The Sketchbook Project!!!

Back in September I signed up for this project after finding out about it through one of my favorite blogs, www.hellogiggles.com. This company in New York takes these handmade sketchbooks on tour around the country every year. You send them $25 and they send you a lil book with 32 pages for you to fill however you want. When you're done, you mail it back to them by the deadline (Jan 15, 2013) and they get ready to take it on tour in March. The tour is stopping in Chicago (and Atlanta for all you GA folks:)) this summer. I hope to make it down to the Chicago venue this July to see everyone's work!

I procrastinated with this project for a while thinking I could knock out 32 small drawings with no problem. I was excited to "practice" before my drawing class started up in January. Time started closing in around me and I found myself scrambling to get it done. Jeff worked with me for a little while...

I scoured pinterest.com for inspiration. I bought new markers and colored pencils. Mostly, I took my time and found a little bit of patience as I worked which was a new feeling for me. I discovered that the more I drew, the more ideas I had. I had discovered the same thing with writing in English last semester. The more I wrote (whether is was good or bad) the more words, sentences, opinions and ideas came to me. It was only when I stopped that the well of ideas seemed to dry up.

As I worked I learned that I have a "thing" for the ingredients that make up the human body. I love drawing bones, the human heart and have been toying with the idea of composing a brain. My anatomy book had some really great illustrations. I also still gravitate toward drawing winged, colorful creatures and all things cute as well.

I finished the book and mailed it at the last minute of course. A couple of weeks after I sent it off I received an email from the lovely folks running this gig telling me that they had my book and it will be available online for your viewing pleasure within a few weeks. I am thrilled to have done this and to be a part of something so big!

Happy New Year!!!

I can't believe it's 2013! I feel like I'm in some kind of denial over it right now. It feels like my life is blowing past at break-neck speed. This morning, I woke up to some stunningly beautiful sunshine coming through our kitchen windows. Thick, heavy clouds have been hovering over Chicago the past few days threatening what could possibly be snow but not much has happened for which I am grateful. Resolutions aren't my thing but I saved this email sent to me by a friend. I decided to share it here in light of the New Year as a reminder of things that are important to know and remember. Written by 90 year old Regina Brett, here are the 45 lessons that life has taught her so far... 1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good. 2. When in doubt, just take the next small step. 3. Life is too short – enjoy it. 4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and family will. 5. Pay off your credit cards every month. 6. You don't have to win every argument. Stay true to yourself. 7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone. 8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it. 9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck. 10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile. 11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present. 12. It's OK to let your children see you cry. 13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about. 14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it. 15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye But don't worry; God never blinks. 16.. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind. 17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful. Clutter weighs you down in many ways. 18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger. 19.. It's never too late to be happy. But it’s all up to you and no one else. 20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer. 21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special. 22. Over prepare, then go with the flow. 23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple. 24. The most important sex organ is the brain. 25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you. 26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?' 27. Always choose life. 28. Forgive 29. What other people think of you is none of your business. 30. Time heals almost everything. Give time . 31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change. 32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does. 33. Believe in miracles. 34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do. 35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now. 36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young. 37. Your children get only one childhood. 38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved. 39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere. 40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back. 41. Envy is a waste of time. Accept what you already have not what you need 42. The best is yet to come... 43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up. 44. Yield. 45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift." Well said Regina! Happy Happy Happy New Year!