Hello!

Gah! Has it really been almost a month since I posted anything?!

My school work has been consuming every single day. Most days I get to school between 6:50-7:05. Sometimes I have a bus duty that starts at 7:05 and some days I have breakfast duty at 7:30 so if I can get there a half hour early, it really helps me--I have lots to set up and clean and organize and the extra time in the morning helps. A bunch of teachers have started working out with some short DVDs after school. This is so nice because I can get my workout done by 4:00! But that also means I am not working in my room from 3-4 like I did last year. I need to get motivated to stay and work in my room after working out, otherwise I will never feel caught up.

This year, I have really cut back my involvement in extracurriculars. Aside from a few social things here and there, I am not responsible for teaching or organizing lots of extra things. I feel so much less stressed and overwhelmed because I actually have more free time. Actually, I look back at all the  things I used to do and I wonder how I did not have more melt downs!

One of the main reasons I haven't been blogging is because my D5000 was stolen a few weeks ago. I am so mad at myself and the jerk who took it. I have been too depressed to blog--even though I've got plenty of iphone photos I could share.

My camera was stolen very late at night on Labor Day. The week that followed was one of the worst weeks I can remember. Nothing was going right that week. You can see my shoes that got destroyed by a black paint spill on Wednesday.

And I was trying to prepare a screen for a cool screen print and I just couldn't get the emulsion to work--even after 5 tries. On Friday, I was super excited for my Nelliepalooza retreat--but freakishly on my way I was caught in a scary storm. With high winds over 80 MPH, I had to pull over behind someone's house and then I had to use my best stunt car driving skills to dodge downed power lines and trees in the road. I even drove through the ditch to get to the campground.

When I arrived, the power was out! It stayed out all night, which meant that we were 'crafting' in the dark. The camp's water pump runs on electricity so I was worried we would have to cancel. Everyone was so nice---even though it was a very bad end to a very bad week. Saturday, the sun came up, the power was back on and it the horrible awful, no good week was over.

Art Spotting.

New York City

Kansas City-- Nelson Atkins

Kansas City Art Walk

Bentonville, Arkansas Crystal Bridges

Joplin, Missouri Art Walk

My Classroom: Webb City, Missouri

Bride and Groom Plank the Altar

I just went to my cousin's wedding, we got the bride and groom to plank on the altar!!

More pictures from the wedding coming soon.

And now back to your regularly scheduled blog posts.....

Happy Sunday!!
I've just returned from an amazing weekend in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. I went on a photography adventure with my Instax Wide.

The weather today has been lovely. If you've been following my blog for a while, I apologize for the absence. I have many posts scheduled for the week, thanks for your support and readership!

Don't you just love the bottom of this dress?

Story and a photo.

Gum, black hole and dog tags......

One day a few months ago one of my students had on a necklace. It was one of those key chain dog tags and it had been personalized with his name and football number on it. It was very shiny and new. I told him it was very cool. After that, he just HAD to give it to me. I knew his mom would probably be wondering where it was eventually, so I put it somewhere safe so that when he came to me later I would be able to give it back to him. My safe spot just happened to be a special zipper pouch that I tuck into my purse where I carry my lipstick.

Today my student came to me during class wondering where ’my’ necklace was that he gave me...I told him that it was safe, in my purse. Of course, being an inquisitive 10 year-old, he wanted to see it...to make sure that it was safe. I went to my purse and unzipped the lipstick pouch...but the necklace was missing. I knew that I hadn’t taken it out of my purse so I began searching for it. I looked in the side zipper part. No, it wasn’t there either. So I started to remove a few of the bigger things, my wallet, my address book, a bottle of lotion, my checkbook, some ink pens, my gianormous set of keys, a granola bar.....

