A Taste of Tennessee

It's strange to still feel like a Californian when I have lived in Tennessee for over fifteen years... Tennessee is definitely my home now.  But I still love the moments when something hits me that I live in the South; I love when something so Southern makes me think. " Wow, this could only happen in the South."  Take for example Moonshine. 

I remember the first year I lived in TN my dad came to visit me from Chile.  He kept asking me about Moonshine and how he could try some.  "Ani," he would tell me, "everyone makes Moonshine here...you just have to know who to ask and howwww."  It was usually followed by eye rolls, sometimes by laughter.  He would ask the waitress at the local pancake house, the cook at the local taco house, the lady at the house in the middle of nowhere...he was persistent.  Every now and then, a friend shows up with the good stuff...not the sips of dangerous turpentine but the flavorful juice from deep in the mountains.  I gotta be honest, I don't really enjoy drinking Moonshine but I do find it incredibly charming.  And being the city girl I think I am it makes me think about where I was from, where I am, and how happy I am to call this place home.  Isn't that strange?  Maybe as strange as my dad thinking that everyone in the state makes alcohol in their bathtubs.

By the light of her lanterns

When night fell she awoke from her haze into a new world full of light, dancing, and smiles.  Confetti fell in her mind while her eyes danced with her heart.

At dawn's early light, her lanterns would fade as she drifted back into dreams while humming tunes of the night over and over until morning.

Page Three!

Look who's photo is on Page 3!  I'm very excited to be part of Method Press #4.  The theme for the winter issue is An Unfortunate Event.

It's a great magazine full of art, articles, and interviews.  Method Press includes pieces about the process an artist uses to create, the approach to creating, and also showcases art and artists from around the world.  I'm proud to be a part of a good thing.  Check out issue 4, you can read it online or peruse it below!

{Care to know the text around the image?  Read it here.}

Another page from her book - It's the simple things

I know I mentioned the other day about how I am trying to take pages out of Twila's book.  I see a lot of wisdom in her two year old mind.  Again, I don't really think that one has to ask, "When does that innocence get lost?"  There really isn't anything written that she has to lose that part of her that loves the simple things and there isn't anything that says I can't go back to that mentality either.

I enjoy the simple things but it seems like she can get wholeheartedly consumed by a simple moment.  She finds joy throughout her day with those new eyes.  Spending time with her in her world has been something I continue to appreciate and value more than these words could ever convey.  So, how about some photos?

The Weekend

This weekend in Tennessee was incredible!  70-80 degrees, soft breeze, blooms in full Spring, just perfect! 

We had our first party at the house, found the best diner we have been to in 15 years {right around the corner!}, went to the park and enjoyed the playground and photo taking, recorded some music, and I relaxed in a hammock while actually having the thought, "This could be the most content, the happiest I have ever been in my life".  Isn't that crazy?!  Who would've thought?? 

Yes, been feeling mighty lucky lately.  Is this how it's going to be if I allow things to just be?  I can't really ask for anything else.

Birds of Gay Street

Amazing what a little color shifting and edits can do to alter the mood of an image.  I'm not sure which of these I prefer.  The original on the left feels a lot happier and joyful but I love how painterly and moody the edits made the scene. 

Joining the pretties at the Creative Exchange.  It's Lisa's last link up so be sure and check it out!

Inspired by...

What's been going on with me?  Well, I just finished both a 12 day fast and also, ironically, the Hunger Games trilogy.  Both have me hungry for more!  But while I have been in that little world I did have time to feel some welcomed inspiration from the following.

This video via Marta's post.  What a beautiful video, inspiring and picture perfect.  Plus, I love the idea of the future talking back to me and asking me questions such as, "Did you enjoy your story?".  Ahhhh, inspiring.  Plus, I am pretty much a sucker for anything to do with Chile.

a story for tomorrow. from gnarly bay productions, Inc. on Vimeo.

A creative mind.  This exhibit floored me.  I first came across it on My Modern Met.  It's still inspiring to me two weeks after seeing it.  But I think I am in love with everything that Leandro Elrich creates, like this.  Talk about inspiring...  and not just the idea but also following through to it's creation.  I love that the spectator can be part of a continuing process and creation too...just spectacular.

I loved coming across both of these things; they made me feel inspired and happy.  Hope you get some of the same.  Happy weekend to you!

Awkward

I love how this image with this card really makes things even more awkward.  You can have this cabinet card here...there is a png file as well as a Photoshop file.   I still don't really know the best way to share a file...any suggestions?  I love when I go to a site, click "download here" and a little pop-up window appears asking if I want to save or open.  If anyone knows how to do that I will be sharing a lot more.

Speaking of sharing, I'm doing so with Creative Exchange

Happy week to you!

Laughing in Stereo

What I worked on today...still trying to create at least something every day.  I like this one, it's spirited.  I imagine the laugh to be flirty or false so I especially love that she's laughing with herself and to herself.  I anticipate an, "Oohhhh, Daaarliinnngg.  We simply must get together sometime..."  She also probably has a liquid breakfast if you know what I mean.  Not that I judge!  Whatever floats yer boat.  But I like her, she's a character and at least in this moment, she's quite charming.  

I love when I make myself laugh...although I can't remember the last time I did.  I suppose I have been in a bit of a rut lately...  I do laugh a lot with Twila.  Her world is a lot of fun and her down moments are so fleeting.  The other day when I picked her up from school I spotted her running around the playground with her friends and then ten steps later when I arrived at the gate to join her she was crying.  "What happened?"  I ask.  She was too snivel-y to reply so her friend told us that James hit her with a stick.  Ohhh, James.  It's funny how differently boys and girls get into their imaginations.  A minute later I put Twila down to go and retrieve her belongings.  When I came back she was on the see-saw with James.  I love it!  No grudge, no fear, tears...just smiles and laughter.  I've stopped asking myself things like, "When does the innocence disappear?"  and have instead tried to take a page out of her book.  A better question to ask myself is, "Why can't it be that easy?"  I find that when I do, things seem easier because they are easier.  Perspective, I'm open to it changing.  So after I hit "Publish" I am going to stop feeling one way and feel another.  It's that easy. 

PS- I have finally gotten the ACoLab up and running again.  Hope to see you over there!