The RAIN to the wind said...

Working on my first two pages of Ali's journal, and I cannot keep her love for Samson and her painful heart out of my pages. I know this month's theme isn't a sad one, and my entry isn't actually sad, I just hope it helps her along on her journey when she holds it in her hands again.

Collaboration

I told Anna all about the project and had a great talk with her about how everyone's interpretation of art and themes is different and that's what makes it so cool. So, I told her about this months theme and I asked her to do my first two pages. I love that she's contributing to this. Another amazing artist has begun.

Let it rain.

I guess it's not all that surprising that I'm so creatively inspired by this Monty's "dancing in the rain" theme since I'm the one who selected it. That said, doing my spreads in Maite's journal this month has been incredibly therapeutic for me. This month I have rediscovered why this project is so important to me. I hope that the other girls find similar moments for themselves.

Expression

I received Maite's journal at a really good time the other day. Things in my life have been chaotic and upsetting over the past week and a half, following a cancer diagnosis and surgery for my sweet kitty cat, Samson. I've been on an emotional roller coaster, with good days and bad, but both magnified to near manic proportions. Yesterday was really rough, but I was able to deal with it by working on a spread in the journal. This project, as it turns out, is very therapeutic.

Also? Maite's journal may just be the coolest thing I've ever seen. Doing my best to contribute to it accordingly and keep the artistic vibe going.

The next step.

The time has come.

To put my journal in an envelope and mail it to one of the other amazing ladies. I am excited. I was afraid for ages to affix the photo to the cover for fear of ruining it, but I did it today and it looks great. I added some more details inside and off my baby will go.

I am looking forward to receiving one and putting as much love and care into their pages as I did into mine.

The next chapter of this project awaits. Soon, we will come up with a new theme for the next four pages and the wheels will begin to turn again.

Therapeutic

Taking a few minutes to do something in the journal is so calming and enjoyable. If feels good. The fact that we will be sharing these adds such a cool dynamic to the process. I want it to be lovely for the others. Initially, I wanted to keep my pages clean and simple because I'm not that much of an artist, but I've found I like going back to add more. And the oil pastels that have transferred to the adjacent page make it cooler.

We will be putting them in the mail soon. Excited to send my sweet book off and get someone else's in return. So happy to be a part of this.

Light on a sick day

My boy. He's 14 and sometimes I forget that 14 is just still so young. He's been sick for a few days so I took the day to get him to the doctor. He'll be fine. Chicken noodle soup has been administered, and the virus he has will run its course. I'm here for snuggling, if he's in need.

I was able to steal a little time for journaling. A little escape in a day of mothering, disinfecting of the house, and sunny snowfall.

Here's to those beginnings that inspire...