Catching up on the challenge

This is Sunday's challenge of what I hope is obvious; ROLLER COASTER.  Don't care too much for the roller coaster but I just love the people.

Monday's challenge  MINT.   Memory doesn't serve very well I think but this was fun.  If I were to do it over, I'd take into consideration perspective.  But it was fun. 
I was tempted to re-do each one of these; to try and create something better.  But I decided that I liked them in their messy simplicity.  Perhaps someday I'll try and make better art but today I'm happy with quick and  lazy sketching.

Freedom

So I've decided that I don't need or have to be good at drawing or painting.  It's such a feeling of freedom and I'm having so much fun just putting stuff down on paper and I don't care who sees it or what anyone thinks because I don't care!  Hah!  No kidding.  I really feel free and happy to play.

Pantry Prep

Here's a very brief summary of  the day before Pantry.  I probably should have used a larger book or used two pages because it was fun making these quick sketches and I could have done up several more before the day was ended. 

After the Gold Rush

Found this post in my draft folder from back in 2012 so I decided to just post it.  Agh!  the memories!

So, after a few mind numbing days of, yes assisted living. no, home, no maybe residential living, how about adult foster homes like down the street from my house, and not a few tears on my part and the last sleepless night I care to have, I let Dad know that the only alternative was residential living.  sorry about the cost, sorry about not going home, etc. etc.
He agreed resignedly

Re-Re-discovered Blog

My sister and I each found our respective blogs we had started several years ago.  I am planning on putting up my drawings and paintings here.  I believe she is in accord.  The whole thing came about when she told me about her daughter putting up her drawings on Instagram and that she was going to do the same thing.  I remembered this blog and decided to skip Instagram for the time being and start posting here. 
I figure I can also add my musings from time to time.  Let's see how long this one lasts eh?

I was at the Partner Agency Conference today and took the opportunity to sketch the people in front of me.  I painted it when I came home.
Funny...The conference was located at the Faith Center. I believe it is a Four Square Gospel Church.   We were sitting in the Worship Center, a large amphitheater shaped room with a stage that held a piano and a drum set along with some very simple dried flower arrangements and two large viewing screens.  No cross or crucifix to be found anywhere in the entire room.  What is getting worshiped in that room?
The conference was interesting.  The first session covered de-escalation.  I've taken this before but it is always good for me to refresh my memory on how to work with people who are in distress in some way.  There are so many skills that I can see useful just in everyday communication with family members and friends.
The second session was titled Trauma Informed Care.  It was in some ways along the same line as the de-escalation session but went into detailing what trauma was and what are the causes of it.  Also very interesting.  I was especially impressed with the tips she gave to help us who are trying to provide help on how to deal with our own trauma induced behaviors so we can be more effective in helping others.

rediscovered blog

It's September and its this time of year that I make changes for myself.  October 1st is my new year and all September I mull over what changes I need/want to make in my life. 
The changes I am mulling over this year are;
1.  staying out of the grocery stores as much as possible.  I plan to start with going only twice per month and then gradually try to end up at once per month or maybe even longer!  Don't know about that though. 
A great deal of being able to do this is to get used to working with what I have in my larder and either doing without or changing my plans when I fall short of supplies. 
I'm home more than in the past three years and i plan on making this a habit rather than the norm.  mental shifts are in store. I will have more time to use what I have and make those changes as I will not be spending so much time away from home. 
2.  finding something to learn.  art?  drawing? herbal medicine?  cooking?  I don't know yet and this is a big worry for me.  Like I HAVE to be learning something.  Perhaps I should just take this winter to heal up from the last three years.  Rest and recuperate.  Let the Spirit move me.
3.  devoting more time to my spiritual life.  I have two books lined up for devotional/spiritual development but after that, well, I'm working on it.  Trying to listen to what the Lord wants from me. 
4.  quality day road trips.  once per month if possible.  even an over-nighter if that is called for.  stretching my horizons further than the coast. 
more to come