Finally, I spotted the shiny silver dog tag at the bottom of my purse....That’s right...it was buried beneath the bottomless pit of bobby pins, paper clips, buttons, earrings, pennys, rocks, scraps of paper, gum wrappers, tiny chunks of trident that have wriggled free from the wrapper, rubber bands, reciepts ...there it was....luckily I had found his necklace...but....when I rescued it from the rubble I realized that it had been slimed with some of that yucky spearmint gum...chunks of the gum had somehow goo-ed up the chain and his once-shiny namesake was now minty fresh with rubbed on gum residue. He saw the gum immediately.

He looked up at me. ’What did you do to my necklace?’ All I could do was laugh. ’I am sorry’ ’your necklace got gummed’ was all I could giggle. I went straight to the sink and got some soap as he watched me frantically trying to clean off his precious un-shiny dog tag key chain. Other students started to gather around at this point and I tried to explain that I didn’t realize it had slipped from the safe spot into the bog of junk in the bottom of my purse. I scrubbed and scrubbed, but the gum was stuck...Lime green gum.....I vowed to take it home and use some special gum remover to clean it off. "My mom’s purse wouldn’t have had yucky gum in the bottom of it" he said...."I know, but this kind of thing happens to me, I’m so sorry" I laughed, embarrassed.....

Um, yeah...my purse is not going to be a safe spot for children’s treasures ever again!!

five hot dogs heading back in space.

You might be wondering why I would post an image of some hot dogs after a silly story about dog tags and gum at the bottom of my purse.....well....recently, I participated in a photography scavenger hunt and one of the photos I had to take involved linear perspective. This photo is 'five hot dogs heading back in space'.....they aren't exactly lined up to be in 'linear perspective' and they also aren't in outer space...I wanted to create a little play on words with this title...to encourage the viewer to ask questions and think a little longer at they photo than they might normally do if they just saw a photo of hot dogs.

This is a lomography photo--taken with black and white film, fish eye lens on a Diana Camera.

Let's gett this blogging started.

The past few weeks have been insanely busy.

Too busy to spend much quality time with my family. Too busy to get the laundry done. Too busy to work out. Too busy to make art.

It just seems like if I stay at school until 5:00 (after getting there at 7:00), I just don't have much energy when I get home. So maybe, I am not busy, just tired....too tired to blog...too tired to craft.

This week, my schedule is fairly open after school so I have a little bit of time for blogging and creating. I am super excited about that!

So check back throughout the week for some fun posts on little projects I have been working on!!

Juror Number 0157....please stand up....

I'm reporting for jury duty this morning. I thought it would give me a chance to sleep in, but the alarm went off at the usual time so I am awake, enjoying a bit of blogging time instead of sleeping.

I got a summons to appear at the courthouse today to report for duty...I am actually really excited. I hope I get picked as a juror for a trial. My boss got selected for a federal case once, and she had to be gone for 6 weeks, it was actually really cool. A change of pace. The adult world. Today I will have a chance,  to sit and listen (for the most part)...I won't have to be 'ON' all day, just on autopilot....teachers can probably relate...we had meetings all day on Monday and it was the same thing. I was there, I was physically present and my brain was on, but I wasn't really in charge of anything and I didn't have to give any presentations or do any demonstrations. Such a good feeling.

Days like this have the potential for great writing opportunities. ;-)

Blog Update

Lots of new blog posts and updates are 'in the works' just not enough time to actually write...I have been painting! And sewing! And I made all of my Christmas cards!! Nothing to complain about!!

I've got lots of posts started for next week. Hope to get some hyperlinks added and finish up some writing so that I can set those to post. I have been feeling super inspired lately. I hope this keeps up. 

;-) Happy full moon and happy (almost) weekend!!

Are You Ready For Some Football?

I sure am!!

Heading up to Arrowhead Stadium tonight for the KC vs. Chargers Game. GO CHIEFS!!

I am super excited to wear my red wig and super fan cape ;-) More pictures coming soon!!

Be sure to check out the Birds of a Feather Blog today to see a really great owl pillow!!

Orange you going to say knock-knock?

Do you ever look through your photos and notice themes?

