Constellations

"Cassiopeia," "Ursa Major," and "Orion." Acryllic on Canvas. They are framed in brass frames from Goodwill--spray-painted white and hanging in our hallway.

An October Night

I don't typically let people peek into this place, but the thought occurred to me some weeks ago that perhaps it needs to be shared.

I'm sharing this first and foremost for those of you who have experienced loss. A loss of any kind--that you might read these words, see yourself in them and find some comfort in knowing we are mourning together. That though the world seems dark and emotions flood over you, you are not alone.

But more importantly, I'm sharing this for us all. For us to remember those who we hold dear and not to take our loved ones for granted in our rushed lives.

My Top 6 Book Suggestions for Boys

I view myself to be somewhat of an expert in this area, as the majority of my recreational reading centers around books targeted for middle school boys. Why? Well for one, I get fairly squeamish around love scenes. I also can't get enough adventure and magic. Additionally, I just have a soft spot in my heart for boys finding their own way in the world so I lean towards them as main characters much more.

I'm extremely sensitive to the interests of boys and their tendency to only tolerate reading, so I only suggest the best of the best to my favorite kiddos and their parental units.

The Cape: A Painting

A painted version of "The Cape" from my fairytale graphic design series. Acryllic on canvas.

Wedding Bouquet

A nod to my wedding bouquet. Acryllic on canvas.

Disney Week

Ever since we got back from our honeymoon in Disney we've wanted to go back. But oftentimes that long-anticipated return to Disney World isn't in the budget. So, taking our favorite parts about the trip and all the fun and magic about Disney, we decided to celebrate 'Disney Week' at home for under $250.

Mini Pretzel Bites

We made these soft pretzel bites during our Disney Week, and they turned out great! Something about soft pretzels reminds me of summer days. Ever wanted to make your own at home? Read on my friends!

Banana Bread

JK loves bananas but never ends up being able to eat the whole bunch before it goes bad. As a result, we have a whole slew of black bananas in our freezer--making this sweet breakfast bread an easy treat any day! 

Year 2 of Marriage: Bases Loaded

Year two. Game on.

I've never played baseball before--not really--but I assume the 2nd year of marriage is supposed to be a little like the 2nd inning. You've got one under your belt so you're feeling good, but it's still just the beginning. It isn't crunch time. It isn't crazy. It's just to stand out in the field and if you happen to catch a fly ball, that's great.

That's how I assume year 2 goes. And honestly, that's how I felt it went until I actually starting considering all the ridiculous plays we called. And as I'm reflecting, I thought I'd let those of you in who would like to know:

Hedgehogs

"Hedgehogs" done with sharpie and watercolors.  Happy Creative Lent!

Trees

I was inspired by the supposed promise of Spring to bring a little life to some sketched trees. "Trees" (I ran out of creative juice once I finished) done with a Sharpie pen and watercolors.

Ice Castle

"Ice Castle." Fine point sharpie and watercolor on paper. Part of Creative Lent and my castle series.

Creative Lent

Lent is a 40+ day time of reflection, repentance, and really restoring your relationship with God in the weeks leading up to Easter.

Rhap-city in Blue

Sketching at the symphony! I had the absolute pleasure to hear Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue performed at the Palladium last week. I brought along a sketchbook for some artistic musings. The music just oozes 1920s.

Grandpa's Lefsa

My grandpa was extremely proud of his Norwegian heritage, and I spent many childhood days snacking on lefsa at my grandparent's table. (For all of you who didn't have a grandfather from Fargo, North Dakota, lefsa is a type of Norwegian flatbread or tortilla.)

Dream Board

I give props to Pinterest for reigniting the idea of dream boards. There is something innately beautiful about having one's dreams displayed through pictures--it's almost the first step into breathing life into them. Well, goodness knows I'm a huge fan of Pinterest, but sometimes you just need something a little more tangible. So, I made myself an old fashion dream board: