Sunday, December 29, 2013

Sketching Faces

...in my journal.

Pencil sketch on decorative papers...in my journal. Unfinished page...

One thing I really want to do more of in 2014 is draw. 
Inspired always by Julie Balzer's faces,
I want to sketch and practice painting portraits.

Not exactly a Resolution,
but a fun promise to myself
to do more of what I love.

Still awaiting the arrival of a new baby
in the family...perhaps for New Year's Eve?!
...

Don't you just LOVE the days between
Christmas and New Year's?
I feel relaxed and happy
to have free time.

Hope you do, too.

~k

Saturday, December 28, 2013

2013 :: Trust

Mixed Media collage in new art journal.


My Word for 2013 was Trust.
It found me.
It was meant to find me,
right when it did.
I am grateful.
And I do Trust.

What was your Word?
How do you feel about it as the year closes?

Thursday, December 26, 2013

Another Art Journal Finished

The last page! A whimsical one!

 Hope your Christmas was loving and peaceful!

...and this art journal, a Strathmore Mixed Media, is completed!!!
Hmmmm, which one will I begin next...?
Such a fun decision.

~k

Sunday, December 22, 2013

Finding Beauty :: Journaling


Well, after all of the snowstorms already,
the weather turned warm...
it rained...
then it froze,
and it iced.
Everything.


Branches are heavy.
Treetops are bending.
The power went off during the night.


It's back on and everyone is safe.


And it is incredibly beautiful,
this frozen, sparkling world.
...
Winter Solstice wishes of peace to you,

~k

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Dear Santa,

Every year, I randomly choose
a few of the cute Santa letters
 from my second graders
 to share with you...so,
here they are! I hope you smile...





I love the details (front lawn) in this one, below:






My students made these "portraits" in art class:




Taking a moment to quietly slow down...

We have A LOT of snow now,
in fact, the snow plows pushed
it into such huge piles
at the elementary school,
that at the end of our parking lot is
a mountain of snow up to the second floor!

I'd be willing to share...!

~k

Monday, December 16, 2013

A bit of Sweet Gingerbread


I LOVE gingerbread...



...anything gingerbread.



I promised myself I wouldn't feel too busy to make
a gingerbread house this season,


So here it is!  From me to you!

I hope you do something
this holiday season
that makes you smile
and be
in
the
moment.

~k

Sunday, December 15, 2013

Journaling and Counting Down...


 Enjoying these sweet Christmastime
 moments at home...
in my journal.
 ***
And, below, counting down til Christmas
with candy daily in the little doors...
one week to go...
in my 2nd grade classroom!

(The 67 is how many school days we've had! 
We keep track in math...!)

May your days be merry & bright.

~k

Monday, December 9, 2013

Journaling Light


The cold winds blow
and though it may not officially
be winter,
it's freezing
so I am keeping sunshine,
 light, and summer
eternally in my heart.

I know I'm a happy January Baby and all...
but I love to feel sun on my skin
and to walk in flip flops.

Keep layers in journals, I say,
not in blankets and clothing!

It was one year ago today
that my Mom took an ambulance
to the hospital
for seven months of worry.
I am so GRATEFUL
that Mom is back in her own home
and doing well...

Your thoughts and prayers for those long months
helped.
Thank you, friends.
Thank you again.

Love,
~kath

Saturday, December 7, 2013

Simplicity :: mornings


What about you?
Are you a morning person, too,
or a night owl?

I wanted to capture the simple,
morning mood I often feel.

I have a steamy mug of hot coffee,
the Avett Brothers on the car radio,
and the promise of yet another new day.
Bliss.

With much love,
~k
 

Saturday, November 30, 2013

in my journal :: lots of writing


I have been doing lots of thinking
so I guess I had a lot to release onto
the pages...

Mixed media collage
in my art journal.

Is November really done in just a few hours?
Hope yours was filled with much
for which to be grateful!

~k

Thursday, November 28, 2013

Messages of Gratitude


Thank you to you, my friends!
Thank you for your visits and kindness
and for being my friends
but mostly for 
being YOU!



This is our first big snow of the new season
and the first snowman for 3 years!

Happy Thanksgiving U.S. friends,
and Love & Peace to friends everywhere!

p.s.
It seems I have an IPad Email problem;
I have tried to email you to thank you for commenting,
and they go out into cyberspace.
So, my apologies if you haven't received
a personal message from me via your comment name.
Google+ does not happen, either.
But, I recognize YOU and thank you!

~k

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Releasing onto Pages


Journaling whenever I can...
trying to feel like I really do do something other
than work.


Remembering to breathe,
Trust,
feel peace
and
listen to the silence...


...and know that even fatigue
passes.

Wishing the world could just
slow down.
You know?

I'm sure you do!

Okay, breathe.
Thanks for visiting.

~k

Saturday, November 16, 2013

in my journal


Collage and writing...
in my art journal.



We had an unexpected warmer day today.
I took my Mom to Fro Yo
for a frozen yogurt lunch...
yes, we played hookie from a traditional
boring lunch...

What's new with you?
~k

Monday, November 11, 2013

Embracing This Life



Some moments of clarity
find me
and it's wonderful.

~k

This journal page done with pastels
and a collaged image.

Sunday, November 10, 2013

it's just me knocking...



Usually, I'm very decisive...
This one time, however,
I find myself just in the doorway.

Saturday, November 9, 2013

Pastel Play :: journaling

Easing back in...
Attempting to not have every moment filled...

I saw the very first snowflakes of the season
yesterday
as I drove home from work at dusk.

And then the sun shone...

I love pastels.

Thank you for waiting for me.
~k

Monday, November 4, 2013

What I've Been Up to!


I have been helping to create
a Baby Shower party
for my daughter, Michelle!





 Thank you favors above.

Below:
Sarah, my daughter's best buddy (left), 
and mama-to-be, Michelle( right):


"Mama" Michelle's place setting:









Mint HAPPY BABY Banner hung across fireplace!





Happy Parents-to-be!
What a fun, loving day with family & friends!

I have missed you, bloggy friends,
but I wanted to let you know what I have been doing!

love,
~k

Friday, October 25, 2013

Sunrise:: Journaling


 I think I mentioned a ways back
that I drive east in the morning
toward a sunrise
and I drive west, back home after work,
at sunset
this time of year.

Sometimes I bring my camera
and pull over on the side of a country road
to photograph
the incredible beauty.

Yesterday I saw this layering of color
in the sunrise
and instead of using my camera
I held it in my heart and in my memory.
I promised myself I would create
in my journal
with
these colors, and
in the same surprise order they really were.


It really is an amazing gift, this sky of ours.


This background was done with pastels.

Sorry I haven't been around much these past two weeks.
I am trying to catch up
and I think of you, friends.

Pssst, I am helping to create a fun and memorable
 baby shower for my daughter, the mama-to-be!

(Ooooh, I felt my granddaughter-to-be
kick for the first time!
She kicked when I sang:
 "I love you a bushel and a peck,
and a hug around the neck." )

Hold the love and beauty in your heart.

Thanks for visiting,
~k