Sorry, world.

P.S. I also have a lot of trouble following the plot in black & white movies. Think there’s a connection?

Row 1: journal / book covers / print

Row 2: print / brooch / book

Row 3: illustration / bowl / rug

Row 4: bag / shoes / shawl

Row 5: diamond / print / necklace

Row 6: shirt / necklace / print

(This is interesting because lately I’ve moved away from the idea of failure. A lot of people are afraid of failing {myself included}, but I’d realized that for most of life, failing isn’t such a big deal. There’s a lot of wiggle room. When I get tired, though, I don’t think as rationally.)

The Romgi was so nice. He kept offering to go out and get some Dunfords for me, which I refused partly because I’m trying to eat less junk food and partly because in my miserable state I felt like I didn’t deserve the happiness that comes from donuts. (Truly sad!) I finally fell asleep, and when the kids woke up this morning, the Romgi got up with them – even though he’s been home sick with a sinus infection. He let me sleep in until 10am! Is that guy considerate or what?

And for your viewing pleasure:

When I was doing reading for my inequality class recently, I came across the word perquisite. You probably already know this word. I had only heard the slang term perk. Call me slow for not knowing the real word already, but it was a fun discovery!

Delicate by Christine Lindstrom

(I probably thought it was a shame not to finish when we’re living right here in Provo and we’re poor enough that I can go to school for free. And stuff like that. But…so busy.)

That being the case, I can’t think of a lot of blog topics aside from this. It may be even longer between posts (gasp!). I’ll keep writing about my art class, and my adorable kids, and the few books I read over the summer. Other than that, you probably won’t hear much from me.

For your enjoyment in the meantime:

Blind contour drawing of shoe, baseball mitt, and candlestick for my first art class.

Sketch of same shoe from same class. 10 minutes! I had to increase the contrast on the image so you could actually see the pencil. Sorry it makes the stripes too dark.

Relaxing evening. I have no idea how to use watercolors, I'm trying to figure it out. I love the look of watercolor text. Also, triangles.

My friend-and-neighbor Holly asked me to make invitations for her daughter Lucy's birthday party. I still secretly think Holly was just being nice to me.

More ideas for the invitations. The cake on the top is the one I used on my own join-us-for-cake invitations, which I still haven't shown you. Mine had more candles, though.

P.S. Right now I’m taking art lessons from Bridget. How cool is that?!

I had another epiphany recently (I’m on a roll!). As I think about the personal traits I want to change in myself, I tend to become easily discouraged. My perceived biggest weakness, for instance, is that I lack self-discipline. But how on earth am I supposed to develop self-discipline? Here’s what I realized: I can’t suddenly be perfect. Maybe I can’t even expect to suddenly be a little better. It will probably take months of slow practice without any discernible improvement. And – more importantly – I need help!

I expect this is something everyone else knows and I just figured out for the nth time, but put into a new context, I appreciated the epiphany.

Now, who wants to help me be a better person?

Not pictured: walking. Or standing, even.