Recently I was browsing back through my photo booth photos and noticed a few pictures from my orange dining room. I love the dining room because of the white chair railing and hand painted stripes along the bottom. I don't often take pictures in that room because in the evening the lighting is super orange (middle picture) but in the morning, (bottom picture) the lighting can be really quite nice.

I was having a little laugh at my changing hair and I thought you might enjoy a look at this great theme in my photo booth photos on my Mac.

Photo 6.
April or May 2008. Rocking the bob!! I am thinking about going back to a bob, with the bangs eventually.

Photo 131.
Not sure when this one was taken....I was sick of straightening the bob...I wanted layers. This haircut was pretty cute in person, easy to manage and very versatile.

Photo 662.
September 2010. My hair has really grown! I love having long hair. I have been trying out lots of styles. I never thought I would like bangs, but I DO love them! I took down the Venus Di Milo Botticelli reproduction so that I could make a hair tutorial (Featured on the Birds of a feather blog this week, be sure to check it out!!). I was worried the sexy redhead in the background would be too distracting. ;-)

Hope you are having a great week! Thanks for reading! ;-)

Hello! I took a little adventure out to Arizona last week to visit my brother and I didn't have an internet connection beyond my iPhone...it was a major technology vacation for me. It was really nice to read, lay by the pool, and spend quality time with my family.

I have so much to share later this week! For now, check out my Death Valley blog post over on the Birds of a Feather Blog. Also, check out my posts from last week here and here.

Happy Monday!!

p.s. It is about to storm....I am getting caught up on the Bachelorette....and I went to Zumba for the first time tonight!

I've sort of had writer's block.....

Last spring I had about ten things to write about every week. Now that summer is here, I just don't want to be tied to my computer and I am feeling totally uninspired. I haven't stopped creating, I've just sort of taken a break from documenting it. I thought it would be fun to share some pretty pictures I took at a recent local art walk. If you don't want to read all the boring stuff, enjoy the pretty pictures!

Today is my second day of summer vacation. The worst part about a vacation is feeling like, 'wow...I don't ever want to go back to work....ever....." I guess that it is bad because I fee guilty, like I don't like my job. But it is good too because it means that I am really enjoying every single second that I do have off. Yesterday I did a few things on the computer that I needed to get done but I had been procrastinating. (ordered some more Instax film--yay!)  I am shooting a wedding this weekend so I have been getting ready for that. Today has been a major cleaning day. Clean sheets. Clean kitchen. Clean laundry (folded and put away). I drank some green tea and it really energized me to get some mundane tasks done!

I recently set a few new goals for myself....
1. Lose 5 lbs.
2. Keep a food journal
3. Work out at least 4 days a week
4. Avoid fried foods, eat more grilled meat with veggies and fruit
5. Limit sweets and other junk food

This is week four and I have done pretty well with all of my goals. My food journal was really easy while I was in school but I have slacked off on that this week. I have really stuck to working out....I must admit that the last time I ran a full mile was in Jr. high but I am nearly there now...I can't run an entire mile...haha...I live in a neighborhood full of hills...but I almost can. I jog/walk 2.4 miles nearly every day and I have gone hiking at a local nature center too.

I had hoped that the results from all this hard work would be paying off but I haven't lost a single pound. My clothes fit a little better but I am still the same size. grrr....that is frustrating. Week 4 is almost over and I am going on a trip next week so that might sabotage my workout and eating plan (who wants to be restrictive when they are traveling!) I just hope I don't have to start completely over when I get back. I want to meet my goal of losing 5 lbs. before school starts in August!!

I have been working really hard on some art goals too. I am planning an art exhibit this fall with my medium format photography (Holga pictures) and I am creating some sculptures with found objects as part of my exhibit. I am excited to be working on this and I will share pictures as soon as I am a little farther along.

These are a couple of my artists friends from college. One of my favorite thing about art walk is all the great old friends I see!

 At art walk the students at the local university create a screen print on site based on a post card picture from an old building downtown. The prints are so cool!

