Something Everyday

I have several, actually 4, sketchbooks that also serve as journals. I have been writing in a journal sketchbook since I was a teenager and kept a diary with a lock and key! I have a trunk fill of them. I might do a Mark Twain deal and have them published a 100 years after my death. The thing is they contain not only hopes, dreams, despair, sadness, depression and frustration but drawings and sketch notes. Whimsey, cartoons and doodles are also included. These drawings are my light on the world. That which is good and creative in my life, the wonders I have seen and felt and want to share.

So I am trying to discipline myself everyday to create something...and often that is currently crayon sketches in my grannie-kids books.

I have a book that I started for each grannie kid when they were born...except for Alex's which I just started this year...and he is already 4! I originally planned to just do a girls book and a boys book but decided that was not fair. So keeping somewhat current with their books should help me to meet my creative goals. Pictured above are pages from their books with some of my crayon sketches. As you can see there are notations or bits of wisdom penciled on the pages also.

Will keep you posted on my progress...

Discovering Crayons Again

While I was packaging my Christmas cards, for my grannie-kids in manila clasp envelopes that were just too plain and ugly, I rediscovered crayons. I decorated the envelopes with Christmas drawings. I forgot how much fun coloring was!

I have started journal sketchbooks for each of my grannie-kids. Actually each one was started after each one was born. Therefore I refer to them as the Maddie Chronicles, Gavin Chronicles, and last but not least Alex's. I write day to day stuff but mostly things I want them to know, life lessons, that I might not be here to share with them. Also family history that might not get passed on unless I get it written down. And of course stuff about their daddy.
The above picture is on 2 pages of the Gavin Chronicles. The Grand Canyon in crayon! I have painted and loved it, but using crayon was a pure joy. It was like getting back to basics. Basic 10 colors, basic shapes results in basic joy.



Two more crayon renderings of the canyon. very near pastel but not as blend-able, perfect for in a book format.



The last page is one that I did during the lunar eclipse on the winter solstice. Here, out in the Georgia fields near Thomasville, no city lights, lots of stars and that gorgeous full moon working its way across the sky. I just colored each phase as it progressed. So much fun! That is the beauty of crayons!

When was the last time you colored with crayons. Try it...

Through the Holidays and into a New Year

The reason for the season is the only thing that never changes. Birthday celebration for Baby Jesus. Other things are included but for me it is the main one.




The things that are integral parts of our holidays though they change through the years they remain somewhat the same, maybe so we can consider them traditions. For example Christmas trees...live ones and fake artificial trees and now even pre-lite trees, big and small trees, all the family made and cherished ornaments that were like old friends to trees with just lights. Varied in size shape and decorations as are the locations. In apartments and condos, and large and small houses, old and new but all homes filled with family, friends, loved ones all. My favorite now is a little 3 foot high purple pre-lite artificial tree. Perfect size to sit by the window by the door in our horizontal condo studio on wheels.

People are big changers in our holidays. Family is constantly changing. Babies keep growing up! This holiday I spent as Nurse Annie with my cousin Tracy. One strong young woman who has battled kidney problems for the past year which included 8 surgeries. I am glad I got to be a part of her recovery. And even happier to announce that the last surgery was successful and she is CANCER FREE!



The kids change. Grow way too fast...but at least new ones are added. Above you will see some additions to my family, Aunt Tracy and nephew Russ, and Jon's son Matthew with his daughter Ayla Jane.

I missed my kids and grannie kids of course and thought of Christmas past...all a great part of each present Christmas.

The houses and locations of Christmas change from the big houses to my horizontal condo/studio on wheels. I have found that square footage doesn't matter. The reason for the same remains the same even with my tiny nativity set. Peace and good will on earth for all.