Happy things. Grateful, always.

If I haven't made this silly "blog every day in November" challenge for myself, I probably wouldn't post today, because I didn't even touch a pencil, paint or anything like that. But since I did challenge myself, I'll share some private things that made me extra grateful lately.

So... in 2005, when I started blogging, I posted this photo-collage of our son:

It was for his 19th birthday. I guess that was the time I started wondering how will I feel when he finds a girl he wanted to spend his life with. I had many talks with myself, preparing to be ok with anyone he liked, as long as he was happy. So, needless to say - the day came! A week ago, he proposed to his girlfriend, and she said yes and OMG it is a big deal! And, how do I feel? I couldn't be happier! My heart is content, and has no doubt that they are super good for each other. I am so looking forward to witness their future, and wish them happiness and joy and everything good, as they truly deserve it. Such sweet, good, smart, hard working kids... LOVE THEM!

Today also marks a week of me admitting to myself that I am (finally) a runner! All my life I could barely run from one street corner to the next. My poor husband thought I had a heart problem, as my heart would behave like it was about to explode. My huge dream was to be able to run 3 miles, because there is a lovely 3 mile long path where we live. When I first thought of it, I didn't for a second think that I could really do it. But a little seed of hope was born. It took me 8 full months! And a lot of self-talk. It is mostly in the head.... and my head was telling me (still does) that I couldn't do it. BUT I DID!!!! Last Saturday I ran that path without stopping, fighting not with my breath or tired legs (they were fine), but the voice in my head... fighting it all the way. At the end I took a celebratory "YAY ME!!!" shadow happy dance picture.

This is getting too long, but I need to share two more happy things. Both of these made me tear up, but in a good way. You might know that in September our daughter started college in NYC, far away from San Francisco... After so many years of being every day with her, talking about everything, knowing everything... it hit me pretty hard. Anyway, she sent a birthday card, and just the front of it made me cry. Validation! Don't we all need it? It made me feel like I'm doing ok at this Mom thing... The front page was just the beginning, after I read two full pages of her tiny script and turned into an emotional puddle. So, so grateful.

Last, but absolutely not the least, I am grateful for your birthday wishes! I loved reading both comments and emails and they added to my happy day. Thank you so much! I also received the most original birthday card (book actually) EVER, and almost wanted not to share because it is very special and tactile, and difficult to show without holding it. I decided that snippets will probably show the best the textures, colors and just pure beauty of it. Can you guess who sent it to me? Yes, she did. Feeling very grateful.

It is so much easier for me to post my little paintings, than write like this.... but challenge is a challenge and I'm moving on. Hopefully, tomorrow there will be a bird or a face to greet you. Thank you!

xoxoxo

Preserved Memories

I wanted to preserve some memories in a little book.

I made darling pogo prints of photos that captured some of my favorite moments.

I gathered some of the supplies we used and splashed them fearlessly on pages.

I picked an adorable photo of her.

Wrote a delicious recipe that she made (not from the adorable creatures in the photo bellow). 

And I wanted to show it all to you, but I can't.

In my hurry to send the little surprise, I forgot to scan or take pictures of all pages...

I was sure I did it and confidently opened my scans folder today to prepare them for this post.

Imagine my surprise when I saw only 4 images...

Oh well.

You get the idea. 

 Pogo prints, tons of texture and paint, and memories preserved in a little book. Fun project!

Visiting Sharon and her muse Norah...

I'm back from Texas... I blinked and the week was over.

For the last couple of hours I've been looking at my collection of photos and thinking how to put it all in a post and try to describe the time we spent together. And since I can't figure it out, I guess it will have to be spread out in several posts and I'll just start with the beginning.

My trip started very early in the morning. That is good because it took me three planes to get to Ms. Sharon...  and - I got to see the sunrise from high above, which is always cool. It was really great!

We walked and talked, she cooked, I ate; we watched birds and bunnies, talked some more, and more, painted, soaked in the amazing views of her property... days were too short. 

We also made jewelry! I was very lucky to have a private workshop with a very talented lady:

She patiently led me through the complex and very fun process of working with metal and resin. There were moments that camera couldn't capture but that I know we'll remember forever (I don't think that Sharon will ever trust me with a Dremel tool again, although she will with the torch because I'm the master of fire! /in my dreams/).

 I used my digital collage sheet for my pendant (it was just the size I needed), while Sharon made a print of a detail of one of her new amazing paintings for hers. Now all I need to do is attach the pendant to a ribbon, leather cord or a chain and I will have a one of a kind necklace. Except that I don't want to, because I need to hold it in my hand for a while and stare at it... Sharon's pendant is on the left, mine on the right.

We both wished that we had more time to paint together because it was really a fun to do, but there are things to show... so, the story will continue.

Have an amazing weekend!

xo