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 =)