6 x 6 in.

And I DID find my way back. Things "clicked" back into place sometime on Saturday between painting and watching biographies of the gracious Leslie Caron (I used to want to dance just like her, ever since I saw the movie "An American in Paris" when I was a little girl) and the lovely Sarah Jessica Parker, which really, do I need to offer any explanation as to how much I adore that lady, which by the way I saw the "Sex and the City" movie last week and LOVED it. An avid, dedicated fan since the beginning, and now more than ever (I’m still watching reruns on syndication, even while I own the entire dvd set)~ I was not disappointed. This is a series that felt genuine and honest from day one. And the crazy, gorgeous, wonderful, feast for your creative eyes fashion aside, somehow they’ve managed to be extravagant, authentic and completely heartfelt all at the same time, and they pulled it off again in this movie.

In fact it was seeing that movie to some degree, that I think started my whole "off" feeling of the past week. Something about how the events in that series, some not all :), often mirrored and continues to mirror what is happening in my own life, just stirs it up for me. That show went off the air at the exact time my own life took many profound turns all at the same time. Let’s just say the last 4 years have not lacked in eventfulness. I’m thinking that all this reflecting due to the release of this movie, inspired my own reflecting of the past 4 years. And as I mentioned in the last post, I am presently feeling like it’s the beginning of a new phase of my life, also a theme in that movie, and let’s face it a continuous theme in pretty much everyone’s life. When you break it all down, life seems to be a series of "new phases" all strung together.

Something about watching biographies when I’m feeling "off" always puts me back on track. I think it’s comforting listening to another person share their story, of their own series of "new phases". It reminds me that I’m not alone, and that all really is always well. Also a reason why I shared how I was feeling on the blog ~ probably for me not to feel alone in the oddness as well, and while I do reserve and preserve this blog for the best parts of my life ~ I think the reason we all love checking in on people’s blogs is to feel connected somehow and I think it’s helpful that you as my readers honestly know that with all the joy I feel in my present life, which after all my reflecting I have to say I love more than ever ~ I still have days when I’m off and that’s just how it sometimes is. The "offness" is and has once again opened the door for new inspiration, and that’s when I’m also reminded that the uncertainty of life, and the sometimes awkward feelings that go along with it are always worth it.

And then there’s also something about paddling "for your life" in the ocean that can certainly put things in perspective. We took a mini vacation yesterday, meaning a full day away from home and as Sean calls them the "internets", which began with a somewhat challenging but exciting surfing adventure in Ventura, followed by a blueberry pancake breakfast and lots of coffee with Mark and John, then a visit with another wonderful Jon in the relaxing Carpinteria, a small town up the California coast, that I love so much. It was SUCH a good day.

So thank you for all your heartfelt comments ~ It’s so nice to hear from you and here’s hoping this is a more "on" week for all of us :). I’ve scheduled a nice "wide open" week for me to peacefully finish a special project I’ve been working on, so I’m already happy, just knowing I have time. Through the veil of "myselfness" once again, happy monday!
And also before I go, some thank yous are in order!! A special thank you to Patricia for posting this recent interview of me at her wonderful blog, craft synergy, which is solely a blog of interviews of fellow artisans, so worth visiting if you haven’t yet ~ and to the super talented Sarah Jane (if you haven’t yet seen her illustrations, you must, right this very minute, as you’ll LOVE them instantly), for sharing this very touching post on her beautiful blog. And last but not least I can’t neglect to mention this cuteness that totally made my day!

(original is sold)