Sprucing it Up...

Hello World!

Are you still out there reading? This place has been abandoned. I can't really say that my interests changed, I just lost my mojo.

Then summer came along and I decided it was time to take a break after I finished a few classes and just play.

And I did.

We rode our dirt bikes, went kayaking, played on paddle boards, swam at the lake and river, soaked in hot springs, did yoga, and lounged in my new hammock anyplace I could think to set it up!

Now that winter is settling in...I am doing some "house keeping". My shop is updated, the blog and my facebook page have a new look, and soon I will be offering my services for Web Design and Blog Templates. I have been fiendishly learning and applying some new skills and I am excited to be adding to my abilities. 

Hope you are all doing well...see you back here soon :)

Rhoda

Finish the Trio

Happy Tuesday!

There hasn't been much drawing going on around here.
The weather has been a bit warmer.
We did some exploring down by the river.
We drove to a hot springs.
Went for walks.
Reading some books.

So, I figured we could finish up the animal trio that I created a few weeks ago. If you didn't already pick them up, I posted the giraffe and bear the last few weeks here on my blog :)

Here is the adorable dancing hippo. She makes me think of Fantasia every time I see her :)

Hope you have a wonderful Tuesday!

Rhoda

Playing on the iPad

I've finally taken a few minutes to play on the iPad.

Sketch.

Color.

Blend.

Refine.

It was meant to just be a quick experiment, but I ended up playing with it for a few hours. Here is what I came up with (I was inspired by a sketch on Pinterest...I redrew it with a little bit of a few minor changes and then colored it). Purely for my own personal enjoyment...and then I thought I would share.

I know I could have kept working on her...but I really didn't want to spend forever on something that I'm only using for doodle practice :)

Rhoda

Resolve To Not Resolve...

It's almost here.

The end of 2012 and the start of 2013.

I've never been that great at the "resolution" thing. I either forget that I made one by April, or it just doesn't work.
Things work out for me better if I have the drive and motivation to do them, and then I just do them. No point waiting for a certain time or a perfect day. If I want to do it, I set the plan in motion and I do it.

A few things that I have done recently:

• Had my daughter hide the scale. That number does not own me...and I'm sick of letting it have a say on my day and mood.
• Stepped outside of my comfort zone and followed my husband to the gym. I've always been a "workout DVD" girl. Not now. I go to the gym with my plan, and I do it. All by myself.
• Started being creative for me. Not because I can sell it. I make it because I want to and because I can. I still have ideas for what might be good to put in my shop, but I only make it if I really want to :)

There will be other stepping stones and "aha" moments as I go through the next year, but really, it's just one day leading into the next. One lesson building on the last. One stone of wisdom added to the pile :)

Happy New Year!

Rhoda

Octoberfest...

This weekend we whooped it up Diva style :)

There were so many events it was hard to choose which ones we wanted to do. We spent Friday and Saturday just go-go-going.

Friday night it was dinner out with the girls, then an 80's Flashmob to support Breast Cancer Awareness. We were going to do some Zumba in the Club, but we were all so tired and had a major day to look forward to on Saturday.

It was cold, but so much fun. We went all pink and 80's and then danced to "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" by Pat Benatar. I forgot how many choices there were for 80's style clothes. I could have used three or four more days so I could get through all the ones I wanted. 

Saturday morning we woke up and drove into Missoula for the annual "Diva Day" which is a 5K race that only women participate in, with costumes. FUN!!

We were part of the Bitterroot Justice League and went as the "Fantastic Four". After our walk/race we had breakfast, did some shopping at Costco, lounged at Barnes and Noble, and then drove home.

Phew! It was a whirl wind two days and we had no problem just being bums on Sunday. A good book and a comfy spot. 

Hope you all had a fantastic weekend :)

Rhoda

My Last Assignment...

I finished my figure drawing earlier this week (still have one more quiz, but no more major drawing sessions...phew!).

Today, I finished the last of the inking on my comic. All submitted. All done with that class :) I plan on playing this weekend.

I promised I would share:

It was intense. Time consuming. But I'm pretty happy with it :) It is based on true events...our cat is fat. Super fat. And he has managed to get himself stuck in the washer a few times. We have all learned to leave the lid down when we are done with the wash (even though it is super funny when he gets stuck in there and all you hear is a faint "meow").