 Here is one of Scott's sculptures. It is a guitar made out of found objects. The entire show was so cool. Some of them were made my his students! He is so great!!

 Yes, the guitars actually work!

Frustratingly, the local photography studio that develops my holga pictures (for 25 cents each--total bargain!) is closing. I have been buying equipment to start my own darkroom, but that is pretty far in the future. I am excited to get it started but I will probably only be able to process black and white pictures so that may limit my options with the holga photography. Bummer.

I just entered some of my Holga pictures in a contest: HOLGAPALOOZA!! I don't really think I will win....but I am proud of myself for actually entering.

I just finished my first 'summer craft swap.' I am getting ready to mail off 16 sun glass cases. I will share pictures soon!

My family is going through some stuff so I am trying to relax but I am also worried about several situations that have developed. None of them involve me directly, but I am still feeling the stress for my parents and brother.

Oh and I have just a couple more pictures from the art walk to share with you. I took these with my iPhone hipstomatic app. Tacos and a Mexican coke! YUMMMMMM!!

Universal Truths

I am generally just annoyed by about 80% of the forwards I have gotten over the years....I do not believe any wishes will come true if I do not forward on the chain mail so I rarely share those forwards with other people.

Every now and then, a funny forward finds its way into my inbox. Earlier this week, I received one that  I just had to share.

I could've written most of these...In fact, I wish I HAD written them! I may have to write my own list! I laughed out loud on some of them, they are universally funny and totally true! Enjoy!

UNIVERSAL TRUTHS:


1. I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die.

2. Nothing stinks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.

3. I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.

4. There is great need for a sarcasm font.

5. How in the world are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?

6. Was learning cursive really necessary?

7. Map Quest really needs to start their directions on #5. I'm pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.

8. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.

9. I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.

10. Bad decisions make good stories.

11. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you know that you just aren't going to do anything productive for the rest of the day.

12. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blue Ray? I don't want to have to restart my collection...again.

13. I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten-page  research paper that I know for sure I did not make any changes to.

14. "Do not machine wash or tumble dry" means I will never wash this - ever.

15. I hate when I just miss a call by the last ring (Hello? Hello? Hello?), but when I immediately call back, it rings nine times and goes to voicemail. What did you do after I didn't answer? Drop the phone and run away?

16. I hate leaving my house confident and looking good and then not seeing anyone of importance the entire day. What a waste!

17. I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.

18. I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Lite than Kay.

19. Sometimes, I'll watch a movie that I watched when I was younger and suddenly realize I had no idea what the heck was going on when I first saw it.

20. I would rather try to carry 10 plastic grocery bags in each hand than take 2 trips to bring my groceries in.

21. The only time I look forward to a red light is when I'm trying to finish a text.

22. I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.

23. How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear or understand a word they said?

24. Shirts get dirty. Underwear get dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty, and you can wear them forever.

25. There's no worse feeling than that millisecond you're sure you are going to die after leaning your chair back a little too far.

26. Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.

27. Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, finding their cell phone, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey - but I'd bet my behind everyone can find and push the snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time, every time!

#28 (this one is mine!) Every time I see one of those mini tents or mini trampolines at a sporting goods store, I wish I could get out some barbies and play!!

Today is My Birthday!!

I have a busy day planned...including an art walk and a nice dinner. 

I tend to have rather bad luck on my birthday...so I am hoping this year will be much better. 

I am looking forward to this weekend too!!!

Shadow portraits, Happy Friday!!

I am working on a little series of self portraits with my shadow....fun, huh?!! Have a great weekend!!!

Happy Spring!

 (source: me!)

So many reasons why this is a beautiful day! It is sunny, the birds are chirping. I love it!!

April is one of my favorite months, but it is also one of my busiest times of the year.

I have been feeling so inspired to create. Things will only get more inspiring from here!

I had a gorgeous photo shoot yesterday, I can't wait for you to see it....all I can say is: RED BALLOONS!

