bits.

we are still waiting for spring here in chicago.. it has come only for a few days here and there.. and wondering if we will have a spring at all..



but in the meantime i have been working on decluttering my studio and home.. in batches of course.. we had a fun family project with succulents last weekend and even painted the pots - though trying to figure out how to rid the soil of fungus gnats now.. (some of the pix show my attempt with cinnamon sprinkled on it..though i need to wash into the crevices with water..)

succulents are amazing though.  there are so many different creations.. some almost look like underwater creatures.. and the names are wild at times.. i wonder who gets to name them.. i've always loved the names of things.. like the names on nail polish or the names of crayons...and now succulents.. i think that's what i love about making some of my artwork.. because i get to "name" it afterward..

and yes, bits of artwork have been in progress for me.. i've been playing around with hand-carving for block prints.. for future rock climbing chalkbags.. and what a blast it is.. and dabbling in some embroidery now as well.. all nice little time consuming bits.. and remember that my studio is in spring-clean-up-mode too.. so lots of work on the kitchen table.. while i sort out what i really need for artwork and inspiration vs. supplies that i haven't touched for over a year.. this is a fantastic article for living simple, and dealing with stuff: HERE. if only i could get into super hero mode and do our entire home (clothes, toys, art supplies) all in one big swoop!  but some things take time.. and i am learning to just BE in the moment and do what i can when i can do it.. and to embrace it however it is.  because life is so much more about living than about worrying what needs to be done, eh?

have a beautiful weekend.  hope flowers are blooming in your neck of the woods..

"Baby Toes"

"Key Lime Pie"

"Split Rock"

"Crassula argentea 'Gollum'"

"Mimicry Plant 'Stone Faces"

"Sedum Pork and Beans"