Sunday, January 29, 2012

Sunday-11am

We've had some cloudy days...
...and another dusting of snow.
But the last two mornings the sun was out.
Karma was happily pawing the side of her cat bed in the sun...
...when I interrupted her...but only for a moment.
I spent a couple of days being very good and not using my left arm much at all, so I got behind online and spent the next couple days catching up--LOL! Oh, and good news! I am back on days!! Always sleep a little better and feel better, too.
Happy dancing in Fargo! ;)
****
I have been puttering about a little the last couple days.
Potted Karma's planter once again with her beloved cat grass.
Been keeping up with the SOAR journal (and plan to maybe combine it with another free class I just heard about--details later when I check it out more). Been doing my reading (spiritual type) and the writing journal more often in the morning. I seem to be having a hard time shifting gears or routine--too easy to get lost on the laptop--LOL!
****
I actually worked on the mandala. Believe it or not, this was actually doodling for the better part of an hour.
Well--confession--I did have the TV on and was getting sidetracked--LOL!
Lots of dots and tiny squiggly lines. I'm far from done. It is so soothing to just sit and doodle. :)
My order from Polymer Clay Express came on Friday.
The set of geometric cutters.
(A project for Tori that I will explain later when Leah and I get started.)
And I couldn't resist these metallic ink pad and reinker sets on sale. They didn't have the complete silver set so I passed, but I did get the gold and copper ones.
Meanwhile--putter, putter...
I finally got all the assorted boxes down from the bedroom closet shelf. Yes, I tend to save empty boxes of all kinds...but this is getting ridiculous! If I tried to take anything down it was like Fiber McGee and Molly's closet! Does anyone else remember that show? I barely do, but I remember that closet.
Time to go through the piles and decide what to toss and what to keep...and organize it! ;)
****
Also barely started on the top half of the one bookcase and the wire cube shelves in the bedroom, too. Finally have the mister box up and out of the way on the top of the wire cube shelves. Long way to go with this cleaning project, too.
Anyways, my wrist is much, much better. It's 5 degrees and the sun is out. Time for lunch...at actual lunchtime--whoohoo! And after lunch, I'm going to check out this new free art journal class. Have a super duper day!! :):)
****
"All respectability, all honor is meaningless if it drives you against your nature. What can you do if you are not a lotus flower, but just a marigold? Enjoy being a marigold."
Chandan

35 comments:

TexWisGirl said...

hurray for some beautiful skies and sun! love that mandala. so beautiful!

DJan said...

I love that closing quote by Chandan, Rita. And I have to say, after looking at what you accomplished, you managed to do all that AND not use your left arm? I am amazed.

Karma certainly does know how to relax. Congratulations on getting back to days, BTW! :-)

Sally Wessely said...

Glad your wrist is better. It seems you are being very productive with your time.

Serena Lewis said...

Sweet, sweet Karma! She will be very happy when her cat grass grows.

The mandala looks lovely, Rita!

The project for Tori has my curiosity piqued.

Haven't heard of the Fiber McGee and Molly show but my wardrobe can certainly gather a lot of odds and ends. Had a recent purge, in fact.

Now, I'm going to catch up on back posts and find out what happened with your wrist. Do take things easy.

Love,
Serena xo

Beth said...

The photos are beautiful!! And your artwork is fantastic. Way to go!
I am glad you are sleeping nights again.

Desiree said...

What a happy post reflecting the happy soul you are!

AliceKay said...

I love the first shot. Another beautiful sky picture. :)

Karma is in her element...sitting in the sunshine in her cat bed.

I'm glad your wrist is feeling better. Also good to hear that you're back on days. Hopefully, you will stick there for awhile. :)

Lots of sorting and organizing going on up there in Fargo, for sure!

How did the art class go? Were you able to join?

We've had some freaky weather changes here. Never know what it will be from one day to the next. We had a beautiful clear blue sky morning, but it's already changed into a mostly cloudy afternoon. We're supposed to get snow showers and a light accumulation tonight.

