Time to Heal

This top image is perhaps one of the most powerful and beautiful journal pages that I have made in quite some time, possibly all year. It is certainly the most important for me. This last year and a half of dealing with the combined effects of Adrenal Fatigue, Hypothyroid, painful and limiting Plantar Fasciitis, as well as a move and many other life questions and uncertainties has been a hard road.

I have found that these issues have featured in my work prominently over the last couple of years. When my journalling relates to my health and my body, it falls into one of two categories, pain or healing. There are the "I'm so frustrated, when is this gonna get better" pages, but lately a new kind of grace has entered my work. Gratitude, acceptance and healing. It can be a long road to recovery, but what has changed most for me is my appreciation of this time. No longer angry and frustrated I am starting to see the gifts that being unwell has given me. It far outweighs the pain and frustration. Murkiness and stuckness begin to clear and with limitations comes new intentions. I hope you are all having a wonderful holiday season and that we can all be grateful for where we are, no matter what it looks like!

Where I Work

This is where I work, seek refuge and find inspiration. This photo is of my well used cutting station, where I crop photos and cut pages for making books. Above is a pin board filled with photos of friends, family, and tidbits of inspiration.

 Another, larger pin board that at the moment holds my collection of all things piratey and of the sea! I love looking up and being inspired by the beautiful art of others.

This is where the journaling happens! I sew here as well as paint and collage in my books. On the opposite wall is wire shelving and across the room there is more studio space. It's a peaceful place for me and I am grateful to have this expanded space to work in!

I'm back from a wonderful Birthday weekend celebration! We headed to Denver for the weekend to cram in as many fun things as I could think of.

This birthday included a stop at the Holiday Handmade Craft Fair, yummy food, fun shops, a matinee of The Nutcracker, and the cherry on top of the whole shebang, strolling with hot cider in hand to see the Denver Zoolights. This is just a glimpse of what was a truly full and magically unforgettable weekend!