This butterfly doesn't really have much to do with what's going on with me lately except it's very small and I did stop to notice and take it's picture while walking in New Mexico a couple of weeks ago. Do you ever notice how small things can really have a big impact. They can either bring much joy or throw life out of whack?
Take a rose or berry thorn - they are miniscule, yet can cause redness, pain, and aggrievation no end until removed from under the skin. Or a pebble in your shoe. Maybe these little things are there to make us stop and pay attention. I haven't posted lately as I've been mostly "out of whack". It feels a bit like wandering in a waste land of low energy but I also think I'm supposed to be learning something and need to figure out what it is. Maybe it's a reminder to notice and be thankful when all is going well?.....the whole idea of grace and gratitude which we can too easily forget when all is well.
I'm having TMJ attack on the right side of my head. I've had issues with this for over 25 years but this episode is definitely effecting all thought processes and activities - especially creative ones. The dentists (seen WAY too often lately) haven't ruled out some other tooth issue as well. I won't hold out hope that my reduced chewing capacitiy will lead to any weight loss. Needless to say I'm anxious for all this to be resolved before BAP arrives. I want to be able to help out and enjoy that small bundle of joy without distraction.
While in "reduced creative mode" I have taken a few baby steps. I started a new sketchbook inspired by Laura & Linda Kemshall's newsletter and student postings and I'm doing small crocheted flowers for someday little girl clothes and accessories. Best of all, I found this project which I want to share and encourage others to join,
Iraq Bundles of Love. This has such potential for great results out of small actions. I can certainly manage a box of "scraps" and hope you will too. Kristin tells all about it here:
http://kristinlaflamme.com/musings. Please check it out and join up.
Notice the small things and enjoy creating in whatever way gives you joy.
Mother, baby, and Daddy are doing fine. Everyone is thrilled that she is healthy and, of course, we think she is BEAUTIFUL. 
I have to brag on Karl's latest creation. Isn't it beautiful? It is pecan and mesquite, cut and dried locally, so it's really is a work from the Heart of Texas and granddad for our little princess (and future siblings and cousins).
This butterfly doesn't really have much to do with what's going on with me lately except it's very small and I did stop to notice and take it's picture while walking in New Mexico a couple of weeks ago. Do you ever notice how small things can really have a big impact. They can either bring much joy or throw life out of whack?
We spent the weekend in Austin getting the nursery ready. The M's (Mary Chess, Mitra, Marcus, Miles, and Mitchell) came over Sat. afternoon and gave us a break and some comic relief. Mitchell who just turned 2 opened his birthday gift and promptly decorated himself with the new makers. Thankfully they are "washable". 
I wish I'd gotten a closeup of the magical collage that Jane Ruestmann created for the nursery. It's over the crib which Gramps got all put together. Now he just has to finish the cradle; I'm a bit worried as he's having back pain and the heat is horrid but we have about 3 weeks.
The former tennants left this bookshelf which we put to good use showing off many of the "pretties" waiting for their owner. I made the little hat (on top shelf) as we drove back from NM. If she is as bald as Elliott she'll need more. It seems everyone keeps caps on babies these days; I have lots of new rules to learn since I had babies. Here are the darling parents to be.
