I'm not defensive- this is normal

Most of my books are on bookshelves throughout various rooms in the house, including the basement.  However, the books I am currently reading are all in the bedroom because I usually read in the evenings before I go to sleep.  Thirteen might seem a little excessive, but I have explanations for each and every one, I promise.

Books 1-9 are found on my nightstand.

1. Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer: I almost finished this Book Club book.  It is based on a true story and took awhile to get into.  I didn't make it to the discussion/movie, so I didn't make time to finish it.
2. Run by Ann Patchett: Borrowed from Amanda (BFA)- I started this Ann Patchett book months (maybe years?) ago and it just hasn't been as alluring as The Magician's Assistant or Bel Canto.  I am halfway through and will finish it someday!
3. The Bible: I think I've had this Bible since 7th grade.  New International Version was what we used in religion classes and my preferred version.  It is worn from years of travel between other books in my backpack.
4. Dare to Repair, Replace & Renovate by Julie Sussman & Stephanie Glakas-Tenet: R gave me this book for my last birthday.  Some parts are fun for now, and I look forward to using it more when we own a house.
5. Encyclopedia of the Exquisite by Jessica Kerwin Jenkins: Read 6.
6. Just My Type by Simon Garfield: Both 5 and 6 were gifts from Amanda, birthday presents from 2011 and 2012.  I haven't finished either, but have been making my way through each.  I think in each of the notes she wrote, part of the reason she picked the book for me was because of the cover.  I was completely giddy when I opened each one.
7. Writing Personal Notes & Letters by Jennifer Williams: I purchased this as a gift to myself.  I enjoy writing and receiving notes/letters and thought it would be a nice book to have around for looks.
8. Room by Emma Donahue: BFA- I've heard such great reviews about this book, and both R and Amanda have already read it.  I am only a few pages in, because right after I borrowed it, we found out our next Book Club book.  See 9.
9. The Orchid Thief by Susan Orlean: I realized I don't really need to buy every Book Club book and decided it was time to give my wallet a rest.  Only a couple chapters in, but this library book is a fairly quick read so far.  I just need to remember to return it on time.
10. Running With Scissors by Augusten Burroughs: Last month's Book Club book.  I FINISHED THIS BOOK ON TIME.
11. Winnie the Pooh by A. A. Milne: BFA- the inspiration for Amanda's wedding invitations.  See other wedding posts.
12. A Year of Mornings by Maria Alexandra Vettese and Stephanie Congdon Barnes: I found this book when I was reorganizing the office a few weeks ago.  I actually had bought two copies- one for Amanda and one for myself.  The book is a compilation of photos that two women blogged back and forth.
13. The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory: Book Club book.  Didn't even start it.  Didn't watch the movie.  Someday.

 

Books 10-13 also serve as decoration on the shelf above the bedroom table.

Behind the Display: Entrance

photograph by Jason Harms of Harms Studio

Simplicity and Consistency (with other displays) were key for this display, which wedding guests saw before they were escorted to their seats.

1. Decorative Letters
2. Picture
3. Jars

• Vintage jars from MOB's (mother of the bride) collection
• Other canning jars from family and friends
  

photograph by Jason Harms of Harms Studio

More on the letters: they were inspired by the One Single Photo. While I came up with other lighter options for the "LOVE" display, the A & C letters were what I had in mind from the start.

My co-worker became engaged shortly before Amanda, and I shared the inspirational photo with her. She is a creative person and I knew she would love the idea. She and her fiance were gracious enough to cut the A & C letters out of wood they had on hand.

I wrapped the lace on a roll around the letters, and the ampersand was covered in blue gradient yarn. The lace was easy, though time-consuming (the fabric was pretty wide and would catch on the unfinished wood. The yarn took much longer than I expected. I had to hot-glue gun more often than on the lace. I did end up with a few battle scars from burning myself, as the hot glue came through both the lace and yarn quite easily.

The textures of the lace and yarn and colors of cream and blue- all against the texture and color and of the hay and grass- added some romance, intrigue, and comfort to the ceremony.

Because good ideas can be used more than once OR Back to the wedding

I know there appears to be a theme for the homemade gifts, but it was not intentional. I am not planning to create door wreaths for all of the gifts. Homemade Gift: 2 was crafted to provide a gift for a new homeowner, and the grapevine wreath was appropriate for the giraffe theme.

The first wreath was fitting for its recipient because I used the grapevine and cloth combination in the "Love" display, so it was a nod to the wedding.

photograph by Jason Harms of Harms Studio

I suppose I still I have quite a few wedding subjects to touch on, including the larger displays at the ceremony site. Each display was meaningful to the bride and groom for certain reasons.

