Brrrr!!!

My uncle used to say, "There's no such thing as cold weather, only warmer coats."

With that said, I had on two shirts and two hooded jackets underneath my winter coat. Two scarves, a hat, and earmuffs. Sweats over my dress pants. Two pairs of socks and plastic bags over my feet should my shoes get wet from the unshoveled snow.

Even then I was still feeling the chill.

For those of you with an overly-dressed nerd fetish.

At the start of the month, the midwest was hit with below-zero temps. They came again yesterday. Yesterday Chicago had a high of 5 degrees and a low of -15 (not counting the wind-chill factor). 

Not fun when it takes me about 20 minutes to walk to work. It was downright scary at times.

But I'm a Chicagoan and was ready for it. It reminded me of the extreme 100 degree heat this past summer where you felt like you were being baked and steamed with every step.

It's just gone from one hell to another.

And yet there's something thrilling being out in this weather.

Most of the streets are deserted and there's an inhospitable beauty about it.

With that said, Seattle was in the fall-like 40's these past two days, with rain today. PERFECT for me.  *sigh*

I'm dreading the coming spring and summer in Chicago though and would gladly keep this dangerous freeze over what's to come.

Brrrr!!!

3 + 2

It seems like so much has happened--so much has changed--since I started this blog.

Some of it good, some of it bad, some of it in between.

Strange to think it's been five years today.

It feels nice having this little chunk of time chronicled here. I'm proud of it and am thankful all of YOU are a part of it.

It makes me wonder what will be next in the years ahead.

We shall see.

Happy Anniversary, Exploding Doughnut!!

"Marry The Night" - Owl - Step 6 - Completion!

It's hard to believe it's been over two years since I last saw him.

I miss him and hope he's doing really well.

My very short-term, southern ex-boyfriend had his birthday this past September. I wanted this painting to be his present but didn't finish it in time. So it became a Christmas gift. Missed that deadline too.

The artwork turned out more elaborate and detailed than I would've liked but it needed that time to grow into what it is today...and that's all there is to it.

Here's the finished piece I'm sending him.....

Watercolor on watercolor paper - 8" x 10" (NFS)

He loves all things owl-related so that became my inspiration.

It's supposed to symbolize his struggles in life--and with alcohol. I believe this month marks his one-year anniversary attending AA meetings. I'm very proud of him for that. A sign he's gained some control over what he was dealt with.

::: Close-up detail :::

The title of the painting comes from his love of Lady Gaga.

According to the singer, "Marry The Night" represents committing yourself wholeheartedly to the thing you're most passionate about. 

Marrying your work as well as what's difficult about your life--making those struggles something you're proud of rather than ashamed of.

::: Close-up detail :::

Overcoming life's obstacles and doing what you were born to do.

For her it's music, for him it's writing, and for me it's art.

Continued success to you, dear Jonathan.

Now let's both go and Marry. The. Night!

Wordless Wednesday - Falling Rice (the corner of Michigan Ave. and Adams)

Decorate a cat!

In another life I must've been an abused mouse.

Clawed, prodded, and chased. And my reincarnated soul is finally getting revenge now.

Now that the new year has begun, here's the cat calendar I used in my workspace at the crafts store these past twelve months.

Festooned with sharpie mustaches and glasses and wild hair, I like to think I got'em good this time.

Here's the best of 2013!

Game time!

All dolled up!

Serious hipster!

Twins!

A-dork-able.

Relaxin'.....

Oh what pleasure and amusement I get out of this!

Try it yourself and see.

When you're feeling worn out, bored, or alone...decorate a cat!