working girl *

Today at work, someone introduced me to a group of people as an "office lady," and I'm pretty sure I heard a little part of my soul shrivel up and die. I do work in an office and I even like it (most days), but I guess ever since I started the whole 8 to 5 deal I've considered myself an artist with a day job. I wish I had more time and energy for art and craft- to be honest I can't seem to finish anything lately. As my friend Kate so adequately put it, "This whole making money thing is cramping my style."

I know there are a lot of people out there who are right there with me- so what do you do to stay productive and motivated?

where the wind comes sweeping down the plains *

Like most locals we spent yesterday evening standing out on our front porch when we should have been taking cover. The prospect of entering out 6 ft. square waterlogged storm shelter with D, our two dogs, friend Mike, his dog, neighbor, and- you guessed it, her dog, was possibly more terrifying that braving a twister in a mobile home.

my o miami *

I currently find myself in the torturous purgatory that is post vacation Monday, and I could really go for a Mojito right now. Last week, D and I traveled to Miami to attend his sister's college graduation and to celebrate my birthday. I loved the beautiful beaches, great food, art deco architecture, fun shopping, the MAM, fabulous public sculpture, and the beautiful UM campus. I did not love shining as a beacon of paleness in a sea of excessive orange.

Miami is really a place of extremes; high prices, fast cars, loud music, and extremely little clothing. I found it to be really exciting, and had a great time, but I just could never imagine myself living there. The truth is, I'm not very good at balancing on heels and I don't tan- just burn.

top: Miami photoS by me & D

bottom: pictures from the MAM

within reach *

I once heard an artist say that her best inspiration came from within 50 ft of her house. I must admit- I sometimes find myself dreaming of a romantic country side or charming city scape, and neglect to remember all the little details that make my locale so delightful.

Yesterday, I decided to do a little creative exercise and captured some images from within 50 ft. of my door. I got a couple of new ideas for print patterns (which I will share soon), and enjoyed getting reacquainted with my little landscape. I'm thinking about expanding the project into a full-on neighborhood index, with sample collection, mapping, illustration, and perhaps some ethnography. The urban pioneer?

You might want to embark on an intimate expedition of your environment. After all, you never know what you might find in your own literal or metaphorical backyard.