So.....I have always wanted to start a blog. It is intimidating, right? But, what isn't?? So, here I am stepping out of the proverbial box o' comfort. Yay, me.
I am just back from what I am calling my mini art retreat. I took two classes from artist/teacher Seth Apter at an art shop in Alexandria, VA called Artistic Artifacts. One was on Friday night and the other all day Saturday. So I decided to stay the night in a nearby hotel, making a lil' trip out of it. I also went early and walked around Del Ray and Old Town, two areas of Alexandria I have always liked. I adore my life and my family. Don't get me wrong. But I have learned something about myself in recent years. In order for me to enjoy the noisy bits of my life--ie, I have a 6 year old and a 7 year old--I HAVE to have some silence. Some ME time. O.M.G. the TV + the bickering + loud toys + all the noise that is already in my head at all times = Cray Cray Kerry. I feel so over-stimulated when it is like that. I wish I could tune out some of it, like some people can. But, alas there it is. So, YES to grouping my two classes into a length of time that felt like a tiny get-away. I allowed myself to just walk around and follow my heart. Wander into shops. Sit and journal in cafes. Sit on a hotel bed and read a newspaper and magazines and a book. I kept a vow to myself that I would not even turn on the TV! YES to quiet. And Y E S to taking art classes! I will be a lifetime learner. I believe we all should. I love coming home with new experiences and new ideas and techniques to try in my work. Both with Seth Apter, I took a class on altering photos and one on stenciling. These are two things I don't do too much of in my work so I was glad to try them. Learning, meeting people at the classes, being surrounded by lots of creativity, self-paced art-making, quiet, self-care. Yes, please. Now I am home with all of the crazy that that can mean...and I love that, too. Off to pop some corn and watch a movie with all my peeps. xoxo
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![]() Ahhhhhhhhhhh. Spring is here. It's my favorite season for its newness. Rebirth. Clean slate. There are a few other times of year I like for this reason too...New Year's Day, of course. I love how that always feels like another chance. Another chance to set goals. To feel clean--helps when you put away all the Christmas decorations. Another time is the first day back to school for the kids after a long summer. But, yeah, nothing feels as good to me as s.p.r.i.n.g. Ahhhhh. The green buds poking through the old brown leftover plants in my yard!? Yes, please! Pink buds on my naked winter trees! Yay! Seeing sprigs popping up where I had forgotten I planted new bulbs last year! Woo Hoo! Today I went to Occoquan where I get my hair cut about every ten weeks. The town is sweet and eclectic. Getting my hair done makes me feel better--a fresh start, like spring! Best part--scalp massage! After the salon, I allow myself to wander in and out of shops. I don't know that area that well, so I enjoy the idea of freely meandering without worry. I sat outside at a cafe and had a salad. Then I got a mani-pedi at a cute little nail salon. It was more relaxation and I loved it. Best part--calf massage and hand massage! :) I highly recommend getting out once in a while to rejuvenate. Wander around a cute town for an hour or two. Sit at a sidewalk cafe and sip an iced tea while people-watching. Especially this spring. Get out there and let the rebirth inspire your next move. Ahhhhhhhh. |
Authorwoman, wife, mother, learner, teacher, maker, writer, reader, artist. Lover of laughing, aha moments, spring, yard sales, thrift stores, cannolis and lots more stuff. Archives
July 2021
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