My Wrap-up of San Miguel

Sketch

I don't know about you but I seem to never finish my retreat art while on the retreat. 

For me it's not about coming home with finished art pieces.

I enjoy myself and take in as much as I can.

I fully enjoyed making this charcoal sketch for the inside of my triptych while in San Miguel.

And I'm happy I didn't rush the process because I am truly learning to love the charcoal sketching process.

When I got home, I finished it with paint. 

I have a personal challenge when traveling to retreats.

For one thing, I travel very light knowing I have to be able to manage my own luggage.

So, one thing I do is take only the supplies that are called for, with one exception. 

It is very tempting to take all my go-to supplies and tools.

You know, things you think you can't create without. 

I know you know what I mean. 

So, I allow myself to choose one thing that wasn't on the list. 

I purposely choose something that I don't use everyday.  

My tube of Golden Iridescent Gold (Fine) is what I took on this trip.
What you need to know is there was not one single tube of paint on the supply list. 
Of course I was sure that was an oversight and quickly shot an email to Rebecca to confirm.  
Nope, bring none!
A special colorlicious Mexican paint would be provided.
Katie provided us with the above image.
And I'm sorry to say, I don't know who the artist is.
I glued the image and then did a paint over. This I did finish in Mexico using liberal amounts of the Iridescent Gold mixed with every color.

I also finished my pouch that all the new art pieces fit in.

We each brought a piece of canvas that we used as a work surface while painting.
We cleaned our brushes and used up left-over paint on the canvas.
Then on the last day we each created a pouch.
We all shared many of the little scraps and they became a symbolic bond that connected each of us and the memories we made together.

favorite door

Many doors and portals await one in San Miguel.

This was one of my favorites.

couldn't pass up the selfie

I love these pictures.
My happiness shows.
♥

Self portrait in the Garden

I was trying 
to capture 
the breeze 
in the garden 
the other day. 

I only captured 
the wrinkles 
and bags 
and drooping.

Enjoying a nice weekend 
in the garden 
and just bought a book on my Nook. 
Think I will sit out there and read. ♥

Hello, It's just me.

Inspiration and Me Today

Me Today

I am new to the blog White Hot Truth,

written by Danielle LaPorte.

In  today's witty post she made the following statement,

"Insight may come in a flash, but it's the result of accumulated noticing--whether you notice it or not."

Danielle, in her witty and truthful way goes on into more detail resulting in a great post you will want to read. 

However, "in a flash" I mentally changed the word insight to Inspiration and read the statement again. And again. 

Because it took me back to Sunday morning when "in a flash", I had a burst of inspiration concerning my next online face painting class.  It was one of those moments that builds and builds until I'm feeling that stirring and swirling in my heart and soul.  Until I know that I must act NOW. Until I can't do anything else.  Until that one moment changes the rest of my day.  I hope you know that feeling.

And the thing is,  Sunday morning, as I was deep in thought I realized the inspiration was a "result of accumulated noticing". 

That is to say I had been studying hard on the what, where, when, etc etc each morning while walking in beauty.  

It was the flash of inspiration that connected all the studying that I had accumulated.

I knew I was feeling a passion build and I knew I would need to act on it now while the passion is at its peek. 

I am and I show you Me Today

xo

Welcome to my Sewing Studio

Come In......

You could better appreciate the transformation of this room had I taken "before" photos.

This is and "empty nest" (thank the lord) bedroom that is now a wonderful Sewing Studio.

It can still double as a guest room. One could only hope that the warriors on the wall will protect them in their dreams rather than give them nightmares.

I made the kites in 1980s to decorate a back yard where we were having a themed neighborhood progressive dinner. They are not my design as I did in fact copy them from a book. Sorry, I could not find the book this morning to credit it.

My friend, the organization guru knew about the kites and the last thing we did was arrange the kite gallery. I really really do like the eclectic look and juxtaposition of the kites with the quilts. I will be changing the window treatment next. A Sewing project.

Expect it,

Sharon