I hope you enjoyed the rest of your day. :)

Dee Ready said...

Dear Rita,
Contentment is the word that always fills my being when I think of your blog. The Chandon quote so fits you. I don't know what flower you think of when you consider your specialness. But whatever it is, you have become that flower and your contentment reaches through your words and photographs and art to all who read your postings.

Peace.

Rita said...

Theresa--No green like you still have, though. No horses, turtles, ducks, dogs, and herons. Why I like to visit you. ;)

Djan--Well, I left the arm alone Thurs and Fri. Then I started puttering Sat and all morning before I wrote. I do know how to do a lot of things one-handed, though, because of that arm. Can type one-handed, open jars, write letters, etc. ;)
I am so happy to be waking up at 4-5am! I'm always happy if I can be up before noon, but I enjoy being up before the sun. Whodda thunk it from a born night person--LOL! ;)

Sally--Thanks so much. Practicality took over for Sunday and I am washing clothes. ;)

Serena--Oh yes! You know how Karma loves her cat grass--LOL!
Every time Fibber McGee or Molly opened the closet door everything tumbled out. I don't know how I can remember hearing that on the radio--the sounds of everything falling down? It was way before my time. And when I found this on youtube--it was a TV show!
Have a wonderful week, my friend! :)

Beth--Thanks so much, Beth! It is so nice to be on days again! Hope you are having a great Sunday! :)

Desiree--Oh, that is so sweet! Thanks ever so much. It's true. I have been extra happy here these past seven years. :):) *big hugs to you and the pack*

Rita said...

AliceKay--For a while in the winter the sun would come right on over to Karma's chair...and it reaches her spot on the loveseat, too. What a life! ;)
Oh, I do hope I stay on days for a good long while--yes!
Oh, I completely missed catching the sign on time for the webinar because my BFF Ruby called and she trumps everything! :):) I was kind of disappointed that they don't have any replays anyways. It's hit or miss to even catch it if you are there at the right time. My life desperately needs replays--LOL! ;)
Been crazy here, too--we can have deep freeze, snow, rain, freezing rain, sun--just all over the place--even in the same day. Oh well. Can't fight Mother Nature. :):)

Dee--Contentment!! Sweet! Then how I feel must come across right out there into my blog in cyberspace. Despite having a day once in a while where the pain gets to me, I have never been happier or more contented in my entire life. Working on my own spiritual path--especially the past two decades--has really helped me to find some inner peace, I think. Sometimes I feel almost bubbling over with joy for no particular reason at all--just feel so grateful. If that comes across to people and, even moreso, if I could actually share it with someone--ahhh! What more could one ask for? :):) Honestly--I wish I could give it away to everybody!!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Dee.

Rae said...

Love the mandala. The colors are perfect. Hope you get caught up on your sleep now that you are back on days. I always hated nights too - felt like a zombie most of the time. Enjoy your "Happy Dancing".

Rubye Jack said...

So glad your wrist is better. I should be Karma.

Deb Shucka said...

This post makes me want to curl up in the sun with Karma. It's so cozy and home feeling.

Queenie Jeannie said...

So happy to hear that you are feeling better & back on days!!! YAY!! Happy Dancing right along with you!

*waves* to Karma!

Anonymous said...

I forgot to mention in the comment on the last post that I think I have that same table easel.

Your mandala is looking great! I love all the details you've added. Good luck with your organizing. I keep a lot of boxes too but my husband is always throwing them away. I sure wish I could see some sunshine right now. It has been foggy all the time here it is just so cold. Apparently it is so cold storm from Russia that is coming through here now. BRRR! Hopefully it will be over soon.

Carolyn Dube said...

The cat grass planter is a great idea. I am not a cat person (allergic) but I have a friend who is a big cat person. How long does it take the grass to grow? I think I want to do this as a gift for her!

