Captive...or captivating?

That is how I feel about my work space...I often feel like I am held captive and not able to enter this most treasured space, due to the clutter, and overwhelming amount of work I feel I need to do creatively (that is kind of a strange statement, isn't it?)...so sometimes I do not go to this place and in turn, my work and creative soul suffers.

On the other hand, sometimes I am captivated by this corner of my world, all my own, amongst disarray that I let be, I create (the disarray that is, and I create an array of wonders as well) however, the balance is not a balance, it flows uneven and sporatic and I do not always care for that. So, I feel focused to get my creative zone in order and begin to put the pieces in place for myself and what I envision happening. Of course, life has an amazing way of getting in and taking over at times, alot of times, especially with wee ones to tend to unconditionally and husbands who need tending to as well, then home, dogs, business, you get the idea.

So this weekend I go in to the depths of the creative clutter I have emassed and so, take a look, at this pre studio and then I will follow up with a post studio shot to compare.

What are you lovelies doing this weekend? You know, you can drop me a comment, I really like to hear from you.

Have a marvelous Halloween and may it be full of surprising tricks and lots of treats!

knitting, orbs and other such wonders

All photos in this post by the amazing Mike & Allie

As my grandmother taught me way back when, I now have taught my daughter the art of knitting. My grandmother was originally from Ireland, transplanted to Canada and would come to sunny California every year for 6 weeks, during which time she would bake scones, knit, teach me to knit, and basically just be a granny from the old country, she always smelled so good (like the smell of fresh wool) & her hands as sun warmed and roughly arthritic were always somehow quite soft, I remember. I felt the time overdue for my gal to learn this most amazing skill and she has taken it to it wonderfully, I am happy to report.

There is something very soothing in knitting...I remember my granny would sit quietly in the sun or whilst watching tv and all you could hear were the tap tap tapping of her needles, a very comforting sound to me as a child. Now, I knit all the time, there was a spell in which I did not, and I missed it. So I watch as my wee lady knits and enjoys this precious handspun creativeness.

I have been busy in the studio, here is a small glimpse of some of my recent work...I am excited about the upcoming show and seeing how my work is recieved...

Tis the season

Here is what was happening in these parts over the weekend...began with pirate fun for the wee mans 4th b-day...arrrrrt pirate hat making on the patio...

...followed the next day with pumpkin fun in the sun,, great to walk around and check out all the shapes and textures of all those lovely pumpkins even the ones now wilted and a bit rotten on the ground...

hay maze, horse rides

chasing and petting animals

I love this time of year, don't you?

Oh the wonders

Came across these pics today, from a past visit from our dearest friends over a year ago, and could not help but post/share...they were here again with us recently (pictures to be posted soon), we had such an unreal time (then and now)...it is always a wonder and yet bittersweet when all your dearest folks live so far away, you see them, share time, create memories, have more fun than you do any other time, with anyone else uniquely, and then they are gone again...so sweet, and yet, so sad...such is life and makes us love all we have even more. As far as having best friends as photographers, well, we'd love them anyways, but they send us the memories of times to be truly remembered and so we do...and love every bit...of them, their treasured friendship, the memories, the wonder of it all...so precious...here's to you Mike & Allie...we love you more than words...

Keeping up

These days at times I just seem to feel like I am skipping one step forward and three steps back...it's busy this life and although it's all good, somedays just seem harder to keep it all together. It is part of the reason I have not been here so much lately...I am getting ready for the show and with the holidays upon us and some wonderful upcoming ReDesign jobs , the days slip by and much too quickly at that. So, I just try to enjoy, take it all in, do the best I can, try not to get stressed and hug and kiss the wee ones any chance I get (not to mention try to think of new and different things for healthy dinners!), as well as give time to myself (Yoga, quiet tea time at dawn).

It was not until I had children that my creative soul truly emerged completely, I am not really sure why, maybe from a desire to have something that was all my own (seperate from being a mum and wife), or because I finally slowed down enough to hear those voices which told me to be true to all that I love, even my creativeness. For whatever reason it feeds my soul on a whole different level and although it is a balancing act at times, I always emerge filled and content, even when I am overrun by dinosaurs and dogs.

Have a great day!

Gettin ready...

We are in full swing preparation for Halloween around the corner and there is some definite fun and excitement in the air around these parts...going on walks to check out neighborhood decorations and ghoulish sights, planning the costumes and getting the materials, eagerly anticipating our school Halloween festival, which is always a treat (and few tricks). This is a wonderful time of year...what are some of your favorite things about this time of year and Halloween? I love to hear from you so don't be shy!

Music to my ears...always...

Ahhh music to my soul, I listen, dance, create, sing, swing, self-enlighten, gain strength, encourage me heart...oh my the list really does go on...check a glimpse for yourself...and see if you too feel it...how can't you?

I have been listening to M.Franti for over 10 years, love the music, the man (I am married and love my man, although he loves M. F. too...is that confusing?) so it only makes sense to put him where my love shines here..hope you enjoy. What a ray of sunshine, to put it simply.

If you click on the actual video, it brings it up bigger so you can see more of Cherine too.

Have a music-filled, wonderful weekend!

Still Lily