Daliha's Quilt

(Nope, I didn't misspell Daliha's name!)

I made this quilt in about 2 days--maybe 8 hours total?  I had started it at #EpicMeetup2015 and then my sister planned my niece's birthday party quickly, and I didn't think I could go, but the last minute I finished it up and drove three hours across the pass to deliver it in person.  I didn't tell anyone what I was doing, so when I showed up at their door everyone was super surprised!

It's a simple patchwork with a few nine-patch squares for fun.  I machine bound it (because I was in a hurry--normally I wouldn't do that because I can never make it look as good as when I hand sew it in.)

(Nearly) Winter Walks

(Llama stick)

(Dragon head)

I have a deal with my people.  Actually, my naturopath, psychologist, and husband all insist; I just follow along for the ride.  When I start to feel down, I have to do something nice for myself.  It's actually not a bad gig.  Just hard to put into practice.  And recognizing when I'm starting to spiral down into my own head is still difficult, but with their help I'm getting it.  All this to say that I was feeling down (there seems to be a phenomenon this time of year, which makes me feel better to know I'm not the only one,) so I took care of myself.  Self care, yo.

So.  I went to the new Italian bakery and had a (really pretty) brioche bun with pastry cream and raspberries, and a (really mediocre) almond milk latte.  And then busted out my big camera and walked a mile on the waterfront, listening and observing my surroundings.

Watching the construction on the big-ass condominiums and esplanade of grandeur that the commoners probably shouldn't walk on.

Exchanging hellos with the friendly elderly gentlemen out for their morning walks.

Noticing the trash in the bay, right next to the staggering show of wealth.  Inhaling and exhaling out my judgement of said show of wealth and picking up a little trash on my way.

Feeling the sun shining on my face, and the cold air on my cheeks, and the way my breath made "smoke" like a dragon.

Petting a cute dog and having a conversation with a nice man out for a jog.

(By the way, I added some items to my Etsy shop!)

Today

Sometimes I feel like I can't breathe.

Today I spent my morning at Fini's school.  For the second day in a row.  As much as I love those little guys, it's exhausting.  I'm up and moving, watching everything they do.  Yesterday's project involved hot wax and tiny hands.  Today's project involved glitter and tiny hands.  Adorable?  Yes.  Messy?  Yes.  Exhausting?  Absolutely.

I came home to a super dirty chicken coop that needed attention immediately.  Our coop is sized for six chickens, and we only have four, but all the rain has really made it difficult to keep up with.

When I finally got inside, the dog had made a mess.  I mean, really, what. is. up?!  I cannot catch a break.  So I cleaned some more.  Then did the dishes from last night and this morning.  And folded some laundry.  And thought about two conversations from earlier today.  Initially, I was angry.  The people didn't mean to piss me off.  Or even to be mean or hurtful.  It was the truth.  I'm hurt.  I'll pull up my big girl panties and get over it.

I've had some ideas in my mind for awhile.  Sometimes I feel like if I don't throw some paint on a canvas I'm going to go crazy.  I spend so much of my time taking care of others that sometimes I forget who I am.  But in a couple of hours in the studio I'm able to turn it all around.  Bright paints, my favorite brushes, my paint-stained apron, and a few no longer blank canvases and I'm feeling alright again.  Breathe.

Tonight is zumba for the first time in two months after a doctor-induced break.  Everything is fine.  Except that I couldn't breathe.  But I've been itching to get back to one of the things I love the most.  I'm nervous that I'll go right back to where I was weeks ago.  I'm going to go slow, and take breaks when I need them.  Because I need this.  The rest of the world can wait; I need to breathe.

Halloween, Pokemon Style!

I've been making my kids' Halloween costumes for about 6 years now.  I love it, (though I do wish I would stop waiting until the last minute to get started.)  Every year I say that this year's costumes are my favorite, and this year was no exception!  The boys picked their current favorite Pokemon characters (Eamon was Gallade and Finian was Charizard) and I set about turning them into wearable, fleece costumes.

It poured rain for the few days and hours leading up to Halloween night, but magically cleared up for trick or treating.  We met some friends for frozen yogurt, then headed over to our favorite spot and let the boys get some treats.  Came home just in time for the rain to start up again, put on a movie, and passed out treats to our neighborhood kids.  And the Chinese food delivery guy (who was pretty stoked.)

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday!

2014

A "Halloweens Past" Post

2011

2010

What Lies Beneath

What Lies Beneath
Acrylic on canvas.  20" x 24"

Copyright 2015, Jessie Keating

I finished this painting recently.  It took awhile, even though I've had the idea for months (what started as a game between my eight year-old and I: he described some scenes that I sketched in my sketchbook.  Sometimes that's the best inspiration!)

I actually hate deep water.  I'm terrified of fish, and drowning.  I have incredible motion sickness.  Once, we went on a seven day cruise to Mexico.  We woke up to the sirens blaring and announcements that our last port call wasn't happening since we were in a hurricane and the captain was rushing us out of danger.  So.  Not planning on any cruises anytime soon.  Someday maybe.  But for now, I'm content to paint my nightmares.