Harvest Moon by Hand said...

The photo of Karma basking in the sunlight is wonderful! What a sense of pure relaxation and contentment.

Your mandala is amazing - the precision and amount of detail and color you include is breath-taking. WOW!

pauline said...

Rita, what a gorgeous mandala!! The details are incredible. And Karma... how precious. Love the Chandan quote at the end, and the beautiful cloudy skies... thanks for sharing! xoxo

Toriz said...

A dusting of snow is better than I'm getting. I want my snow!

YAY for sleeping at night! I - and I hope I'm not jinxing it now - have been sleeping at night for over a week now; 9 hour sleeps too! I hope it continues... I like it! And I agree; always feels like you got more done when you're up in the day. I wonder why that is? *zones out a minute to think about it*

Anyway...

Sounds like you've been having fun with your journals and doodling.

Another free class? I don't know how you find these things so often!

*Claps hands excitedly upon reading the part about the clay arrival* Excellent! And thanks again to you and Leah for being willing to take on the project! :)

Love the quote!

carol l mckenna said...

One busy lady ~ that will help you sleep ~ Lovely mandalas ~ and of course love Karma ~ have a magical creative week ~ namaste, Carol ^_^

laurak/ForestWalkArt :) said...

oooooh, at 5 degrees...it's a blessing to have the sunshine!!

happy creating rita!!

Celticspirit said...

Beautiful sky pictures! Karma looks very cozy in those pictures. She is a very lucky cat to have you for a Mama. :) As usual....you are super organized. Oh yeah, love the Mandala. Great colors!

Tracey FK said...

Catching up on your posts it seems you are on a real organising and cleaning out phase.... wondering if you want to pop over here and do some for me... think how warm you would be.... and I would make you lots of yea.... or coffee if you prefer, are you a coffee person?... anyway love the mandala and like the closeup of those lovely delicate marks around the edges... happy creating Rita...xx

Lauralee said...

HELLO!

Queenie Jeannie said...

Me again!

I got in my order of handmade paper from that company you recommended! OH BOY!!!! They sent me 3X (at least!) of what I ordered!!! I have tons and tons of glorious papers!!!!! It's all so beautiful that I'm too scared to cut into it and use it. It's going to get "stroked" for quite some time first!! AND I had it in my hands within one week of ordering it!! Fabulous service!

Barbara B said...

Beautiful mandala, Rita. Glad your wrist is better. Your space is getting there!

Rita said...

Rae--Thanks re:mandala. :) It's funny how I can be up late--like 2-3am--and do just fine. But sleeping during the day completely just throws me off. Yup! Zombie! ;)

Rubye--Yes, the wrist is lots better. I always have to watch it, but sometimes I manage to put it out anyways when I don't even feel anything at all. Ya! Karma has the good life. :)

Deb--Yes, Karma has it made. She loves her sunshine. ;)

Jeannie--Wow! I hope you take some pictures!! They sent me all that extra paper, too. Isn't it beautiful?!! So glad you took advantage of the closeout, too. Nice! :)

Donna--Dagan and Leah have the same table easels, too. We got them all at the same time on sale. Really handy, aren't they?!
I have no hubby to toss out my boxes and if he did he'd be in big trouble--LOL!
Stay warm!! :)

Carolyn--You can buy the cat grass seed at most pet shops. Then you can use any planter and regular potting soil. I just happened to have this big one--really too big for one cat--LOL! They don't take too long to grow. A little longer in the winter when it's colder and less sun. But she should have grass in a week or so. What a cute gift!! :)

Anna--Yes, cats are the epitome of relaxation. No wonder they can lower your blood pressure. ;)

Pauline--Thanks so much re: mandala details. :) So glad you liked the quote and the sky pic, too. Have a great week!! :)

Tori--I think it's the feeling that you need to be quieter when you're awake during the night and that's why we get less accomplished. Even though I live alone, I do live in an apartment building so you don't want to run the dishwasher or the washing machine or be banging about. ;)
The last few classes I either got emails about or heard about them from other bloggers.
Leah and I plan to get going on the polymer clay Wednesday night!! Soon!! :)

Carol L--LOL! My kind of busy is not exactly sleep inducing, but one can always hope. ;) Thanks so much!