Don't forget to post a comment and share a link on Facebook about the giveaway for a chance to win. Saturday is the day!!

Rhoda

Dress Up Time...

Morning.

Thought I would share some of my homework, since that seems to be all I get to do lately. Am I done yet?!

We had to choose a character idea and have someone model different poses for us. I let Kyla play in my  wedding dress:

Probably my most favorite out of all the drawings I have done for this class. I have a comic to write as well...I'll share that when it's all done too :)

Okay. I'm off to be good and get some more drawing done. Really wish I was drawing for fun instead...

Rhoda

My Studio...In Progress

The hard parts are done!

Flooring is in. Trim is finished (and repainted...because "someone" doesn't know how to fill holes).

My new/old desk is in. I bought an old University of Montana study carousel from an Antique Mall in Missoula. Now I am in search of a table to go next to it. Something like a butcher table.

I need a love seat hide-a-bed for this corner. It will either be where guests sleep (my sis has called dibs), or Chris and I will sleep out here and give the parents our bed and bath. 

There was an old mirror floating around in storage. Kyla repainted it for me and then we scuffed it up with sandpaper. It's the last color I will be adding to the room...I swear :)

I thought about repainting my window trim in the blue, but I think I have grown to like the lighter green  on there. At first it made me think of those glow plugs that they use for sights on a shotgun. It's toned down since, or my eyes have adjusted.

This is the building from the outside. It's an "L" shape. Hubby's part is the long side, and mine is the part that makes it an "L". It's only 10x12 so if I'm not careful, it could get really crowded.

I'm tempted to paint the door red, but I can't decide. I'd have to get it in an exterior paint...and then I figure if I am getting another can of paint, maybe it should be a different color. That green or the blue would be good. Sheesh! So many decisions :)

What do you think?

Rhoda

I Really Need To...

I was waiting for some of my drawings to scan last night and started browsing through the pictures on my big MAC (the only kind to have...not those icky burgers!).

There were all sorts of images that I had saved for inspiration. And images of art I have already completed. Then, I came across the art I still want to be making and have ignored for over a year. I really, Really, REALLY need to get back to it.

Art Journaling. I suck at the journaling part. It's the part that probably stalled me last time. Making them. That's the part I really love. They were starting to pile up, and I was feeling guilty about them being made but sitting there empty. Time to give it another go.

Here are some images of my mostly empty one:

I did create and fill one. If you dig back through old posts, or my flickr account you can see it as well. It's time to make another new, fresh one. Vow to start filling this one...and not be concerned with how many sit empty. I'll get to it eventually. Right?

Rhoda

I'm a Moron...Maybe

It was a busy weekend.

Kyla, a friend, and I drove up to Missoula to make a Costco run...and then have some time to play. We picked up my sister when we pulled into town, so it turned into a girls day. The four of us terrorized the town all day.
Costco.
Lunch at MacKenzie River (yum-o).
Target
Barnes and Noble and coffee. That is always a must!

Yesterday, I spent the day catching up on some Etsy stuff. Did a Zumba workout. I bought the DVDs and have been working my way through them. They aren't nearly as fun as the live class, but I was working on it. And then, I finally made it to the "live" DVD. So much better! I told myself when I started that I would at least make it through 30 minutes of it. It was so much fun that I finished the full 55 minutes!

Then, I started playing with an App on my phone called the "Moron Test". Crap! I'm addicted. And can't stop playing. I'm determined to make it to the end of it...and you can hear me growling often :)

I did manage to put my phone away long enough to draw free goodies for tomorrow. Check back. I'm off to prove that I'm not a moron :)

Rhoda

One Crazy Week...

Morning All,

I was hoping to have a new digital goodie for you today, but unfortunately, there has been no time to draw.
We spent the weekend visiting with family and driving (a lot of driving...the family is spread out!). We had fun, but by the time we made it home, we all just found a place to fall and stayed there.

It's the end of the quarter at school. Grade need to be entered into the computer and posted. That is a chore in itself. New assignments to start. Parent teacher conferences. Oh My Goodness!!