Homemade Gift: 2

This is for a college friend. I'll call her "Amanda 2" because we had five Amandas between two floors in our college dorm our Freshman year. Amanda 2 recently moved to Lincoln, so I see her occasionally. She also purchased her first home, and every homeowner needs decoration for her front door. Amanda 2 has a little bit of an obsession with giraffes, so it was pretty easy to brainstorm ideas for her homemade gift.



Thank you Hobby Lobby! I purchased the wreath, yellow paint (already had white on hand) and wood letter in a quick trip. I forgot how fast acrylics dry, making the painting process even quicker than I anticipated. I did have fun blending the yellow and white and creating a gradient, much like real-life giraffes.

Homemade Gift: 1

I typically avoid "reposts" and "share this status" ploys on Facebook. But I saw this on the page of a Midland alum who does crocheting, and I thought it would be fun to break away from my normal jobs. Plus I have a whole year! Haha, yes, I know this could possibly end up biting me (I still have to attempt Andrew's 2012 blog dare), but I have two gifts completed and delivered, so I am on track!


I made this door wreath for a Fremont friend; through the magic of Facebook, we have stayed in touch over the last few years. Facebook has this amazing ability to make us think that we see each other more often than we really do. I have watched her grand kids grow through pictures, and she has provided encouragement through comments. I saw her occasionally about a year ago, and she offered support as I traveled back and forth to Fremont while Grandma was in the hospital and nursing home.

I had not seen my friend since September for Amanda's wedding. She and her husband were one of the host couples- so I thought it would be fitting to use some fabric scraps to create something to remind them of their friendship with Amanda and involvement in that day.

Let's focus

I spent an hour at Hobby Lobby this afternoon, and as leisurely as it was, my mind still was going in a million directions. Every section is alluring, and I probably visited each aisle with one intention and leaving with a different idea. Personal projects, potential money-making plans, bridal shower and wedding reception decorating, home decor, birthday gifts. I know I go through phases, but right now I'm trying to attack all of them at once.

My RSS feed has exploded, and as of the last few weeks, the first links I visit are the most recent additions:


What is a girl to do? I can't just sit at a computer, browsing blogs with all of my free time (although it would be very easy). I don't visit my photography and home decorating blogs as long or as much anymore, but that's okay for now.

The goal now is to start researching less and doing more.

Hello there

Hi there- are you still there? It's been almost two weeks since I've posted, which is a shame because I had been so consistent of late. That's okay, though, because I have been pretty busy. So many goals and deadlines, plus holidays and family celebrations have made the month of June absolutely fly by!

One goal I am working on is in regards to our meals. With my work schedule in Lincoln, I never make it home before six. And then of course do I feel like making a meal? Well my goal is to plan ahead better so that we can have well-balanced meals.

It worked for a couple of days in a row, and here is the first meal:


The next day I made crab alfredo, which I had been craving for a very long time.

The third day that week, I was having the girls over for a wedding work night, to assemble invitations. Luckily, Ben had some time that afternoon and prepared chicken enchiladas for us lucky ladies. I came home to final directions. Check out the layout:


Note the pre-drained olives? What a stud!



So here is the finished masterpiece:


Last week was busy as well, and I wasn't home much for supper. Maybe this week will be better again. Wish me luck!

Before and/or After

So Spring is here, and we've had lots of rain- which results in weeds. Luckily we had nice weather and I had some extra time last weekend, so I bit the bullet and worked outside for a little.

We didn't do anything to the front porch area when we moved in, except that my mother-in-law (MIL) transplanted some flowers from her yard and Ben and I bought some pretty red mulch.



Thank goodness we didn't use the whole bag- I used it up this last weekend after pulling weeds. What a difference! I forgot to take "before" pictures (but believe me it was not pretty), so these will suffice as my "before" pictures, as I plan on doing a little bit more to the yard.




I ran across some shepherd hooks on sale at Hobby Lobby (spring items on 50% clearance!) and was set on a hanging basket. My MIL suggested moving some of the hostas that came with the house and/or placing more mulch to cover some of the dead/weedish areas in the corner.



I'm still figuring out my gameplan, but I am also thinking about transplanting some of Grandma's peony bushes.

Decisions, decisions.

First and foremost: I'm buying gardening gloves. I have a few battle scars from pulling weeds.

A different appreciation

These photos were taken back in May 2009. Ben's cousin was about to get married, and her bridal party bouquets were all peonies from her parents' and in-laws' backyards and from the Midland campus. I can't remember the last time I purchased cards (well except for gifts and yes, my wedding thank yous) and so I visited Grandma's backyard for some inspiration to make the bride and groom's card.