Laura--Ya! When it's 5 degrees the sunshine is nice!! We keep going from deep freeze to snow to rain to freezing rain-crazy winter! *big hugs!!*

Barb--Karma thinks I'm pretty lucky to be her "mama", that's for sure. LOL! I think I'm in a constant state of reorganization--hehe! :)

Tracey--Yes, feeling better. My place is so small that I am regularly reorganizing and cleaning out. ;) When I was healthy I loved to help people organize. I especially loved helping people put things away after they moved. I know--weird! But that was the part of moving I actually enjoyed.
Coffee person! Coffee person! I even buy the beans and grind them. ;)

Lara--Hello to you, too!! Welcome. :)

Barbara B--Thanks so much! I am constantly shifting things about in my small space. Probably a good thing I don't have a bigger apartment--LOL! ;)

Intense Guy said...

I love that mandala!! So cool!

I bet you could sell those on Etsy too! Placemats (laminated to protect them) would be really cool.

Sunshine on Karma's shoulders...
Makes me happy...

Sunshine in Karma's eyes, can make me cry...

Sunshine on Karma's fur looks so lovely, sunshine almost always makes me high.

If I had a day that I could give you, I'd give to you the day just like today.

If I had a song that I could sing for you, I'd sing a song to make you feel this way...

(Thanks John Denver)

Gwen said...

You have some gorgeous projects going on there and lovely skies...I do love your skies.
Have fun, you and Karma.
xxx

Crazy Life of a Writing Mom said...

that mandala looks amazing! Something like that would make the most gorgeous book cover! (I love how everything with me revolves around writing in some way or another lol.)

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

Looks like your on the mend and back with creative avengeance!!!

The beautiful sky shots, the mandala and the outcast of Fiber McGee and Molly's closet. Yep, I remember.

Looks like Karma has the best spot in the house!

God bless ya sweetie and have a fantastic day!!! :o)

Cindy Lane said...

Lovely skies and beautiful shots of Karma with the low sunlight on her face.

Inks look yummy, the the cutters could be used for so many things - can't wait to see what you do with them.

Mandala looks way cool. I'd be tempted to go in with a fine nib and some metallic inks and swirl like crazy!

Hope you're getting the rest you need,

Cheers,

Cindy

Rita said...

Iggy--Oh, you! That song is now in my head and that was such a sweet version, my friend! LOLOL!! ;)

Gwen--Thanks! Doesn't hurt to try, right? Maybe I'll capture a sky with paint one day. :)

Elisa--Oh, I had to chuckle! I see how your mind works--LOL! Thanks again for your secret project for Melynda!! Be sure and let us know when her book is for sale. You're brilliant and a good friend. :)

Nezzy--Ha! Somebody remembers Fibber McGee and Molly's closet--LOL! ;)
Yes, I have my few chairs and my bed and Miss Karma has all the rest of the spots in the whole place--and she even wants to share my bed with me, too--hehe!

Cindy--I know! could use the cutters for a variety of projects. We're going to do a little something with polymer clay for a blog buddy in England. ;)
Metallic inks...now that's an idea. I haven't decided what else to do with it yet, but I was thinking vines or flowers or something curvy for contrast. Nice!
Yes, been sleeping pretty well, thanks!
Stay cool! :):)

Toriz said...

*Nods* That makes sense; I've either lived in flats/apartments or in a house with others who sleep normal hours (lucky them) so I try and be quiet at night too. I guess we use so much of our time and energy trying to be quiet that we don't have enough time or energy to do much else? ;)

Rita said...

Tori--Nods back. ;)