Time To Begin Again...

October through December seemed to melt into one huge cookie lump of memories for me...

I am ready for this new year!

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Having both of my kids born in December we are basically booked full from Thanksgiving through New Years & try not to make any plans outside of immediate family events.

Which is a bit hard for the arts & crafty side of me - but I just have to tie things up early on & know that the last two weeks of December is my time to close up shop for Marsha Neal Studio.

I am trying to get the hang of things as a mom (it's a never ending quest right?!)

I am trying to soak in all the cuteness and memories as I can.

I look back on all the photos that I've snapped with my iPhone and can remember exactly what was going on. I adore having this technology at my fingertips! Every day life being documented...

I found this art easel on clearance right before christmas for $26.99. Had a $10 off $25 purchase - so it came home for $16.99 (was $80 originally!).

One thing I've really been wanting to do for my little ones is give them a place to be messy and creative - and my studio area is the perfect place...

Which makes me realize - I had better get my ongoing organization project(s) back in full swing so they can be safe when down here (talking piles of papers & crap that could tumble over). And sharpies & other permanent creative medium must get a new home high up on my back room shelves...

I want my love of nature & design to be refreshed with this new year.

2011 was not the greatest year for my garden, despite completion of the NCC Master Gardener course.

I guess with knowledge comes understanding - which leads to a whole new way to see things.

I think I prefer some things as a novice - but education will help me get past that feeling.

I even stole a few hours one day during Christmas break to get into the studio to create these textured pieces for small earrings & jewelry components. They have been in my mind for a while now. I also want to make some that are domed and are somewhat like a lentil. Still working that out in my head though...

The left piece is just cut out. The right piece is cleaned up.

Now to get them glazed!

And on a personal note. I did way too much of this kind of cooking in the fall...

And I've been on a cleansing and meal replacement diet since early December.

I love food. I love flavor & texture. I love coffee. I love baked goods.

I love chocolate. I love salty sweet things. I love chips & dip. Give me starches & carbs...

I am a stress eater. I work & forget to eat then go to town because I'm starving...

And I also love myself & my husband, my children.

And for those alone I will put myself through this body cleansing for a few months until I can get myself mentally prepared to not make such bad food decisions.

Really - this kind of dieting is not for me. I want food, not shakes (although they aren't that bad).

I love Weight Watchers because it helps you figure out what to eat and what proportions for actual life situations with real food choices.

But my head isn't into it right now, and my body needs a jump start.

Let's not even talk about exercise yet. That will be worked into the routine very soon...

I hope that by March or April I will be better at controlling myself

So with that typed out, I feel like I'm getting back into it.

Onwards into 2012...