I ended up taking, I believe, the light pink image, and manipulating it in Photoshop. Closely cropped, monotone (grayscale image printed in one ink) dark pink on vellum, and overlaying the handwritten message on paper beneath--it was not the most obvious rendition of a peony, but I was very pleased.

That's what happens sometimes. Until now, I hadn't shared these images with anyone; they were simply used as inspiration and one was manipulated enough to represent what I wanted to keep of the original.

Now I can look at them with different memories- reminders of the pride Grandma had walking around her garden, and the anticipation and joy she felt as the peony bushes grew and bloomed.

Part of a Walk Through Fremont show with Rachel, Fall 2007-
read the Tribune article!

In college I met so many other people that inspired and/or encouraged me as well, whether through writing, music or photography. I scrapbooked with friends, helped with design for recitals, worked on the school newspaper. My roommates and friends still encourage me. And marrying into Ben's side of the family exposed me to very creative and ambitious people as well.

So it's interesting how one thing- like Cousin Jane giving my aunt a handmade wedding dress- can bring back so many memories and make this girl so nostalgic. Thank you to my 2.5 readers (I'm pretty sure my readership has gone up) and to those who have inspired or encouraged me over the years. Until I sat down and really wrote about it (and yes, I could write more!), I hadn't really realized the extent of my support network up to this point.

My mother-in-law helping with our new place;
she also covered our dining chairs and sewed a matching table runner

Mama's Family

I was lucky to be surrounded by people who encouraged me in my creative pursuits. As a little girl, I loved reading and writing and my mom would take me on countless trips to the public library to pick out books. From instructional and crafty books, to connecting to characters like Claudia from The Babysitter's Club series, those books inspired me to become a writer, an artist, to be creative at anything I wanted.

Nostalgic trip back to Ben Franklin July 2009

I always received unique and educational gifts from my mom's side of the family; I remember specifically a rubber stamp-making set from the Yonemuras. Grandma "Jima" would take me to Ben Franklin for handmade and origami paper. All of the cousins enjoy origami, and the older (girl!) cousins got me hooked on beading, stamping, and card-making.

Why I will start wearing dresses more often

Ben planned our Valentine's evening. I came home to spinach and artichoke dip and chips and oh yes flowers. I sneaked upstairs and shimmied into a dress while he finished up cooking dinner: steak and homemade herb butter; sauteed asparagus and mushroom gnocchi. Delicious!!

I started clearing some dishes and was stopped by my Valentine. "Honey, don't worry about the dishes. You have a dress on!" Best. Valentine's. Ever.

Ben had a(nother) test coming up, so he studied and I kept him company while watching one of my favorite movies. And then...we went to the gym. Am I bragging? Maybe. Only because 1) we enjoyed the time we spent together and 2) it is a goal of ours to start working out again, so here's hoping I can post again about working out!

Back in the game...maybe

I don't really feel guilty for not posting lately, because I've been skipping out in order to be productive. Shocking, I know. I just finished up the OCM Institute 2011 brochure; and am currently working on two wedding designs. Also, I'm diving into Relay for Life again. I guess testing the waters is more like it, because I am volunteering in a completely different role than in years past; and it's a job I can do from home.

Yes, another "job" that keeps me at the computer.

I should really go to the library and check out the next book for Book Club (yes this is a hint the Book Club blog needs to be updated).

I am super excited for my biggest job this year so far: wedding plans! Singlepluscat will need to have a spin-off blog soon.

We were able to see her just after the proposal and celebrated by trying out Jones Bros. Cupcakes. What a treat! The atmosphere was fun too.

Mmm sweet and salty cupcakes...

So remember the project that was going to help spur my creativity and force me to produce more work? Sadly, still just good intentions. I've only managed to doodle here and there. Here's to better accountability!

Rotating gallery

I have been very excited about this project, inspired by some photos I saw in a magazine (see last post). I tried to keep it a secret, but I am just a bit too impatient.

I love elements of Lobster and Swan's home decorations, but she has a very Victorian style, so I decided to incorporate my favorite elements into my own home.

My goal, now that I am finishing up some bigger freelance jobs, is to spend more time drawing in pencil and perhaps working on more watercolor projects. They are intended to be quicker and smaller pieces. This gallery I have set up will allow me to display what I am working on--and hopefully force me to keep producing.

I decided, I must do this!

So a few weeks ago I was inspired by a magazine I found, "Artful Blogging." I absolutely loved reading some consistent bloggers' insight on what they post about, and what inspires them. In particular, the writer of Lobster and Swan intrigued me. I loved the photos she posted and her excerpt.

In the magazine and on Facebook she posted photos of her home:

We eat dinner at a dining table, thank you very much

Okay folks, the last few weeks have been a whirlwind of moving, working, driving and job searching. I have to say the weeks have been busy and productive, but I have not been chronicling anything on this blog. I have been ruminating about what will make good posts in the future, and would like to echo Andrew's idea of "treats" for readers (you know, you 1.5 readers out there).