My two highlights for the week:
Yoga last night. She challenged us. By the time I was done I had jelly arm. Had to start quoting Open Season :)
And tomorrow I have Zumba!! It's the last class, which makes me sad. I bought the videos. I'm hoping to get that workout in tonight too...but it just popped in my head that I have to clean a house still too (and not even my own...grrr).

I promise to come back with a goodie. Stay tuned :)

Rhoda

Back to the Real World

I'm home.
I could have used a few more days of fun, but I'll take what I can get :)

The adventure weekend started at my dad's, with my sister and my kids. Dinner out. A movie.

The next morning, I delivered the kids to their grandparents (Chris' parents).  Cyra and I started our drive. The plan was to meet my sister Fauna by 4 in Southern Idaho.

We were ahead of schedule, so along the way, we stopped at a hidden hot springs. My dad used to work on the property when I was very little, and we used to swim there through the years. It's been so long that Cyra didn't remember being there. It was a perfect day for it! We even had coffee!

Then, we kept driving. And driving.

We met Fauna at Barnes and Noble, had our coffee and then found a hotel and some dinner. The next day, we shopped, the girls got their hair cut, and then we drove some more.

Our final destination was Lava Hot Springs, Idaho. Perfect. We spent two days, playing, swimming, relaxing, and just being sisters.

It was hard to come back to reality. We eased into it. A few stops along the way. Tea. A walk in the cemetery in Pocatello (one of my favorite places to walk when I lived there). Pizza and some catch with dad. And a new pasta hair style:

Now we are home. Back to reality. A day at school. Chores. Yoga. The usual :)

Happy Monday!

Rhoda

A New Haircut

Happy Monday! I'm glad you all are enjoying the Scarecrow Digi. Make sure you check for other Giveaways section as well. There are a few already posted, and there will be more to follow.

I am really bad about getting my hair cut on a regular basis. I  used to be good about it. And then in college there wasn't any money for it. Then kids happened, and there wasn't any time. I'm getting better about it, but not as good as I should be. Now, when I get my hair done, it's usually pretty drastic or different, because I am REALLY ready for a change.

Here's the latest:

The shortest it has ever been, that I can remember. Maybe a little shorter once, when I was in college, but I grew that out as fast as possible :)

This one is going to be fun with my hats!

This weekend was pretty quiet. Hubby was gone and the kids and I kept things pretty laid back. I colored my fairy. She is pretty fun. The paper I used already had a shimmer to it...and then I added glitter to her wings. I colored her outfit in spring colors, but I am thinking it would be really fun to make her dress red with green tights. Christmas theme!

I am entering her in the following card challenges...and I challenge you to color her and change her theme into something fun and creative. She's versatile :)

Rhoda

Challenges:
Flutter By Wednesday's - Fairy, Butterfly, Angel
Sparkles Forum - Something that sparkles.
Pile it On - Anything Goes
Simon Says Stamp - Sparkle and Bling
Papertake Weekly - Anything Goes

They're My Favorite...

Thought I would share some eye candy today.

It's amazing how many beautiful things I see in a day. Things that grab my attention because of their color. Their design. Or because they make me think of something. Stir a memory.

Here are my latest additions to my favorites:

This tape makes my creative heart sing. I can think of so many fun things to add this too. I'd even cover my  kids in this (kidding *wink*).

I remember these. Vividly. There was nothing worse than dialing the first 5 or 6 numbers and then messing up on the second to last one. Start over. Try again. Wait for the dial to spin all the way back around. And the cords, when they were all stretched out. Tangled around your arm or ankle. I'd love to have one now...

When I first saw these, my first thought was Yellowstone. The hot pools. The Abyss and all the colors that layer through it. One of my favorite places to visit. When I retire, someday, I'm going to be a tour guide for the thermal activity in Yellowstone. Just sayin'.

Last, but certainly not least, are these colors. My travel bug is starting to bite. What I wouldn't give for a sister trip to some little village in Greece. These colors make me think I should start a "sister" travel fund!

Yum. I'm off to see what other tasty things I can add to my Eye Candy Collection.

Happy Tuesday,

Rhoda

P.S. Don't forget about the crafty challenge and sweet treat on my previous post.

Word of the Year...

