I Think The Universe Might Know What It's Doing

the world is your oyster via earl and cookie*

I finished up at work today. Unlocked the golden handcuffs binding me for the last 9 months, and rode off into an unknown future.

I sold my Bloom painting today to the same colleague who I made the Manart for.

Next week looks busy already. I'm doing a bit of consultancy work and a couple of days at the Stitches and Craft Show (pop in to the Notebook stand and say Hi won't you?). Having coffee with Kat. Definitely some painting.

I'm so interested to see how things play out over the next weeks, months.

Remember that post I wrote at the end of March, The Future's So Right. It seems to be quite true.

I feel light and happy and hopeful. I feel like this is a beginning. I feel like the world is my oyster.

*There's lots of great stuff happening in the {messages from the universe} Flickr group. Go and check it out, and join the group and share your finds.

Also check out earl and cookie the blog. Victoria's jewelry is so awesome. I can't believe she got ripped off. That stuff makes me so mad. Beware copycats and imitations, and be sure to put you thought we wouldn't notice in your favourites so you can help to 'out' these fakes. Shame on you people who steal ideas from others!

Practicing

In life, as well as with the brush.

I reckon I'm making pretty good progress, most of the time.

Now off you go to Kootoyoo to see what other creative spaces abound.

Oh, and do pop in and see my good friend CurlyPops today. She's having herself a birthday.

The Best Thing For It

A quiet day on the couch, with the heater going, a cup of coffee or two, and some blogging.

Hmmn, that sounds good.

Keeping The Faith

I needed something today.

A reminder that I am connected, even though I feel like I'm drifting, a little lost and alone.

A gentle message that I'm loved, that the universe is holding me.

A little something to keep that trusting soul of mine hopeful.

Thanks Cath.

A Little Bit Of This, A Little Bit Of That

and just like that (after a good couple of days work) the studio was tidy and clear, and the long weekend was over.

I Am Alive

Bloom
Acrylics and gel pens on Canvas
12 x12 inch

I left a comment on a post by Chasing Purple Dreams yesterday:

"I feel so alive when I paint".

It's so true.

That's Better

The gessoing did the job. The colour paints were out in no time at all.

I love disposable palette paper. I can sing it's praises all day long.

I love the colourful sheets of paper that you end up with after a painting session.

I love how when you've finished making a delightful mess you just tear of the sheet, screw it up and throw it out, and you're all cleaned up.

Someone once told me that palette paper was an unnecessary waste of money but I don't agree. Not only is it convenient, but it also allows you to mix colours really easily and I find I use less paint. More importantly, spending money on quality supplies helps me to value and take myself seriously as an artist.

You want to see what I've been painting? Come back tomorrow and I'll show you. I think you're going to like it.

Today though, it's Thursday, so you know where to go, and you know who's running the show.

Puffy Eggy Goodness? Yes Please!

I was introduced to the delights that are popovers, the American take on Yorkshire Pudding, when I visited The Cliff House in San Francisco. Instead of bread they serve you a delicious, hot basket of popovers. So delicious in fact, that we had to request a second serve.

Puffy, eggy goodness is indeed what a popover is. The are magically hollow and light in texture. The recipe is ultra simple.


I found the recipe I've been using here. Be sure to read the tips and tricks section as well as the recipe. I used a large muffin pan (holds 6 muffins) which works perfectly. No need for a special popover pan. I also don't test the temperature of the oven. I just preheat it to 225c and hope for the best.

I've cooked them twice and I've found I only need to have them in the oven for about 25-30 minutes (the recipe requires 40 minutes). Maybe it's the muffin pan or just my oven. I'd suggest if you try them that you keep a close eye on them from the 20 minute mark. (I'm also going to think about reducing the oven temperature at the 15 or 18 minute mark, rather than the 20 minute mark in the recipe). They're ready when they are golden and crispy looking.

Let me know if you do make some. I'd love to know what you think.

Morning tea anyone?

Ooh, Foxy Lady

I haven't shown or told anyone anything about my name tag swap for Sew It Together. Well, except my crafty-partner-in-crime 'cause I needed her help.


I thought it might be just a wee bit too obvious that it was heading towards this Foxy Lady. It's safely in her hands now so I don't have to keep secrets anymore.

I used a classic Lea Stein design for inspiration and beautiful hand dyed felt from Me & Ewe.


I also received my gorgeous name tag from Copper Patch recently. How cute is it? A little quilt. I love it.

I'm wrapped, the Foxy Lady is chuffed and Sew It Together is coming up very soon. Yippee!

Beginnings, or Channelling Mati Rose

Mati Rose talks about the meditative power of gessoing canvas. As the curse of the clean hands continued throughout the weekend I thought it was time to try a different approach.

Hmmn, is that the stir of creativity I feel? I hope so, I'm a bit lost without it.

Hey, the Northern Craft Bonanza is on this Thursday night. I'd love to see you there.

Channelling Flora Bowley

Spring in Central Park
Acrylics and gel pens on canvas
12 x 12

and Sabrina Ward Harrison, Mati Rose, Chrissy's gorgeous painted words, a love of NYC, the autumn colours surrounding me and the blossoming that is taking place with my painting at the moment.

I love this piece. Really, truly love it. I painted it over the Easter break before life got too busy and the blahs set in.