Please don't chastise me for not having a photo. I feel bad enough.

About a month ago I met a goal of mine: to finish a piece for an exhibition. Out of the 23 candidates, I was not chosen, but I plan on entering again next year. It was a good goal and very satisfying--and accomplishing it makes me more confident and even hungry for more projects. (Plus, I can use the image for greeting cards.)

New subject, relating to the post title:

Last Friday I came home late after a long/busy day at work, and then of course the drive home from Fremont. My in-laws had been in town and they and Ben moved in our new dining table and buffet. I was ecstatic. For the first two years of our marriage, we have eaten over our coffee table. We have a real table now!

Our first official meal I cooked in the house, and that we ate at the table, was on the Fourth of July. My grandma and aunt came over and I fixed homemade mashed potatoes, sauteed asparagus and onions, and coffee brownies. KFC supplied the fried chicken, as usual. It was magnificent to eat a real meal at a real table.

This subject matter may not be very exciting; but it does relate to the nature of my posts, in that I like to keep track of progress. Progress in the kitchen is included, and I really enjoyed spending time on the food. Especially after Ben starts school in August, I will need to learn how to balance my time in the kitchen, on the housework, and with my freelance and personal projects.

This evening we enjoyed supper with our neighbors; they hosted a fajita night and Ben took the homemade GUAC and I tried a new recipe for dessert, keeping in the theme. I was thrilled at how the dessert turned out, as quick and simple as it was. It's a keeper!

Artist Statement

I am honest in my work. I stay true to color; to form and the beauty of natural curves; and to the intricacies of texture. Every detail must remain intact to appreciate reality, even if the natural beauty is overwhelming due to its surreal characteristics.

The mind can capture and distort. The camera is reliable and true to each person’s perspective. I choose photography as a basis for my work (always with natural light, so nothing is forced). A photo reveals my design, my perspective. Then, when I choose the media, that too is my interpretation of the subject. There is the practical decision, based on the juxtaposition of dark and light; the need for blending or layering; the degree of vibrancy and definition. Then there is my emotional choice, which involves my enjoyment, my pleasure: watercolor is subtle, but with each fresh layer it becomes stronger. Time delivers a different outcome than one might expect, and I lead the piece to its finish.

My process when painting involves first analyzing the infinite amount of layers. I decipher the best way to break down the complexity. A watercolor piece requires time to build, to develop with care. The process is one of patience, until the right moment comes along and the passion takes over. Then time means nothing. Yes, sometimes watercolor can be unforgiving. Other times, mistakes can almost be washed away. They may barely show through, but they are still there and make their marks. Watercolor is appropriate in nature. Nature provides beautiful results over time, like rings developing in a tree, or moss growing on a birdhouse. Just as the subject took time to become what it is, I must have the patience to provide a correct interpretation.

"Birdhouse"; Watercolor and Pencil; 2010

Professional Goal

Thanks to a forwarded e-mail from R, I decided to enter a piece for the Nebraska Governor's Residence Exhibition. For the application, I needed to submit my resume, artist statement, and then five examples of my work. I included the actual piece as one of my five examples; these are the other four portfolio requirements:

"Broken"; Digital Photography; 2009

My work is based on my own photography. I get close to my subject and focus on details, such as the texture of wood. Whether a piece is oil or watercolor, the process for replicating the layers of wood by layering paint is tedious but enjoyable.

"Form"; Digital Photography; 2009

My work is based on my own photography. I get close to my subject and enjoy the abstract results. Form and color are the focus.

"Gazebo Roof"; Oil on Canvas; 2007

Although this painting is oil and not watercolor, so techniques are different, this work shows attention to detail. The texture of the wooden slats was due to multiple layers of paint with some blending.

"Stumped"; Watercolor and Pencil; 2009

This watercolor was commissioned by clients who liked a very similar piece based on the same photograph. The attention to detail is important, but the organic nature of the piece allows for differences from the original watercolor.

Filler

Oh no, have I really only posted twice so far in May?

Here's a quick update (though picture-less):

• I am still hard at work at my job search.
• We will be moving in the middle of June, and I am excited to decorate the townhouse and make it our home for the next four years (AND completely organize it! Right?!).
• I have a couple of freelance jobs I am finishing, one I am starting on, and a personal project I hope to finish by the end of the month.
• Summer is starting, and for the first time in two years that will affect me, as Ben will be starting Dental School in August. That means it really feels like we have a busy summer and goals to meet before school starts. Also, that means shopping for new socks and underwear! ;)