Saturday, December 17, 2011

2011 went by in a flash!

My last post was in February!! Are you kidding? How does time fly by so unbelievably quickly? I don't know. What I do know is that I miss blogging. Even if there really aren't too many people reading what I have to say or share with them, that's okay. I suppose it is because in my heart, I love to write. I always have. And while I do write pretty much daily in my personal journals and books, many times the writing is stream of consciousness with the sole purpose of "just getting it out". There are far too many concerns, ideas, what-if's, to-do's, inspirations, lists, projects, and other bits of random thoughts running through my mind at any given moment. So, I write to clear my head- at times in the morning, but more often at night to empty it all out and hopefully fall asleep easier. It doesn't always ensure a good night's rest; but without a doubt, I feel better afterwards, more... at peace.

Lately I have had a nagging feeling that I should be writing something with a purpose in mind- whether it be to share a great resource, my latest project, documenting important events or requesting feedback on an artistic pursuit or idea. So, that is why I have returned here to my little spot on the internet. To write with some sort of purpose in mind, to share things that I think are fantastic, and to find out if anyone else thinks so. Hopefully I will also feed my desire to be doing something a little bigger with this little life I have been given- in my own little way. But, for now, let's not get carried away with lofty expectations. I will simply give you an update on what has happened over the past year in- what else?- the form of a list.

The Best Things That Have Happened Since Last December
1. I have lost nearly 50 pounds. (Steroids suck and I am glad to be off of them.)
2. I have worked in my books almost everyday using text and image. (Isn't there anyone who will employ me to journal everyday? That would be perfect!)
3. I traveled to Amsterdam and learned A LOT.
4. I found an AMAZING company that I can buy fresh, gluten free, dairy free food from that actually tastes great! (www.myfitfoods.com)
5. I got to see the Spurs whoop the Lakers in LA at the Staples Center- on our way to Hawaii, which was super beautiful even though I was sick half the time.
6. I got to add some AMAZING pieces to my little art collection- they make me super happy!
7. I also got to attend the Kentucky Derby, and although it was friggin' freezing, it was a fun excuse to wear some outrageous headpieces.
8. A couple of friends got married in our backyard, we welcomed another little blond-haired niece into the world, and we got to visit with great friends here at home and at the Jersey shore.
9. My studio is actually in working order and has been for a while now- such a pleasure to just pop in and do some work. I love it!
10. And I've added more art-making/creative time into my life (well, I've tried anyhow) by going to weekend crops, various local classes and joining the San Antonio Calligrapher's Guild. Trying to surround myself with more people that embrace creativity and art-making has been very rewarding and I highly recommend it!

There's probably a lot more awesome stuff that's happened this year, but it's not right on the top of my head right now; so, that's all for now because I have got to get some chores done! Oh yeah, and I still have an amazing family, a gorgeous pooch, a sweet-when-he-wants-to-be-boyfriend that I still love like crazy and a crackling fire. All in all, life is good.

xoxo, iris