I have a busy weekend planned, but part of the plan is to stretch some canvases. And hopefully paint...or craft...

I also need to update my goal list....and reflect and plan on my word for the year: GIVE. I have some ideas of things I want to GIVE, but I need to get the ball rolling.

The photo above is from Easter weekend, it was so beautiful here!!

P.S. Have you thought about playing along with our Scavenger hunt? Photograph something green that is up in the air, something you wear, with wheels, something you eat/drink, something that entertains you....I am working on a post with my photos, I can't wait to see yours!!


XOXO, Nellie

Things I am loving right now!

Happy Tuesday, can you believe March is almost over????

I thought it would be fun to create a post with some of the things I am loving right now!

1. My favorite blush ever

This blush from Clinique is my absolute favorite blush in the world. Not only is it beautiful when it is brand new, it is also beautiful whenever I wear it...and it last for a really long time!

2. Dry Shampoo

Batiste dry shampoo is my new favorite thing. I started out with the original scent and now I am using the blush version. I like them both equally! This stuff comes in a 5 oz. spray can and it only costs $6.99...it lasts for several weeks and at least a dozen uses, probably more!

I decided to try it after I got bangs. My bangs seemed to get greasy looking after a day and I didn't want to take the time for a full shampoo. Just spray this stuff on and brush through it...it actually makes my hair clean! The roots look a little powdery sometimes, but only I notice and it looks way better than grease-ball head. I have saved so many hours that I normally would've been showering, blow-drying and re-styling.

I love it!

3. My Vintage Brooch Collection

Since style school I have been on the lookout for vintage brooches...under $10!

A local shop has a wonderful assortment so I buy at least one every time I go. Not only are they pretty to wear, they spruce up by jewelry tray too! Yay for spring flowers!

4. Pretty sun glasses

I used to be an all-black-sun-glass-girl but not anymore! I love all styles and colors!! I can't wait for summer....*sigh*

5. My coffee table book.

I created a journal for my coffee table and I have filled it with fun things that aren't quite right for a regular scrapbook. I photograph a lot of random things and i rip things out of magazines...this gives me a place to put them. Oh, and I am working on a DIY....it will show some of the other things I have been putting in my coffee table book! You will love it!

6. My Instax Mini

Seriously, I love this camera. It is a bit bulky to haul around but I love, love, love the photos it takes. I can't wait to create some cool wall art with them!


That is all for now!  I hope you are having a great week!!! I have been visiting my mom in the hospital and trying to get some exercise, so I haven't had a chance to do much crafting....I am feeling really anxious to make something cuuuuute!

Check back Thursday (April Fool's Day!) for my first guest blogger post!! Its not too late to participate if you are interested, just email me!

p.s. all the photos in this post are by me!

Guest Bloggers!

Starting April first, I have some wonderful surprise guest bloggers for you to meet!!

(If you would like to participate, let me know and I can fit you in after Easter, plenty of time before my birthday to have as many guests as possible-- I love to celebrate! Also, if you had emailed me about being a guest blogger, check your junk mail...I have emailed everyone back but haven't heard from you all yet)

What do you think of my new look? I am loving all the new 'Blogger in Draft' features. I got an email from Blogger about switching over to the new format. I love all the customizing options and the editing tools. Wow!! Makes my blogging a lot easier!

Also, don't forget to check out my blog post over at Birds of Feather today!!
Sign up to be a follower, there are fantastic things happening every day, tons of inspiration. Anyway, my post today shows my progress and some of my photo edits from Las Vegas!! Enjoy!!

Desert Song {Inspired}

I am in love with this artwork from Geninne's Art Blog!
It is called Desert Song.
I have been inspired by all things 'desert' this year.

I had the most amazing time in Arizona last week....taking a Ranger ride 30 miles on a trail through the desert was the highlight of my trip.

The beautiful views made me want to be like Georgia O'keeffe.....taking an old Model A into the desert to paint on a giant canvas all day.