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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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