challenges with the challenge

I've been at this challenge thing for almost 2 weeks now and have managed to accomplish my goal maybe a total of one week! It's kind of disappointing because I had time most of the days I skipped to mess in my sketchbook or jot notes in my journal but chose instead to spend that time with Facebook. Granted there were a couple days where I really didn't have time but they were in the minority.

I'm not sure whether to try to go on with this challenge or to just forget about it. On the one hand, the days I did succeed in doing something artistic ended with a sense of accomplishment rivaled only by improved mile splits. On the other, there are days where it just won't happen no matter how impressive my intentions due to scheduling or priorities (ex. wifely responsibilities like cooking dinner and cleaning up the dishes, spending time with the hubby, or church activities).

I don't want to throw in the towel 2 weeks in, but maybe some compromise is in order? For example, if time simply doesn't allow then it's not worth stressing over. I don't want this challenge to take the fun out of drawing. It's relaxing right now; I'd really like for it to stay that way!

All that to say, tomorrow is a new day. Being a Sunday, I should have time without excuse to spend working on my latest project. I'll let you know how that goes...

finished product

I finally finished the picture I posted earlier this week. It looks better in my sketchbook but even that isn't perfect. Oh well, I guess I'm a little out of practice.

new adventures

Recently I've been in awe of different people's creativity. Whether watching LA Ink and being totally floored by the talent the tattoo artists have or reading a friend's creative writing, I've felt mildly (note, not totally!) incapable. But one afternoon while I was contemplating someone else's abilities versus my lack thereof, I was reminded that I do have some things I manage to do somewhat ok.

As I was going back and forth with myself, I happened to click on a blog describing one woman's challenge to herself to do yoga every day for a year, whether at home or at a studio. This inspired me to do something similar with my artistic expressions. My goal isn't to be so strict as "every day I must draw a picture" but it is to do something expressive, whether writing, playing the keyboard that's been collecting dust since it made it's way into our apartment, or working in my sketchbook. Obviously not everything will be posted here, but from time to time I will try to remember to put up a pic of what's new in my sketchbook as proof of actually doing this challenge. Please feel free to hold me accountable. =)

So, without any further ado, I give you the first project I'm working on. It isn't finished yet, but it's far enough along you can (hopefully!) see some of it. Once it's finished that will make it's way on here as well. =)

whim or divine inspiration?

Recently, I had the brilliant idea to go back to school. Not to finish the degree I started, no, that would be too easy. My thought was to go back to school for a degree in art history with a minor in Italian. What would I do with this degree? The initial thought was to work for a museum and possibly travel to Italy to restore pieces and study them...but on further review, that wouldn't leave much time for a hubby (and he is still my priority!) If Hubby traveled with me (which would be ideal!) it would imply that he'd be unemployed...not really promising if you think of the debt I could build up working toward a degree like that. Which leaves me wondering: why something as random as art history? Why now? How much debt DO I want to put us in, what with looking for a car and Steve looking for a teaching job?

So what I'm left with is pretty simple really: pray. If God intends me to follow this whim, He'll open doors and provide where we need provision. If it's not in His plan for me, then it won't happen, pure and simple. I would ask that you join me in praying for direction. Thanks =)

if there is anything praiseworthy

Philippians 4:8 - "Finally brethren, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy - meditate on these things."

Recently I've been nudged towards spending more time in prayer and memorizing Scripture, two things I struggle with. The above verse was in my Bible reading today and just struck me, so I added it to my repertoire of memory verses (all two of them! But hey, it's a start). Hopefully it'll stick and be a good reminder on those days where I just want to complain about everything.

And speaking of praiseworthy, I talked to my mom yesterday and learned that Dad has stopped using his cane almost completely! Praise God!! A couple weeks ago he spoke with his doctor about looking into hemiplegic (spelling?) migraines, which originate in the right side of the brain (that's where the "hemi-" part comes in) and cause temporary paralysis of the left side of the body (hence the "-plegic"). Both Dr. Madney and the neurologist in Missoula thought the migraines could be a possibility so they changed Dad's medication (interestingly enough, if he takes regular migraine meds, it can cause a stroke. Weird.) And voila! He's walking again! Most likely he'll be on these meds for the rest of his life, but hey, if it continues to work, that's a small price to pay for mobility! Thank you Lord! =)

it's been awhile

Apparently I'm a bit of a slacker when it comes to updating my blog...seriously, since July! hahaha oh well. Life has been a bit crazy here, and doesn't seem to show any signs of slowing down right away.

Dad seems to be doing much better. He was able to go to church (and Sunday school! huge blessing for him) with just a cane rather than a walker or not at all. He is still seeing a physical therapist and still tires easily, but hopefully by winter he'll be able to take care of himself long enough for mom to at least work part time. Maybe.

Mark ships out for boot camp next week. Monday afternoon he checks in at Butte for processing, goes through processing Tuesday and flies out Wednesday for Ft. Jackson, South Carolina. He's (understandably) nervous but super excited to get past boot camp to his training: he gets to learn how to repair tanks! He sounds like a kid at Christmas-time when he talks about it. =)

Those are the big updates in our lives. Continued prayers for strength and healing in Dad and safety and mental toughness for Mark would be appreciated. Thanks! =)

why?

What can I say or do that'll make it go away? How do I make the hurt stop? I remember apple picking and going to her baby shower. I had the chance to see her a couple weeks ago and was too selfish, too lazy, too something...and now, it's too late.

I pray for peace and comfort for her family and friends, especially Tim. For healing for Jordyn. For understanding as to why this could happen...

RIP Morgan and Hannah, you will be missed.