and she thought it was Christmas. She giggled, kicked her feet, gave us kisses and tossed and turned. Once she fell asleep I found myself lying awake in bed thinking about things I wanted to do, or get and making lists. I started my silent praying, as I do every night. This is usually when I drift to sleep- but not tonight. My body is so not use to going to bed early. Not to mention my mind is buzzing with lots of exciting ideas. So I thought, write (or type) all your ideas...get 'em off your mind and try to get to sleep. We have a busy day tomorrow. Here they go: - find that blue color, that you love so much, in a paint and paint the dining room table, hutch and desk, and cabinet. - find a rug that has that blue in it, to go under the table and a runner for the kitchen. - start saving for a wooden kitchen set for pollywog, complete with wooden and fabric dishes, foods, etc. - find cheap wooden bowls ( I love wooden bowls) - make fabric silhouettes you saw today - write this craft down in the "idea" box for CJ to do as a project when school starts back up - find a table to use in the foyer for a "nature table" (I keep seeing these and I love it), get basket - move some furniture around. (pollywog's craft table by the window, t.v. in the corner, reading nook behind the couch) - be on the look out for more cheap books for the kids - make freezer jam - learn to can and store some yummies from the garden for winter - sell old sewing machine and get a small one - continue the doll I started - learn to make clothes that I'm always designing in my head - register CJ for his Martial Art's class this week - sew some curtains - shop for fun fabrics - need plaster and red clay - cut large board into 4 squares for paintings - work on the crafts that you have been thinking about - spend way less time on the computer and more time being productive - get back to making green smoothies in the morning - NO MORE soda...I only drink this maybe 4 times a month but I always feel like crap when I do - juice Iron rich veggies and fruits for me and pollywog - find a good book CJ and I can read together (he loves when I read outloud) - touch up the walls - don't forget those Popsicles whew...I feel better now. Now off to bed. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

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...