Great day. Looking forward to the rest.

Great day. Looking forward to the rest.
Originally uploaded by michele_maule
The first day of the new year is quickly dwindling. I spent it cleaning up what was left of Christmas, getting a bit of work done, and relaxing with my favorites.

I'm looking forward to this new year. I want to read more, work harder, and continue making art.

I'd also like to travel to Pittsburgh for a visit with Nate's family and I'd like to possibly make a trip to San Diego.

I'd like to take more time off from my day job, and work more on my "art job."

I want to give more of myself and to be less selfish.

Overall, I'd like to work on myself as a person - finding happiness with what exists now, in this moment. I want to let go of the what ifs and have nots, and concentrate on the wonderful life that I have right now.

Spring.

I can feel it and I can see it.
I know we aren't quite in Spring mode yet, but today is warm and sunny and I'm focusing on that right now.

So far my plan is this.
Make art. Sell it. Live happily.

That's about as far as I got.

Thinking

Drinking tea and looking through old journals in my studio today. It's a cool grey Portland day. I found this and thought I would share it.

"For one human being to love another is perhaps the most difficult task of all, the epitome.

It is that striving for which all other striving is merely preparation."

-Rainer Maria Wilke

That's all I've got today.
Hope everyone is having a good week so far.

Thanks Giving

Whoohoo!
Tomorrow we all get to stuff our faces and drink.

Yes! Whoever came up with this idea was genius.

Oh yeah, we also have to remember what we're thankful for while stuffing our faces...

So here is what I am thankful for:

1. My friends. All of my good friends. You are all like my family, and I miss you all terribly.
All of my blog/myspace/internets friends. You all keep me going and inspire me on a daily basis!
Thanks to you!

2. My dog Chloe. You remind me not to be so serious all the time. My life would not be as fun without you, little pup!

3. All of the people who enjoy and support my art. I would not be able to do what I do without all of you.

4. Music. Good music.

5. Hot running water. I am a total freak when it comes to taking showers. I take two a day, therefore, I am thankful for hot running water...

6. My apartment. It might not be in Portland, but it keeps me warm and protected from the sub zero temperatures here.

7. My fridge full of food and Diet Coke. I would die without you. Literally.

8. My boyfriend, Mikey!! You are really at number one, but I am too lazy to go back and retype things right now. I love you!!

9. The internets. Without you I could not make a living...well I could, but it wouldn't be as easy or fun...I am not thankful for how co-dependent you have made me on you. But, that's not really your fault. It's mine.

10. My health. I am a relatively healthy person...well my consumption of Diet Coke is a little unhealthy, but things could be a lot worse. Also, the health of all the people I love :)

11. Last but not least...my blingy blob counter downer thingy on my myspace page. You remind me that everyday is a little bit closer to home.

Yes!!
That's it.
What are YOU thankful for?

SUN!

The sun is here and I don't want to miss it, so this is going to be short.
I really want to ride my bike around the block. Really badly.

Nothing exciting today.

I love:
having a clean apartment.
Blogging.
Making things.
Diet Coke.
Gouache (ok this might be a love/hate relationship)
My bike.
Swinging on a swing really really high.
Traveling.
Coffee and or Tea.
The Clash.
K. Trinks.
Micron Pens.
Arches Cover Cream Paper.
Getting very cool things in the mail from friends.
Everyone that reads my blog.

Pass it on.
:)
Ok off to ride my bike.