Happy Spring

Sorry I've not been around. Just trying to get some things done around here. Cleaning and drawing and painting and walking and enjoying the spring sunshine.
Hope you are getting some spring sunshine, too.

xoxo ~Jo~


*here

Chocolate Milk

Is it really odd that I am eating pineapple and thinking about chocolate milk? The temperature soared to nearly 80 today and the thought crossed my mind that I didn't drink nearly enough hot chocolate this winter. What was I thinking? Here it is, almost spring, and I somehow seemed to miss hot chocolate season all together. In my defense, it has been a hell of a fall and winter. I am glad to see the weather change, and hopefully all the other cruddy stuff along with it.

But, back to chocolate milk. I really like the stuff. I really like chocolate Silk soymilk in particular. Is that odd for a 31 year old? I don't really care if it is or not. I love me some chocolate milk. And at the moment I'm out. And now that it's on my mind, I think I'll be making a trip to the grocery store tomorrow. Do you like chocolate milk?

I know. That is the most random bunch of blah, blah, blah you have read today. Or maybe this week. Forgive me. I'm here, so I just thought I would share what's on my mind.
Anything random on your mind lately?

Thinking About....goals and ambitions.

The past few months, my mind has been focused on what the hell I'm gonna do for an income. As most of you know, I quit my job at an auto body repair shop over a year ago. I had dreams of putting all my time and effort into my Etsy shop and, hopefully, seeing it flourish like all these other shops seem to do. But that hasn't happened. And I'm having to fall back and rethink my goals once again.

You see, the hubs and I are planning on building a house this year. The plan is drawn and the pricing is being figured. I hadn't mentioned it before because I don't like to jump the gun. I didn't want to get excited about it and then it not happen. But now that we are on the verge of getting the loan, I am panicking. I had been making a little bit of money here and there painting houses, but not enough to feel like I was contributing to our income. And, so, now I am faced with the thought of having to get another job.

I probably don't have to tell you just how much that thought drains all of the joy right out of my soul. I have never been happier than I am being able to stay at home. While other people dream of high profile jobs, making tons of money, I dream of being the artist that I was born to be. But Lord knows I have a tiny little problem with making things happen.

So, for the first time in my life, I have set some goals. And a time limit. (gasp!) I have until May to get some painting done, photograph it, weed out all the crap in my store, put together a somewhat cohesive collection, and totally re-vamp my Miz. November store. And then........well, who knows? But that is what I have so far. I have some things to discuss with you in the coming weeks, so I hope you are willing to give me your opinions and words of advice. It's now or never, people. And I hope I have your support in trying to make my dreams come true.

This is only the beginning. Maybe.




*those awesome earrings that I am wearing up there are from Tribal Style. Don't they look bad ass?

Guest Appearance

Hey! I did a little guest post for Annalise over on Little Box of Crayons. Go check it out for some tips on getting your inspiration back.

Sunshine

I'm still sitting here wiping snot from my nose (nice thought, huh?), trying to entertain an overactive puppy who will not stop whining because we haven't went for a walk since I have been sick. My brain is on short cycle right now, unable to process long and complex thoughts. So most ideas for blog posts are on hold for the moment. (It has seriously taken me about fifteen minutes to write this much.) But Daniella (from the Daniella Marie Blog) tagged me with a little Blogger Sunshine award. So, I am going to answer a few little questions and call it a day. How does that sound? By the way, if you haven't checked out Daniella's blog before, I suggest you do so. She has been doing a little series about film photography and talking to photographers about why they love working with film. Not to mention, the blog is full of her own beautiful photography and sweet personality.

Now, on to the questions.

Favorite Color: Yellow (at the moment. but always subject to change.)
Favorite Animal: Gus is my favorite personally, but I'm also fond of giraffes.
Favorite Non-Alcoholic Drink: Sweet Tea
Facebook or Twitter: Neither (does that make me old school or just lame?)
Getting or Giving Gifts: Giving; but who doesn't like getting gifts, too?
Favorite Flower: Impossible to choose. Climbing roses, peonies, poppies, daffodils........
Favorite Pattern: Plaids and Stripes
Passion: The Pursuit of Being Content (not complacent, but content)
Favorite Number: 7

Now. I would tag some others to answer these little questions. But to be completely honest with you, my head feels like it might split apart at any moment. So, I am going to just log off and close my eyes. Thanks, Daniella, for tagging me. I enjoyed it! Hopefully, I will see you all again soon. Hugs. (sorry. I didn't mean to get snot on your shoulder. oops.) ;)


*pic from here.

In Like a Lion

March definitely came in like a lion, kicking my ass with a helluva cold. Snotty nose, scratchy throat and the odd tendency to get dizzy easily. But, nevertheless, I feel pretty blessed. I am sitting in my nice warm house, watching the snow floating outside. I have warm food on my table and a stockpile of medicine.

My heart is heavy for those who have lost their homes and loved ones from the tornadoes across the country in the last few days. I can't even begin to imagine the horror of losing everything you own in a matter of seconds. My prayers are with them, and I hope yours are, too. Let's all hope that March goes into lamb mode pretty quickly.

Much love
~Jo~


*pic from here.

Friday Fantasy

Honestly, I really can't even believe that it's Friday already. It seems like it was just Friday yesterday. And let's not mention that February is over! Hello, March. It has been a hectic week here in my world. Please forgive me for being too distracted to blog.

As far as fantasies go for this Friday, this one is exactly what I need. I big field full of stress reducing, relaxing, beautiful lavender. I can just feel the warm sun on my skin and smell the heavenly aroma in my nose.

I hope you all have a lovely weekend ahead of you. I'm hoping for a little chill time, myself.

Hugs and Sunshine.
~Jo~


*via here.