New beginnings and an end

Today is Monday - I decided to title this post new beginnings because there are so many going on right now.  First up, Ryan left this morning to start his new job, almost six weeks to the day. I'd like to say that we spent a lot of time together over the last six weeks, but bless my husbands hardworkin' heart, he was busy most of the time with side jobs, projects, interviews and such. One thing I could count on was help in the morning.  He would get up and make the kids breakfast, while I helped get people ready.  The ultimate divide and conquer.  That ship has sailed so to speak, so now I fly solo or sail solo depending on how you look at it. I decided since I wouldn't have help, I should get up earlier than the kids (which is hard with my early risers) and get myself dressed and start my day.  We did that and it worked, but I am tired.  

It was a pretty lazy weekend, I painted a bit, got frustrated with one of my pieces, I decided to start over, but have to wait until my canvas' come in on Tuesday.  In the mean time I worked on a piece I am especially proud of, the inspiration is a bit heartbreaking, but I pray that it provides peace and a bit of joy to the recipients.  I started my contest paintings, I've gotten them sketched out and one of them started.  They are such cute ideas, I can't wait until I finish them.  When I first start a painting, I have a final image in my head and for a big chunk of the painting process I am frustrated because I want to get it to that point!  I also have to feel out some of the details.  The first time I do any theme it is so time consuming to get the process down, which is why it takes so much more time for custom work.  Once I have done it - additional pieces or replications take so much less time because my layering process and how I do certain aspects of the painting have been figured out.  So I hope to have my latest paintings done by this time next week.  So I can ship them out to their prospective homes.  I also have a few Christmas presents I need to get started on, so hopefully next week I will have a bit of time to flesh those out.  

In the mean time Ms. Leslie came over with her adorable daughter and shot a few pictures of my latest vignette that I finished up for Drew.  

The full piece!

Almost got it!

She also shot a few pics of my little drawers I painted last year for Penny for Christmas.  My mom wanted to get Penny something that would hold her doll stuff.  So we found this unfinished crate and drawer system.  Mom was my biggest cheerleader, so she entrusted me with the painting.  I am so happy with how it turned out and it was a special gift from my mom to Penny.  Something we will cherish.  I've wanted some pictures that do it justice and now I finally have them.  

Pretty purple vine flower

Thanks again to Leslie for being my photographer extraordinaire and turning them out so quickly.  

So for now the house is quiet, the little ones are busy playing together and I am enjoying some coffee, from my new coffee maker.  It was a surprise from Ryan that I am geeked to no end about.  Our other maker was on its way out and I have been ogling this little fella for a while. I love this coffee maker!!!!  

I had a great end to my birthday  - Ryan and I got a chance to see Burn after Reading.  It was great and in typical Cohen brothers style, very entertaining.  I recommend seeing it, if you are a black comedy type of person.  Brad Pitt's character is hilarious and I don't know if it was really as hilarious as I thought it was or if it was the fact that Brad Pitt was playing this type of character.  Anyway you slice it, he was great.  I enjoyed it immensely! 

So Annakah ended with a breakfast at Perkins, the Colts pulling a win out of you know where and seeing a great movie with my darling husband eating popcorn, raisinets and soda for dinner, the kids going to bed without a hitch and a great nights sleep.  What more can a girl ask for??

That's it for now, have a great day, thanks!