A pattern doesn’t always have to be repeated in the same way. Switch it up a little. — Collage Patterns I recently fell into a creative slump. It happens from time to time. I can’t tell you that I’m stressed out or worried about something. I can’t say it’s lack of inspiration or any other major life changing event. I just don’t always feel creative. Maybe it’s a lack of…

She was wise, fierce, and lovely. — Remembering Ouma I think about Ouma (Granny) a lot. I spent many afterschool afternoons and summers at her house. She was smart and witty with a hot temper and a quick wit. She was a no-nonsense logical person and great judge of character. I wish I had asked her more questions about…

And, when to recognize if it’s constructive. — A Request My mom asked me to make two greeting cards for my niece and nephew. I love art and creating but I’m not very good with commissions. My anxiety peaked because my mom is a tough customer. She’ll be direct and tell me if she doesn’t like the card. On the…

A response to this month’s challenge to celebrate art journaling. — Junk Journaling with Art Journal Pages I started making journals from scratch about two years ago. It’s been a creative journey with some challenges but also a lot of fun. I always started with the cover and then sewed signatures into the binding before I decorated the pages. I’ve pivoted recently and I now populate the…

It’s up to us to see it in unexpected places. — Seeing Something New Sometimes I see something, and I wonder how I didn’t see it before. Then, for a short while, I slow down, and I notice the little stuff. It won’t last long because I’ll soon slip into my usual pattern and miss the little but impactful moments. It’s so easy to…

I must narrow my lane to avoid burnout. — Overextending You know when you wake up in the middle of the night with an idea or you read something that sounds like a fantastic thing to try? I do this all the time. I’m a creative person which is as much a curse as it’s a blessing. …

Racial, caste, and religious discrimination is the basis for so much evil. — Humanity is Fragile War is a guaranteed way to destroy innocence. In war, humanity is lost and evil is king. This is when people are at their most dangerous because all sense of right and wrong is forgotten. When this is paired with mass propaganda, it’s almost impossible to reach someone’s heart. …

Two newspaper clippings fell out of my vintage dictionary — A Gift with Surprises My son gave me a vintage Webster’s New School and Office Dictionary with a 1943 copyright. I’m scanning pages to use in my craft and collage projects. I can’t bring myself to tear pages out of such an old publication. As I was carefully paging through the book, two newspaper…

Anticipating life in retirement has scared me for awhile because of the financial impact it entails — A Sigh of Relief I’m not where I feel I need to be as far as my retirement savings are concerned, and it leaves me feeling very vulnerable. I’m not at retirement age yet, but I know how quickly things can creep up on me. I’ve looked at tiny houses and frugal living practices…