I just finished a commission for an owl quilt and am pretty happy with the results. As much as I love to paint and do mixed media, "paiinting" with thread is still my favorite. All the embroidery was done by hand, it takes longer but I love the process of it and seeing character develope. I hope they enjoy the blanket and the new baby to come has it for a long time.

Struggling

I feel a little like I'm clinging to stuff. I started a new job that is just overwhelming me, leaving me less time to create and now creating the problem of what to do with my little boy for the summer, since I'm working 5 days a week. I know plenty others do it but I so enjoyed being home creating and being with my son. I liked my old job better too. People were wonderful, relaxed atmosphere, I knew my job and all the pressure was not on me.
This new job is as a bookkeeper and trying to straighten out a mess from outsourcing over the last year. Is a $100 more a week worth the stress? Tears, responsibility? If only some of my artwork would sell. I don't have to make a living at it yet, but something.
WAAAA WAAAA WAAA someone call the wambulance!
I've been looking at all these wonderful retreats coming up in the fall and would give anything to be able to go, I need to be around "my people" feeling quite isolated lately and would love contact with other creatives. I'd love to do our own mini retreat locally if I could find the people. Saves on travel! A retreat for one? Hmmmm I'll have to think about that, even if it's a motel room with paint and canvas music and wine! LOL

Happy creating!

Remembering Summers

Remember the simple pleasure of running through water from a hose and how the water you drink from a hose seems to be more satisfying than any you've ever had before? Just watching my son play in the water brought back so many memories of doing the same thing when I was a little girl with my friends. Once the pool came along there was no need for the sprinkler anymore but I look back and don't think we laughed any less, maybe more. Let's face it what's not funny about slipping in the mud?

We had nothing planned for the day, just some yard work, perhaps a little time in the studio, I've got a show coming up next weekend. Now I'm making macaroni salad and we'll be grilling. It feels like a holiday. Lest we forget though this is a day for remembrance. My dad was a gunners mate on the USS Randolph during WWII so thanks Dad, Uncle Bob, Uncle David, Robbie. We appreciate all of you, and love you all.

Happy Memorial Day,

Heather

Summer and an Open Heart

These are two new pieces available at my Etsy shop. Summer and Heart Wide Open. I've been begging for my husband to put up a clothes line for the last two years, I guess I'll do it this year. There is nothing better than getting into bed with sheets off the line, like sleeping outside without the discomfort! More than that though is how it reminds me of being a little girl watching my grandmother and mother hang out laundry. Clothespins in the pocket of their aprons, then running in and out of the clothes the clean smell brushing against my face, the way the shadows play while you're hiding and just seeing the blue sky above them. There's a feeling of safety, contentment and home.
I loved those days with them, sometimes having tea, telling stories and just being with the two most important women in my life, still to this day. They both gave me invaluable gifts that I didn't realize at the time. My grandmother gave me the love of crafting and making things from nothing and using your imagination. My mom a love of gardening. "Honey" my grandmother, is no longer with us but my mom at 83 is still here still playing with my son and encouraging his imagination, which by the way is vast!
Oftentimes when we fear a broken heart and not just broken by love, but by disappointment, fear etc. a breaking open is just what we need. We hold onto that which is familiar even if it hurts or isn't working and if we don't do something about it the universe will. And when that breaking occurs it's painful even crushing. But, if we let ourselves feel and absorb and learn we come through stronger with more wisdom and courage, we've grown only to emerge with more love for ourselves and our dreams. Don't be afraid of a broken or cracked heart hold it close and see it as a gift knowing you will get through and that you will be the better for it.

Love,
Heather

Rainy days ahead

Since we are headed into a week of rainy weather (I do not remember moving to Seattle) I thought some photos of flowers and lovely weather might be in order. I'll be heading down to my studio, I really must get one with windows, not liking the basement, to create and finish some projects before I start new ones. Imagine! Will post the new projects soon. In the meantime enjoy the flowers!

Cupcake Festival

Almost too cute to eat.....almost

They look like spring and taste delicioius

So many cute ideas for summer parties

Is there anybody out there?

Sometimes I feel like there is no one out there and I'm all alone. Of course that is not true. I read of how peoples lives have changed because of their blog not so much for me yet. I guess I need to get out there and read and comment on more blogs and invite people to share with me.

I could use some advice or at least some input at this moment. I know what I'd like to do but not sure if I have the guts to do it. It'll make huge changes in my life. A life that while not always happy is comfortable. I'm sure you know what I mean.

Last summer I got certified as a laser tech to do hair and tattoo removal and haven't found work. I just got a call from a place that has an opening but it's about 2.5 hrs away. I could stay during the week and come home on weekends, hey it's a job. It would just be really hard on my son. The thing is I would love to move away and bring him with me but that just won't be able to happen. Do I stay where I absolutely love my son but am not happy with my relationship or do I make the leap and see where it lead me? Please someone comment help me. I really would like to take the leap....but.....little man.