Flying Time

Good Gravy! Has is really been more than a week since my last post? As a child, I never believed those adults who consistently stated that time flies. For I had great proof that time in fact did not fly: it seemed almost an eternity between Christmases. After all, it was almost 10 years between the Christmases of my youth.

Yet, here I am as an adult...adamant that time really does fly. In fact, Christmases have sped up considerably over the years and now they are only about 6 months apart. Tragic really. I never can seem to catch up. I am always caught in a state of recovering from Christmas and preparing for the next one. The only consolation is that it seems that everyone I know is stuck in that same time-warp-loop.

I really do have a great many excuses for my more-than-a-week hiatus. First, my mother and littlest sister were in town for a few days. I spend every single spare moment chatting with them. I love having another adult living in the house with me, even if it only lasts a few days. It is so nice to have someone politely speak back to you, in complete sentences, as you babble about during the day. Another perk is that there is someone around to verify that you aren't going crazy as you run from task to task. It really is refreshing to know that the things that you find difficult like driving schedules, really are difficult. You are not just a wimper-bimper.

Second, baby Wy is in the midst of teething which means that he isn't taking a regular afternoon nap as required by law. He's fussy and needy from the hours of 1-3 PM which is my only time to do things like blog, work in the studio and think clearly. I'm finding my thoughts scrambling like little fruit flies over an overripe apple. Quite disconcerting, I might add.

Third, I came down with mastitis once again. It seems to be a regular thing now. Every 6 weeks I'm achy and moany for a few days until the antibiotics kick in and restore me to my happy self. Such a bummer.

Fourth (as if I need to explain myself further) in those rare moments of somewhat solitude, I've been working on our taxes which isn't one of my favored activities. Doing the taxes puts me in a crabbish sort of mood. I'm sure you understand.

Fifth, I've been busy planting our vegetable garden and working in our flowerbeds. (Oh! How I love growing things!) We just planted 8 rose bushes, a fruit salad tree (nectarine, peach and plum branches grafted onto a trunk) and I'm currently building a raised garden for each of the children. Although I find this work to be exciting and replenishing, it still sucks up much of my open hours.

Finally, I've been busy planning new adventures that include starting up a youth theater in our local community, starting a new program at the kids' elementary school and starting my own business. Yes, I'm crazy. Completely and thoroughly crazy.

But, I can take a lovely picture of Peace, one of my new roses. Let me show you.

 I love how the children are as invested in the gardens as I am. They know each of the roses by name and eagerly refer to them like members of our family. "Mom, have you seen Mr. Lincoln today?" They'll ask me. "He's got a new bloom! So red!"

They each took one perfect bloom to their teachers yesterday. It was a very thrilling adventure for each of them. We carefully wrapped each of the cut stems in a wet paper towel and placed them in a sandwich baggie. The presentation may have been primitive, but their feelings were quite tender. I smiled as I dropped each of them off, carefully clutching their beautiful rose, backpacks on their backs. Good gravy, I love these people.

All About Me: Sample Lesson

In case you weren't excited enough about my new Shimmerz class: All About Me...

I've got a sample lesson for you to view! This sample lesson is not included in the 16 videos that are in the class. So you're getting a little bit extra.

In this short excerpt, I demonstrate how I created the peek-a-boo page on the cover of my mixed-media album.

Enjoy!



You can register for my class at the Stash-To-Treasure site. What you need to do is register on the site. Then, once you are registered choose to become a subscriber. The entire class is only $5.00. Class begins April 1, 2011.

See you there!

xoxo
Bethany

The Point of Being Alive

I think that I'm kinda in a midlife re-centering. I'm not sure exactly what brought it on. It isn't like I focus a lot on my age. In fact, sometimes I have to think about it when someone asks me. Yet, lately, I've been evaluating myself more than usual. It is like I'm rediscovering me: what I enjoy...what I don't...

