I have decided to designate the month of December as a space in which I “make time.” It’s something that God has been asking me to do for a while, but I was too busy being stressed about packing. It’s really just always better to listen to Him right away because all of my stressing profited me nothing. December is often known as a time that is busy and full; and so long ago, when I had little babies and was stressing myself out trying to mail out 100+ Christmas cards to people I barely knew, I decided that enough was enough and I wasn’t doing that anymore. I haven’t sent out Christmas cards since. We decorate our house with three strands of dollar store twinkle lights and a little wooden nativity scene that my mom made long ago. And we just keep it simple, so we can focus on each other and some quality family time. And food, of course. I really like it that way. Lately the kids and I have been spending our afternoons drinking tea, eating popcorn, going for walks, and playing Dutch Blitz. It has been really good for me.

During this time of making time, I decided that I need to be intentional about painting. I have been putting it off because I was feeling so tired and unmotivated lately, but it really does a wonder for my well being. So I pulled out my big dylusions journal and painted the coneflower scene, and used my leftover paint to make the floral painting on the opposite page. I love them both. And it was so freeing to paint without any pressure, but with intention. My intentions are often related to painting wild garden scenes and loosening up. And I feel like I accomplished that.

I haven’t shared my usual journal pages in a while, so I’m sharing those today as well. They are feeling pretty summery in the midst of our snowy day today, but I like that as an artist you can live in all seasons at any time.

Thanks for stopping by!