Sunday, January 22, 2012

S is for Sky

Tonight the sky was on fire.  We've been finally having real winter weather here in Portland.  Last Tuesday we had a couple of inches of snow fall at night...then by morning it was all washed away by the rain.  Today it rained buckets and then this evening it stopped.  As the sun set the sky lit up with some of the most intense colors.  It reminded me of those desert sunsets in Arizona.

Monday, January 9, 2012

I is for Inspiration

Sometimes inspiration comes when you least expect it.  In my spare time I have been painting again (one of my resolutions!) but have been a little stumped as what to do.  I found a lot of my old sketches from past lithography prints and decided to start from there.  Color was another roadblock but I couldn't help but notice the color of my water after painting for a little bit.  It was the perfect violet swirl with a bit of iridescence thrown in.  

Daniel Smith makes the best paint and ink I've ever used.  They also have an entire line of "Luminescent" waters colors (here).  I've used them for years and always enjoy getting their catalogs in the mail :)   

Thursday, January 5, 2012

S if for Satsumas

If I had to pick a favorite fruit it would be the satsuma.  These little guys are so sweet, easy to peel, and seedless.  I think its their winter harvest that makes me long for them all year.  Whenever they start to pop up in the grocery stores, I knew the holidays were right around the corner.  I could never find them when I was living in Arizona (those clementines just aren't the same).  They seem to be in abundance up here though so I'm enjoying them once again!

How do I get my year-round fix?  The Body Shop has an amazing Satsuma collection and I love their shower gels and scrubs!

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

R is for Resolutions

Every year I decide to make a list of New Year's resolutions.  Usually by March I have forgotten about them...but this year I really really really want to make a conscientious effort to stick to them!

To start things out here is my list:
1.  Do Art!  I went to school for fine art and since then I really haven't done a lot.  I haven't exactly figured it out but I guess the creative juices just haven't been flowing.  I unpacked my watercolors and started to paint again.
2.  Use my gym membership.  I am paying for it every single month...I see the deduction made to my account and I haven't been in a long time (yikes...the app tells me the last time I checked in was November 17, 2011...).  I would also like to get back into distance running too so signing up for a few races this year is also a goal of mine.
3.  Travel more.  I am planning a couple of trips this year to visit friends all over.  I'm excited to explore cities I've never been too!  Also since traveling isn't exactly an inexpensive hobby, it will force me to be better at saving ;)
4.  Live less plugged in.  We live in a digital age these days.  I know I'm glued to my iPhone, iPad, and computer but I really want to enjoy whats happening around me.  How much time do we spend on Facebook these days?  Its time to spend more time face to face!

Hope everyone is enjoying the new year so far!

Sunday, January 1, 2012

N is for New Year

Happy New Year's!

I'm so happy for 2012 to start!  I can't believe its already here!  2011 brought on a lot change, challenges, and excitement.  I'm so excited to be living in a new city and making new friends (but keeping the old dear and close of course!).

The rain has once again started up.  For some reason most of December was extremely dry so I suppose we were very overdo for some much needed rain.

Cheers to 2012!