I'm amazed by all the things that I've forced myself to do over the years simply because I thought that I was supposed to. Things that I thought would make me a better mother, wife, daughter, sister if I did them. Things that I don't enjoy at all. Things that aren't me. For example, I don't really enjoy cooking. Yes, I do it because my family likes to eat, (darn them!) but I've felt guilty for years because I'm not the woman who always has cookies coming out of the oven or fresh muffins for breakfast. I don't volunteer to make meals for people very often. My kids make their own lunches. Get their own snacks. (Horror!) I've tried to like it. I've tried to make hot breakfasts each morning. I've tried to make myself into Betty Crocker, but my feet are too wide for her shoes. They give me blisters. However, I'm pretty good at teaching. I like to answer interesting science questions and to do experiments. (Bring on that toy volcano!) I like to fiddle around in the garden. (Giant pumpkins, anyone?) I like to take pictures. I like to read.

I'm finally learning that it's okay to let the cooking slide a little: buy the muffin mix instead of making everything from scratch (even though it probably would be much healthier and more economical) so that I have the mental energy to chat about the ocean floor for 20 minutes with a 5 year-old. Or plant a garden with a 9 year-old. Or read a book. Or take an impromptu picture of a double rainbow. Yeah, that's much more me-like.

"The whole point of being alive is to evolve into the complete person you were intended to be. I believe you can only do this when you stop long enough to hear the whisper you might have drowned out, that small voice compelling you toward the kind of work you'd be willing to do even if you weren't paid. And what you do once you turn down the noise of your life and hear that call? You face the biggest challenge of all: to have the courage to seek your big dream regardless of what anyone else says or thinks. You are the only person alive who can see your big picture -- and even you can't see it all." --Oprah Winfrey

I'm learning to listen to that whisper.

Learning to let the guilt go.

Gathering my courage.

Just to be me.

Registering for All About Me

I've had quite a few inquiries about how to register for my All About Me: A Personal Mixed-Media Mini-Album class and upon visiting the site, I can see why. It is a little confusing, but here's the 411.

1. Go to Stash to Treasure.
2. Read through the information. At the bottom of the info, just before the ads, there is a link to log in or register.
3. Click on the register link.
4. You will register for free.
5. Once you are registered, choose to become a subscriber.
6. My class will be available on April 1st.

Here's the link to the info on becoming a subscriber.

If you have any other questions, please email me or leave me a comment.

I hope this helps!

Local Class Reminder

I just wanted to remind you of my Paperclay Face Sculpting class in Phoenix, Arizona this Saturday, March 19th. There are still a few spaces available!

For more information or to register, please visit the R2 Designs website.

I hope to see you there!

All About You -- A New Online Class

I am thrilled to tell you all about a new online class that I'll be teaching April 2011 at Stash to Treasure. The name of the class is All About You. In class, we'll be working together to create a personal mixed-media mini-album all about you. Yes, you.

Watch this short video and you'll know why I chose this topic.



The class consists of more than 12 videos, prompts, inspiration and mixed-media paint techniques galore. You'll be getting all this for only $5.00. Yes, for only the price of a lunch at MacDos. (My class is sugar-free and fat-free too!) giggle...

You can register for class here.

I hope that you join me!

xoxo
Bethany

Nice Accessories

I don't know of any other nine year-olds with accessories like Miss Dani: this girl has the most beautiful nails and hair I've ever seen. She could be a hand model. They are that beautiful. (She didn't inherit my achy-breaky nails, that's for sure...)

Check out the little finger on the left side of the picture. Yeah, I know, pretty amazing.

And her long locks. Gorgeous.

What a beauty.

Soccer Star

We really enjoyed soccer season this year with 3 children in the program. It was Lyssie's very first year in the four year old group. (She was so proud to be big enough to play!) She loved running around waving her beautiful ponytail behind her. I have to admit, she was one beautiful princess soccer player...

 

Cam and Zo were on the same team which was really fun. (Too bad Zo moves up to the older league next season.) It was amazing to see how much each of them improved by the end of the 6 weeks.

