Goal #1

A few weeks back I talked about 10 goals that I had given myself for 2013 along with a theme word "Follow Through". You haven't heard from me in awhile mostly because I have been so focused on making some headway with these goals. "Balance" might be a good word to think about for next year. Regardless, I think it's time to start sharing my list.

#1: Improve my photography skills and learn Photoshop

Im lucky enogh to have a membership with Lynda.com through my work and it's proving a great resource for learning Photoshop. I have only spent a few hours training, but I have learned some fun stuff and it's gotten me focused again.

I started my DSLR fund and I also rejoined Instagram. My user name is kristenjoyv if you would like to follow me. There are so many talented photographers and artist on Instagram and I have found a lot of inspiration. 

Not a bad start on goal one.

The Forever Wreath project

I'd like to take just a minute of your time to share with you a cause that has recently found it's way deep into my heart. It's called the "Forever Wreath" project.

Recently I received a very compelling letter and after reading it all the way though (three times) I knew I needed to act immediately. In order to save you some of the grief I felt in reading this letter in it's entirety, I will paraphrase it for you here:

Dear Home Owner,

All holiday decorations must be taken down within 30 days after the holiday ends. Take down your wreath or we'll fine you $25 dollars.

Your HOA

Now as we are averaging a daily high of around 35 degrees in the great state of Idaho, I still consider it to be winter. As you may notice my wreath has no Christmas themes on it of any kind. To be honest, just the other day, I saw my winter wreath beginning to look a tad bit brown and thought about taking it down, I'm so glad I didn't. 

I created the "Forever Wreath" project perhaps out of spite....no completely out of spite, in order to stick it to the man in my own personal way. I will keep my wreath all year, making sure to update it to the current season in order to be in compliance. Come this December I doubt my wreath will have any pine needles left, but it will still be proudly hanging by my front door.

Thank you for your time.

Forever Wreath - Valentines Day

Wonderin'

You ever hear a song on the radio that perfectly sums up what's going on in your brain?

Well I'm wonderin' bout the road ahead of me,

Wonderin' bout the things you said to me,

Wonderin' if these dreams will ever do.

And I'm wonderin' bout the way I spend my days,

Wonderin' if it's even worth the chase.....

Just wonderin.

Joy of Discovery: Colwyn Thomas

Caught Up - Giclee on Fuji Photorag Fine Art Paper

I have been wanted to add another "Joy of Discovery" post for a while now but just hadn't found anything truly inspiring of late, until I came across South African artist Colwyn Thomas. His work is whimsical and yet equally impactful. As per usual, I'm drawn to the themes of nature that are interwoven throughout his art.

Bear

I love the way Colwyn uses simple line drawing with washes of subtle color. His pallet seams to compliment each piece so perfectly.  More and more artist today are utilizing technology in their artistic process and Colwyn is no exception. He starts by drawing his line art by hand and then uploads his images into Photoshop to add color and textures. The results are really lovely. He talks more about his art in this interview with Empty Kingdom.

Chopsticks - Giclee on Fuji Photorag Fine Art Paper

Im so glad to discover Colwyn Thomas. I think it was worth the wait. Check out more of his art on his web site at colwynart.com