Defining who we are........

Last night my little guys spent their 1st night away from home. They had a sleepover at their Grandparents. Of course I was worried, my little one still gets up every night to get me. He still likes the light on in the hall and likes to cuddle before bed. No phone calls came in the middle of the night ( much to my surprise ). I actually slept in my own bed and even slept in for the 1st time in 7 years!!! Needless to say I am more tired than ever! My guys called me this morning to say they had a great time and had some more playing to do. I was so proud , but I must admit my heart twisted a bit..... I guess I was expecting them to need me more. I guess I needed them to need me more. I have defined myself as a mother for so long that once your babies start to let go ..... it is a bit scary. I know that they love me and still need me but I am realizing that I need them so much more . It is hard to let go a bit and stand alone. We see the images of kids going to school for the 1st time and being fearful and wanting to stay back and hold on to their mothers hand a bit longer. Really I think the kids are o.k., it is me that needs to hold on a bit longer . I heard once that parents have a different love for their kids than their kids have for them. It is true. Yes , I am a mother , but I am so much more and it is time to let go of the hand and wave goodbye to the fear . It is time to go to school.

I realize that this is all about a simple sleepover, however all the mothers out there understand. It is in the tiny moments that we realize who we really are.

To all mothers letting go , have a great 1st day!!!! Courtney P.

New magazine work

Well , I really do not sew and as far as fashion goes...... I wear either black , grey or brown. I love to see color and funk in clothes, I just do not wear them. Oddly enough I have submitted some altered clothing items to the Stampington and company magazines " Altered Couture" and was asked to submit more for their "Bell Armoire" magazine. I am so honored and happy. This dress will be in the Feb. issue and I am not sure yet when the other magazine will be out. I find my magazines at Borders or Barnes and Nobles. Some craft /art stores carry them too. I always get so inspired looking at all the great work and wonderful artists. I made some funky shoes with plant roots and a jacket and skirt ensemble for a funky bird lover. Thanks to all at Stampington and Company.

I can not forget to show some of my kiddies art. I love to display them all over my little house. Some of my bedroom walls are this dark blue ( they look more navy in real life than the picture because of the flash ), and the art looks just stunning against the color. I think even when they have grown I will still have these masterpieces hanging. They get a kick out of seeing their work also!

Take Care and talk to you soon!

Courtney

Ever feel uninspired???

I was very excited last night. I had put the kids to bed and could sleep in today , so I knew I could work into the wee hours of the night. I had prepped a few things earlier in the day and really liked the direction I was headed. I got all my things out and organized my projects and sat down to begin ......... and nothing. I fiddled with a few things, tried out a few things only making the good stuff I had done earlier in the day really bad. How could this be happening. I had all this wonderful time and energy and ....... surely someone had switched my hands with a fumbly , uncreative person. Right??? I desperately took a break and watched part of a bad sappy movie on T.V.......I looked through some of my Somerset Studio mags. Off to begin again with still a bit of time in the night to work and....... nothing. How uninspiring this evening turned out to be. I finally went to bed and today after cleaning the breakfast dishes, I went to my special studio closet. I opened the door prepared to see the damage I had done the night before. I took a deep breath and started working. My hands were mine again, I liked what I was doing....... had it all been a dream?

Courtney P.

Happy New Year!

Well , like many of you , I spent much of my new years day taking down Holiday decorations. I did happen to move some pics around and I re framed these silhouettes of my kids. I made them a year ago and just love them. There is something about the outline of a person or even photos from behind that are so telling. Although my husband gets so annoyed with me, I often take abstract photos of my guys. I have them everywhere around the house. I also like to display their little treasures ( usually organic, rocks and such ). They are little memories of a vacation , walk or new adventure. To everyone a happy New year and many new adventures !!!!

A gift for myself.......

It is not often that I make something just for me , so over the holidays I made this collage just for me. It has the image of my two little guys walking to a home. I think it represents the journey they are making in their life .

I love it and smile everytime I see it.

Talk to you soon!

Hello again!!!

I have been very busy these past few weeks. My kids had a great holiday . I was just as excited as they were Christmas morning. I have put together so many lego sets that I am seeing double!! I hope you enjoyed your holiday as well.

My mother past away the week before Christmas and although it has been 2 years now, I still have a hard time ....... Christmas will always be bitter sweet for me . I always get a little teary when I hear Judy Garland sing " Have yourself a merry little Christmas.... let your heart be light".

On to the new year.......I have not really thought about what resolutions I want to make. In this past year I have started my etsy shop, had a successful gallery show at my favorite store here in Frederick " The Muse " ( thanks Whitney! ), taught a few workshops and had some pieces selected for a few magazines !!!!! A very , very good year !!!!! I guess I want to continue expanding my artwork...... I would love to do a show and I want to try my hand at wood block printmaking. Thanks for all the support everyone and the best to you all in the new year!!!

These are my new bookmarks that I have in my etsy shop. I love making them ..... partly because they are quick and fun .

These are also my kids gift projects for Christmas this year. They are making a bookmark for everyone they need to give a gift to . I usually pick one project and have them do it for everyone. I purchased a laminater(?) over the summer and was dying to use it somehow.

I also need to get back to doing more mixed media and assemblage pieces ( my love ). I love using found materials , they speak volumes in a piece and have such energy.

Although we still have a few more weeks until Christmas, do not stress over gift giving. I love the homemade bread my neighbor gives me and warm wishes for the holiday always lifts me up.

Take Care!