Still aiming to get back to the studio this weekend. What are you up to?

I Like You & You Like Me

I'm shouting it from the rooftops

I love you Ms L

because you know that I really do need an air dancer
because you like coffee, almost as much as I do
because I can make you laugh, lots
because you're the most loyal person I've ever met
because you understand the things that truly matter
because you love cats
because you've taught me the things I didn't even know I needed to learn
because you're a 'foodie'
because you buy the best, the absolute best presents
because, like me, you want to be the best person you can be
because you like me
because you know me
because you've always loved me, since the moment we met

and I always will!

Ten amazing years. Happy anniversary!

The Curse Of The Clean Hands

There's only the tiniest bit of action happening in the studio this week. Finishing up items for a couple of missed deadlines and getting some swaps and prizes ready to send off.

I realised yesterday that I haven't picked up a paintbrush or dabbed my finger in oil sticks since Easter. That's almost 3 weeks. No wonder I'm feeling a little out of sorts.

I do wonder at times like these about chickens and eggs. Did the lack of painting lead to feeling blah, or did the blahs come and take the painting away? Whichever way, I intend to rectify the situation this weekend.

Move along now. More Creative Spaces to be found at Kootoyoo.

It's Me, I'm The Problem

Secret Message via Eustella

You know those times when it feels like the world is closing in on you, where everyone seems grumpy and rushed. I found myself wondering today what on earth was going on in the world that was making it all so dark and gloomy.

I laughed when I realised that it was me. That I'm feeling dark and gloomy. I've been bumping heads with people, feeling out of sorts, feeling grumpy and rushed.

Not much else to report here. As they say, this too shall pass.

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Do you know I haven't seen any {messages from the universe} anywhere lately? That's why I love popping over to the Flickr group to see what other people are finding, like the great shot above from Stella.

Join up. Share your finds. We can all use an inspirational word every now and then.

Chopping & Changing

I walked into the hairdresser today, and loudly and boldly said "chop it off!"

And he willingly obliged.

I feel refreshed, lighter and ready for new adventures.

I love it!

Seriously Now

Who loves Polo this much? Tell me. Who?

A Tangle of Threads

While My Creative Space is tidy, underneath it lies an enormous tangle of feelings, hopes, dreams and thoughts.

I've been thinking.

About blogging. About this story that I have to tell. This one single, amazing story that is my life unfolding. How I believe with all my heart that we each have one single, amazing story to tell. How the popularity, the stats, the followers don't matter. It's the story that matters. Always.

About work. The kind of work I want to do, the kind of place I want to work, the kind of people I want to work with. Defining it, so that I can find it.

About painting. How it makes me feel alive, and full, and hopeful, and certain, and thankful.

About colour. So many colours. How they fill my soul.

About intent. How I want to focus on writing and painting, and let go of all the other stuff.

About clearings. About making room for new things, and about clearing out my studio in line with my intent.

About being present. Really being present. Everyday. Letting go of ideas of a future me, a future life that will be full of everything I want. Embracing this me, this life and everything it has to offer. Everyday.

About old wounds. About feeling ready to heal them, and taking steps to do so.

About people who really inspire me. People who gift the world with their words and creativity, and make my journey sweeter. How I want to gather these people and draw them to me, and build a nest of creative souls who give each other wings. Kelly Rae said it so beautifully today.

About bike riding, and chores, and money, and weeding the garden, and cooking, and getting back to the gym.

About me. How I am finding my place in the world. How I am leaning more into my gifts and my story, and learning how it's possible to be both vulnerable and strong simultaneously.

And about prosperity and abundance. But I'll save that for another time.

Thanks Kootoyoo. For helping me to find my words today.

Things Starting With B

I'm having trouble with my words at the moment.

Guess I'll just have to keep practicing and trust they'll be back soon.

To Absent Friends

May 1999

"What good would it do
to tell you I miss you
I missed you before you left"
Penelope Swales

1 year on. How I miss you. Still. Always.

Have A God Weekend

Our local chicken shop peeps are taking a few days off for Easter.

God bless 'em.

Happy Easter friends.

Dream Girl

She Wore Raspberry
Collage papers, acrylics, oil sticks and stuff on Canvas
12x16 inch

I Am

I am trusting and dreaming
I wonder what my future looks like
I hear birds singing, always
I see giant fish swimming through coral reefs
I want to make beautiful pictures
I am trusting and dreaming

I pretend to be sure
I feel change coming
I touch the future
I worry about having enough money
I cry for the passing of my friend
I am trusting and dreaming

I understand that I cannot control things
I say that change is the only constant
I dream of living a creative and simple life
I try to trust the universe
I hope that we will all find our paths
I am trusting and dreaming

Make your own 'I Am' poem here. Found via Mrs Spotts.

That's Exactly What I Was Thinking

Work in progress

A tropical paradise
Snorkeling on a coral reef
Beautiful sea greens and ocean blues
Gorgeous bright tropical fish

I can't believe that's what you were thinking too
Us creative peeps are so alike!

You'll find all sorts of other like-minded peeps and wonderful creative spaces over at the home of My Creative Space, the only, and definitely the only Kootoyoo.

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Thanks everyone for your comments on my previous post. It's all good here.