Maddie's Barn - Again

Here's a closer picture of Maddie's Barn.  Thanks for the update Jenn!

Simple Joy

I started this one a few paintings ago and it's been sitting unfinished, just staring at me. Since Baby Clothes has been giving me fits, I decided to abandon ship and work on something else.

I love the simplicity of it. Just a few flowers in a window box on a beautiful summer day. This is another of Chris and Kelly's shots. From Venice, I think.




Simple Joy (9x12)



I absolutely, unequivocally, love Jason Mraz. If you haven't heard more than 'Lucky' or 'I'm Yours' (shame on you!), check out the rest of his music. Better yet, see him live. He's one of the few singers who actually sound better live. I promise, you'll love him too.

As an homage to my love, I made a playlist of all my favorite Mraz tunes. Here's a selection of the current favs. Just hearing the first few notes of any of his songs can brighten the worst day. Simple joy, indeed.

1. Sleeping to Dream
2. Who Needs Shelter
3. Sunshine Song
4. Life is Wonderful
5. Make it Mine
6. Song for a Friend
7. A Beautiful Mess
8. You and I Both
9. Details in the Fabric (ft. James Morrison)
10. No Stopping Us
11. After an Afternoon
12. Did You Get My Message?
13. The Dynamo of Volition
14. Love Love Love (Hope ft. Mraz)
15. Shy That Way (Tristan Prettyman ft. Mraz) - because I'm a dork and love that they're so cute and engaged and all.

Maddie's Barn

I just found a picture of Maddie's Barn!  I told you it was MUCH better than the replica I did for my dad.  It just reinforces my need to paint him something new.

Check it out here.

BTW Jenn, the STA peeps (me, specifically) are missing you terribly and need to have a visit soon.

Freud

First painting of the year - DONE!!!

I can't wait for my friends to get back from the Caribbean so I can give it to them (the lucky brats are on a cruise enjoying warmth and sun and water. I so hate them right now). Of course, it'll be a while before it's dry enough to deliver, but it's done nonetheless.

I also just need to complain about the fact that all of my friends are either somewhere warm and wonderful right now or they will be soon. One in the Caribbean, two different sets of friends in Cuba, one off to Mexico, one off on a cruise, and another off to Hawaii. Not to mention the cousin in Australia who keeps dangling the tropical 30•C temps like a proverbial carrot. What's up with me staying in cold (okay, slightly warmer than last week) Calgary?  I seriously need to make some travel plans. 





Freud  (20x24)

 As for Freud's playlist, I decided to put my iPod on shuffle for 15 songs and see what came up. Not a bad selection.

1. August Moon - Sara Bareilles
2. High Horses - The Swell Season
3. Up All Night - Jim Bryson & The Weakerthans
4. Our Day Will Come - Jamie Cullum
5. Did You Get My Message? - Jason Mraz
6. Jolene - Ray LaMontagne
7. Sympathize - Amos Lee
8. Yes - Coldplay
9. Happy Ending - Mika
10. I'd Rather Be With You - Joshua Radin
11. Last Request - Paolo Nutini
12. Smile Like You Mean It - The Killers
13. Edge of Desire - John Mayer
14. Understand - Joss Stone
15. Either Way, I'll Break Your Heart - Augustana

Resolutions

I've never been a big fan of New Year Resolutions. I still make them, but am well aware that no one ever keeps them (me included). I mean, I'm sure everyone has good intentions, but I just end up grumpier than normal when I'm at the gym (because, really, anyone who's happy to be there in the first place is on something) because the gym and pool get overcrowded for January, maybe a little bit into February, and sharing my space and altering my routine is not enjoyable. At all.

Think about sharing a swim lane with 10 people. You swim a length. Wait. Swim another length. Wait again. You catch up to someone and get kicked in the face. It creates a jam of swimmers who are now just treading water waiting for the person who thinks doing the doggy paddle is enough to qualify them for lane swim. Lovely times.

Anyway. My point.

I've decided to try making a resolution this year that has nothing to do with my weight or health. I'm going to paint one painting a month. I wanted to try weekly but thought I'd like to at least pretend to have a life.

So here goes. One painting a month. January will be Freud. He's so close to being done, just some color adjustment and we're good to go.

Cross your fingers I make it past February.

Losing Yourself

There is no better feeling than losing yourself in painting. To have absolutely everything fade away and your sole focus be on colors, lines, and brush strokes. Time passes unchecked, worries and stresses disappear, your mind is completely empty. It's glorious.

I did it tonight. Time didn't exist. I felt the stress slide off my shoulders and I lost myself. When I came to, I realized 4 hours had passed; my back, shoulders, and hands ached (in the best possible way); and I was exhausted & re-energized at the same time. I feel fantastic.

I hope everyone out there has something that does for them what painting does for me. I wish empty minds and a few hours of stress free joy for you all.