new work.

Turning Toward Spring

3"x3.5"

That's all i have for today.

 Be well friends.

Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants (or thank you michael pollan)-

My diet has always been pretty good with lots of real food and veggies but  over the past two months I've been thinking a lot more about what I eat.  I recently picked up a copy of Michael Pollan's 'In Defense Of Food' from the library and his eater's manifesto was just the simple bit of inspiration I needed to keep on the straight and narrow.  I've filled my diet with lots of greens, fresh veggies, nuts and seeds but another mini snow shower demanded something warm and hearty so I decided to try this recipe.  This one plate wonder transforms cauliflower (which i already adore) into veggie candy.  So good I had to share : )  

ps:  also started this book and can't put it down.  

Springitis-

Springitis

3.25" x 3.5"

I've got it bad.  Looking back I realize that I think to do this every Spring.  I start so many projects, some which will be abandoned quickly, some that will remain 1/2 or 3/4 done for many months to come and a few that will come to fruition. There are painting, sewing, knitting and crochet projects, three books started simultaneously, garden planning and seed ordering going on and a return to dance classes after decades. It takes me awhile to recognize the pattern of behavior emerging but at some point it clicks.  I'm not sure if is my creative process aligning with the brighter light and the the new growth emerging all around but I kind of like to think of it like that.  So while the massive snow banks my linger into April I can feel it in my bones...Spring is finally just around the corner : )

The challenges of working large...

It may not look too difficult, but getting melted wax onto a 30"x30" surface without making a crazy stupid mess is pretty challenging.  The last time I made a piece this size was about 7 years ago and I ended up with lots of black wax on my studio walls, the floor and on me.  This time I have more space and a little better set up.  It's still pretty tricky to get good coverage and the repeated heat setting required is not a good activity to follow shoveling a hundred foot driveway (even though i had two very good helpers).  But, I love the painting and I am really looking forward to seeing what the wax brings to the table.  I still need to wax the second half of this massive-for-me dyptych but i'm hoping to be able to share both here soon. Now my arms are rested so it's time to get back to work ;-)

March (in like a lion and still a lion)

so far today-

blizzard conditions and dropping temps

6" on the ground already and much more to come

school cancelled and final exams rescheduled

a quiet house for the moment but not for long

quinoa already on the stove for these patties

a bowl set out to mix up this granola

thinking about molasses cookies too

plenty of time today 

i love that

A place to gather...

For the 1st few months in our new place we enjoyed meals, games and eventually homework in the light-filled-magically-transformed-by-white-paint-sun room.  But, the room is not heated and so we lost our favorite hangout around the end of October and took to eating at a small round table in the kitchen, games fell by the wayside and  homework started being done up in the bedrooms.  As winter pressed on, the desire to get the dining room in shape was strong but there was a lot of work, planning and gathering to do.  Although there are a few details to wrap up I am happy to say the room is now in full use as a homework station (see the textbooks under the bookshelf?), craft and project table and dinner table.  The room is a collection of old and new and feels worn in, welcoming and like home.  Gathering at the table for dinner, even if it's a quick one, has always been my favorite part of each day. Breakfast is still eaten, one or two at a time, at the small breakfast table and I'm sure we'll be back in the sun room at some point but for now I am so, so happy to have a warm and cozy place to gather and reconnect with one another.  Thanks for reading and I'll see you back here soon with a bit of new work.

-B

Signs of spring...

Spring Folly

Despite the continuing below average temps and scattered snow showers signs of Spring are everywhere, have you noticed?  A few crazy bird are singing in the morning, the sky has cracked open to a beautiful, bright and blinding blue, the seed catalogs have arrived and more deer have crossed my path this week than in the past 3 months combined.  While I'm still Ok with the never ending winter, my inner wild woman is looking forward to getting out into the garden, digging in the dirt, walking in the woods and filling the house with fresh flowers again.  So for today I am sharing a bit of Spring color and sending wishes for a warm and cozy weekend : )

two new...

Party Girl (big dreams) 

Winter Haven

Hi there.  Just wanted to take a minute to share two new painting I finished up last night.  I've had 'Big Dreams' waiting patiently in my pile-o-text for some time and it seemed like a good time to put it to use.  The second piece was started last weekend as another winter squall worked it's way across the state in our snowiest winter ever.  Many people have had enough of all the snow and cold but I'm still loving the snow globe outside my windows most days.  And while the cold has been super extreme I feel like it's forced a bit of a slow-down-stay-at-home-kind-of-vibe which I have really enjoyed. Anyways, I'm on my own with the kiddos all week and there is ACT testing and crazy schedules, play practice, painting the living room and an experiment in the studio which looks very promising.  I'll share more on that later in the week to see what you think.  Stay warm : )

TEN.

make a wish on your ice cream for breakfast 

It's hard to believe that an entire decade has passed since this sweet guy was born. This little Pisces is so full of light and love and we are all so lucky and grateful to have him in our lives. 

 Happy 10th Birthday Sage!

The Fixer-Upper-

The Fixer-Upper

Some days the list of house projects overwhelm me and some days the list of house projects completed amaze me.  But most days I try to think about the list of things that go on inside of the fixer upper that make this house a home and that is the list I carry in my heart.  Happy weekend people.

xx