The last game of the season for Zo and Cam's team was incredibly exciting. They really played hard and by the end of the game the score was tied 1-1. So they lined up for penalty kicks. I was a nervous wreck (bye-bye fingernails!) when Zo was chosen to defend against the other team as the goalie, but I needn't have worried. She blocked every single kick: with her hands and with her chest. It was amazing. Nothing got past her. I was so proud of her!

Then, as if I needed more...every player had finished kicking his/her penalty kick and the score was still 1-1. That is everyone except for Zo. She was the very last person. The ball was placed on the ground. She backed up. Focused. Ran toward the ball. Kicked it with all her might...the ball soared...and...

She SCORED! Winning the game! I shrieked with joy! (And, I caught the game winning shot...yeah me!)

Whew, just writing about it, makes my heart thump a bit faster! I'm one proud momma.

Best Mail Day Ever

This week my momma sent me a wonderful package filled with home sewn goodness. It was really fun to open a box filled with such love.

She made me the best diaper bag/purse ever. It is big enough to fit almost everything in my life: diapers, changes of clothes, toy trucks, wallet, phone, sketch pad, books and magazines. I totally love it. Plus, it is really mod and the straps are wide enough that they don't cut into my shoulder. I'm seriously styling now!

She also sent the cutest pants ever for baby Wy. You can't tell me that this bum-bum pic doesn't make you smile. I simply won't believe you.

And these cuffs are to die for, n'est-ce pas?

Plus, the pants are reversible which makes them even more fun. I've already placed another order for at least 3 more. (giggle...)

This week has been a busy one creatively even though I can't share any completed projects yet. I've been working on a few pieces as a contributor for a new technique book coming out. Pretty darn exciting, I must say. Although, I'm feeling a slight bit of pressure. I'm also finishing up my April class videos and getting that all organized. Sometime next week, I need to edit 3 hours of footage which is slightly daunting, to say the least. All I can say is that when you sign up for my class, you will certainly get your money's worth! It will be packed. I'll share some sneak peeks at the end of next week. Be on the look out!

Have a fun weekend!

Scenes from the Park

Yesterday the youngest 3 and I spent some time at the park. (The old fogies were all in school.) The park is such a wonderful place to snap fun pictures. Here are a few that I particularly enjoy.

I was lucky enough to accompany this cool dude. If you read this post, you will understand how much that spikey hair fits his personality.

This picture looks more dangerous that it actually was. Don't worry, she didn't fall on her head. (She's just a very vigorous pumper.)

My favorite picture. Love those stripey socks and heart shoes. This was a lucky shot.

I've decided to tote my camera around more often so I can capture the regular times. I am currently reading a few amazing photography books that my momma gifted me for Christmas. I'm not sure how my mom always finds the bestest books, but she does. I'm learning so much about light, angles, viewpoint. Of course, now I want a fancy-dancy camera. Better get my etsy shop going, huh? But, even without a fancy-dancy camera, I'm still able to apply the lessons and improve my photographic skills. Such fun!

Hard Decisions

Lately I've done quite a bit of soul searching. I've thought about my family. I've thought about my art. I've thought about my home. I've thought about my various roles. All this thought has lead me to a few big decisions (and a few headaches!) They've been hard choices that have forced me to close doors to places that I enjoy, but ultimately, I believe they are the best for my family and myself.

I've decided after years of doing reviews for The Scrap Review, to resign from my position as reporter. I've enjoyed every single review I've done for this company. I think that Ashley Harris is fantabulous. However, it is time for me to give someone else a turn.

I've also decided to step down from my role as Shimmerz Education Team Coordinator. Again, I love Shimmerz. I love Stacey McElyea. Yet, right now I need to focus my attention on other matters. I will continue associate with Shimmerz as an endorsed educator which makes me happy. (BTW, be on the lookout for new online Shimmerz classes! My first one is coming up in April...I'll keep you posted!)

These decisions haven't been easy, but I know that they are right for me and I'm excited to see where this new path takes me.