I finished working on my "worksheet".
(I would share the link...but I found it in a round about way and can't remember how...)
It helps you determine what it is about your word that will work for you in the coming year. Why it's important. What aspects of self change you are going to use it for. I think that helped with my nagging feeling.
I plan to write it all in my 2nd Remains of the Day journal to cement it for myself. I shared it with my sister (who helped me set my goals) and then I gave it to my husband to read. My intention is now set!
Later, I will share bits and pieces of it for those of you were are still looking for inspiration, or are just plain curious :)

Happy Wednesday!!
Rhoda

Wanting, Searching...

Needing.

I'm not sure what it is. Something is nagging me. I feel it in my stomach. It affects my mood. What is it?

I don't have a clue. I just know that I feel it. Something should be clicking, falling into place. But it's not.

Sometimes I feel like I have Internet induced A.D.D. But I know that the Internet is just my excuse. I come back to the computer each time I don't want to face what I am trying to do. Each time I think something will be challenging. The computer is my scapegoat.

What is it I am avoiding?

What is missing?

Wondering and Yearning,

Rhoda

Make My Soul Smile...

It's always the little things that up to make you the most happy. My favorite things:

The smell of coffee brewing and toast on a warm summer morning.

My kids all fresh and warm from the shower.

The smell of hot pine needles in the summer.

A snowy day, a cup of coffee, and a good book.

The fact that my hubby and I have to be touching in some way to fall asleep (usually backs pressed together after we have cuddled).

Things that make me laugh out loud. Not a chuckle. Not a snicker. Good old laugh out loud.

Colors. Vibrant, contrasting, blending, earth tones, monochromatic. It doesn't matter...just show me color.

Finding an image or idea that makes me so excited that I feel bubbly in my chest.

My niece on the phone saying my name and that she loves me.

An afternoon at the bookstore with my sister.

The smell of blended essential oils lingering on my clothing.

Lunch with my mother-in-law.

A long lazy Sunday afternoon.

An invigorating workout that reminds me what my body is capable of.

Lists...that help me put life in perspective and that remind me that it's the little things in life that bring us the most joy.

Simply,

Rhoda

P.S. I was inspired to create this post after finding it on "Be Yourself, Everyone Else is Taken". She was inspired by "Soul Aperture". If you would like to read other simple inspirations, they are there for your enjoyment.

2010

Another year. And this year, it's time to do it right.
Setting goals. Word of the year. Life improvements.

My word for the year:
Clarity - The state, or measure of being clear, either in appearance, thought or style; lucidity,
free from obscurity and easy to understand; the comprehensibility of clear expression

One way I have chosen clarity is in health. I'm limiting my sugar intake. I've made it 16 days without sugar. I'm not substituting with chemical replacements. No cakes, cookies, candies.

Next will be refined flour. I'm working up to that :)

And my goals. Hmmm. There are a number of thoughts floating around. The three that are sticking to me so far:

1. Not hindering myself. Stop the self sabatoging thoughts that I hear talking me out of things I want to try. They tell me not to bother. I'm going to tell them to shut up!

2. Work out. Regularly. Bring on the Yoga Booty Ballet.

3. Wait to buy books. Read the ones I have. When I have made a dent in that pile, then I can start purchasing again. (the one exception to this rule is if I go to Barnes and Noble with my sister...)

And, I'm writing them down. It is the surest way to motivate yourself to achieve your desires.

I'm living my word and following my lists!

Always,
Rhoda

Why Is It...

I think I have become so accostomed to being busy, chasing kids, problem solving for others, and all the other things that pop up in a day of teaching, that I don't know what to do with myself when I have free time.
I spent this weekend in total bum-dom. I didn't create. I didn't plan. I didn't do much of anything. I thought about it, and then I would go back to being a bum.
I did read a book.
Cleaned the bathrooms.
Made dinner.
Laid on the couch.
Browsed the internet.
Took a nap both days.
But really, in two days. I should have done way more than that. Feeling a little guilty. But not too much.
Now it's Monday. I hit the ground running. Brain is going. Creativity is blossoming. And can I do anything about it? Nope. I'm chasing rug rats instead. *grrr*
Maybe I should start making lists now. All the things I can work on when I am retired. At least then I won't waste those days right?!

Happy Monday,
Rhoda