2012!
January 3, 2012Happy new year! Did you all have a good Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa/Druidic solstice ritual? Anyone burn a Wicker Man? It's okay. I won't judge your insane pagan rituals.
We sure as hell had a good time. We hosted a Christmas brunch for my immediate family, somehow managing to cram the whole clan into our space-challenged living room. (Note to myself: become a millionaire, purchase luxurious townhouse. Maybe a resolution for 2012?) Both my nephews couldn't join us, and they sent me regretful emails and I was all THAT'S FINE OKAY BYE NOW because listen they take up a lot of space.
It wasn't my idea for them both to grow up so tall and musclebound.
Henry had an amazing day despite his cold, but the good news is he managed to transmit the virus to both myself and Scott. I was feeling pretty smug about how healthy I've been since adopting the Paleo lifestyle, so obviously the Lord (working through my Only Son) smote me. He does stuff like that when it's his birthday.
Last week we did nothing and it was pretty much the best thing ever even though my throat hurt and I whined a bunch. I have no problem sleeping until noon and not ever getting out of my pajamas--I mean LOUNGEWEAR. Note to self: become reclusive millionaire.
One of my gifts this year was An Illustrated Life: Drawing Inspiration from the Private Sketchbooks of Artists, Illustrators and Designers. I like to draw and sketch and whatnot, but I haven't made it a priority because it seems to take over my brain. Once I start I have a very hard time wanting to do anything else, like acknowledging my family, or showering. So yes, I avoid it because I love it too much. That makes sense.
But this book, you guys. This book inspired me like no one's business. I got out a sketchbook and my watercolor set and brushes, and I went to town. "Town" being my living room, where I sketched everything around me.
This is pretty much all I did all week. I've missed it SO DAMN MUCH.
I did go outside once, where I sketched my dog peeing. It was a moment crying out to be captured!
I'm now so in love with this daily sketch habit that I decided I was going to start a WHOLE NEW BLOG and POST MY DAILY SKETCHES ON IT and etc etc ALL CAPS BIG IDEAS. But then the coffee wore off and it occurred to me maybe not to make this a big-deal project but instead just enjoy myself. And occasionally share my sketches with you! I like you.
Reader Comments (64)
I've never commented before, but WOW! You already inspire me with your writing, so I'm not sure why I am so surprised your talents spill over into drawing and painting.....but my goodness, you are GOOD! Thanks for sharing.
Beautiful. What brand of sketchbook and pen are you using?I have always wanted to add ink to my watercolors but never found the exact right pen.
ahh - beautiful sketches! yes please keep sharing. :)
The row houses are my absolute favourite. I would buy that (even though I'm not a millionaire!). Thank you for sharing!
You are quite right. Young adult males take up a lot of room. They also eat. Lots. Best not to have them over until you're a millionaire living in a luxury townhouse. Happy New Year!
Happy New Year! I would actually love to have that watercolor of the rooftops in my house - sell it to me please? I can't make you a millionaire, though....
Those are AMAZING. Don't stop. Just ignore your family. It's good parenting, Henry will have to learn how to cook.
Please please please continue to share your sketches! Please! Aw hell: pretty please!
Hi Alice -- I want to live in your San Francisco street facades. I would be wearing layers of Boden clothes as I sipped a homemade latte and wrote the Great American Novel while my oldest daughter quilted for the homeless and my youngest daughter sewed tiny dresses for her American Girls dolls in the picture window nearby.
Sorry, I think I inadvertently ate a hash brownie at our lesbian neighbors Wiccan Wonderland over the holidays.
Lovely. It makes me happy just thinking about you getting back to doing this--I know that feeling exactly. And I will happily look at your beautiful sketches any old time.
You sure are one talented lady! Keep 'em coming. Happy New Year!
Wow. Just... wow. You are one talented lady.
Have you ever created a illustrated book for Henry?
Those are AMAZING! You are so talented (and inspring).
These are awesome! Keep sharing. My Mommy (an art teacher) wants to do a weekly sketch post. She did a sketch for my Bday ...
http://madmaxandfamily.blogspot.com/2012/01/countdown-to-one-and-gift-of-grub.html
Mad Max